Donations
You will not be the first traveler, moved by the the fact that Karamoja and its people welcome you with open arms. Their borders are open for us and we can enjoy their National Parks, eating fresh seafood, staying in lovely lodges – all at a fraction of what it costs back home. It makes you think, what can I give back?
Pack for a purpose.
Giving travellers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by utilising space in their suitcases to bring supplies for the projects in need. Read more about this initiative on the page of ‘Pack for a Purpose‘.
- For students of the Tourism Academy
- For the Community Tourism Groups
Code of conduct.
Some advise to take at heart
Do not hand out money, clothes, ball points, sweets or whatever to children. No Matter how cute and poor they might be, it encourages begging and a distorted view of tourists. Instead show genuine interest and play and talk with these kids.
If you want to bring goods, your lodge owner or tour guide is a good source of advice. They know how to distribute it best. We personally think it is better if you leave it up to them instead of playing Santa Claus and donating in person. Same applies for leaving stuff behind in your room. Better to give it to the lodge owner, than leave it for the maid to find, which might cause friction among the staff.
Try to buy souvenirs and fruit and veggies at local markets and shops. If you go to the supermarket, try to buy products made in Uganda. The coffee, tea, crafts are a real treat. Eat at locally owned restaurants.
Most lodges have a tipping box and distribute the tips equally among all the staff. If you enjoyed the service, just be generous and contribute to the tipping box. As for your driver or guide, tipping is highly appreciated.
Community tours
Kara-Tunga have developed authentic cultural experiences and outdoor adventures throughout the Karamoja region. The organisation aims at improving livelihoods of the indigenous communities, preserving cultural heritage and natural environment and creating job opportunities for the youth.
50-60% of the tour fee goes directly to the below listed beneficiaries. 10-20% of the tour fee goes to operational costs. 30% of the tour fee flows back to the social enterprise.
The beneficiaries are divided in three groups: 1) organised community groups 2) community guides 3) local guides.
Kara-Tunga is a social enterprise and therefore strives to give back to the community by conducting a healthy and profitable business that’s able to grow and create (job) opportunities for the local community. Therefore the organisation focusses on investing in four pillars
- Marketing: Regional tourism marketing with the Discover Karamoja initiative.
- Education: Skilling in tourism and hospitality with the Karamoja Tourism Academy.
- Product development: Developing attractive excursions with Kara-Tunga Tours.
- Sustainability: Limiting any negative impacts of our operations.
Giving back more
Below are a few initiatives which you can sponsor. These are local, sustainable initiatives that are well managed, of which we know your money is well spent.
[coming soon]
