| AWARD
WINNING EAST AFRICAN SPECIALIST Hoopoe Safaris
won The Conde Naste Eco Tourism award in 2004 as best
ecotourism company in the world! This was a terrific
accolade for the company as well as for all East Africa
and Africa itself - the first time such an esteemed
honour has gone to an African Tour Operator!
BACKGROUND
Hoopoe has become a leading East African safari outfitter, which together with its sister outfitter, “Kirurumu Under Canvas” is dedicated to the protection of the environment by supporting effective community partnerships and sustainable tourism projects.
A fast growing population and pressure on dwindling land resources add up to a formidable challenge. Conventional conservation practices are failing to halt a decline in wildlife and environmental degradation, but Peter feels that lately a shift has been made in the right direction & The Community Based Tourism is gaining acceptance as a means of poverty reduction in remote areas. The model is one where the community assumes a responsibility to discourage alternative land use, such as agriculture and unsustainable practices such as charcoal manufacture and to prevent poaching. The income that the communities earn from tourism, can improve schools, & clinics and safe water supplies. This formula, often difficult to achieve can provide an unequivocal win-win situation for all parties concerned.
Peter is passionate about preserving the precious nature with which East Africa are so well endowed and has the experience to be pragmatic in the quest for a sustainable future for his East African home and its rich wildlife and outstanding natural beauty. The march is on for development and the well being of remote communities cannot be denied but development must be controlled and sustainable and the custodians of a rich natural heritage must be amply rewarded for them to remain committed guardians on behalf of not only the nation but the world.
Hoopoe owns and manages Kirurumu Tented Lodge perched on the edge of the Rift Valley overlooking Lake Manyara, has become a landmark on the safari circuit. Kirurumu is used by a wide range of safari operators and guests from all over the globe. The lodge merges with the landscape and was designed to be of minimum impact to the environment and has become a haven of peace for both for its visitors and its creatures great and small that now have a safe refuge. Birdlife in the lodge grounds has increased dramatically over time and it is a bird watchers paradise. Diminutive Dik-Dik & shy and elusive Bushbuck are now common in the grounds.
In earlier years as a specialist in providing creature comforts “Under Canvas” Hoopoe provided The Getty Foundation a camp supporting the important scientific work that was being conducted by Mary Leakey at Laetoli, where the early hominid footprints of Australopithecus afarensis were discovered. Today Kirurumu Under -Canvas has seasonal luxury mobile tented camps in Serengeti, and Tarangire National parks and The Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Camps are positioned to be at the right place at the right time to see wildlife in abundance. Hoopoe is proud to be the preeminent luxury camping outfitter in East Africa.
GUIDE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
"Hoopoe is one of the most highly
regarded companies… I can recommend them without
reservation to anybody.”
- Philip Briggs, The
Bradt Travel Guide Tanzania
"This company has
been consistently well recommended by a number of travellers."
- Michael Hood, Footprint
East Africa Handbook
“ This is a well-established
company with an excellent reputation, top-notch vehicles
and equipment, and keen, committed staff."
- Geoff Crowther, Lonely
Planet, East Africa
"A very experienced,
nature-loving team."
- Elke Frey & David
Kyungu, Nelles Guide, Tanzania
DRIVER
GUIDES, lodge and camping staff
The guide on your safari is an ambassador of the company
and the country and our guides are outstanding both
for their knowledge of the natural history of the areas
we visit but also in relating the culture and history
of their home . They aren’t only there to make
sure the vehicle works and to choose the right direction
but also to become friends and tohelp make sure that
every detail of your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Each Hoopoe driver/guide must successfully complete
our own rigorous training course, that includes class
and field work. The course has become the envy of other
safari companies and are the product of many years of
teaching by Peter and colleagues , including chosen
wildlife researchers all sharing their knowledge and
enthusiasm for greater understanding of what makes the
natural world tick.
Following matriculation from this course,
driver/guides must return to classroom& field at
least once a year for refresher training. Within a few
years, a Hoopoe driver/guide has become an incredible
instructor, not only a driver. They are skilled not
only as gamespotters but also in recognizing the flora,
fauna and bird life of East Africa, but can discuss
questions of geography, geology , climate, politics,
history and the customs of this wonderful land. Moreover
our guides are chosen for their ability to get on with
and relate to people.
 
There are more than 100 warm and unique individuals
in the Hoopoe family of East Africa, and they include
those wonderful people staffing our flagship property,
Kirurumu, as well as the extremely hard working camping
staff, mechanics, bush chefs, logistics experts and
clerical staff. We think of each and every one as a
member of a grand team, that without that single individual,
would be that much less appealing. We pride ourselves
on cultivating, training and retaining the finest individuals
in the tourist industry of East Africa and most have
served the company for many years.
 
|
