DR of Congo, Bonobo vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This tour takes guests to Nkala, a village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is much more accessible for bonobo sightings than the traditional parks for bonobo (Lomako and Salonga). Visits to Lomako and Salonga require either private charter flights, or scheduled passenger flights, whereas Nkala simply requires a five-hour boat trip.

Accommodation in Kinshasa does not use renewable energy - however, accommodation in both Bombo Lumene and Nkala use solar panels, and so are entirely run on renewable energy.

Local transport is not used on this tour, with private vehicles or boats used for transfers. Most of the game-viewing on this tour is conducted on foot, with vehicles used in Bombo Lumene. Electric vehicles are not used during this tour.

Customers are always advised to use online tools, including SkyScanner, to identify how they might reduce their carbon footprint.

Vegetarian and vegan food is available for every meal during this tour, and all meals are locally-sourced and freshly-prepared.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

All accommodation providers on this trip have a minimal environmental impact. They use renewable energy, are built from sustainable materials and, particularly in Bombo Lumene, safari tents are used to ensure that all materials can be removed from the ecosystem after use.

Entry fees totalling over £500 per person contribute directly to the preservation of the Nkala and Bombo Lumene ecosystems. These ecosystems are under severe pressure due to their proximity to Kinshasa and bushmeat poaching, but the fees paid directly contribute to anti-poaching efforts that benefit buffalo, bonobo, red river hog, pangolin and many other species. Re-wilding efforts in both areas include community engagement to reduce poaching, and long-term citizen science studies to understand the importance of the unique population of bonobos we travel to see.

This trip directly supports Mbou Mon Tour, who work to preserve bonobos in Nkala, and Foundation Bombo Lumene, who are working to preserve Bombo Lumene.

We have strict policies in place to minimise our impact on the wildlife we are viewing and ecosystems we are visiting. We have a zero tolerance policy towards harassment of wildlife (including pursuing animals, and flash photography), littering, smoking and spotlighting young, injured or otherwise vulnerable wildlife. There are no invasive species of concern in this area.

Expert nature guides, both from the local area and from the UK, join each tour - this allows our world-class wildlife experts to assist local guides in enhancing their ability to communicate with clients. On all tours, including this one, our ultimate aim is for local guides to be experienced enough to run the tour alone.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

All accommodation options on this tour (3 in total) are locally owned. In particular, the guest-house in Nkala is locally made and maintained, and owned entirely by a local NGO, Mbou-Mon-Tour.

We employ local guides throughout this tour, and encourage village visits not only to Nkala, but also to settlements around Bombo Lumene.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All individuals employed during this tour are Congolese, and from Nkala, Bombo Lumene or Kinshasa. We ask that all suppliers take steps to employ local people, including women and pay the national minimum wage. We supplement this income if our local partners are not able to do this themselves. We are fully committed to an equal and inclusive workplace.

This trip is not suitable for anyone with a physical disability, and unfortunately local communities are not currently LGBTQ+ friendly - we work hard to change this on every visit. There is currently no trip for a trip scheme in place on this tour, although we do encourage local youngsters to join us in viewing bonobos when appropriate.