Morbi in sem quis dui placerat ornare. Pellentesque odio nisi, euismod in, pharetra a, ultricies in, diam. Sed arcu. Cras consequat.

Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus, tortor neque egestas auguae, eu vulputate magna eros eu erat. Aliquam erat volutpat. Nam dui mi, tincidunt quis, accumsan porttitor, facilisis luctus, metus.

Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Sustainable safaris & wildlife tours provide an excellent opportunity to safely view animals from a distance. No holding or petting permitted. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Safaris & Wildlife Tours | Yugen Earthside

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Choose between 4 'Dive & Stay' packages in the Galapagos Islands, perfect for certified divers looking to combine land & water experiences. Carbon removals included!

[7-10 days] Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

Choose between four 'Dive & Stay' packages in the Galapagos Islands, perfect for Open Water Certified divers looking to combine land and water experiences.

When not visiting beautiful dive sites, you'll experience iconic land-based excursions around the Galapagos Islands or have free time to relax, all while basing your stay in a cozy, locally-owned guest house nearby.

These Dive & Stay packages are at a 5-star PADI dive resort on Santa Cruz Island. Airport transfers from Baltra and dive equipment are included!

4-9 open water scuba dives, depending on package

Be on the lookout for: reef fish, sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, barracudas, eels, invertebrates, and more

Free time to explore Tortuga Bay, Las Grietas, & Puerto Ayora

Dive sites depend on the day of the week.

Tuesday: Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Wednesday: North Mosquera / Seymour Channel

Saturday: Seymour Northeast / Seymour Channel

Sunday: Punta Carrion / Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Here is what to expect at each dive site:

Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites: Punta Cormorant, Champion, and Enderby; it is 1 hour and a half away from our base.

Site Conditions: Depth of 18m. Normally the sites do not present strong currents. Reef dives where corals and sponges can be found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, red-lipped batfish, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

(Min. experience to participate: 25 logged dives or the previous evaluation of our dive guides at another site.)

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world-renowned site. It is only for intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and surges.

Activity: Hammerhead shark, cleaning station, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island. This is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents and a sandy bottom around 10 meters with garden eels and pelagic species. North Mosquera presents a sandy rock area that connects with Seymour Channel, where reef fishes and sharks rest.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with a 10m reef where there are a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white/ black tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: Located east of Santiago Island, a small Island with the famous Bartholomew pinnacle, dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: No strong currents to expect. A platform is found at approximately 10 meters of depth where a variety of reef fishes rest. On the edge of this platform, there are underwater cliffs that start at a depth of about 15 meters with good probabilities to observe pelagic species.

Activity: White tip reef sharks, reef fishes, barracudas, turtles, mantas, mobulas (devil rays), sting rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North-east of Santiago island near Bartholomew island. Dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site; this is partly a reef dive, partly a wall dive where the endemic black coral is found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea horses, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, various invertebrates. At surface intervals, penguins can be observed.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island, this is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: There are no strong currents; a big reef of 5 meters with an inclination ravine of m with black coral and mollusks invertebrates; there is also a submarine rift from 18 meters with pelagic species.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracuda, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, an exposed rock, one dive site located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Moderate currents, rocky and sandy bottom. Here we find a small cave (this is NOT a cave dive) where white-tip reef sharks rest. Additionally, there is a pinnacle where we can find a diversity of rays, Galápagos sharks, turtles, coral reef fishes, barracudas, black coral walls, and various invertebrates.

Activity: Cleaning station, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, mantas, sting rays, eagle rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of

Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: A bit more difficult in relation to Seymour Channel. Rocky bottom with small caves at 12m where you can find turtles or reef sharks resting; currents are possible (not too strong). The dive starts on the coast and then goes into the blue to watch bigger pelagics, at the end of the dive there is a platform where sea lions play with the flow, and a cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with 10m reef where there a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Location: Punta Carrion is located northeast of Santa Cruz Island.

Site conditions: Punta Carrión is a site with high ecological value due to the mangrove ecosystems that harbor an extensive variety of marine species and marine-coastal birds. This dive site offers ideal conditions for beginners and advanced divers as it has a protected area at the beginning of the dive with calm sea, and no currents at the sandy/rocky bottom full of marine life before reaching the gorge exposed to the currents. This outer side with its swell and currents ranging from moderate to strong offers favorable conditions for pelagic species.

Activity: The mangrove areas that offer protection to small fish allow this place to have a great variety of reef fish such as angelfish, butterfly fish, surgeonfish, grunts, snappers, damselfish, cod, scorpion fish, parrotfish, old Mexican, stonefish, hedgehog fish, trumpet fish, cornet fish, moray eels, tiger eels. Also, sea turtles can be spotted, as well as different species of rays such as skates, marbled rays, eagle rays, giltheads, mobulas (devil rays), and different species of sharks such as white tips, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, black tip sharks.

The climate of the Galapagos Islands is subtropical.

December to May: Warm season. Low 80°F/26°C – High 90°F/32°C, strong sun and rain alternately; warmer and calmer seas.

June to September: Cool season. Low 60°F/15°C – High 70°F/20°C, mornings are often misty; the drizzle ‘garua’ is common.

October to December: Dry season. Low 70°F/20°C – High 80°F/26°C, it's a good time to visit for mild weather conditions.

Below are specifics about the dive conditions:

January to June: 70°F/20°C – 80°F/26°C water temperature; southeast trade winds become weaker, and water coming from the Panama Basin brings warmer, calmer seas; sailing to any island/dive spot is easier.

July to December: 65°F/18°C – 75°F/23°C water temperature; the Humboldt Current typically brings choppy seas and strong surges making sailing times longer.

The Humboldt Current, like the upwelling of the Cromwell Deep Current off the Galapagos Islands, makes the waters quite cold for divers. Thermoclines even colder than 65°F/18°C are possible. We provide 5 or 7mm wetsuits and have accessories such as hoods. If you are not used to cold seas, or if you feel cold easily, please feel free to bring an extra base layer.

All dive equipment, including towel service

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins; if package includes snorkeling)

Snacks, lunches, & non-alcoholic beverages on full-day tours

Snacks & non-alcoholic beverages on half-day tours

Bilingual (EN/ES) naturalist guides for land and snorkel excursions

Dive & Stay Packages range from 7-10 days and combine dive days with land excursions. Custom packages can be designed.

Carbon removals are included with your booking.

The dive company is locally-owned, and cooperates with the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station to support their projects to protect the islands.


The accommodation is a locally-owned guest house implementing the following sustainability measures:

Everything used in the bathroom is biodegradable: liquid soap, shampoo, and bamboo bags for garbage cans.

There is a big hot water heater (instead of an instantaneous water heater).

All garbage is thrown away according to the recycling rules.

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Galapagos Islands

Join an unforgettable celebration of sisterhood on this women-only journey to South Africa! Carbon removals included.

[9 days] Women-Only Sisterhood Journey in South Africa | Yugen Earthside

Join an unforgettable celebration of sisterhood on this women-only journey to South Africa, where adventure, culture, and connection await! 

Discover the beauty and vibrancy of the hidden gems of South Africa, the women of the rainbow nation. From the coast to the city, from the Winelands and the countryside, the Western Cape has it all! You might know the mother city by its scenic landscapes, incredible wildlife, golden beaches, award-winning wines, and diverse cultures, but there is so much more to explore…

Discover scenic Cape Town and the surrounding areas, like Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Engage with phenomenal women, in local communities, over award-winning wine, and indulge in local traditional food

Explore the bush in search of African wildlife on a private game reserve led by its female founder

Experience local hospitality on a coastal retreat, run by Women, for Women

End the tour on a high with an 'Inspire' party

Want to travel in a new, mindful, and meaningful way that benefits all

Delight in sharing with other women and want to form new friendships

Enjoy the diversity and be open to experiencing African music, dance

Are ready to inspire and be inspired by nature, culture, and food

Demonstrate a commitment to sustainable travel

Are open to learning and sharing experiences in a fun and safe way

Stay tuned for new departure dates to be added!

March is filled with warm and sunny days. The weather in Cape Town in March is characterized by moderate and pleasant temperatures, marking the transitions from hot summers to milder autumns. There is still plenty of sunshine, as temperatures decrease from 80F to 72F.

All meals on the itinerary: x7 Breakfast, x5 Lunch, x6 Dinner

Guided tours: Cape Peninsula, Bo Kaap walking tour, Table Mountain, sunset cruise, a visit to a community project, Cape Winelands tour

 Activities include Wine tasting experience, food tasting, mini-workshop, game drives

Entrance fees, community & conservation levies

We are a woman-owned, UK-based tour operator that offers locally inspired Southern African journeys. Conscious of our footprint on the planet and people, we advocate for dignity, celebrate humanity, and respect the environment we travel to. We showcase the heart of the destinations through diverse, colorful, and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower. We specialize in volunteering holidays for grown-ups and leisure holidays that benefit both travelers and the destination. 

Born and bred in Cape Town, our female founder is committed to creating authentic experiences that showcase the beauty of the people. Our supply chain is primarily women and youth from marginalized communities who are registered with their local tourism authorities and are professional in their conduct towards visitors. The travel and tourism industry is a vehicle to bring about transformation, and sustainability is at the heart of what we do. 

Carbon reduction: Guests are encouraged to join the efforts to ensure the preservation of water, save energy, and respect our natural environment. In your Pre-Trip Guide, you’ll find tips encouraging using water sparingly, using towels more than once, using air conditioners when necessary, and switching lights off when leaving your room. The trip includes the use of public transport in the city and walking tours in the other locations. The private game reserve is a solar farm, while all properties make sure that geysers are switched off when not in use. Light bulbs have been replaced by LED energy-saving bulbs. Food is sourced from small local suppliers with both vegan and vegetarian options.

Environment and Wildlife: We are conscious of our footprint on the environment and the accommodations we have chosen are implementing sustainable policies. We start the tour in a tranquil area surrounded by a forest of leafy trees and sweet-smelling Fynbos. The nature-infused experiences like foraging indigenous plants for cooking a meal, will bring greater understanding not only about the area’s unique biodiversity but also the connection between nature and humans.

Accommodation Initiatives: The on-site restaurant in the Winelands estate uses glass water bottles and biodegradable straws. Compostable cardboard for takeaway containers in the restaurant while they also make their compost on-site for the gardens. Their commitment to sustainability is put into practice when the entire estate and homeowners endeavor to recycle and have a dedicated service that only collects recyclable items. Management also regularly communicates educational information to encourage recycling. Eco-friendly pesticides are used to control rodents which do not harm other animals. The estate also partners with Cape Nature for the rehabilitation of tortoises to be released on the wine estate.

All four properties are locally owned and are fully committed to community development in their respective areas.

Apart from the city, all other establishments are away from the normal tourist attractions with the Fairtrade certification.

This unique tour has been especially and intentionally designed to empower women from marginalized backgrounds working within the tourism industry. The supply chain is made up of women-owned small businesses that will directly benefit from this women’s expedition, which in turn will benefit their families.

Most of the tour guides are female and from the local areas.

We stay in small towns like Kleinmond, Wellington, and Oudtshoorn and visit markets, have a cooking experience in a local women’s home, and a community center.

Women-Only Sisterhood Journey in South Africa

Follow the tracks of the elusive wolf on this rare, immersive responsible wolf-tracking experience in the French Alps. Carbon removals included!

[4 days] Responsible Wolf Tracking in the French Alps

Follow the tracks of the elusive wolf on this rare, immersive responsible wolf-tracking experience in the French Alps.

With no phone or internet, you'll disconnect from modern life and experience breathtaking, untouched wilderness.

Guided by Bernard, a local expert with 20 years of experience, you'll explore the region's rich wildlife, including golden eagles, chamois, wild boar, and, if you're lucky, a wolf. You'll also learn how to differentiate between animal footprints and follow tracks, gaining valuable skills in wildlife tracking. Throughout the trip, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the animals and their habitat, learning to interpret signs left by different species.

The trip supports the local wolf network, contributing to the monitoring and research of wolf populations. Wolves, once wiped out from France, have returned from Italy, with the Southern Alps now home to the highest concentration in the country.

This trip is ideal for wildlife lovers, nature photographers, and anyone wanting to experience the wild beauty of the Alps while learning valuable skills in tracking and wildlife identification.

De-connect from modern distractions (no mobile phone connection, no internet)

Benefit from knowledgeable and experienced local guides for spotting and understanding wildlife

Visit breathtaking scenery and wild, untouched mountains

Small group, quality experience with a maximum of 8 guests

Opportunity to spot a wide range of animal and birdlife including golden eagles, black grouse, ptarmigan, chamois, deer, wild boar, foxes, and, if you are lucky, a wolf!

Contribute to the wolf network and management of wolves in the Alps

We've created a sample itinerary to give you an idea of what to expect during your wolf tracking adventure. However, this is flexible, and we will tailor it to suit the group.

The key thing to remember is that you’ll be tracking wild animals, so the itinerary will ultimately be guided by them!

The best time to track wolves is when there is a little bit of snow on the ground as it is easier to follow signs and tracks over long distances. 

The optimal periods for a wolf tracking in the French Alps are from December to March/April.

Camping mat and sleeping bag, for use at the refuge

Tips for the guide, which are at your discretion

3 x breakfasts, 3 x picnic lunches, 3 x evening meals (Food for included meals is provided but you will all prepare, cook, and wash up together.)

4 days with 3 overnights with expert wolf tracker and high mountain guide

Transfers to and from Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV train station

We are Travelife Certified and we plant a tree with our partner, Mossy Earth, for all our travelers as part of their rewilding program in Europe.

We operate a paperless office and all our communication with you and all your trip details will be given to you digitally via a smartphone app.

If you are traveling from Europe, we offer a 3% discount if you travel here by train rather than plane. To claim this please ask at booking. It is not accumulable with other discounts and the train journey needs to be international, eg Eurostar to France and then onward on local French TGV or trains.

To reduce our impact on the environment, we run this trip a maximum of twice a year and limit the group size to 8 people. The toilet is an outdoor dry toilet, and water, sourced from a nearby spring, is optimised for drinking, washing, and cooking. We use only biodegradable products for cleaning and washing, and all waste is carefully removed from the natural environment, with recyclables being recycled. Energy use is minimal, as there is no electricity at the accommodation—candles provide lighting, and wood is used for heating.

This wolf track in the French Alps is environmentally sustainable due to several key practices.

It is a really low-carbon activity in itself.

We encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle and reusable lunch boxes so that we can minimize single-use plastic. 

We follow local guidelines to protect the fragile fauna and use local guides, who are passionate about the environment, ensuring a respectful approach to nature. 

These measures collectively contribute to minimizing the environmental footprint while supporting local ecosystems and communities.

This tour boosts economic sustainability by primarily using local guides, ensuring that the money spent by tourists goes directly back into the local economy. It also avoids economic leakage by being managed by a local destination company. The tour supports local communities further by utilizing locally owned accommodation and actively recommending local restaurants. This approach ensures that the benefits of tourism are directly felt by the community and help in sustaining the local economy.

The socio-cultural sustainability of this tour is underscored by its respect for and promotion of local cultures and traditions. By employing local guides and eating local eateries, the tour facilitates meaningful interactions between visitors and residents, fostering mutual understanding and respect. 

Responsible Wolf Tracking in the French Alps

Embark on a unique experience & discover the tranquil beauty of the Maldives' Goidhoo Atoll, a set of circular islands that remains off the radar of many tourists. 

[8 days] Goidhoo Atoll Experience | Yugen Earthside

Embark on a unique experience and discover the tranquil beauty of the Maldives' Goidhoo Atoll, a set of circular islands that remains off the radar of many tourists. 

This quiet atoll of natural beauty, also known as Horsburgh Atoll, sits within the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. During this trip, we'll visit 4 islands:  Hulhumale - our starting point near the airport and capital city of Male; Goidhoo - the atoll's paradisical namesake; Fehendoo - loosely populated and mostly covered by tropical jungle; and Fulhadoo - a long, narrow island home to one of the world's top 25 beaches!

On your journey through Goidhoo Atoll, you'll snorkel through a vibrant marine ecosystem and encounter an array of coral reefs and colorful marine life. On land, you'll delve into the captivating history, rich culture, and tasty cuisine of three local islands (Goidhoo, Fehendhoo, and Fulhadhoo), immersing yourself in their way of life.

What is an "atoll"?  An atoll is a type of circular island found in the tropics, wherein the perimeter is a coral reef surrounding a lagoon in the center.

Explore Goidhoo's heritage through markets, mosques, and island tours

Get a taste of local cuisine through a "hedika" sampling of sweet & savory small bites

Snorkel in marine-rich tropical waters to see the vibrant tapestry of ocean life

Kayak through mangrove lakes and learn about their importance 

Join local women for a cooking workshop as you prepare "maashuni roshi", a Maldivian breakfast

Learn about conservation efforts & visit a coral nursery to watch coral propagation firsthand 

Complete a beach clean to give back to the island that welcomed you 

Witness incredible biodiversity as you explore mangroves, seagrass beds, and island lakes. Engage with inspiring NGOs and connect with friendly locals, gaining insights into their sustainability efforts and community initiatives. This purposeful journey will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of the Maldivian culture and environment.

Hulhumale, North Male Atoll, is a suburban island just a 10-minute taxi ride from Male International Airport. This artificial island was reclaimed from the sea to offer alternative living space outside of Male and, while not a 5-star resort, Hulhumale provides the ideal base as a start or finishing point for a trip. There are plenty of local coffee shops and restaurants and a small local shopping area. The public beach along the island's east side is an endless stretch of sand and provides the ideal location to swim or simply sit and watch the world go by. The capital of Male is just a 20-minute ferry journey away or a 15-minute ride by taxi.

Goidhoo Island is an interesting island paradise waiting to be explored. Experience an island rich in culture with mangrove lakes and agricultural resources, not at all what you expect from a Maldivian island! Enjoy a beautiful beach, vibrant coral reefs, a rich ecosystem, and a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Maldives. Goidhoo could be described as 'large' compared to many other local islands, but the village community has a population of no more than 500, and much of the island is given over to tropical flora and agriculture.

Fehendhoo Island is one of the least populated islands in Baa Atoll, with some 150 locals living within its tiny village. The rest of the island is covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by aquamarine waters and coral reefs teeming with schools of tropical fish. With such a small population the island has little in the way of infrastructure; there are a couple of local shops and a small cafe. There are several beach areas on the island, especially for tourists, as well as a few secluded corners where you can relax in a hammock and lie in the shadow of the palms. 

Fulhadhoo Island is blessed with a beautiful beach that ranked in the top 25 beaches in the world! With avenues of swaying palm trees and surrounded by a magnificent turquoise blue ocean, it is indeed paradise. The island is much longer than it is wider, meaning a refreshing sea breeze blows across as you amble to and from the beach. The local village is home to 250 people and is positioned on the eastern part of the island, while the rest of the island features small agricultural land plots, a tropical forest, and white sandy beaches.

Departures are every 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month.

With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures around 86°F (30°C) throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit the Maldives. The Maldives has two distinct seasons:

January - March: This is the dry season as the northeast monsoons are more common.

Mid-May - November: This is the wet season, as southwest monsoons are more common. Wet, however, doesn't mean rain all the time, it just means we see more rain during this period than during the dry season. This may be a daily heavy shower, but it's very rare to have days and days of rain in succession or even a full 24 hours of rain. There is usually more wind during this period, but this helps keep the temperature at a nice level and you can still expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine.

The rare thunderstorm in the Maldives (especially around the southwest monsoon months) can be a welcome respite from the sun. Cloudy skies, slate grey seas, and crashing thunder make for lovely reading weather. The warm temperatures will allow you to go for a walk in the rain, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. For extra exhilaration, take a swim in the rain - the sea will be extra warm.

There can be heavy rain showers pretty much any time of year, but they tend to be short and cannot be accurately predicted seasonally (in other words – don’t worry too much about them – you will quite possibly experience some rain showers, but the majority of the weather should be great, and you will be unlucky to get several consecutive days of heavy rain). Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather pattern is changing, and historical data is less reliable as an indication of what to expect in the here and now.

Return transfer by vehicle & public speedboat

2 Point Snorkeling tour including equipment

Sandbank hopping including snorkeling equipment

All local taxes (10% service charge, 16% GST, & $6 Green Tax pp/night)

We are a Travelife Partner, which signifies our compliance with over 100 sustainability criteria.

Sustainable and Responsible tourism has been an integral part of our business model since 2012. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through the education of our team, our guests, and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible any negative impact on local life. As a team, we aim to inspire, inform and demonstrate to our partners, our guests, and the tourism industry as a whole, that we are committed to ensuring we offer only responsible and positive travel experiences.

We believe that people, communication, and education are the foundation of Sustainable Tourism. This is the reason that we have built our business around four communities:

We understand that success requires focus, adaptation, and long-term thinking. Change does not often happen overnight, it is a gradual process. Surely in a destination such as the Maldives, it is our responsibility to make that difference.

Environmental Initiatives
Through learning experiences with our guides, we provide guests with awareness of corals, marine life, seagrass, mangroves, waste management, and plastic pollution. We brief all guests participating in snorkeling activities on the Green Fins Code of Conduct, this improves their knowledge of what they can do to help protect the ocean and coral reefs. We follow the Codes of Conduct produced by international marine organizations when encountering manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles while snorkeling and diving.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We ensure that our tours include opportunities to engage with locals and learn about the local way of life. By facilitating interactions between travelers and the local community, we aim to provide enriching and authentic experiences. These not only benefit the travelers by offering a deeper and more meaningful connection with the destination, but they also have a positive impact on the local community. By actively participating in cultural interactions, travelers contribute to the preservation of local traditions, ensuring their endurance over time. Additionally, these interactions have a positive economic impact on the community economy, as they provide opportunities for income generation and sustainable development. 

Economic Initiatives
We choose locally owned and operated infrastructure as well as services developed and managed by locals to contribute to the local community's economic development. By doing this, we provide job opportunities for locals making the wheels of the economy spin. In this same line, we opt not to have our own fleet of vehicles but rather use public means of transportation or private locally owned ones. This decision not only supports the sustainability of the local transportation sector but also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed among the community, promoting more inclusive and balanced growth.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
You can travel safely with the knowledge that you are in capable hands, all our guide team are certified in the care and safety of guests holding First Emergency Response and Lifeguard certifications.

This ethical, carbon-offset, & women-only climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Machame Route & then rewards you with a leisurely safari. Carbon removals included!

Women-Only Ethical Mount Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari | Yugen Earthside

Calling all adventurous ladies! This ethical, carbon-offset, and women-only climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular 7-day Machame Route and then back down to reward you with a leisurely safari.


On this trip, you’ll first spend 7 days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular Machame Route and then relax afterward with a classic 4-day safari in the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. This is a difficult route better suited for adventurous travelers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The best part? You'll be conquering Mount Kili with active, like-minded ladies - and we do our best to have as many women as possible on the climb's support team!

The total trip length is 11 days if you join for the climb only: arrival day, rest day, 7-day climb, charity day, departure day.

The total trip length is 15 days if you join for the climb & safari: arrival day, rest day, 7-day climb, charity day, 4-day safari, departure day.

Have free time to explore the town of Moshi

Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers

In addition to employing local guides and adhering to high standards of safety and reliability, we specialize in small-group, women-only trips. Experiencing Tanzania this way is special and we can’t wait for you to join us! (Please note: We do have female porters and guides, but not enough are working in this industry to guarantee an all-female Mountain Crew. Therefore, it’s possible your Mountain Crew will either be mixed or comprised of men.)

The Machame Route is scenically beautiful and varied. You’ll go through the jungle, see a fabulous view of the moorland, and have a panoramic view of the Shira Plateau. You’ll be able to see Mt. Meru, ravines, and glaciers before finally reaching the spectacular summit of Uhuru (which means “freedom” in Swahili).

As you climb, you'll be nourished by three full meals daily. We provide plentiful, fresh food on the mountain and it’s well prepared by skilled professional chefs who join us on the trek. We also consider the choice of food that you would prefer (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). The menu is specially designed for climbers.

After you descend the mountain, you’ll spend a day in Moshi where you’ll visit some community projects our company supports. We’re very involved in profit sharing and spreading out tourism revenue across the Moshi community, and we love to show our travelers this first-hand.

The following day, we’ll leave for our 4-day safari. We will visit both Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Serengeti is also classified as a Biosphere Reserve and is one of Tanzanaia's main attractions for visitors looking to view big game animals. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, well-known for being the biggest undisturbed volcanic crater in the world and attracting many popular animals. You should see all Big 5 safari animals on this safari: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo.

We respect the animals on our game drives by not feeding them and informing our guests about the consequences of feeding the wildlife. We never lead hunting safaris; and we never participate in off-roading, which can kill some species.

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March. The best time for big game viewing on a safari is June through October, January, and February.

June through October will have less rain than December to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round (around 75-80°F / 24-27°C), being on the warmer end from December to March. Please note that this route is very popular, which means it can be crowded at times - this can cause it to lose some of its splendor. Unfortunately, traveling during the shoulder season during April, May, and November is not advisable due to bad weather that can cause safety hazards.

Extra nights at the hotel (ask for pricing).

Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Airport taxes (amount depends on where you’re flying from).

Visa fees, to be paid upon arrival (ranges from $50 to $100 USD).

Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some gear in Tanzania.

Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets.

Safaris & Wildlife

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Galapagos Islands

Women-Only Sisterhood Journey in South Africa

Responsible Wolf Tracking in the French Alps

Goidhoo Atoll Experience

Women-Only Ethical Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route) & Safari

Whale Shark Snorkeling Conservation Cruise

Sustainable Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Egypt

Sustainable Essence of Costa Rica

Immersive Costa Rica Family Adventure

Authentic Thailand Classics: North to South

Wellness, Wine & Safari in South Africa

Drift Down the Danube Delta by Motorboat

Cheetah Conservation in the Cape Winelands

Addu Atoll Uncovered

North India Wildlife Tour

Kenyan Coast & 6-day Safari

Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Lemosho Route) & Safari

Nepal Wildlife Tour

Ethical Private Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route) & Safari

South Africa Cape to Coast Self-Drive

Galapagos Islands Land-Based Tour

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Company

Fine Print

Newsletter