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 a recent story that brings Buy a Trip, Give a Trip to life.
The Travelers:
On September 10th and 12th, 2025, 80 students from The Leo Project’s conservation clubs at Mukima, Muramati, Shiloh Naibor, and Lairagwan Primary Schools set out for an unforgettable adventure at El Karama Lodge in Kenya. Now in its fourth year, this Buy a Trip, Give a Trip excursion has become a cherished tradition in Laikipia County. For many of this year’s group, aged 8 to 15, it was their very first time visiting a conservancy or seeing wildlife up close.
The Details:
Asande and Alex from The Leo Project gathered the students early in the morning, with excitement buzzing in the air before the journey even began. As the bus made its way through El Karama Conservancy’s 15,000 acres, the students’ eyes widened at the sight of giraffes, elephants, warthogs, zebras, and ostriches on their very first game drive. Laughter and awe filled the bus, especially when the giraffes, towering above the vehicle, strolled right alongside the road. For many, it was a moment they had only dreamed of.
At the lodge, Joseph and Betty from El Karama greeted everyone with juice, cookies, and popcorn, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the day. They led a lively conversation about conservation and the many ways people can help protect wildlife. The students were eager to ask questions, curious about the animals, and inspired by the idea that they, too, could play a role in safeguarding their environment. By the end of the discussion, nearly all the students shared that they hoped to work in conservation one day.
The adventure continued with a hands-on tour of the lodge. The students learned how the swimming pool is kept clean naturally with copper plates, admired colorful artwork by Lavinia Grant, and explored the whimsical Hobbit House. One student shared that seeing such a special place made them want to work hard and return as a guest in the future. Spotting a baby dik-dik nearby brought even more smiles and excitement.
In the garden, Wellington showed the group how composting and chemical-free farming work, turning kitchen scraps into manure. The students had many questions about sustainable agriculture and how specific plants can naturally repel pests.
Inside the on-site museum, the students were fascinated by bones, skulls, and preserved animal specimens. The day ended with a friendly quiz between the schools, with everyone, including the teachers, winning prizes. Many students shared that the trip had opened their eyes to conservation and new possibilities for their futures.
On the way home, the group enjoyed another game drive through the conservancy, their energy as high as it had been in the morning. They watched cattle and wild animals grazing side by side, a sight that sparked lots of questions and curiosity. One student, Joshua, made everyone laugh when he admitted he was still hoping to spot a bear.
The Impact:
This journey deepened the students’ understanding of conservation, sustainable farming, and ways they can care for their environment. Many left with new dreams of working in conservation and protecting the biodiversity of their homeland.
The trip brought together students from different schools, creating opportunities to learn from one another. Teachers, too, gained fresh ideas to bring back to their classrooms, helping to inspire even more young minds in their communities. Even their bus driver, Mr. Chemelei, added to the adventure with his stories about local wildlife, becoming an unexpected guide and mentor.
Book your next journey with us to empower young people to dream big, discover their heritage, and protect our world.
Partner Organizations:
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.
