Best practices for the conscious safari-goer
Responsible safari travelling can be achieved by applying established practices. These include minimising your ecological footprint, supporting local communities and contributing to wildlife conservation.
It’s no secret that many aspects of the travel industry aren’t the most responsible. From exploitative labor practices to unsustainable travel, it can be hard for the conscious tourist to enjoy themselves. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case! If you want to have the travel experience of a lifetime and make choices that help the environment and the local people where you’re traveling, read on to find out more about how Discover Africa follows sustainable tourism guidelines and ethical safari practices to give you the best possible experience, as well as learn some responsible travel tips.
Supporting local communities
Supporting local communities is one of the best ways to protect Africa’s vanishing wildlife. When locals have good employment opportunities, they are less likely to resort to poaching just to feed their families.
In countries like Botswana, where 34% of the total land area consists of wildlife management areas, game parks, and nature reserves, visiting tourists help support incredibly important conservation efforts. Their expenditure make it possible for these programs to run.
Wildlife conservation and responsible travel
If you want to understand the effect that responsible travel can have on wildlife conservation, look no further than Rwanda. Rwanda is an expensive country to tour, and this is intentional. Much of the high cost of visitation goes directly towards conservation efforts, including the protection of the critically endangered mountain gorilla. A single lodge, the community-owned Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge, generated nearly $3 million for gorilla conservation in just ten years.
Ethical wildlife interactions means keeping you at a distance and making sure that the wildlife stays wild. Close encounters may occur, especially with habituated wildlife or protected wildlife that can’t be released. One of the partner lodges is even located within a white rhino sanctuary! When encountering wildlife, you should always listen to the ranger or guide accompanying you, and never approach any animals on your own.
Minimising ecological footprint on safari
Concerned about your ecological footprint? Consider a walking safari or horseback safari! You can also request help to find eco-friendly hotels that feature sustainable energy and other low-impact technologies.
While touring, you can also do your best to minimise waste. Never leave anything in the bush– always pack your trash out with you, and carry extra bags so that you have something to put waste in. Bring reusable water bottles, eco-friendly sunscreen, and remember that you are not at a theme park. Nobody is going to clean up after you in the bush!
Cultural exchange during safaris
Africa isn’t just wildlife and sweeping vistas. It’s home to 54 countries, over 1,000 languages, and millions of people. There’s no one way to experience Africa, and if you don’t make space for cultural exchange, you’re missing out. Discover Africa works with local guides, lodges, and other industry partners to give you the best possible experience– and that includes getting to know local people. Approach your African safari with an open mind and be ready to learn about the different cultures and ways of life you will encounter.
As a South African-based company, Discover Africa has a network of high-quality travel contacts around the continent. Their eco-friendly safari adventures help bolster local economies and promote wildlife conservation wherever they operate. Contact them today to set up your dream safari!
