Overview
Ecotourism is often defined as that which encompasses visits to fragile, unspoiled, and typically protected areas. It is meant to be a low impact and small scale alternative to regular commercial tourism. Philosophically, ecotourism should support rather than take away from local communities; tour operators should do business in a sustainable manner, and lodges should be built from renewable materials. Many an "eco" lodge will tout itself as such, but there are imposters; those truly concerned with the preservation of the environment will typically have credentials earned from the relevant government body, and take great pride in the stewardship programs they have created in cooperation with their ecosystem or local community.
We at MoonRings applaud and wish to support these efforts through sensible tourism. We take care to make sure our partners operate in a manner consistent with these ideals, and share those who exhibit best practices with our clients so that their tourism dollars can be directed wisely. If you are considering visiting areas of the world that remain under threat or are already part of a conservation effort, let us help you design the perfect trip to highlight these special regions so that you too can experience them fully while treading lightly on the natural environment.
We're so glad you suggested Borneo. Not only did we have a chance to see endangered orangutans in the wild, we spent time at a long house with local tribes, snorkeled in beautiful marine reserves, all while staying at fabulous eco-lodges that totally fit our style. Gayana Resort at the end was the perfect way to cap off a very cool honeymoon.
-- Jessica and Javier, Boston, MA
A moment in an
Eco-Reserve...
It's early morning, in fact just after dawn. You've had a great night's sleep at Cordilheira Lodge in the Caiman Ecological Refuge in Brazil's southern Pantanal, but now it's time to explore. If it were the flood season, you might be plying the area's backwaters in a boat, but it's not, so you're on foot with your guide, hoping to see some of the region's amazing wildlife. Will you encounter giant storks? Anaconda? Tree sloth? Or perhaps the elusive jaguar? Your guide motions for you to stop, and with a finger to his lips, you become as still as statues. Ahead, something rustles in the dense underbrush. As you hold your breath for fear of spooking whatever lurks ahead, a long nose followed by a furry body emerges from the shadows – it's a giant anteater! At more than 2 meters / 6 feet long, you've never seen anything like this, not even on Animal Planet. Carefully you raise your camera lens for the perfect shot...
Why MoonRings
Significant Eco-tourism Experience
From our inception, we've ensured our clients' explorations to threatened parts of the planet are both authentic and sustainable, and that clients can participate in conservation programs as part of their travels if they so choose.
Destination expertise
We stay on top of protection initiatives that governments and NGOs have made within the destinations we serve so you can leave mass commercialism behind, instead employing your tourism dollars in support of conservation efforts and economic development of local communities.
Impeccable execution
Many of the world's most fragile ecosystems are remote and difficult to reach. We make sure your travels in these regions are secure and reliable, using local transportation resources that directly benefit local people.
Partner Lodges, Hotels and Operators with Credentials
Those lodges and operators with whom we partner in the Ecotourism realm respect the environment, operate sustainably and have initiatives to give back to the local community, achieving local eco-tourism credentials for their efforts.
Are we a good fit for you? If so, please contact us to discuss your eco tourism interests and learn more about the next steps to becoming a client.
El Silencio Lodge
costa rica
Eco lodges are the norm in Costa Rica, but El Silencio Lodge & Spa in the country's Central Valley stands out. Only 90 minutes from the capital of San Jose, it's within easy reach of many sights and activities, but it's tucked away in its own private cloud forest. Although the lodge is eco-certified both in its construction and sustainable operation, you aren't compromising on luxury: each spacious free-standing cottage offers an inviting terrace with rocking chairs and a private Jacuzzi. For explorers, on-site hiking trails are easily accessible, and guides can take you bird watching or horseback riding. Also within reach are the local town of Bajos del Toro, the artisan capital of Sarchi, and the famous Arenal Volcano. The small open-air spa can be a perfect end to a day of adventure, and dining at Las Ventanas is an experience in itself. Signature dishes are made with local flavors and fresh ingredients, most of which are grown directly on the property. Three a-la-carte meals are included everyday so needless to say, buen provecho! Whether it's a romantic end to your honeymoon, a special anniversary trip or a long weekend with friends, El Silencio embodies the best of eco-tourism at a world-class standard.
Lemarti's Camp
kenya
It's safe to say that neither Lemarti nor Anna expected life to occur the way it has. After all, what is the likelihood of a Samburu warrior marrying an internationally-renowned designer from Nairobi? Already the story is intriguing, and for guests who stay at their camp, they are welcomed into Lemarti's world as Anna was. The result? An exquisitely designed and romantic hideway, where guests are invited to pause, take a breath, and envelop themselves in the natural environment with the help of Lemarti and his best friend, Boniface. While elephant roam the area and wild dog sightings are frequent, this is not a traditional safari experience; rather, your days will focus on appreciating life in this wild setting, inhabiting the Samburus' world for a short time. Gracious, funny, protective and insightful, your hosts have that special and rare ability to bridge one culture to another, giving guests a window into lives that are truly foreign, yet seem less so after a while. Lemarti's Camp is a unique and truly rewarding cultural experience in north-central Kenya's beautiful Laikipia Plateau, and a terrific addition to more typical safari activities.
