Tourism plays a crucial role in generating employment opportunities, particularly within local communities. However, despite its benefits, the industry still faces challenges such as employment disparities, seasonal instability, and limited growth prospects. Within the category ‘Employing and Upskilling local communities” WTM Africa seeks to highlight tourism enterprises that actively engage in recruiting, training, and empowering local residents, thereby providing stable, long-term employment and fostering growth opportunities within their communities. Matoke Tours Africa has been awarded a certificate of recognition for our outstanding effort in creating opportunities for Women in Tourism;

“This DMC emphasises the importance of human connections in travel and tourism, bridging barriers between cultures and driving economic development. Through the Matoke Academy, they support and use the Ukarimu open-source curriculum, and they have a Women in Tourism initiative providing guide and driver training and are developing women-only itineraries. The judges would like to see a further entry for the awards when there is data on impact.” – WTM Africa

We are honored to be recognised amongst Africa’s devoted leaders in sustainable tourism, and are dedicated to continue generating positive influence by making a conscious effort towards creating a more inclusive tourism industry.

In July 2023, Matoke Tours received an award from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in appreciation and recognition of Matoke Tours’ support towards wildlife conservation. This recognition holds immense significance for us as it exemplifies our unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, a cause that lies at the very core of our values and purpose.

We firmly believe that responsible tourism is not just an option but an obligation, and this award is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated team and esteemed partners who wholeheartedly support our commitment to sustainable travel practices.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Uganda Wildlife Authority for this extraordinary recognition. We stand humbled and motivated, ready to embark on a future filled with boundless possibilities for wildlife conservation and responsible travel.

KATUSHABE MABEL A.K.A. GIRAFFE
Participant of Matoke Tours’ Female Tour Guide initiatives

“I am one of Uganda’s female tour guides. Before I participated in Matoke Tours’ female guides training with mentorship from the facilitators, getting trips was difficult. This training helped me gain exposure, knowledge on how to handle clients and to master routes, which was a big challenge. No tour operator would trust me with their clients, until now; Matoke Tours’ Female Tour guide training has kick-started my career.

After the training I started working as a guide. The day I felt like dreams come true was the day I was called to lead one of Matoke Tours’ trips. I had always wished to work for Matoke Tours because of how outstanding and unique they are compared to other Ugandan based companies.

Matoke Tours is consistent in monitoring my progress regarding my guiding experience, just like a parent. I gained confidence and started doing back to back trips. I received good reviews and now I can say thank you Matoke Tours for mentoring women and making them stand out in the male dominated industry.”