Introduction At Makini, we pride ourselves on offering our guests an immersion in the shrub-forest ecosystem of southern Sri Lanka, but the truest, deepest immersion belongs to our team of staff. During her internship, Viola Görtz, a dedicated volunteer from Germany, had a unique opportunity to live and work behind the scenes, far from the relaxing luxury of our guest chalets. For weeks, Viola traded a traditional visitor experience for the genuine rhythm of life on the property: sharing meals, perspectives, and daily routines with our remarkable Makini staff. The following article is her authentic reflection - an intimate look into local staff culture and the unique ecological experience she gained, giving her a privileged perspective that few visitors get to witness. It’s an honest, personal account of life at the core of our camp, and a testament to the community that truly makes Makini run. Winding Pathways through Leafy Growths at Makini An Authentic Account When I decid...
At Makini Bush Camp, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond conservation – it reaches the heart of the community. We are thrilled to have formalised a unique educational partnership with Detagamuwa Junior School in Kataragama, aiming to empower the next generation. The Spark of a Shared Vision The idea for a dedicated school project began with a fundamental belief: that a venture thrives when it gives back to the community in which it operates. With the resources available to Makini – from global connections to our local team expertise – we envisioned coming together to share resources to empower children and to support their education. This was quickly solidified during an initial discussion with the school's leadership, Principal Ms. Shyamali Abeysooriya. She articulated a powerful vision for her students: to see them come out of their shells and become confident English speakers. She explained how a pervasive fear of speaking English often holds back individuals in the ...