Kara-Tunga Signs Agreement to Manage Community Lodge at Kidepo Valley

Karenga (11 December 2023) – Kara-Tunga Signs Concession Agreement to Manage Community Lodge in Kidepo Valley Conservation Area

Kara-Tunga has signed a concession agreement with the Karenga Community Wildlife Association (KCWA) in the Kidepo Valley Conservation Area to manage the Wenyi Wenyi Community Lodge. This marks a new chapter for the lodge, enabling it to fulfil its original vision of promoting sustainable tourism, generating revenue for the local community, and fostering conservation efforts within the Kidepo Valley Conservation Area. Under the agreement, the community will benefit from jobs and will generate revenue share from accommodation, tourism activities and services to fund community development and conservation projects.

Background

Originally constructed with funding from UNDP Uganda and with technical support of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kara-Tunga in partnership with the USAID/Uganda Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R) Activity is embarking on a journey to revitalize the Wenyi Wenyi Community Lodge. Working closely with the community and the association, the company will take on the renovations and expansions to transform the lodge into a welcoming haven for eco-conscious travellers, reflecting Kara-Tunga’s deep-rooted belief in the power of sustainable tourism to empower communities and safeguard natural ecosystems.

The concept and location

Situated on the southern boundary of the Kidepo Valley National Park, overlooking Narus Valley, the lodge will welcome guests seeking an authentic and immersive experience in the Kidepo Valley Conservation Area. Travellers can anticipate comfortable accommodations, engaging cultural tours, and breathtaking wilderness adventures, all while contributing to the prosperity of local communities and the preservation of this unique landscape. The lodge will offer accommodation ranging from lazy-camping to mid-range standards.

Regional network

Wenyi Wenyi aligns with Kara-Tunga’s ongoing efforts to establish a network of Conservation Campsites (Eco Camps) in Karamoja, a region often overlooked by tourists due to limited accommodation and hospitality expertise. Kara-Tunga’s unwavering dedication to promoting the emerging north-eastern Uganda tourism circuit has played a pivotal role in showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems.

For more information on the Eco Camps, including booking accommodation at the two sites that are currently open (Timu and Murungole) visit www.kara-tunga.com/eco-camps.

Eco-friendly building

The lodge will be a shining example of eco-friendly and low-carbon footprint building methodologies in the region. Kara-Tunga aims to utilise the lodge as a demonstration project, showcasing sustainable construction techniques and materials that can be replicated throughout the landscape.

Furthermore, it is committed to building capacity within the local community through eco-friendly building practices. This initiative will empower locals to use affordable as well as sustainable methods, thereby reducing the environmental impact of future development in the Karamoja region.

By leading the way in eco-friendly construction, Kara-Tunga hopes to inspire others to embrace sustainable building practices and contribute to a greener future for Karamoja.

The architect

Driven by a shared commitment to sustainable architecture, Kara-Tunga has partnered with bkvv architects, a firm renowned for its expertise in utilizing locally sourced natural materials.

Over the past few years, bkvv architects have successfully delivered several award-winning projects in Uganda, fostering collaborative efforts with local engineers, contractors, clients, government agencies, and representatives from diverse disciplines. This partnership underlines Kara-Tunga’s dedication to building a sustainable future, together with the Karimojong communities.

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