Draft:Gondwana Ecotours
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 Gondwana Ecotours logo | |
| Company type | Partnership |
|---|---|
| Industry | Ecotourism |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Jared Sternberg |
| Headquarters | 52165 Old E End Rd #1188, Fritz Creek, Homer, Alaska , US |
Area served | Global |
Key people |
|
| Products |
|
| Owner | Jared Sternberg |
Number of employees | 33 (2025) |
| Website | gondwanaecotours |
Gondwana Ecotours is an American ecotourism operator headquartered in Homer, Alaska.[1] Specializing in small‑group and private cultural and wildlife adventures,[2] the company emphasizes sustainability, carbon neutrality, and engagement with local communities and ecosystems.[3] Tours span all seven continents and include destinations such as the Amazon Rainforest, East Africa (with Maasai cultural experiences), Alaska’s wilderness, and the Northern Lights in Scandinavia.[4]
History
[edit]Gondwana Ecotours was established in Alaska in 2013 by tourism entrepreneur Jared Sternberg.[5] The company's name is derived from the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland. It initially focused on under-visited wildlife regions in South America and Africa, Gondwana Ecotours partnered with indigenous guides and local NGOs to offer immersive experiences.[6]
The company gained popularity with its Costa Rica wildlife tours which were featured in a Forbes roundup of fall travel adventures.[7][8]
Operations
[edit]Tour Categories
[edit]- Wildlife & Conservation – e.g., mountain gorilla treks in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo; grizzly‑bear encounters in Alaska.
- Cultural Immersion – Maasai village stays in Tanzania, Amazon‑region community visits.
- Polar & Arctic – Northern Lights tours in Scandinavia, Alaska photography expeditions.
- Custom & Private – Tailored itineraries for individuals and small groups worldwide.
Sustainable Practices
[edit]Gondwana follows a carbon‑neutral policy[9] and engages in partnerships to offset emissions. In collaboration with Cooler, the company calculates the carbon footprint of each tour, including transportation, accommodation, and activities, and purchases carbon pollution permits to offset emissions.[10]
The company supports local and sustainable businesses by partnering with locally owned lodges, hotels, and family-owned vendors. This approach brings economic benefits to local communities and promotes environmental practices.[2]
Gondwana Ecotours also donates a portion of its revenues to local nonprofits in the areas where it operates.[1] Beneficiaries have included the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center in Costa Rica[11] and Gorilla Doctors in Rwanda.[citation needed] Their itineraries include:
- Locally owned lodges and community‑run camps.
- Guides drawn from resident populations.
- Low‑impact transport (small vehicles, limited internal flights).
- Rigorous waste management and eco‑education components.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Daniel, Diane (15 December 2016). "To Protect the Land, Jared Sternberg Turned to Tourism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ a b Carroll, Kleigh (15 May 2025). "The 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies". CATALYST PLANET. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ All-inclusive (12 May 2025). "Gorillas in the Mist: NEW Rwanda Ecotour". All Inclusive (in Polish). Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Northern Lights Adventure". Alaska.org. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ Cross, Mary (16 February 2017). "Eco trip: Alumnus creates sustainable travel company | Tulane University News". Tulane University. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "New Orleans Startup Offers Sustainable Ecotours Worldwide". Silicon Bayou News. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ Potter, Everett (26 February 2025). "5 Amazing Fall Adventures To Escape The Summer Crowds". Forbes. Archived from the original on 1 March 2025. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "Gondwana Ecotours Unveils NEW Costa Rica Secluded Wildlife Adventure". Drift Travel Magazine. 24 December 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Carbon Neutral Tours Offsetting Footprints While Having Fun". Ecotourism World. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ Houlis, AnnaMarie (24 February 2022). "5 Tour Operators for Travelers Who Want to Travel Sustainably". TravelAge West. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Responsible Travel: Our Practices | Gondwana Ecotours". Gondwana Ecotours. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
External links
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