By traveling with Cheesemans’ to Uganda, you directly support the local community, conservation initiatives, as well as the people who work in ecotourism. Our operator is Ugandan-owned and takes special care to curate itineraries with activities that give back to wildlife and habitat conservation funds, as well as to improve the community by choosing to employ locally, source from local suppliers, and contribute to local and marginalized communities. The lodges you stay in while on safari are remote and primitive, and their function includes protecting the wildlife populations and natural environment surrounding them.
Uganda’s ecotourism industry on this trip gives local people sustainable job alternatives focused on wildlife and habitat conservation, replacing poaching, and supporting the reduction of human-wildlife conflict. For example, the Ride 4 a Woman nonprofit organization works with local women in Bwindi who struggle with issues associated with HIV, domestic violence, and poverty. Women learn new skills that create opportunities to make a living and provide education for their children, all while promoting the conservation of mountain gorillas in the area. This drastically reduces conflict between the gorillas and communities that live side-by-side. Other activities you enjoy and experience in your itineraries are carefully selected to ensure they are locally owned or directly support wildlife conservation efforts including visits to the National Parks, the Batwa trail experience, the Bigodi Wetlands walk, and guided village and community walks.
Ride 4 a Woman – This nonprofit organization supports women struggling at home with issues associated with HIV, domestic violence, and poverty in the Bwindi National Forest area by creating a community center where women learn new skills and earn wages to support themselves and their families.
Great Lakes Safari Foundation – This foundation partners with local communities to support programs focusing on education, conservation, and community empowerment. Funded directly from tourism services, it encourages the local communities to value wildlife and nature as resources that can provide for well-being and long-term conservation. You can talk to your local guide for more information and how to contribute during your stay.
Uganda Conservation Foundation – Registered in the UK and Uganda, this not-for-profit organization is dedicated to protecting Uganda’s national parks, protected areas, and conservancies through a range of projects which include recovering neglected protected areas, supporting the recovery of wildlife populations, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and improving livelihoods of nearby communities.
Uganda Wildlife Authority – By visiting National Parks during your trip, your fees directly support the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which manages 10 National Parks, along with numerous wildlife reserves, community wildlife management areas, and wildlife sanctuaries. Conservation initiatives include community conservation through education, awareness, research, and monitoring.