Community-led Tourism Tours

This is a three night Rwanda safari which includes a stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park. Trek to see the highly endangered and magnificent mountain Gorilla in its wild habitat and explore a local village which gives a fascinating insight into life in rural Rwanda.

Experience Tsagaan Sar through the eyes of three of the rural families, one of the most important and traditional of celebrations in Mongolia.

After starting your trip in Ulaanataar, travel to Erdenedalai, meaning ‘Jewel Ocean’ in Mongolian. This small town located in the middle of the Gobi steppe provides a genuine insight into everyday life in Mongolia. On arrival, receive a warm welcome from your host Nergui and his family. You’ll change into your Mongolian Tsagaan Sar clothing and start the Bituun - New Year’s Eve - celebrations.

Wake up before dawn and join the head of the family in the most important of customs – greeting the first sunrise of the new year. You’ll visit the family ovoo and take part in the traditional zologkh greeting.

Travel to Khogno Khan Nature Reserve where you can explore the hidden interiors of the mountain on a 3-hour hike to Erdene Khambiin Khid and the ruined Ovgon Khiid Monastery or camel trek along the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.

Travel to the Orkhon River Valley, one of Mongolia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can choose to visit Erdene Zuu and the Kharkhorin Museum with exhibits based on the history surrounding the Orkhon River Valley and the Turkish and Mongol Empire.

Return to Ulaanbaatar where you will experience the Lunar New Year as it is for urban Mongolians.

After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, fly out to Ulgii or Khovd – the provincial capitals of western Mongolia. Spend time with the family experiencing their rural way of life and learning about the traditions and culture of the Kazakhs in Mongolia.

Transfer through Ulgii to the small community of Altai district. There is nothing planned as not planing in advance leads to a more respectful and naturally Kazakh experience, but options including learning more about the way of life or even a great horse trek or full day hike into the landscapes of the interior in the company of Aigerim or one of her sisters.

Transfer by road to the small community of Deluun at the foothills of the Khokhserkhiin Nuruu for a celebration of the Kazakh culture and focuses on the speed, agility and accuracy of the ‘berkut’. The festival provides you with a wealth of cultural experience as you mix in the company of small town folk, nomads and the Kazakh hunters.

Travel back to Ulgii where you will celebrate Nauryz, the first day of spring, before flying back to Ulaanbaatar.

After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, road trip to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, passing through some of Mongolia’s main agricultural land, before departing for Uran Togoo – Tulga Uul – a national protected area consisting of the extinct volcanoes and spend the evening with the small community of Khutag Undur.

Travel to the southern shore of Khovsgol Lake and explore the frozen surface by horse-drawn sleigh. Spend two days at the Ice Festival, a celebration of local community, networking and collaboration to ensure a better future for the region and its herding community.

Return to Murun and explore the Ushigiin Uver deer stones. Murun is the lively capital town of Khovsgol Aimag which bears the hallmarks of being a trading outpost close to the border with Russian Siberia, in that it is slightly wild and rough around the edges.

Stop at the powerful Selenge River on your way back to Ulaanbaatar.

Tracking mountain gorillas is one of the most popular tourist activities in Rwanda. This three day trip takes you into Volcanoes National Park, one of the few places on earth these incredible animals can been seen in the wild.

After a nights stay at the luxurious Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge, expert guides will lead you into the jungle to track the rare mountain gorillas before you spend the afternoon visiting the Iby'iwacu Cultural Center where you will get to know the traditional history of Rwanda.