“So it's a very special experience because you're suddenly connecting to a species which you feel you know. The gorilla looks at you and you look at them and there's a very strong rapport. A kind of connection saying, ‘Haven't we seen each other before?’”
We’re in great company with Praveen Moman, the pioneer in Great Ape tourism, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of his conservation and ecotourism brand, Volcanoes Safaris, where he has been at the forefront of reviving the post-conflict Uganda and Rwanda - centered around his five luxury lodges and safari experiences near the threatened gorilla and chimpanzee populations.
A ‘visionary conservationist’ with numerous awards and recognitions, Praveen followed in his family’s footsteps - first pitching a tent in the wild and now 25 years later, developing lodges that are sensitive to local culture and aesthetics, and connected to the local community and conservation projects.
In this episode, Praveen shares his personal love for his homeland, his professional admiration for Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall, and Volcanoes Safaris’ commitment to the protection of these safari experiences for generations to come.
Top Takeaways
[1:40] Praveen Moman’s childhood was unlike most yet instrumental to the man he is today. Listen as he shares his appreciation for his British education, Indian heritage and East African environment.
[10:10] First impressions are lasting impressions - especially when it comes to your first encounter with a gorilla, as Praveen learned many years ago.
[15:00] To understand the positive impact Volcanoes Safaris has on the gorilla population, local economy and broader ecosystem, one must first understand the history of human interaction with the Great Ape - from initial discovery to respected research to conservation tourism - and how this model could be replicated across other destinations at risk of over-tourism.
[30:30] What started as temporary tents turned into luxury lodge accommodations, built in an instinctual way with local materials melded in a way that showed the ingenuity of the minds of their local makers.
[31:50] With 3 lodges near the mountain gorilla parks (Virunga Lodge in Rwanda, Bwindi Lodge and Mount Gahinga Lodge in Uganda) and 2 lodges focused on the chimpanzees (Kyambura Gorge Lodge and Kibale Lodge in Uganda) - each lodge is delicately balanced with what the local cuisines, cultures and traditions are, with what is palatable to an international guest.
[45:30] With 98% of our DNA identical to that of gorillas, we have a duty to ensure their survival alongside ours.
Notable Mentions
First gorilla sighting by German, Robert von Beringe in 1902
Creation of the national park in 1925 inspired by American, Carl Akeley
Research by biologist, George Schaller
Primatologists and conservationists, Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall
Conservation Through Public Health
Adventure Travel Trade Association
