CAMBODIA
Hero Rat Sponsorship
In Cambodia, decades of conflict have left up to six million landmines still buried beneath the soil, a legacy that limits where families can farm, where children can walk to school, and where communities can rebuild. APOPO are leading the charge to clear these landmines, working alongside the Cambodian Mine Action Centre with the help of their incredible HEROrats: African giant pouched rats trained at APOPO's centre in Tanzania to safely sniff out explosives.
A HEROrat can clear 200 square metres in twenty minutes, work that would take a human deminer up to four days with a metal detector. Their light weight means they don't trigger the mines they're hunting, and they ignore the scrap metal that slows down conventional methods.
Your small change will
help save lives!
We've been part of the APOPO story for years. Our first sponsored HEROrat was Magawa, the most decorated landmine detection rat in history, awarded the PDSA Gold Medal in 2020 and honoured with a statue in Siem Reap after he passed away from old age. We then sponsored Ronin, the next Guinness World Record holder. Today we sponsor Imeldo, a young HEROrat continuing the work that Magawa and Ronin started. You can learn more here.
Our groups visit APOPO's Visitor Center in Siem Reap as part of their Cambodia tour, and all donations from the INTRO family go directly towards APOPO's work: supporting the rats' training, health and care, equipment for their handlers in the field, and ongoing demining operations.
You can make a donation below. 100% of your donation will go towards this great initiative!
THANK YOU!!!
S21 & KILLING FIELDS
A visit to the S21 Prison and Killing Fields offers a profound insight into Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge. Group members have the rare opportunity to meet survivors, hearing firsthand accounts of their experiences. These deeply personal encounters bring history to life, fostering a greater understanding of Cambodia’s resilience and the importance of remembering these events. This experience not only educates but also honours the survivors’ strength, ensuring that their voices continue to be heard.
Green Cathedral Clean-up
Kayaking through the serene waterways of the Green Cathedral offers more than just a scenic adventure - it’s an opportunity to protect the environment. During the paddle, group members are encouraged to collect any waste they encounter, placing it in a designated bucket carried by their group leader. Once back on land, the collected rubbish is sorted and responsibly disposed of by the local restaurant’s staff.
Since launching this initiative in 2022, we have worked closely with local authorities, contributing to the implementation of new laws against illegal dumping. Thanks to these efforts, pollution in the river has dramatically decreased, proving that small, collective actions can create lasting environmental change.
Floating Village Tour & School Visit
This immersive tour introduces group members to Cambodia’s floating villages, where life is intricately tied to the rhythms of the water. Led by a local guide, group members explore teachers’ homes, visit a village school, or meet with a local monk, gaining firsthand insight into the resilience of these communities. By highlighting the differences in education and lifestyle between East and West, the experience fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local way of life. We ensure that these interactions are respectful and meaningful, supporting the community through ethical and responsible tourism.
Local fruit tasting
A fruit tasting session is a simple yet impactful way to support local farmers and introduce group members to Cambodia’s unique agricultural heritage. During the dry season, guests sample a variety of fresh, locally grown fruits while learning about their significance in Cambodian culture and farming traditions. More than just a culinary experience, this activity connects travellers with the farmers who cultivate these crops, reinforcing the importance of sustainable agriculture. Every tasting directly benefits the local economy, making it a delicious and responsible way to engage with the community.
