As environmental concerns, climate change and loss of biodiversity continue to increase, it’s very important for the various tourism stakeholders to adopt eco-friendly practices. In line with this, the style of traveling to Africa for safari is for travelers to have low impact holidays and visit eco –tourism destinations that prioritize environmental, wildlife conservation and community development.
Eastern Africa top destinations like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda attract many tourists for wildlife viewing safaris and offer many adventure and cultural activities. Thus by choosing to go on safari to these places, make it a priority to travel responsibly with tips for an eco-friendly safari.
Choose eco-friendly accommodations that give back to the community
As a first step to travelling Africa responsibly, choose an eco-friendly lodge or hotel. This means that travelers need to research about the accommodations. Try to find out a hotel’s operational practices such as use of solar energy, water saving measures, waste disposal and recycling, use of locally sourced food, support of local initiatives that give back to local communities among others. as African safari goers, look far beyond than having comfortable bed, free Wi-Fi or well stocked bar, a lodge should have at least be taking steps to ensure environmental conservation and community development.
Visit local cultural attractions and support local community based tourism organizations
Africa is the most culturally diverse continent on planet. East African destinations in particular like Uganda are home to over 64 indigenous tribes each with its culture, traditions, and customs. These are some of the friendly and welcoming people on earth. Thus it’s important to learn about the local culture so that you respect local cultural norms.
If you plan to have a wildlife safari filled with game drives, make sure to add cultural tours. A village visit for example gives tourists a chance to meet and interact with indigenous tribes such as Masai in Kenya, Karimajong and hunter gatherer BaTwa pygmies in Uganda. Tourism helps local communities improve their well-being through various projects like education, health, sell of crafts and arts among others. Thus by visiting local attractions, or participating in cultural activities it’s one of the ways money flows direct to the locals which makes a huge impact on them as much as the cultural experience is authentic and memorable to you.
Some local community based projects focus on conservation while others look towards addressing local issues such as food security, orphanage education, poverty, water development among others. For those who love to give or donate, these are the right kind of charities that deserve your contribution.
Minimize your carbon foot print
Carbon foot print is explained as the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities of a particular person, organization and community. There are many ways to reduce carbon foot print as a travel visiting Africa for safari. Don’t bring plastic or polythene bags to Africa. Instead, pack your luggage in eco-friendly and recyclable bags. African destinations are faced with challenge of waste management especially in cities. Thus traveling responsibly is to make sure you don’t bring plastic related waste products overseas.
Visit destinations that are conserving endangered wildlife species
Protected areas in Africa provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Endangered species in particular such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, cheetahs and rhinos are threatened to their survival due to habitat loss, poaching and human diseases. Places where these animals live are protected habitats as national parks which provide amazing wildlife adventure experiences for tourists to enjoy. For instance gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda generate revenue that is used for conservation and protection of gorilla habitats which has led to increase of mountain gorilla population from 880 in 2010 to over 1000 in 2018. Gorilla tourism has not only led to protection of gorillas but rather it has created many opportunities for local development including job creation, development of accommodations, and community based tourism.
Buy locally made products
When shopping for souvenirs or crafts buy local products from local people so as to support the local economy. Buying local supports sustainability since the money directly benefits local producers and farmers. Consider a lodge that purchases food stuff from local farmers; this reduces food miles which means less carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere. Buying local craft products support and helps craft makers to stay doing business. This helps conserve wildlife since locals encroach less on wildlife habitats- the case of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
