On May 28, 2008, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge” and would like to pass on this feedback for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of sustainable tourism innovators. We wish you continued luck with your sustainable, innovative, and socially impactful initiatives.

All the best, The Changemakers Team

“Even if this initiative is small, I like the concept; the museum idea is novel. However, it seems like the organization is really struggling. They have generator problems, communication problems, and we hope that they can find ways to persist throughout all of their difficulties. It may be an interesting idea to partner with a museum out of the country; a sister museum.”

-Changemakers Geotourism Judges: National Geographic Society, Past President the Ford Foundation, whl.travel - World Hotel Link, ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth.

My path crossed with Edirisa Travels, while I was volunteering at a nearby village in Uganda.

Edirisa was our contact in Africa, and prepared us for life in one of the most remote places I have ever travelled to.

I was met at the airport, then taken to Edirisa's Museum Hostel in Kabale, where the locals cook traditional dishes in the restaurant.

Edirisa then gave me their thorough initiation to life in Uganda, with a personal tour round the town and market by a knowledgeable local called Moses, who also gave me some basic Ugandan language lessons.

During my first free weekend from teaching English to primary school children, I decided to travel to Edirisa's 'Heart' on Lake Bunyonyi, where they organise many trips and tours around the lake and surrounding areas.

Around 25 Edirisa volunteers and staff live at the 'Heart', which is made up of many huts.

I was amazed at how the whole organisation lived in these huts in a commune, fitting into the local community perfectly.

As I swam into the lake, I turned around to see the odd big hotel randomly placed here and there, but Edirisa's 'Heart' moulded into the hillside perfectly, not spoiling the nature around one bit.

My favorite trip with Edirisa Travels was a tour of Kisiizi Falls which is about 90 minutes away from Kabale.

This an amazing waterfall that is hidden away and has very few visitors keeping it completely unspoiled conforming to the rest of Edirisa Travels ideals.

After checking with the duty nurse, my guide then took me for a very memorable tour inside the hospital built beside the falls.

Next on the agenda was a trip deep into a village where a white man is only ever been seen once or twice a year. Being stared at like I was fluorescent was something I will never forget.

Edirisa Travels not only offer the most unique trips I have ever imagined, but they fit into their surroundings making the most knowledgeable Eco Friendly organisation I have ever en-counted during my travels.

Dear Miha,
What a neat story- that you transformed a troubled museum into a hostel and living center. My big question is- why was the museum troubled?

Is the hostel actually in the museum?

Also, please describe a traveler's typical experience at the Museum Hostel. And please tell us more of your story- what brought you to the Edirisa and your background.

Many thanks, and best wishes.
Amy