Tourism has its positive impacts. It boosts the economy of developing nations, and it, of course, improves the lives of tourists. However, tourism also has its drawbacks. It negatively affects the environment and local communities. Pollution and habitat loss are serious problems for tourist-dependent countries.
According to the World Tourist Organisation, for every $100 spent, only $5 benefits the destination. So the more tourists there are, the more these problems get worse.
In a post-COVID-19 world where the tourist sector is slowly recovering, it's important that we turn to sustainable travel in order to help preserve the environment and ensure that our children can also experience the joy of going on a safari.
This article will give you tips to help you get started on your journey to eco-friendly tourism.
How To Travel Sustainably
Here's a non-exhaustive list of what you can do to have a lighter carbon footprint.
Travel Responsibly
Did you know that tourism and travel cause 8% of the world's carbon emissions? Air travel, cars, cruise ships, and more make up the largest part of the carbon footprint. Since some modes of transportation are cleaner than others, the way you choose to travel is important. Our suggestion: travel like a local.
In East Africa, locals rely on public transportation to get around. They use buses, trains, tuk-tuks, and the famous matatus to travel around their country. The fare is cheap and you will find that you can reach most parts of East Africa with relative ease.
So, instead of chartering a small plane to get from Nairobi to Samburu, you can travel by bus or train. Of course, while on safari you will need vehicles made to run on dirt roads, but while staying inside urban areas, you can sit inside the matatu and admire the iconic artwork on the exterior.
Travel slowly if you can. Instead of rushing from one place to another, opt for a longer African holiday. Stay in one area longer by exploring it more thoroughly. This cuts down your total travel time.
Pack Lightly
Packing for a safari can be such a hassle. It's always a headache trying to decide what to bring and what to leave behind, which is why we provide a guideline for travellers. The most important thing is to make sure that you do not overpack. The heavier the luggage, the more fuel it will take to transport it.
According to one airline, reducing luggage by half a kilo will save 53,000 litres of fuel every year. Keep in mind the same goes for all modes of transport. Imagine the impact we could have if we all packed efficiently every time we travelled.
I know what you're thinking, "So what exactly should I bring with me?"
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Official documents - get your papers in order before you even think about the rest of your luggage. We're packing lightly and responsibly.
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Toiletries - make sure to include biodegradable and reusable products.
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At most, six short and long sleeve shirts
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At most, three pairs of trousers
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One swimming costume
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One jacket/windbreaker
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Hiking trainers (if you’ll be walking a lot).
You can find the rest of our packing guide here.
Reduce Waste
Since 1960, about 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced, and only 9% of plastic has been recycled. According to a study, adventure travellers use almost 30,000 single-use plastic water bottles annually. That's not even getting into all the other single-use plastic products.
As a result of the pandemic, single-use plastics are everywhere, from disposable gloves to grocery bags. We have to be more vigilant as many developing countries lack sufficient waste management.
Here are some suggestions:
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Bring a reusable water bottle
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Dine in restaurants instead of getting takeout
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Bring your own reusable utensils and containers
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eat locally
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Bring biodegradable products with you, like biodegradable toothbrushes, soaps, and other toiletries
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Pack a tote bag for souvenirs - that way, you don't need to wrap the souvenirs in plastic wraps
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Recycle the plastics you already have
Energy And Water Use
Typically tourists use more water and energy than local residents. This is because tourists have more disposable income than locals do. Tourist destinations often struggle to keep up with the energy and water demands. So while it's understandable to take a long bath to clean the day's fun but tiring excitement away, take a shower instead—as short a shower as you can.
Turn off the lights and all electronics when not in use. If you're staying in a hotel with AC, turn it off when you leave.
Turn off the taps when you're done. If you're inclined, you can also handwash your own laundry instead of using the hotel or lodge's laundry services. You'll be surprised to see how much of an impact all of this can have.
Eco-Friendly Shopping
When you go on a trip, it's only natural to buy souvenirs. So here's how you can do that and lower your carbon footprint at the same time:
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Buy local - supermarkets and stores outside of tourist destinations are more likely to sell cheap imported goods. Your best option for getting authentic souvenirs, besides buying from tourist destinations, is to go directly to the source. For example, if you love colourful kazuri beads, buy them from a Maasai person.
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Use a reusable bag - bring a tote bag with you for all your shopping.
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Avoid using wrapping paper on your gifts
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Instead of buying western clothes, turn to local fashion - African clothes are brightly coloured and wonderfully made.
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Ask questions - don't be afraid to ask owners about how their products are produced and how their workers are treated.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Partner with businesses that put in the effort to be more sustainable and support local communities. Not only will this help make your trip eco-friendly, but it will also influence the tourism industry. While many businesses are making the decision to become more eco-friendly, there are still some holdouts. By picking eco-friendly hotels, lodges, and campsites for your holiday, you're sending a message that if a company wants your business, it should go green.
Do your research before booking any trip, and don't forget to ask questions about the conservation and waste management practices used by the company.
At Africa Marvel Tours, we’re committed to responsible tourism as we aspire to deliver the best possible African safari experience. We favour low-impact tourism and small-scale alternatives to mass tourism. Additionally, we give back to the people who work, safeguard, or live around the destinations we visit. For every safari booked with us, 10% goes towards supporting community-based organizations, eco-tourism non-profits, and tree planting.
Sustainable travel may seem complicated at first, but it's all a matter of taking things slowly and doing research beforehand. Do your part to help protect the planet by packing lightly, bringing reusable products with you, using eco-friendly accommodations, and conserving water and energy during your stay.
Do you care about the planet and want to leave it a better place even as you enjoy your global adventures? Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip with us today, and we’ll help you travel sustainably!