Questions and Answers
DO GUESTS RIDE THE ELEPHANTS?
No. These elephants are ridden by their mahouts only. Prior to the logging ban these elephants lived lives of immense physical stress. Growing up in the timber industry is very hard work for an elephant-as well as dangerous. Same for the mahout. With the logging ban came respite from the timber industry for thousands of elephants and their mahouts but almost immediately the challenge of earning a living become acute. Our efforts are yielding tangible results. Today the elephants we work with and their mahouts have solid seasonal income through tourism that does not stress the animal and does not expose either elephant or mahout to any of the dangers they faced while logging. Our hope is that this kind of conservation-focused tourism will be replicated across the region.
WHEN ARE THE CAMPS OPEN?
Our KnoWhere Myanmar journeys run during the dry winter season (from November through March) when the skies are clear, evenings are cool and mosquitos virtually non-existent.
ARE THE CAMPS EXCLUSIVE USE?
Yes. We don’t mix client groups. We can accommodate a minimum of six to a maximum of 12 guests (based on two people sharing twin-bed accommodation).
WHO HOSTS THE GUESTS?
All guests are hosted by our Group Expedition Leader, Aung Myo Chit. His knowledge forms a critical part of the experience, which you will encounter informally all day long, then in a focused environment with KnoWhere’s ‘fireside chats’: topics related to Burmese ecology, as well as on the history and culture of Myanmar. See more about Aung Myo Chit
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN BY STAFF?
English is the main language. Our Group Expedition Leaders also speak Mandarin, Burmese and Tibetan.
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
Yes, aged 12 and up. Younger children are permitted at the guest’s discretion, with an awareness of the nature of the physical nature of the trip and the remote territory.
DO YOU HAVE WIFI?
No, but cell phone coverage is comprehensive. We can arrange for local SIM cards with prior notice.
ARE VISAS AND PERMITS REQUIRED?
Yes. You are responsible for your own visas to Myanmar. KnoWhere Myanmar arranges the permits for the forest areas, which require one-month advance notice.
DO YOU HAVE MEDICAL SUPPORT?
All staff are trained in basic first aid, some to an advanced level. Defibrillators are available at both camps. Hospital attention is within an hour’s drive of both camps. Please do note, however, that this is Northern Myanmar. All clients therefore have to have full medical and evacuation insurance before travelling with us.
WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?
Bathrooms at our Village Camp comprise simple portable flush toilets (adjacent to rooms), and hot water ‘standing’ clay baths with showers overhead. Bathrooms at our tented Valley Camp comprise ensuite loos on each tented deck. A larger private shower/bath and restroom facility sits discreetly within the camp.
ANY OTHER SERVICES?
We provide a basic laundry service (for a small additional charge). Premium wines and spirits can be brought in with advance notice. Shower soap and shampoo is provided to minimize the use of damaging sulphates from entering this ecosystem.