Environmental & Ethics
Preserving the Glaciers and the Heritage of the Foothills
The Rwenzori Mountains are a fragile equatorial wilderness and a vital UNESCO World Heritage site. As a locally owned collective, we view conservation not as a regulation, but as our duty to our ancestors and our future generations. Our environmental policy ensures that your footsteps leave no permanent mark on these ancient hills.
01. Waste Management: Pack In, Pack Out
We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding inorganic waste. Every item carried into the National Park must be carried back to the Kasese base camp for proper disposal.
- Single use plastic bottles are prohibited on our expeditions: we provide purified water for refilling reusable flasks.
- All food packaging, batteries, and non-biodegradable materials are audited before and after the trek.
- Cigarette filters are inorganic and must be collected in personal portable bins provided by the guide.
02. Glacial Water and River Protection
The rivers of the Rwenzori are the lifeline for the Bakonzo communities in the valley. Protecting the purity of this glacial runoff is essential for regional health.
- We prohibit the use of chemical soaps or detergents directly in mountain streams or lakes.
- Washing must take place at least 30 meters away from any water source using biodegradable soaps.
- Waste water must be disposed of in designated “grey water” pits to prevent contamination of the soil.
03. Protection of Endemic Biodiversity
The Rwenzori is home to species found nowhere else on earth, including the three horned chameleon and the giant lobelia. Our guides are trained to monitor client interactions with this unique ecosystem.
Clients are strictly prohibited from removing any biological samples: including flowers, rocks, seeds, or fossils. We maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and do not allow the feeding of any animals, as this disrupts their natural foraging behaviors.
04. Low Impact Energy and Camping
Deforestation is a major threat to the foothills. To protect the forest canopy, we use sustainable energy sources for all mountain operations.
- The use of wood fires for cooking or warmth is strictly forbidden above the forest zone.
- We use clean burning gas stoves for all meal preparation.
- Lighting in our preferred mountain huts is powered by small scale solar panels to minimize noise and air pollution.
05. Cultural Integrity and Community Ethics
Conservation includes the protection of the Bakonzo culture. We ensure that our expeditions provide fair economic benefits without eroding local traditions.
We pay above industry standard wages to all porters and guides, ensuring that the mountain remains a source of pride and prosperity for our neighbors. We ask our guests to respect local customs, ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals, and dress modestly when passing through village communities.
Vision 2030: Protecting the peaks for the next generation.
Walk Softly on the Moon.
By choosing Rwenzori Hantravel, you are choosing a partner dedicated to the survival of the glaciers. Together, we can ensure the mystic mountains remain unchanged.