Chakig Eco-Tourism Centre

Africa's Living Laboratory - Where Conservation Creates Prosperity

Paul Kolinako

Director, Chakig Eco-Tourism Centre

A Message From The Director

Chakig Eco-Tourism Centre: Africa's Living Laboratory

Dear Friends and Partners,

In 2003, we acquired 50 acres of pristine African forest in Mukono, Uganda, with a simple but radical vision: humans and nature can thrive together. Over two decades, that vision has grown from planting trees in bare spaces to building something extraordinary - a living demonstration that conservation creates prosperity, not sacrifice.

What We've Built

From those early days of reforestation, Chakig has evolved into a comprehensive conservation sanctuary featuring rescued animal habitats, eco-cottages for researchers and travelers, a medicinal plant garden, recreational spaces for team building, and educational facilities where theory meets practice in the wild.

Our Vision: Africa's Sustainable Future

Chakig is more than a sanctuary - it's hope, knowledge, and proof that another way is possible. We're creating:

🔬 A Research & Learning Hub

Equipped laboratories, field stations for PhD students, observation platforms, and interactive spaces where schools, universities, and communities discover conservation firsthand.

♻️ Zero-Waste Innovation

Every leaf, raindrop, and sunbeam serves life. Through biogas digesters, solar systems, rainwater harvesting (30,000+ liters), composting, greywater gardens, and plastic transformation, we prove waste is a myth and sustainability creates abundance.

🌍 Authentic Connection

Forest hideout cottages for writers and researchers, yoga retreats, camping grounds - spaces where conscious travelers, artists, and seekers reconnect with nature's rhythms while supporting real conservation.

🌱 Community Transformation

Local employment in green technologies, training in sustainable practices, preservation of traditional botanical knowledge - demonstrating that conservation brings opportunity and prosperity to communities.

The Work Ahead

We still have much to accomplish: completing our comprehensive security fencing to protect both wildlife and surrounding communities, expanding animal habitats, finishing infrastructure, and scaling our zero-waste systems. Each development respects and enhances our ecosystem while proving this model can transform conservation across Uganda and beyond.

Why Chakig Matters

This is not greenwashing or eco-tourism theater. This is 100% non-profit conservation where every contribution protects wildlife, supports research, empowers communities, and creates a replicable model for Africa's sustainable future.

"The world doesn't need more talk about conservation. The world needs Chakig - living it, teaching it, proving it works."

We invite researchers, learners, conscious travelers, and well-wishers to experience this vision, support its growth, and help us turn dreams into reality. Together, we're not just protecting forest - we're building legacy.