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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.

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

Discover small group tours with fixed departure dates and enjoy sustainable adventures with like-minded travelers at affordable price points.

Small Group Tours | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Small Group trips have set, fixed departures, a limited number of travelers, and are fully guided experiences. This is the most affordable way to take trips that require a guide (like trekking and climbing), or heavily benefit from a guide's local and cultural expertise. Plus, you'll meet several other like-minded travelers in a safe environment! 

This Moroccan culinary experience is a hands-on journey that will awaken your senses and delight your taste buds. Carbon removals included!

[9 days] Moroccan Culinary Experience | Yugen Earthside

This Moroccan culinary experience is a hands-on journey that will awaken your senses and delight your taste buds. Discover a passion for Morocco's culture and cuisine on this authentic tour, and expand your mind as you learn about the country's culinary treasures and vibrant atmosphere.

Shop for exotic ingredients in local markets, learn about traditional dishes, and enjoy several private cooking lessons with master chefs. Unwind by staying in luxury riads, 5-star hotels, and having access to a world-class spa at the beginning and end of your trip

This 9-day itinerary will satisfy your appetite for everything Morocco has to offer!

Purchase fresh ingredients at the market for a unique cooking lesson in traditional Moroccan cuisine with a local housewife.

Explore an eco-farm and hotel surrounded by olive groves and orchards, selecting herbs and vegetables for a hands-on cooking session.

Participate in an all-day cookery class with a chef, learning traditional cooking techniques and enjoying a sumptuous feast.

Travel to Essaouira, a charming coastal town known for its fortified medina, art galleries, and fresh seafood.

Discover the main attractions of Marrakech with your guide, including the Koutoubia Minaret, Saadian Tombs, and the bustling souks of the medina.

The best time for this trip is between September and July.

Activities, admission fees, and sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary 

This trip has a positive impact on six local beneficiary families.

We focus on impactful experiences based on quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Our crew and drivers are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and we choose smaller-scale, locally-owned accommodations and boutique hotels.

We buy locally-produced food and drinks and dine in locally-owned restaurants. We strive to minimize plastic waste wherever possible and carefully manage limited energy and water resources.  We operate with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints.

We take you closer to the most remote environmental landscapes of Morocco. We tell you all about the sustainable initiatives done by the local population. For example, we can share how the construction materials keep the houses warm during winter and cold during summer, or about the reusable objects and the agriculture systems.

We make a financial contribution to plant trees in nurseries managed by our partner, High Atlas Foundation, in order to help offset the carbon footprint of our travelers.

This itinerary was designed to offer real-life experiences that promote cross-cultural understanding. We make sure to take you to boutique-owned hotels/riads and restaurants. We support local artisans by witnessing their hard work even in the most remote areas of Morocco.

All our partners are Moroccan and we make sure that we pay them fairly to be sustainable for them. We also make sure to visit remote areas you likely wouldn't find by yourself, and where you could have the most impactful experience. For example, trekking to remote sections of the High Atlas Mountains helps support local communities.

Discover treasures of Morocco, from the iconic Blue City, to fascinating medinas, fine gateways, medieval cities, natural parks, & the vast Saraha desert. Carbon removals included!

[10 days] Morocco Treasures: From the Blue City to the Desert | Yugen Earthside

Discover treasures of Morocco, from the iconic Blue City, to fascinating medinas, fine gateways, medieval cities, natural parks, and the vast Saraha desert.

Explore kasbahs, spice markets, and vibrant cities on this extensive journey. Mount a camel to traverse the fringes of the Sahara Desert, then marvel at the scenery from the Atlas Mountains' lofty peaks. Immerse yourself in the bustle of imperial cities, navigating souks brimming with unique goods. Cap off this incredible adventure in Akchour National Park to explore the natural water springs.

Along the way, admire the impressive architecture in time-tested villages and classic cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez. Soak in the rich culture that blends Islamic and African traditions, relax in a traditional Riad, and savor authentic meals to get the most out of this sustainable Moroccan adventure!

Set foot in the architectural marvel of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, perched on the edge of the ocean.

Wander through Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital, exploring everything from its old medina alleyways and grand citadels to its regal Mausoleums.

Immerse yourself in the imperial city of Fez, filled with vibrant fragrances and the rhythmic bustle of artisans.

Travel across the northern middle Atlas, passing serene highlands and lush wild cedar forests on your way to Erfoud, a quaint town surrounded by fortified villages and lush palm groves.

Experience the ancient rhythms and rituals of pre-Islamic African traditions in the Gnaoua village of Khamlia.

Embark on a camel ride through the Sahara, watching a breathtaking sunset over the magnificent honey-colored dunes.

Relax in a Riad, savoring local home-cooked meals.

Riding a camel can be considered sustainable, depending on how it's managed. Here are a few factors to consider.

Animal Welfare: Unlike riding elephants, where the gentle giants are 'broken' and abused to accommodate human riders, camels can be trained humanely - much like horses. They can be domesticated, socialized young, and become accustomed to halters, saddles, and commands. Companies offering camel rides should treat the animals well, feel them properly, and not overwork them.

Environmental Impact: Camels have been a transportation method for humans for thousands of years. They were particularly important for trade and transport in desert areas thanks to their ability to traverse long distances with little water. While now also used for tourism, camels are an important way for visitors to see beautiful, remote natural areas without the use of a motorized car.

Cultural & Economic Implications: Camels are engrained in the traditional fabric of desert communities. Riding them responsibly can preserve an ancient practice, provide economic support for their owners, and foster respect and appreciation for their importance to locals.

The best time to visit Morocco is during the autumn (September-November) or early spring (March-April), but Morocco is a year-round destination.

People should avoid August when it can be too hot in the desert and overcrowded in the north by local tourists.

8 nights of accommodation with breakfast at handpicked, mid-range riads & hotels

1 night of accommodation at a deluxe Sahara Desert Encampment

Breakfast & Dinner in the desert and in Ouarzazate 

Private driver & very comfortable car for the duration of trip

Private guides in Rabat, Akchour, Fez, and Marrakech

Camel trekking to catch the sunset (Optional)

Sahara Safari in 4x4 to discover nomads' life

Traditional music around a campfire in the camp

Tailored pre-departure advice and personalized support

Tree plantation to offset the carbon footprint of your trip

Morocco Treasures: From the Blue City to the Desert

This small-group, ethical & carbon-offset climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route. Carbon removals included!

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route | Yugen Earthside

This small group (max 12) ethical and carbon-offset climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Lemosho Route.

The Lemosho Route is an excellent choice for your climb as it balances low traffic with beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of our clients use this route and love it. The 8-day Lemosho Route is particularly well-suited for mature travelers due to its pacing.

The total trip length is 10 days: arrival day, 8-day climb, departure day.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options. 

6-7 day climb routes: Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu.

8-10 day climb routes: Lemosho, Northern Circuit.

Safaris can range from 2-6 days. Depending on the length, you can visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Contact us to customize your Climb & Safari package.

Summit the tallest mountain in Africa via a less-trafficked path

Enjoy healthy, fresh-cooked meals designed for climbers

The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. About halfway through, the route joins the Machame route for the second half of the climb. 

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.

October 6th, 2024 departure: 2 spots already booked!

January 10th, 2025 departure: 4 spots already booked!

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.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes (like this one!), which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Drinks and beverages at the safari lodge.

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.

2-way transfer to/from Kilimanjaro Airport.

2-way transfer to and from the route gate(s).

3-4 liters of mineral water (per climber) provided daily during the climb.

Hot drinks and hot water for washing are provided daily during the climb.

Guides, cooks, & mountain support crew for your trek.

Pulse Ox meter for blood-oxygen level readings, carried by the chief guide.

Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).

Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).

Emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter (see Health & Safety section).

Kilimanjaro National Park rescue team fees.

Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.

Sleeping bag rental (Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F): $50 per person.

Telescopic trekking poles rental: $20 per trip.

Extra porter (personal porter) for excess gear: $30 per day.

Extra night at the hotel: $90 for double occupancy, $70 for single occupancy

Climbing Assistant Guide - $10 to $15 per day.

Climbing Porters - $6 to $10 per day per porter.

We pride ourselves on taking good care of our mountain crew, who make our climbs possible, and also giving back to our local community in Moshi.

We focus on organizing responsible and ethical tours that make places better for people to both live in and visit. Our dream is to combine community development with cultural tourism and conservation. We believe that the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world's natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.

We are a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania and for every climbing trip done with us, we offset the carbon impact and travelers will receive their carbon offset certificate. We provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate some of our profits to planting trees in Moshi.

We do not indulge in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during the wildlife experiences. We stay at hotels that use or are trying to use renewable energy and eco-friendly cleaning products. We also stay in tents during the climb.

Our company has created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals (porters, guides, chefs), which helps with Tanzania's unemployment problem. We do not believe in "cheap climbs." Our prices reflect fair and ethical wages for all. We do not exploit any of our Mountain Crew (porters, guides, and chefs), without whom our climbs would not be possible. To ensure this, we are a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) which requires that our Mountain Crew are paid fair wages, receive proper equipment and sleeping conditions, and are fed well. KPAP audits our climbs raises public awareness of fair treatment of porters. 

We also collaborate with KPAP to provide financial education to our Mountain Crew about saving, spending, and investing their money. We profit share with our community to ensure they benefit from the tourism revenue as well (for example, we support disabled children and help fund the building of schools.)

For every client, we ensure one child in Moshi gets health insurance for 1 year.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level! Insurance partners like World Nomads can provide this. Proof is required prior to arrival. This is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required.

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

Hike through villages, discover monasteries, learn local crafts, and soothe your mind amid Romania’s bucolic regions of Bucovina and Maramures.

[9 days] Villages of Bucovina & Maramures | Yugen Earthside

This 9-day trip offers the possibility to catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s most unique gems. Awe-inspiring views, World Heritage Sites, and peasant culture await you! 

Connect with the country’s well-preserved environment by admiring the fir-tree forests, beautiful landscapes punctuated with sheep herds, wildflowers, and more. Start the trip with a steam train along the Moldovita River and sit back and soak in the stunning panoramic views until you arrive at a small picturesque village. Later on, enjoy leisurely hikes that will lead you along a stream, across fully bloomed fields, past the glacier lake of Stiol, and to Horse’s Waterfall – Romania’s tallest waterfall.

Hike in the famous fir-tree forests of Bucovina

Visit the uniquely painted monastery in Moldoviţa

Meet the local Hutsules people and discover their art of painting eggs

Walk past a glacier lake to Romania’s tallest waterfall

Stop at the “Communism Victim’s Memorial”

Visit a wooden church in Maramureş that dates back to the 14th century

End in Cluj Napoca, a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage

You will also be able to admire the beautiful Bucovina monasteries, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in the area. Gain an understanding of the history behind these constructions and the stunning wooden churches of Maramures. Our visit to the “Communism Victim’s Memorial” will be a trip back in time to one of the most important landmarks of history. You will also get to admire the traditional wooden installations of Sarbi and learn about local distillery techniques.

With this guided tour through Bucovina and Maramures, delve into the heart of Romania and meet local farmers and artisans to learn about their daily lives and customs. An encounter with the Hutsules, a group of people with an idiosyncratic heritage and history, will bring you closer to their art of egg painting. A weaving demonstration will also provide you with the opportunity to mingle with the locals as well as learn about ancient art techniques. This immersion in a peasant culture will enchant you, as you will discover a rural world that is no longer present in Western countries.

The rich history, beautiful nature, and unique cultural heritage of the country are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow for pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking landscapes. Outdoor activities such as visits to famous monasteries are also preferable during these seasons.
Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.
Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Transport to the meeting point and from the point of dispersion

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

8 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 6 dinners (3 course menus)

Private transfer Bucharest OTP Airport - Bucharest North Train Station (for 1-3 people, one way): 30€

Private transfer Cluj city center or Cluj Train Station - Cluj CLJ Airport (for 1-3 people, one way): 30€

Train ticket for overnight service Cluj – Bucharest North, 1st class, 2 beds/cabin. Per person. : 70€

Train ticket for overnight service Cluj – Bucharest North, 6 beds/cabin. Per person: 38€

Extra-night In Cluj-Napoca, Hotel 3-star in the center of the town, price / DBL BB. : 70€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 5-person group, supplement to be paid / per person: 100€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 4-person group, supplement to be paid / per person: 250€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 3-person group, supplement to be paid / per person: 500€

Small group supplement: departure in case of a 2-person group, supplement to be paid / per person. : 750€

Supplement for night train cabin used as SGL for the Bucharest - Bukovina train on Day 1: 60€

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity. 

Environmental Initiatives
This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take trains from Bucharest to arrive at the starting point for the walk. We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular.


Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.


Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
 You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel.

A classic surf and yoga retreat with a sustainable twist! Hosted at an eco-retreat center, it includes a massage and an organic winery visit.

[7 days] Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

A classic surf and yoga retreat, but with a sustainable twist! This experience is for people that want to do a little bit of yoga, a little bit of surfing, and then relax with a little bit of wine. 

Enjoy daily surf lessons and yoga classes accessible to all levels. Then, indulge yourself with delicious healthy food, local wine from a different small producer each night with dinner, and a deep healing massage on the welcomed rest day!

Come join us on this active nature escape and have fun! You'll unwind in a beautiful natural setting and learn about the local culture, all while getting to know new, fun people throughout your stay.

These laidback 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

Daily yoga sessions in an open-air Shala in the woods

An hourlong massage with our Goddess Masseuse, Jana

Healthy brunches and dinners; vegetarians happily accommodated

Plenty of optional activities (for an additional cost)

This sustainable surf and yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city and feed your adventurous side by learning to surf (or improving your surfing skills!), and then find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions. You will be delighted at how well yoga and surfing go together to strengthen and relax your muscles, improve your balance and focus, and, most importantly, make you feel great!

Yoga: The five, 75-minute yoga sessions take place in an open-air Shala in the woods. You'll be taught by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability. There will be modifications suitable for beginners as well as those looking to challenge and advance their yoga practice.

Surfing: First-timers, beginners, and pros are all welcome. During your four surf classes on the beach, the group will be divided into beginners and those who already have some surfing experience, so you'll be in good company no matter what!

Rest Day: Near the end of the retreat, you'll have a rest day where you can completely relax with an hour-long outdoor massage by our Goddess Masseuse, Jana. In addition to giving your muscles some TLC, you can lounge by the pool, rest in a hammock, meander around the serene garden, or visit the secluded meditation platform.

Great food: You will enjoy healthy meals onsite, freshly prepared using exclusively fresh, local, organic, and seasonal products (most meals are vegetarian, too!). Menus change with each retreat, but here’s a sneak peek of what you might be served. Feel free to also drool over the French Toast brunch or the vegetarian frittata. At each meal, you'll learn about the origins of the food and its correlation with the local environment and culture. You may also visit the onsite garden if you wish.

Wine: The visit to a local winery is a real treat! You will learn about the producer's sustainable and artisanal wine-making practices before savoring wine and tapas during a paired tasting. See what the winery tour is like. Plus, with each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.

So come! Stay amongst the pine and oak trees, enjoy the delicious food and wine (again, it’s a big part of this trip!), and relax at this laidback retreat.

What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three 20-second video clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center.

Yoga, brunch, visiting a small coastal town

Brunch, coastal hike, market visit, early evening yoga

Free time, afternoon yoga, family-owned winery visit

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).


Aug 26: Only 3 rooms left.
Sep 7: Only 2 rooms left.
Sep 30: Only 2 rooms left.
Oct 12: Only 6 rooms left.
Nov 16: Newly-added!
Apr 19 (2025): Newly-added!

The surf and yoga retreats are organized throughout the year, mostly around the fall (September to November) and in the spring (April and May). These retreats are based on when the waves will be best and the temperatures will be comfortable for learning to surf.

As the best months for the surf and yoga retreat are outside of Portugal's high season (July & August), participating in this retreat will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. If you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, you will avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable.

Airport transfer to the retreat center (but we can coordinate this)

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) (~35 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Kayaking (~25 € for 1 person / ~35 € for 2 people)

Horseback riding (~60 € for 1 person / ~100 € for 2 people; 1h30 guided ride)

Photography session (~50 € pp or per couple)

Many 'excluded' activities (not included in the trip price) can be optionally added to your experience. Guests can decide on most optional activities once at the retreat center, and payment can be made on-site.

SUP and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

Our View on Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of life here. Our family has a deep respect and love for the region of Alentejo and we are passionately committed to protecting and preserving her to the best of our ability. Gratefully, we are able to plant our roots here and carry a strong sense of social responsibility to our community.

Our experiences are all based on the amazing nature of this place and our incredible community and we put a lot of effort to protect both. We love to share it with our guests and try to involve them as much as possible. This includes making them aware of our challenges and how can they further help. This is a truly authentic experience composed of small local and sustainable entrepreneurs only.

We make a big effort to maintain and increase the amazing biodiversity among us through the diverse activities explained during the trip. Our eco-retreat center uses solar panels, LED lamps, and local, organic soaps and ecological detersives. We work a lot to reduce waste, reuse as much as we can, and recycle the rest. We have clear waste sorting systems in place for guests, serve mostly vegetarian meals, compost leftover food, and implement organic farming and regenerative forestry practices. The whole trip happens in a short circuit of 20 kilometers, and we are lucky to have nature, beaches, and historic towns all nearby to reduce this trip's footprint. We don't sell or use single-use plastic items. You will see our animals wandering free and happy along our property and the surrounding area.

Accommodation
Being the trip organizers, and the host of the accommodations ourselves, sustainability is part of our lives and business. Guests are welcome to explore every corner of the property and question any concerns they may have. As a small family business, we work very hard to improve every day and create a more positive impact on our environment and in our community.

Sustainable Economic Initiatives
We are a small start-up that works very closely with the local community that depends mostly on tourism and agriculture. The timing of our programs year-round, and especially out of high season, helps the community to guarantee their income all year round. By working directly with local farmers and small food/wine producers, we help them to maintain their projects of family-owned, completely organic productions.

Being part of the local community ourselves, it's in our own interest to protect it and ensure it develops in a sustainable way. One of the high points of the trip is the visit to the sustainable farm where the grapes are grown before the winery and wine tasting. The tour is guided by the owner himself, a true expert that carries the work of five generations. The whole experience is very much community-oriented and we are very much actively involved in projects that protect it. Our other activities visiting local artisans, teaching guests about our cultural heritage, prioritizing small, local, and sustainable suppliers, and inclusive practices also support our efforts to be socially sustainable. We also discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination and make donations to local organizations.

We are a pet-friendly site, prefer cruelty-free products, source meat and fish from trusted local suppliers, and support local pro-animal projects.

With a capacity of only 12 guests, plus its remote location, this eco-retreat is a safe way to enjoy Portugal. We follow special cleaning protocols adhering to European regulations.

Aug 26: Only 3 rooms left.
Sep 7: Only 2 rooms left.
Sep 30: Only 2 rooms left.
Oct 12: Only 6 rooms left.
Nov 16: Newly-added!

This small group, ethical & carbon-offset climb takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Machame Route. Carbon removals included!

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route | Yugen Earthside

This ethical and carbon-offset small group climb takes you along the most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro – the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route.

Mount Kilimanjaro resides in Kilimanjaro National Park, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Machame "Whiskey" Route can be completed in 6 or 7 days of climbing, with one day spent in Moshi on either end for arrival and departure. We recommend 7 days of climbing to balance the longer and steeper walks on this well-trekked path. This is a difficult route better suited for adventurous travelers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

There are many routes by which you can conquer Kili! If you're looking for a specific length or difficulty of climb, contact us about the best route options.

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).

The best time for this ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climb is June through October and December through March.

Please ask us about less-trafficked routes, which help promote tourism dispersal, for a different and more off-the-beaten-path climbing experience.

Extra nights at the hotel (ask for pricing).

Environmental practices are a top priority for our company. We are committed to protecting natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and local communities. We recognize the impact that tourism can have on the environment and are taking steps to minimize our carbon footprint. As a member of Carbon Offsetting Tanzania, we offset the carbon impact of every wildlife safari and provide travelers with a carbon offset certificate. Additionally, we provide Leave No Trace Tanzania training to our workers and donate profits to planting trees in Moshi. We do not engage in animal slavery, cruelty, or luring through bait during wildlife experiences. By prioritizing environmentally responsible practices, we hope to make a positive impact on the world around us.

In addition to our commitment to the environment, we prioritize economic sustainability. We believe that tourism has the power to create economic opportunities for communities. To that end, we have created employment opportunities for more than 400 locals as porters, guides, and chefs. We profit-share with the community so that tourism benefits everyone, and we pay fair and ethical wages to all of our employees. We do not exploit our crew and ensure that the community benefits from the tourism revenue. Our commitment to economic sustainability extends beyond our business operations, as we support disabled children, fund school building projects, and provide financial education to our staff. By prioritizing economic sustainability, we aim to create long-term benefits for the communities we serve.

Finally, we prioritize sociocultural practices that respect local communities and their traditions. We believe that cultural tourism can be a powerful tool for community development, and we strive to combine community development with conservation and cultural tourism. Our dream is to create tours that make places better for people to live in and visit. We stay at lodges that use or are trying to use renewable energy and serve local and organic food to guests. For every client, we provide health insurance for one child in Moshi for one year. By prioritizing sociocultural practices that respect local traditions and support community development, we hope to create a positive impact on the world around us.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level! Insurance partners like World Nomads can provide this. Proof is required before arrival. This is needed in case an emergency evacuation with the Kilimanjaro SAR helicopter is required.

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

Travel back in time to see movie-like castles, quaint villages, & stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. 

Small Group

Small Group Trips: Affordable + Friendly

Moroccan Culinary Experience

Morocco Treasures: From the Blue City to the Desert

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route

Villages of Bucovina & Maramures

Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat

Via Ferrata: Climbing in the French Alps

Gourmet Walking Holiday in the French Alps

E-Bike from the Alps to Provence – Guided Cycling Tour

Bhutan Highlights & Black Necked Crane Festival Tour

Unique Stone Sculpting & Yoga Retreat

Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Northern Circuit

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

South African Gastronomy Tour

Goidhoo Atoll Experience

Unique Photography & Yoga Retreat

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

Snorkeling Conservation Cruise

Cape Winelands & South African Art

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

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