Trees for Global Benefits
The Rwenzori Mountains Gateway
Unveiling the mystical wonders of the Rwenzori
Rwenzori Story told by the Rwenzori People
The Rwenzori Mountains Visitor Information Centre (VIC) was set up to provide a one stop information centre for the visitors to the Rwenzoris as well as other tourism attraction sites in the region. At the Rwenzori Visitor Information center, local tour guides will take you through the cultural and environmental diversity of the Rwenzoris. The VIC which boasts of the first class Restaurant and a Gift/Crafts shop also offers information on the cultural values of the native Communities as well as the significance of the Bakonjo culture in the conservation of the Rwenzori Mountains. The construction of the VIC was made possible with funding from UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme and USAID STAR Project.
Promoting better stewardship of aesthetic areas
We have partnered with the local Community to provide the Rwenzori visitor with a unique tourism product that combines forest exploration with a cultural experience led by local highly trained tour guides. These products will give both local and international visitors an opportunity to enjoy the biodiversity and cultural significance of Rwenzori Mountains without necessarily hiking up to the peak. The project provides job opportunities to the local community as an alternative to total dependency on the nearby Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The gift shop also a provides marketing platform for the unique handcrafts produced in the area. Through travel philanthropy, we encourage tourists to donate to some of the community development activities supported by the project.
Biodiversity Monitoring
This is community - base scienti c tourism that o ers opportunities for volunteers as well as an understanding of the Rwenzoris through scientific expeditions. Through these expeditions, the Gateway will generate information on the status of biodiversity in the light of a changing climate.
Rwenzori Mountains Gateway
A Private Reserve Providing a Buffer to a World Heritage Site
ECOTRUST has through its land trust programme successfully converted a 32ha piece of formerly degraded farmland into a privately managed nature reserve the Rwenzori Gateway. Through selective and gradual removal of exotics, the farmland is being managed to regenerate into a natural forest, providing a buffer to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park – a World Heritage and Ramsar Site. The Rwenzori Gateway was purchased with funding from WWF. ECOTRUST and Geolodges together with the communities adjacent to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park are partnering to develop and implement an exciting Community – based Tourism Programme. Under this partnership, a high class eco-lodge ‘Equator Snow Mountain Lodge’ and the Rwenzori Mountains Visitor Information Center (VIC) have been constructed and have been operational since August 2012.
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Forest Restoration
Through selective and gradual removal of the exotics, the forest is being managed to regenerate back into a natural forest
Trees for Global Benefits
ECOTRUST is also promoting afforestation on private land within the surrounding communities under its community -based carbon offsetting scheme - Trees for Global Benefits. This scheme supports the intergration of tree planting in the livelihoods strategies of small-scale landholder farmers using carbon credits.
equator snow lodge
Enjoy luxury & serenity while conserving the Rwenzoris:
ECOTRUST in partnership with Geo Lodges have unveiled the freshest most exquisite high class lodge in the Rwenzoris– Equator Snow Lodge as an example of a Public: Private sector partnership that adds Value to the indigenous communities,. This is a beauty located at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the Rwenzori Gateway, a reserve privately managed by ECOTRUST. The Gateway forms a buffer between the National Park and the Community. A fraction of proceeds from the lodge will be ploughed back into conservation and community livelihoods through ECOTRUST Programmes in this region.
You may choose just to rest and relax at Equator Snow Lodge with its spacious mountain cabins, and wooden decks, it is designed for comfort and relaxation.
Comfort & Relaxation
The Rwenzori Mountains have been declared a World Heritage Site. Accordingly, the public restaurant, lounge and bar areas are designed around the history of the Rwenzori Mountains, with displays of significant historical illustrations.
Visitor Information Centre
Come and experience the legend that has surrounded the Mountains of the Moon, as they were named by Greek historians more than two thousand years ago.
Mountains of the Moon
PROJECT STRATEGIES
The project strategies at the Gateway are aimed at establishing a foundation for capacity building and long term data collection to generate information for the continued monitoring of the state of biodiversity in the Rwenzori area.
Equator Snow Lodge is a sensational destination for the experienced mountaineer, the casual trekker or the ordinary traveller. Working in close collaboration with the Ruboni Community, and Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, a selection of mountaineering activities can be organised from Equator Snow Lodge, ranging from guided mountain walks with low endurance hikes, to climbing the mountain peaks for the technically more competent.
Mountaineering