Promoting Community Conservation through Eco-friendly Accommodation in the Kidepo Landscape

KAABONG (05 October 2022) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with a Ugandan tour company, Kara-Tunga Arts & Tours Ltd, to establish a network of Conservation Campsites (Eco Camps) in Karamoja.

Tourist itineraries often overlook the Karamoja region because of its lack of accommodation and trained hospitality staff. Kara-Tunga has played a big part in changing that narrative by promoting the emerging eastern Uganda tourism circuit and the uniqueness and diversity of this region.

With support from USAID’s Biodiversity for Resilience project, Kara-Tunga is developing three eco camps that will provide attractive new domestic and international tourism destinations for travellers who seek off-the-beaten-path, immersive cultural experiences and wilderness adventures. Kara-Tunga’s strong relationship with local communities and the tourism ecosystem in the area will enable the company to provide the training and experience the local communities need to support an upcoming tourist destination in the long run. Through these efforts, not only will tourists have a more comfortable and exciting experience in this part of the country, but they will bring much-needed revenue to the surrounding communities and strengthen the conservation of the unique landscape.

The three sites are located at Timu Forest Central Forest Reserve, Mount Morungole Central Forest Reserve, and Karenga Wildlife Conservation Area near Kidepo Valley National Park. The site at Karenga is expected to open next year. All three sites have built upon Kara-Tunga’s existing portfolio of accommodation, regional adventure/cultural activities and marketing, and promotion efforts, since 2016.

Accommodation and activities can be easily booked through an online system that manages visitor flow to the area, preventing over-tourism, and promoting community and conservation packages. 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.

Project background

The USAID/Uganda Biodiversity for Resilience project provides training and work experience to communities, the Government of Uganda, and the business community to conserve and manage biodiversity in selected ecosystems for lasting environmental and economic sustainability, and increased community and household resilience. Implemented by RTI International, the project is implemented in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the National Forestry Authority, and district and local authorities in targeted areas throughout Uganda.

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