About US
Discover the Heart of Agaciro Ecotours
Agaciro Ecotourism” is a community-driven initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of sustainable tourism to support and uplift local communities residing near gorilla parks in Kisoro, Uganda. The project seeks to promote responsible tourism practices that preserve the natural environment, protect endangered wildlife, and generate socio-economic benefits for residents.
Empowering Communities Near Gorilla Parks in Kisoro
Tourism Services:
Offer guided tours of gorilla parks, including fees for park entry, guided tours, and specialized experiences such as gorilla trekking. Provide accommodation services through community-owned eco-lodges, guesthouses, or homestays, charging fees for overnight stays and hospitality services. Arrange cultural experiences, nature walks, birdwatching tours, and adventure activities tailored to tourists' interests, charging fees for participation.
WHAT WE DO
Cultural Experiences:
Organize cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, and artisan workshops where visitors can engage with local communities and purchase handmade crafts, artworks, and souvenirs. Offer cultural immersion programs, home-cooked meals, and storytelling sessions hosted by community members, charging fees for participation.
Conservation Contributions:
Implement a conservation fee or voluntary contribution scheme whereby a portion of tourist revenues is allocated to wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and environmental restoration projects. Establish partnerships with conservation organizations, wildlife authorities, and international donors to secure funding and grants for conservation initiatives, leveraging ecotourism revenues as matching funds.
Hospitality and Catering Services:
Provide catering services for events, conferences, and group tours hosted by external organizations or corporate clients, generating revenue from food and beverage sales. Rent out community facilities such as meeting halls, event spaces, and recreational areas for weddings, retreats, and special occasions, charging rental fees.
Education and Interpretation:
Offer educational programs, workshops, and training courses on topics such as wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism management, and cultural heritage, charging tuition or registration fees. Develop interpretive materials, audio guides, and educational resources for visitors to learn about local ecosystems, biodiversity, and cultural traditions, selling these materials as souvenirs or educational products.
Online Sales and Marketing:
Establish an online booking platform, e-commerce store, or digital marketplace where visitors can book tours, accommodations, and cultural experiences in advance, facilitating online payments and reservations. Promote destination awareness, attract visitors, and generate revenue through digital marketing channels such as social media, search engine optimization, and email marketing, partnering with travel agencies and tour operators to reach wider audiences.
Community Enterprises:
Encourage entrepreneurship and income-generating activities among local communities by supporting small businesses, cooperatives, and micro-enterprises in the tourism value chain, such as handicraft production, agro-tourism, and eco-friendly transportation services. Facilitate market linkages, product development, and business training to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of community enterprises, enabling them to generate revenue independently. By leveraging these revenue streams, "Agaciro Ecotourism" can generate sustainable income while empowering communities, conserving natural resources, and promoting responsible tourism practices in Kisoro, Uganda.
About the Founder
Kisoro is is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable, the two are UNESCO heritage sites and home to the world remain mountain Gorillas. Growing up, Claire developed a deep connection with nature, learning about the diverse flora and fauna from her parents.
Her studies in Kampala the capital of Uganda focused on sustainable development and conservation, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and promote her community’s natural resources.
After completing her education, Claire returned to Kisoro with a vision to create a sustainable future for her community. She founded AGACIRO ECOTOURS an initiative that empowers local women by involving them in community-based ecotourism activities. Under her leadership, the AGACIRO (value) has developed a range of eco-friendly tours, including guided nature walks, bird watching, coffee tourism, gorilla and golden money tours and cultural heritage experiences.
Visitor Experiences
Incredible Initiative Supporting Local Communities
Agaciro Ecotourism is a shining example of how tourism can benefit both people and the planet. I was impressed by their commitment to sustainability and how they involve local communities in every aspect of their work. The cultural performances and handmade crafts we experienced were beautiful, and it felt great knowing our visit contributed to the local economy. I left Kisoro with new perspectives and a deep appreciation for this wonderful initiative.
Perfect Blend of Nature and Community Impact
I can’t say enough about my time with Agaciro Ecotourism! Seeing the gorillas was, of course, the highlight, but what made it even more special was the passion and warmth of the people we met. Their dedication to protecting wildlife and uplifting their community is inspiring. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals featured delicious local dishes. This is a must-visit for anyone who values ethical and impactful travel.
A Truly Transformative Experience
Visiting Agaciro Ecotourism was an unforgettable experience. The local guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and I loved learning about the community’s efforts to preserve the environment and their culture. Walking through the lush forests, spotting gorillas in their natural habitat, and connecting with the locals made this trip feel deeply meaningful. It’s inspiring to see a project that truly uplifts the community. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for responsible tourism!