Choosing an ethical safari is like selecting a pair of shoes for your grand adventure; you want them to be comfortable, but they should also look good and, importantly, make sure they don't squash any innocent bugs along the way. As someone who once accidentally ended up on a "safari" that felt more like an intrusive paparazzi tour for lions, I can tell you that making the right choice not only enhances your experience but also ensures you're being a responsible traveler.
In 2024, traveling is not just about seeing new places; it's about the stories we tell and the positive impact we leave behind. The term ethical safari might sound like one of those buzzwords you’d hear in a TED Talk, but trust me, it’s more than just a trend. It embodies respect for wildlife, local cultures, and sustainability. Let’s dive into how to spot an ethical safari from miles away, like spotting a giraffe's head popping up over the savannah.
Firstly, an ethical safari puts the welfare of animals front and center. You won't find any sketchy practices like luring big cats with food or forcing elephants to give rides. Speaking of rides, if you're keen on safaris in Africa, be sure to check out our section on sustainable interactions with wildlife. Here, we highlight what to avoid and endorse wildlife encounters where animals live freely and without human-induced stress.
Interestingly, an ethical safari also prioritizes the local community. Think of it as paying it forward with a dash of local culture sauce. By choosing operators that employ local guides and invest in community projects, you're giving back to the places - and faces - that make your journey memorable.
It doesn't just stop there. In this era of climate change and environmental havoc, eco-friendliness is the new black. Keeping our carbon footprint in check is as crucial as charging our phones before a long trip. Opting for operations that use electric vehicles, practice recycling, or limit plastic waste can tip your scale toward being an eco-warrior. For those curious about eco-friendly practices, I’ve highlighted must-read tips in choosing eco-friendly accommodation.
When it comes to choosing the right operator, transparency is your best friend. Trustworthy operations proudly display their conservation efforts, certifications, and partnerships with non-governmental organizations. It's like the badge of honor for travel companies, except way cooler than any scouting badge you earned back in school.
So before you book that grand adventure, remember: choosing an ethical safari isn't just a decision—it's a commitment to being a responsible traveler who leaves footprints of joy instead of destruction.
1. Look for a Small Company
While you shouldn't rule out larger companies, choosing a small company can ensure that your safari is conducted in an ethical fashion. Such small operations are often run by people who have a strong knowledge of the wildlife and country they cover. Whoever you choose, the key is to do your research, and ask plenty of questions. For example, what do they do for the local community? Do they employ local people? What do they do to protect the environment and its wildlife? Have they visited the lodges and campsites?
2. Low-impact Camps
Safari camps don't always mean roughing it; some can be quite luxurious. But whatever the style of your camp, pick one that makes every effort to cause minimal impact on its surroundings. These could include such methods as using solar power, and turning waste food into fuel.
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3. Conservation Efforts
Investigate what the company and the camps do to preserve the environment and its animals. Do they take active steps to improve animal numbers and protect the environment? Do they maintain a respectful distance from the animals and avoid direct contact with them?
4. Give Companies a Wide Berth if They Offer Direct Contact with Animals
The only way you should view animals is at a safe and respectful distance. Avoid any company that promotes contact with animals (they are often drugged to keep them docile, or may be subjected to inhumane training methods), unless it is a genuine sanctuary that always places the welfare of the animals first.
5. Community
What does the camp do for the local community? Do they employ local guides and cooks? Some camps are ownedby local communities, while others offer sponsorship programmes or a community levy that puts money directly in the pockets of local people.
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6. Meeting Local People
Tourism can often have a negative impact on the local people as well, and it's important to remember that. Look for a company that makes an effort to introduce you to local people, so that you can learn about their lives, culture and the environment they live in.
7. Owner-run Companies
If you choose an owner-run company, you are more likely to be sure of dealing with people who are committed to the area they run tours in, and who have a strong knowledge of the environment and its animals. They may also go to greater efforts to work with local people and ensure that they benefit from tourism.
8. Check Lists of Good/bad Companies
Anyone can call themselves a sanctuary, and appearing to be involved in wildlife conservation does not always make a company an ethical one. Indeed, there are many tour operator who engage in dubious practices such as breeding for hunting, or allowing interaction with predators that should be kept at a safe distance. Check out lists such as this one, which will provide you with a basis for doing your research into how ethical a company is.
9. Choose Your Accommodation Carefully
A hotel may be more comfortable, but it will not give you an authentic experience and will have a greater impact on the environment. Choose a safari that provides accommodation in tents or lodges.
10. Read the Ethical Traveller
The EthicalTraveller offers many articles on sustainable and low-impact tourism. Although most are about tourism in other countries, there are some on safaris, and the advice in other articles may still be applicable.
11. Look for an Area That Has Low Visitor Numbers
In many areas, visitor numbers have grown to such a rate that they have a major impact on the environment. Look for a safari that keeps numbers low and makes efforts to restrict the impact on the animals and the environment.
12. Behave Responsibly
It's easy to get over-excited by the amazing wildlife you see on safari, but it cannot be emphasised enough that you must always behave in a responsible manner and always follow the instructions of your guide. Many tourists have sustained injuries that were entirely avoidable and their own fault, so listen to those who know best and respect that you are in the animals' territory.
