Nothing beats the experience of staying with locals and supporting their local communities. The WHL Group puts forward here five of its favourite community-based accommodation initiatives in Africa.

I had spent the week in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, visiting the lodges in the area. Whilst I was waiting for my flight back to Kampala, a group of enthusiastic children appeared on the airstrip. All of the children I have met in Uganda like to ball their hands into fists, shouting ‘bonga!’ when they greet you. As the plane was slightly delayed, we spent a happy hour taking photos with my camera… and lots of ‘bonga!’ poses!