Exodus Adventure Travels, the internationally acclaimed adventure travel company, has been honored with Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Global Vision Award for its trailblazing efforts in responsible tourism, environmental conservation, and gender equity in adventure travel. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Exodus continues to redefine how travelers engage with the world, creating small-group adventures that empower local communities, support wildlife conservation, and preserve cultural heritage.

This recognition cements Exodus Adventure Travels’ status as a leader in responsible tourism, with initiatives that make a lasting impact, including its Mountain Lioness Scholarship Program and Citizen Science Departures. As a certified B Corporation (B Corp), Exodus upholds the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, ensuring its operations align with the Thriving Nature, Thriving People framework.

Transforming Adventure Tourism Through Social and Environmental Initiatives

At the core of Exodus’ responsible tourism philosophy are programs that enhance biodiversity conservation, promote gender inclusion, and empower local economies.

1. The Mountain Lioness Scholarship Program: Empowering Female Guides on Kilimanjaro

One of Exodus Adventure Travels’ most impactful initiatives is the Mountain Lioness Scholarship Program, designed to increase female representation in Tanzania’s male-dominated mountain guiding industry. The program:

Trains and certifies women as mountain guides on Mount Kilimanjaro
Provides First Aid, Wilderness Rescue, and Guiding Techniques training
Equips participants with a Guide License, allowing them to lead treks
Supports long-term career growth for women in adventure tourism

Since its launch in 2020, the program has seen 30 women graduate, with a commitment to training five new female guides annually for the next three years. This initiative honors the legacy of Lucia Kivoi, a pioneering female guide in Tanzania, who paved the way for women in the industry.

With Mountain Lioness guides leading all Exodus’ 2025 Kilimanjaro departures, travelers have the unique opportunity to engage with and support women breaking barriers in adventure travel.

2. Citizen Science Departures: Pioneering Conservation Travel Through eDNA Technology

Expanding its commitment to environmental sustainability, Exodus Adventure Travels has partnered with NatureMetrics and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to support biodiversity research through the eBioAtlas initiative.

Through Citizen Science Departures, travelers can:

Participate in scientific research while exploring the world’s most remote ecosystems
Collect eDNA samples that contribute to global biodiversity databases
Help map species distributions and support international conservation policies
Receive a personalized conservation report outlining their contributions

This first-of-its-kind program bridges adventure tourism with real-world conservation efforts, allowing travelers to make a tangible impact on species preservation worldwide.

A Milestone Recognition: Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Global Vision Awards

Each year, Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards honor trailblazing travel companies, destinations, and organizations that redefine responsible tourism. The 2025 award recipients, including Exodus Adventure Travels, represent industry leaders creating meaningful, sustainable travel experiences.

As a recipient of this prestigious award, Exodus Adventure Travels joins an elite list of travel companies making a tangible difference in climate action, cultural preservation, and local community empowerment. The full list of 2025 winners will be published in the April 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure and on its official website.

How Exodus Adventure Travels is Redefining Adventure Travel

With over 50 years of expertise in hiking, biking, wildlife, and cultural travel, Exodus Adventure Travels continues to lead with purpose. As a B Corp-certified company, it actively works towards:

Reducing the carbon footprint of travel
Empowering local communities through sustainable tourism
Creating gender-inclusive employment opportunities in adventure travel
Enhancing biodiversity conservation through scientific partnerships

Exploring the World with Purpose

For travelers seeking ethical and immersive experiences, Exodus offers over 500 small-group tours in 90 countries, designed for solo adventurers, couples, and private groups. With expert local guides leading the way, travelers can embark on:

Mount Kilimanjaro treks with Mountain Lioness guides
Citizen Science Departures to contribute to global conservation efforts
Hiking, biking, and wildlife adventures in remote, breathtaking destinations

Through these initiatives, Exodus Adventure Travels is reshaping the narrative of adventure tourism, proving that travel can be both extraordinary and impactful.

The Future of Responsible Travel

With its latest Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award, Exodus Adventure Travels reaffirms its commitment to making adventure tourism a force for good. By pioneering gender equity, conservation travel, and community-driven tourism, Exodus is setting a new standard for responsible travel in 2025 and beyond.