Travel has the power to transform – not just the traveler, but also the places and communities visited. At Upana Safaris, we believe that a truly exceptional safari is one that is also responsible and sustainable. We are committed to ensuring that your journey through the magnificent landscapes of Uganda and East Africa contributes positively to wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the empowerment of local communities.
What Does Sustainable Tourism Mean to Upana Safaris?
For us, it’s more than just a buzzword. It’s a core philosophy that guides our operations and partnerships. It means:
- Supporting Conservation Efforts:
- A portion of your park entrance fees and activity fees (like gorilla permits) directly funds the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and similar bodies in other East African countries. These funds are crucial for anti-poaching patrols, habitat management, research, and wildlife veterinary services.
- We consciously choose to partner with lodges and suppliers who actively contribute to conservation initiatives, whether it's funding local wildlife trusts, participating in reforestation projects, or running their own conservation programs.
- Empowering Local Communities:
- Local Employment: Upana Safaris prioritizes hiring local Ugandan and East African guides, drivers, and staff. This provides direct economic benefits and ensures you receive authentic, knowledgeable insights.
- Community-Based Tourism Initiatives: We encourage and facilitate respectful visits to community-run projects, craft markets, and cultural performances where your spending directly benefits the local people. This could be visiting a Batwa community near Bwindi, a Maasai village in Kenya, or a local women's cooperative.
- Sourcing Locally: We encourage our partner lodges to source produce and supplies from local farmers and businesses, further strengthening the local economy.
- Minimizing Environmental Footprint:
- Eco-Friendly Accommodation: We strive to partner with lodges and camps that implement environmentally sound practices, such as solar power, waste recycling programs, water conservation measures, and sustainable building designs.
- Responsible Wildlife Viewing: Our guides are trained to adhere to strict wildlife viewing ethics – maintaining respectful distances, avoiding disturbance to animals, and never off-roading in protected areas unless specifically permitted. The welfare of the wildlife always comes first.
- Reducing Plastic Waste: We encourage our guests to use reusable water bottles and support initiatives to reduce single-use plastics. Some lodges offer filtered water refill stations.
- Carbon Offsetting (Future Goal): We are continually exploring ways to further reduce our impact, including options for carbon offsetting travel.
How You Can Be a Responsible Traveler with Upana Safaris:
Your choices and actions can also make a big difference:
- Respect Local Cultures: Dress modestly when visiting communities, always ask permission before taking photographs of people, and be open to learning about local customs and traditions.
- Support Local Artisans: Buy authentic, locally made crafts and souvenirs directly from the artisans or reputable community shops, rather than mass-produced items.
- Conserve Water & Energy: Be mindful of your resource use at lodges.
- Do Not Feed Wildlife: This can alter their natural behaviors and make them dependent or aggressive.
- Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Bring your own reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
- Listen to Your Guide: They are experts in local etiquette and responsible practices.
- Provide Feedback: Let us know about the sustainable practices you appreciated or any concerns you might have.
The Upana Safaris Commitment:
We believe that tourism, when managed responsibly, can be a powerful force for good. By choosing Upana Safaris, you are not just booking an incredible adventure; you are investing in the future of East Africa's wildlife, its pristine environments, and its vibrant communities.
Travel with purpose. Travel with Upana Safaris. Let's make a positive impact together.