Wilderness Journey was constructed on the idea that journey may be a rare drive of fine on the earth. As a family-owned and operated firm with over 45 years of fostering deep relationships with adventure-minded souls within the locations we go to (a lot of our partnerships at the moment are of their second and even third technology!), our mission to assist assist native communities and their surrounding environments have remained a cornerstone of each journey.
Whether or not it’s by means of seen means similar to sponsoring college lunch applications or visits with native artisans or behind-the-scenes work similar to advocating for truthful wages and dealing situations for porters employed by each firm that gives Kilimanjaro climbs, or by utilizing lodges which can be 100% regionally owned, you possibly can relaxation assured that our journeys are a device to bridge cultures, assist native economies, and defend the delicate ecosystems we go to for generations to come back.
Protecting Journey {Dollars} Native
Cenderawasih Fishermen
A constant inhabitants of whale sharks frequent native fishermen platforms known as “bagan.” These unimaginable creatures have realized to benefit from these platforms, sucking small baitfish from the nets, and profit from the fisherman’s kindness, as they consider the sharks deliver good luck. We’ve the privilege of climbing onto the bagan with the fishermen for a singular perspective of those lovely sharks, as fishermen throw out handfuls of fish. We even have the uncommon alternative to go to the village the place these fishermen stay, discovering and studying about this native tradition that extremely regards these light giants.
Kilimanjaro Porters
We’re proud to advertise the moral and truthful remedy of porters for the Kilimanjaro climb and all of our applications worldwide. A lot of our requirements relating to salaries, coaching, and general welfare of porters have been adopted by the Kilimanjaro Porters Help Challenge (KPAP), which displays requirements for porter wages, load weight limits, medical care, and acceptable apparel. We offer full medical protection and workman’s compensation to all our workers; it’s important to take excellent care of this indispensable staff! They’re the spine of all of the operations that create an unforgettable journey and you’re lucky to have these unimaginable porters by your aspect each step of the best way.
Domestically Owned Boutique Lodges
Lough Inagh Lodge
Owned by the O’Connor household, this lovely historic fishing lodge is surrounded by mountains on each aspect and whenever you enter the large wood doorways, you’re greeted with the welcoming aromas of peat and whiskey. The meals is native and recent, the normal peat fireplace is reassuring and acquainted, and the rooms are cozy and completely charming. Lough Inagh Lodge is a magical place the place you possibly can absolutely chill out and revel in true Irish hospitality.
Snow Leopard Lodge
This community-built and operated lodge is on the middle of the snow-capped mountains of Ulley. Surrounded by one in every of Ladakh’s best snow leopard habitats, it is a excellent place to come back residence to after an extended day of monitoring the elusive snow leopard with knowledgeable conservationists. This primary but cozy lodge gives heat, neighborhood, and a sitting room the place you may get to know the folks of Ulley.
Sherpa Lodges within the Himalaya
Our trekking adventures beneath Mt. Everest wouldn’t be potential with out the hospitality of the regionally owned Sherpa lodges that welcome us. They’re an exquisite method to expertise the excessive mountain grandeur and acquire an perception into conventional Sherpa tradition. These lodges are primary however are set in preferrred areas for our hikes. For further consolation, we offer high quality sleeping luggage, sleeping pads, and liners.
Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge
Cristina and Jascivan Carvalho open their doorways to our teams at their rustic mountain lodge in Ecuador, the place views of towering Cotopaxi are spectacular on a transparent day. Visitor rooms are comfortably furnished and heated by wood-burning stoves, and the chef prepares glorious home-cooked meals utilizing recent native elements from Ecuador’s highlands. At night time, it’s a deal with to take a seat out by the lodge’s campfire and stargaze beneath the excessive mountain skies.
Preserving Artisanal Crafts
Republica del Cacao in Ecuador
All through this immersive expertise, you’ll study concerning the historical past of cocoa in Ecuador in addition to style the several types of cocoa all through the area. Cacao has been cherished all through Latin America for over 5,000 years and has been often called the “Meals of the Gods.” The founders of Republica del Cacao started their journey over ten years in the past, striving to supply probably the most genuine chocolate whereas additionally growing and defending sustainable cacao manufacturing in Ecuador and the remainder of Latin America.
Ethiopian Parchment Makers
Parchment bookmaking is an historic creative custom in Ethiopia and lots of different elements of the world. On our journeys in Ethiopia, you should have an opportunity to see how these richly lovely objects are created and the way a lot effort and time goes into making each.
Sámi Reindeer Herders in Lapland
As the one indigenous inhabitants of Finland, the Sámi folks embrace their conventional lifestyle, from reindeer husbandry to dogsledding. Within the village of Inari, we spend the day with Tuula, an area girl who lives on a distant farm alongside Mutus Lake. We’ll study her lifestyle and get an actual insider’s perspective concerning the thriving Sámi tradition.
Yampara Weavers in Bolivia
Within the Andes, the specifically designated textiles of the normal Yampara individuals are used to speak cultural values. We’ll study the meanings behind the hundred-year-old patterns, symbols, and colours of Yampara weavings after we go to the famed Sunday market on the little mountain village of Tarabuco and are hosted for particular lunch on the native family-owned restaurant.
Defending Wild Areas
Amazon Rainforest: Napo Wildlife Heart
Reforestation Challenge in Madagascar
