Partners
We have a special bond with Africa and our secret weapon is our amazing partners. From dormant volcanoes to breathtaking hills, each of our partners has their own unique expertise and passion for their home port. Together we create unforgettable experiences and are committed to sustainable tourism that directly benefits local communities.
the beating heart of Charlie's Travels
As you must have heard somewhere, much of our team is based on African soil. We are on the ground and while we welcome everyone with open arms, one person is not welcome. Who that is? The middle man! Why? Because that guy just gobbles up money that could have gone directly to the locals! As residents of this beautiful continent, we can connect directly with our amazing partners and make sure the money ends up where it belongs.
Our partners are the beating heart of our organisation. They are the ones who drive you around, guide you and introduce you to their families and friends. We not only try to work together, we also build a real business with our partners. We give them training so they know what to expect, and we even help them register and finance their own business. That way, they are not just dependent on our customers, but can really do business sustainably.
Meet Daniel: Our partner in Mount Suswa
Meet Daniel! Our partner in Mount Suswa, a dormant volcano in the Great Rift Valley. Daniel is 23 years old and born and raised near Mount Suswa, where he lives with the rest of his Masai family. And that family is big: his father has three wives with as many as 10 children each. Cosy bunch there, then. Daniel is super happy to welcome you to his home and is thrilled to show you off-the-beaten-track Mount Suswa. Want to know more about Daniel? Then check out his video!
Meet Robert: Our partner in Loita Hills
Our partner Robert is a true Masai at heart and has lived in the Loita Hills all his life. According to him, there is no one who loves this place as much as he does, which is why he is also the ideal person to make your trip to the Loita Hills perfect. Robert has been our partner for several years now and intensely enjoys showing our travellers around and sharing his passion about this area. Find out more about Robert here!
Meet Habel: Our partner in Taita Hills
Meet Habel, the cheerful adventurer from the breathtaking Taita Hills. A proud Taita-Taveta tribesman, he crossed Charles' path during a spontaneous exploration into the unknown. Habel ensures our clients have a great time with his motorbike rides through the area, village walks, magical sundowners and unforgettable hike to Mount Vuria, the highest peak in the Taita Hills. Habel is married to a beautiful wife and father of a couple of amazing children. Like Mama Rose, he also offers homestays, giving you an authentic local experience. This charming and caring man goes out of his way to get you to the top of the mountain. He himself never tires of the enchanting sunsets and breathtaking views in this area. Feel free to ask him anything, he is always ready with a smile!
Meet Elisante: our partner in Materuni
Meet our partner, Elisante! A good-humoured Chaga man and true family hero. He breathes the soul of Materuni, which is world-famous for its beautiful Materuni waterfall. Elisante is incredibly hospitable, welcomes everyone with open arms and is a true entrepreneur. At his mother's home, you can enjoy a delicious local lunch and discover the secrets of authentic coffee making. Also not entirely unimportant to mention: Elisante makes a case for anyone who is eager to learn more about tourism - no matter how you are educated. Meeting Elisante equals a true Tanzanian immersion!
Meet Mama Baraka: Our partner in Mto wa Mbu
Mama Baraka is the very sweetest mum in Tanzania. She cares for everyone she meets and she will always try to help you. Because of Mama Baraka, our travellers have been very warmly welcomed into her family on several occasions. It is special to see how much she enjoys hosting clients of Charlie's and how much she has also grown in that time. In the beginning, it was really communicating with hands and feet and now you can have a good chat with her!
Meet Noah: Our partner in Crater Lakes
Meet Noah! Director of Uganda Crater Lakes Tours, based near Kibale National Park, his adventure as a guide began in his childhood. From enthusiastically greeting mzungus (people with light skin colour) to studying tourism and hotel management, he was all for it. Despite the bumps in the road, he remained determined to pursue his dream: In 2016, Uganda Crater Lakes Tours was born. With dedication and a hefty dose of innovation, he shot to great heights, winning awards like TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence. Today, his business is thriving, highlighting the beauty of Fort Portal.
The company employs local guides, servers, drivers and buys directly from farmers. Together with development partners, they are supporting 50 vulnerable children from January 2024, including orphans, disabled children and those cared for by parents with HIV. Definitely a commitment to a better community, then!
Our impact pillars
Ecological
Reduce the footprint of your holiday
- Take the train instead of the plane.
- Visit ecological accommodations.
- Use as little disposable plastic as possible.
Economical
Support and promote local initiatives
- Stay in small-scale and local accommodation.
- Eat in local restaurants
- Make use of local guides.
Social
Protect, show respect and learn to understand people
- Really get to know the locals.
- Avoid mass tourism.
- Be respectful of locals.