The Long Run

Our Long Run properties

Get an authentic outback experience at this luxury bush retreat, sitting in 60,000 acres of private wildlife conservancy in Flinders Range and shared with only nine other guests. Arkaba offers one of Australia’s most exclusive getaways, with uninhibited access to some of the country’s most spectacular wildlife and scenery from wandering wallabies, kangaroos and emus to ancient landscapes. The homestead is recognised as one of the country’s most beautiful outback properties, sensitively designed to pay tribute to its pioneer history as a former sheep station. And with limited to no phone access it offers a rare opportunity to truly switch-off and completely immerse in this quintessential Australian environment. Each of the homestead’s five bedrooms capture the property’s heritage with rural décor while offering all the creature comforts, in a large and luxurious space. All have outdoor verandahs equipped with lounging chairs so you can sit and soak up the expansive vistas. Dedicated to conservation, Arkaba gives its guests the unique opportunity to really experience the outback, with guests able to help out with the many conservation projects, go on guided walks, open-top safaris or even scenic flights.

Positive Impact

Borana Lodge

Perched majestically overlooking a serene lake, Borana Lodge offers a front-row seat to nature’s grand spectacle. Here, elephants and buffalos gather in abundance, drawn to the shimmering waters, while Mount Kenya stands sentinel in the distance. Across the plains of the Borana Conservancy, large packs of wild dogs roam freely, along with the stealthy presence of leopards, lions and cheetahs. Owned by the Dyer family for three generations, Borana Lodge pulsates with a palpable passion for conservation. Every corner of this retreat whispers tales of their dedication to preserving the wilderness they call home. Eight rustic cottages, each a haven of tranquility, offer unparalleled views of the Laikipia wilderness and the tranquil dam below. As dusk descends and the chill of the African night sets in, gather around a crackling fire, serenaded by the symphony of the bush, and let the magic of the wild weave its spell. In the heart of the lodge, an infinity pool beckons, inviting guests to surrender to the rhythm of the savannah.

Positive Impact

Caiman Lodge

Rising from the Pantanal – Brazil’s enormous wetland, Casa Caiman beckons guests to discover a land of immense biodiversity. This former farmhouse has been renovated into 18 suites. A short distance away from Casa Caiman lies Baiazinha, a separate lodge with six bedrooms, operating as a private villa.

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is located within a beautiful community-owned concession close to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and the Kenyan border, a timeless setting with incredible views over the game covered plains that surround it. Adding an extra layer to this camp is the fact that is closely involved with local community and conservation efforts, meaning that your stay is benefitting many. The camp itself, colonial in style with dark woods, swathes of canvas and antique pieces, is made up of ten tents, spaced out to ensure privacy. Of the ten, four are family suites with their own living rooms and fireplaces and there also a unique honeymoon suite. All have en-suite showers and safari baths and showers can be set up in the savannah for unforgettable ablutions. Two main mess tents sit at the heart of Cottar’s with areas for fine dining, drinking, reading and relaxing. There’s also a swimming pool and spa. The Cottar family have decades of experience here and they count the highest number of Gold (the highest professional level) Safari Guides within one camp in Kenya, each chosen for their unique skillset and personalities, meaning a safari here, whether on foot or game drives, is always a fantastic. Cultural interaction with the local Maasai community, with whom the Cottars have worked in partnership with for years, is authentic and not at all touristy. The award-winning camp also has some of the highest ecotourism ratings going.

EcoCamp Patagonia

Experience the outdoor feel of camping in this beautiful area of Torres del Paine, whilst spending your nights in the geodisic domes of EcoCamp Patagonia. Inspired by the traditional constructions of the native Kawesqar people, these domes allow plenty of light and space during your stay.

Positive Impact

Grootbos Private Reserve

Perched majestically on the headland between two stunning bays, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve spans an impressive 2,500 hectares at the very heart of the world's premier whale-watching destination.

House in the Wild

House in the Wild is a unique family owned seven-room luxury boutique eco-lodge on the banks of the Mara River on the Naretoi Sanctuary in the Enonkishu Conservancy.

Kicheche Mara Camp

Nestled in the scenic Acacia Valley of Mara North Conservancy, Kicheche Mara Camp offers guests luxury as well as great game viewing opportunities. The classic tented camp overlooks the Olare Orok stream and features just eight comfortably-furnished tents, making for a peaceful getaway. The tents are all insect-proof and have en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets, hot safari showers and low-wattage lighting. Between game drives, relax in the spacious lounge tent where you can catch up on your fellow guests’ adventures and make use of a collection of reference books or enjoy a board game or two. Meals are served outdoors under the acacia trees, under the stars or in the dining tent. Being set in a prime wildlife area, game viewing often starts right from the camp itself. Start the day with an early morning drive at sunrise, followed by a leisurely breakfast, then head out again in the late afternoon. Other activities include visits to local Maasai villages and escorted nature walks

Positive Impact

Lapa Rios

Located in one of the most diverse primary rainforests in the world, the Corcovado National Park, this ethically-responsible hotel does all it can to blend inconspicuously into its delicate surroundings and to create as little disturbance to the environment as possible. Guests enjoy exceptional intimacy with nature in authentic comfort.

Misool Eco Resort

This private island resort, hidden deep within a pristine archipelago of jungle-covered, uninhabited islands, is 20km by boat from the nearest village. Given its remote location and delicate natural surroundings, this tropical hideaway, home to white sandy beaches and 300,000 acres of coral reefs, created the Misool Private Marine Reserve to protect its precious marine life in 2005. The eco-mindset carries on into the luxurious accommodation, constructed entirely out of reclaimed tropical hardwoods. Eight overwater cottages are built on stilts over the north lagoon, just steps away from the dive centre and restaurant. In the same area, there’re four slightly larger villas. On the powder-white beach on the other side of the island, you’ll find seven villas, overlooking a blue swimming hole. All the rooms feature Balinese-style open-air bathrooms, air-conditioning and handcrafted furniture. A maximum of 40 guests can stay at Misool Eco Resort at any one time, and with three staff to every guest, you can be assured of exclusivity and excellent service. A stay here not only directly supports numerous conservation initiatives but also provides sustainable employment opportunities to the local people. Diving and snorkelling on the reef are perhaps the most rewarding activities here, and the dive centre is truly world-class. You can also swim with stingless jellyfish in a marine lake, discover the island’s flora and fauna, spend the afternoon on your very own beach, visit a local fishing village, see 5000-year-old petroglyphs on Misool Island, take a traditional Indonesian cooking class or explore the archipelago on stand-up paddleboards.

Positive Impact

Pacuare Lodge

It could be Pacaure's remote setting in 740 acres of primary rainforest or its luxury cabins emerging from the thick milieu of foliage that makes this a great place to stay: but the combination is what transforms it into a truly unique one.

Positive Impact

Sasaab Lodge

Located on the edge of the Ewaso River in a pristine wilderness within the Westgate Community Conservancy, the lodge boasts some fantastic views and is perfectly located to give you some amazing game sightings. If you want to get involved in activities, there is a huge variety of things to get involved with but otherwise, ‘Spa Saab’ will look after you in calming treatment rooms and it even offers yoga. What’s more, Sasaab is involved in many projects with the local Samburu tribe and runs many sustainability initiatives. Each of the nine distinctive open-walled rooms are furnished with a Moroccan flair with simple but elegant trimmings. They are extremely spacious (over 100sqm each) with west facing verandas and their own private plunge pools overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. You’re higher up and closer to the Sahara here, so it can get very warm, but the lodge has been built to provide respite from the heat. The open tented rooms are airy and your plunge pool is just a short stroll from your bed. The family unit is ideal for two couples travelling together as well as families. This luxurious suite is spacious, featuring one en-suite double room and one en-suite twin room with a communal lounge and private plunge pool. The main dining area is reminiscent of a souk and is great for a lazy afternoon watching the game frequent the river below. The lodge has a strong relationship with the hundreds of families that live on and own the conservancy and they are very proud to give guests to the lodge a special insight into their daily lives. These cultural experiences are non intrusive and if you’re lucky, they might even invite you to see a genuine traditional ceremony in the village. Trips to the local Samburu markets take place twice a week and are not to be missed.

Six Senses Laamu

An inter-island flight from Malé Airport and a short boat ride takes you to this tropical playground, and with 97 beach and water villas, Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll. Sustainability is central to this eco-conscious resort’s operations, and several programmes are implemented to uplift the local community and protect the surrounding ecosystems. The villas have been tastefully constructed using sustainable materials and all have large private balconies with sun loungers, so you never have to leave the comfort of your island home. The villas also encompass a private outdoor shower and an upper deck for romantic sunset dinners. Various dining tastes are taken care of on this privately-owned island, with local and international cuisines on offer in an array of settings, including inventive meals at an eatery perched above the garden, Japanese favourites at a live kitchen station, overlooking the sea and 40 flavours of ice-cream in an alfresco parlour. Many of the dishes are created using organic ingredients grown in the island’s gardens, recycling practices are carried out and single-use plastic is banned. The waters surrounding the Laamu Atoll are wonderful for diving, with schools of tropical fish and colourful coral waiting beneath the surface. There’s an on-site Marine Team at this resort that seek to educate guests about the importance of protecting the marine environment. As well as the wealth of water sports on offer, other activities such as movie screenings in the jungle, deluxe spa treatments, sunset dhoni cruises, sand dune dining and yoga and aerobics classes are available.

Sundy Praia

Located on the wild northwest tip of the island of Príncipe, Sundy Praia allows guests to fully immerse themselves in their tropical surroundings. This is a place where the chatter of parrots, the swaying of trees and the lapping of the ocean provide the soundtrack, and your senses are ignited by the tastes and smells of the forest. Everything here is based around keeping it local, from the staff to the products in the rooms, and the ingredients used at the restaurant.

The Hide Safari Camp

The Hide Safari Camp was set up in 1992 by the Preston family out of their passion for nature and the beauty of Hwangwe National Park. The area, now a private concession on the park’s eastern edge, was once the royal hunting ground of Ndebele kings and is famous for its abundant and diverse wildlife. Today, this camp has established and partnered with foundations to protect the wildlife and benefit the local community. The Hide’s main camp has ten tents, two of which are slightly larger than the others. Each tent is mosquito-proof and has an en-suite bathroom, a fan for your comfort in summer and extra warm blankets and hot water bottles for the cool winter months. There’s also Tom’s Little Hide, a secluded three-bedroom cottage with awesome views of the waterhole that’s best suited for up to six adults and four children. For an unforgettable night, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is a sleep-out experience for those who are a little more adventurous. The hub of the camp is the ‘A-frame’ which houses the dining room, a downstairs sun lounge and a large comfortable lounge area upstairs. There’s also a plunge pool near the main lounge and dining room, and a tunnel leading to a wine cellar and hide. During a stay here you can expect to see herds of elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard and African wild dog, as well as some of the four hundred bird species, which you can spot on game drives and walking safaris. There’s a waterhole just metres away from the tents, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife and can be viewed from your personal veranda or the hide. Other activities include visits to community projects and conservation initiatives.

Wolwedans Private Camp

Exclusive to only four guests, Private Camp is a real getaway for friends, family or honeymooners who are after a real slice of solitude and service. The villa has three spacious en-suite bedrooms, a sala, various decks, a central lounge, study, living room, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. Roll up the canvased walls to reveal stunning views across the expansive desert. Delightful food and provisions are supplied or guests can opt for a private chef. Deep in the spectacular Namib Desert, Private Camp is a large, comfortable wooden villa offering the ultimate in privacy. Antique furniture, old leather-bound books and lounging sofas create a welcoming and contemporary oasis in this wild landscape. Designed for those who seek solitude and peace, you can relax in silence and take in the ever-changing colours of the desert. There is no swimming pool at the camp but a driver can be arranged to drive 20 to 30 minutes to use the one at Dunes Lodge. There are a number of guided activities (only for guests at this camp) to choose from to make the most of this spectacular region.

How is The Long Run working to create a positive impact through tourism globally?

We are at a time where it is not enough to try and mitigate our negative footprint, we have to
strive for net positive impact. Business, especially tourism, has the potential to drive positive
change.

To do this, The Long Run brings together a global community of like-minded, passionate and
innovative individuals committed to conserving nature and improving people’s lives through
their tourism businesses. The Long Run’s vision is of a world where business, nature and people
harmoniously work together for a sustainable future. Their goal is for ecosystems around the
world to be conserved for the benefit of all through a holistic approach to sustainability.

The Long Run showcases inspiring practices to help the movement grow, supports their members on their sustainability journeys, and shares stories that demonstrate what can be done when we collaborate and commit. We believe in the power of collaboration to create scalable impacts by changing attitudes. Collectively The Long community helps protect 21-million acres of nature, and touches the lives of 750,000 people.

Positive impact trips

Community and Conservation in Costa Rica

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Ten nights in Costa Rica's most pioneering and inspiring ecolodges

Faces of Africa: An Epic Journey

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Explore Africa's most exhilarating wildlife destinations - Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa

Community and Conservation in Kenya

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A sustainable safari to Samburu, Chyulu Hills and Mara Conservancies

What is the 4Cs approach, and how is it being put into practice by The Long Run's members?

The 4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce) framework provides a concrete
way to take a 360-degree view of business and enables businesses to embed positive impact at the heart of their operations.

Members articulate their vision and goals around the 4Cs, which form the basis of their
strategic plans and guide their future work. The 4Cs are also the pillars that
the Global Ecosphere Retreats standard is based on — The Long Run’s standard requirement which all destination members must eventually comply with. It is one of the leading
standards in sustainable tourism, and is a significant milestone in a members’ journey.

From the traveller perspective, the 4Cs help to provide unique and transformational
experiences through connections with people, meaningful insights into nature and cultures and fostering a mutual respect for a destination. By using the 4Cs as a grid, travellers can identify a business’ genuine commitment to nature and people.

How can individual travellers support The Long Run's vision and mission?

There are two main ways that individual travellers can help to support The Long Run’s work:

1) Stay at a Long Run property

We believe that travel experiences should have a positive impact on the places and people
that inspire us to explore the world. Long Run members are positive impact pioneers. They pour
all of their time and resources into protecting nature, securing a future for wildlife, celebrating
cultures and improving community well-being. By staying at a Long Run property, your
journey will directly improve livelihoods, support the celebration of cultural diversity and
ensure the environmental conservation of our planet.

2) Support The Long Run as an organisation

There are numerous opportunities to support The Long Run through donations. Long Run
members are some of the world’s most inspiring and aspirational conservation pioneers and
travel destinations. If more businesses invested in nature and people, the world would be a
better place. Travellers can help to shine a light on the positive impact heroes at The Long Run and help spread the word about travel that has a positive impact.

The Long Run

Our Long Run properties

How is The Long Run working to create a positive impact through tourism globally?

Positive impact trips

What is the 4Cs approach, and how is it being put into practice by The Long Run's members?

How can individual travellers support The Long Run's vision and mission?

Read more about how you can have a positive impact through travel