Responsible Tourism Policy

Applies to: Nkuringo Eco Collection
Properties: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Mirima Kibale Lodge and Papyrus Guesthouse
Effective date: June 2, 2026
Last reviewed: September 17, 2026
Next review: September 17, 2027
Policy owner: Nkuringo Eco Collection Management

1. Purpose and scope

This policy sets out the principles that guide how Nkuringo Eco Collection operates its properties and makes decisions that affect employees, guests, suppliers, neighboring communities and the environments in which we work.

It applies across Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Mirima Kibale Lodge and Papyrus Guesthouse. The principles in this policy apply across the Collection, while the systems and practices used to meet them may differ by property.

Our approach covers the use of water and energy, waste and materials, employment and skills development, purchasing and supplier relationships, community engagement, wildlife and cultural respect, guest conduct and the way we communicate environmental, community and sustainability claims.

We operate in accordance with applicable Ugandan laws, regulations and requirements relevant to our properties, employees, guests and business activities.

Nkuringo Safaris and Gorilla Junction Foundation are separate organizations with their own responsibilities. Where our work connects with either organization, we will identify that relationship clearly rather than presenting their activities as the work of Nkuringo Eco Collection.

2. How we operate our properties

We aim to understand the resources available at each property and make operating decisions that fit those conditions.

Water use, energy supply, waste management, food, materials and day-to-day purchasing are considered as part of how each property is run. We look for practical ways to reduce avoidable waste, keep useful materials in circulation, use refill systems where appropriate and manage water and energy with attention to availability, reliability and avoidable consumption.

We also consider these principles when buildings, equipment and operating systems are repaired, replaced or developed. Decisions should take account of what is practical for the property, the resources required to operate it and their implications for resource use, maintenance, waste and the long-term operation of the property.

The systems used at one property may not be appropriate at another. For that reason, we do not assume that one environmental practice represents the whole Collection. Current property practices are documented separately and updated when material operating conditions change.

See What “Eco” Means at Nkuringo →

3. Employment, skills and purchasing

The people who work at our properties are part of how Nkuringo operates every day. We are committed to lawful employment practices, safe working conditions and treating employees with dignity and respect.

We seek opportunities to recruit from the communities and regions around our properties where practical, while considering the skills, experience and requirements of each role. We support staff development through training, workplace learning and opportunities to build skills relevant to their work.

Our purchasing decisions connect the properties with farmers, makers, builders and other businesses. Where practical, we work with Ugandan suppliers and consider locally available products and services alongside quality, safety, reliability, availability and the needs of each property.

We aim to build reliable, long-term relationships with suppliers where those relationships continue to meet the quality, safety, availability and operating needs of our properties.

4. Communities and conservation

Our properties operate alongside communities and natural areas that are closely connected to tourism. We approach those relationships with respect for the people who live and work there and for the organizations responsible for community and conservation programs.

Community and conservation programs associated with Nkuringo are organized through Gorilla Junction Foundation, a separate organization responsible for developing and supporting that work. Each Nkuringo Eco Collection lodge stay includes a contribution to the Gorilla Junction Foundation Fund.

Community visits connected to the Foundation are arranged with the people responsible for the program. Hosts determine how guests participate and whether photography is appropriate.

We do not treat community programs as performances created for visitors. Guest involvement is guided by the work already taking place and by the people leading it.

Current programs, the lodge-stay contribution and ways guests can engage are explained on our Community & Conservation page.

Read about Community & Conservation →

5. Wildlife, culture and guest conduct

Guests and employees are expected to treat wildlife, protected areas, cultural sites and host communities with respect.

Where an activity is governed by park, wildlife or local authority rules, those rules and the guidance of authorized rangers, guides and officials must be followed. We do not facilitate behavior that disturbs wildlife, disregards safety instructions or interferes with community and cultural activities.

Permission must be sought before photographing people. Cultural and community activities should be led by the people responsible for them, with guest participation following the guidance of hosts.

Our teams may intervene or decline to facilitate an activity where conduct threatens safety, disturbs wildlife, damages property or disregards the dignity of other people.

6. Supplier standards and business relationships

We consider quality, safety, lawful business practice, reliability, availability and suitability when choosing suppliers and service providers. Where relevant, we also consider how goods are sourced, how workers are treated and how safety and environmental risks are managed.

The level of review will depend on the goods or services being supplied and the risks involved. Our preference for working with Ugandan and locally available suppliers remains subject to the quality, safety, availability and legal requirements of each property.

Where credible concerns arise about unlawful, unsafe or exploitative practices connected to a supplier or business partner, we will investigate the concern and take action appropriate to the circumstances. This may include requiring corrective action or reconsidering the relationship.

7. Truthful claims and communication

Our environmental, community and sustainability claims must be supported by current evidence and remain within what that evidence can show.

We distinguish between a current practice, a future commitment and a measured result. We do not present an activity or commitment as evidence of an outcome that has not been measured.

We do not present a practice at one property as applying across the Collection unless that is accurate.

When we use terms such as eco, sustainable or responsible, we explain what they mean through specific practices, commitments or evidence rather than leaving them as broad claims.

We publish future environmental commitments or targets only when they are supported by a clear and realistic implementation plan, measurable and time-bound targets, clear responsibility for delivery and a way to track progress. Where independent verification is required, we do not publish the claim unless that requirement can be met.

We describe certifications, awards and external recognition within the scope they actually cover.

When material facts change, we update or remove affected claims so that our public information continues to reflect current practice.

8. Measurement, review and improvement

We continue to improve how we record and review information relevant to this policy, including water, energy, waste, sourcing, employment and other areas of property operations.

The information available may differ between properties, and our methods for recording some areas will continue to improve as our systems develop. Where information is incomplete, we do not present estimates or assumptions as measured results.

Nkuringo Eco Collection Management reviews this policy at least once a year. An earlier review may be carried out when significant changes to property operations, legal requirements, operating systems or public commitments make an update necessary.

The review considers what is working, where gaps remain and what changes are practical for each property. New targets and public commitments must have clear ownership and a credible way to track progress before they are published.

9. Responsibility and contact

Nkuringo Eco Collection Management is responsible for this policy. Property managers and relevant department leads are responsible for applying the parts of the policy that relate to their areas of work and for bringing material changes, gaps or concerns to management.

Employees are expected to follow the requirements relevant to their roles and to raise concerns where they become aware of a practice that may conflict with this policy, applicable law or established operating standards.

Questions about this policy, requests for further information or concerns about how it is being applied can be directed to marketing@nkuringoecocollection.com.

Where a concern indicates a possible breach of this policy, management will review the matter and determine the appropriate response.