Everyone deserves the chance to travel. Yet, all too often, seeing the world is a privilege reserved for the global elite. At Elevate Destinations, we’re on a mission to democratize tourism. We aim to connect local youths to their own environments as travelers and stewards.
Through our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model, your trip purchase creates travel opportunities for local kids. For the first time, they experience nearby natural and cultural wonders, see the sights, have fun, and make the kind of travel memories we often take for granted.
Since our beginnings, giving back has been a core aspect of our brand, driving us to positively impact the communities and environments of the destinations we visit.
Here’s just one example of Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in action:
The Travelers:
On September 5th and 6th, 2024, 76 enthusiastic students from Muramati and Mukima Primary Schools participated in an educational excursion to El Karama Lodge in Kenya. This is the third year we’ve run this particular Buy A Trip, Give A Trip excursion in Laikipia County, so the students, aged 10 to 14, eagerly anticipated this experience.
The Details:
The day began with a tour of El Karama Lodge’s kitchen garden, where the students learned about the importance of sustainable farming and explored the various produce grown on-site.
Afterward, they visited the museum to better understand the wildlife that thrives in El Karama Conservancy. Finally, the students were shown the kitchen to see how meals are prepared at the lodge. A particularly memorable moment was when Mary, a student from Mukima, asked the chef how to make yogurt. The chef took the time to explain each step involved, intriguing Mary and her classmates.
The Impact:
The impact of this hands-on learning experience extended well beyond the day’s activities; it sparked a passion for conservation among the students. Mwangi from Muramati Primary shared his strong desire to become a game warden, inspired by his experiences during the trip. He shared how he wants to help protect wildlife so future generations can enjoy similar experiences.
Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, the group left with an enthusiasm for sustainability and wildlife conservation. With ongoing opportunities like this, we can nurture the next generation of conservationists.
Partner Organization:
El Karama Lodge is an intimate, owner-operated, award-winning lodge and safari adventure experience located on a private wildlife conservancy in the foothills of Mount Kenya.
Started in honor of Caitlin O’Hara, The Leo Project is a 501 c3 organization in Nanyuki, Kenya, dedicated to equitable access to education and healthcare.
Read about other Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
