How to Safari Responsibly

Written by: Humphrey N. Ndara, Local Expert

Embarking on an exciting African safari is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an adventure that will show you the wonders of Africa’s wilderness. A plethora of wildlife that roams the plains, drinks in the rivers, and hides in rocky outcrops and Acacia trees awaits you. 

Find beautiful lodges and camps that range from large, classic African designs to intimate tented luxury. Amenities and service levels are simply outstanding, no matter where you decide to enjoy your safari. 

All this attention to the land and its occupants can mean a heavy footprint when traversing the land and indulging in the spoils and wonders of your accommodation, which can all be avoided by knowing how to safari responsibly. Knowing how to behave when out on a game drive or nature walk is vital to the well-being of the animals, and armed with the do’s and don’ts when out on safari will enhance this extraordinary adventure.

Conservation Efforts of Lodges

Eco-friendly locations, lodges, and camps are the perfect way for safari-goers to enjoy an outstanding experience and feel confident that they can enjoy the spoils of the African bush without impacting the environment. Subtle touches like glass bottles for guests to use during their stay versus plastic bottles and the use of non-toxic cleaning products and recyclable material by staff and lodges can make a huge difference.

Solar-heating and the use of locally, organic foods can ensure that your carbon footprint is reduced, with absolutely no impact on the quality, exceptional service, and experience clients will have. Some camps may use a ‘bucket shower’ in the accommodation tents, a well-planned hot shower only a request away.

Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife is the key reason for embarking on an African safari and understanding the great efforts that many organizations and local communities go to to protect the wildlife of Africa, adds an extra level of appreciation for the animals you get to see on game drives and nature walks.

With a focus on wildlife conservation of animals such as rhinoceros, elephants, cheetahs, and chimpanzees, there are many ways visitors can assist in the continuous work these organizations and institutions kindly and successfully do. Donations are always appreciated, and travelers can pay a visit to locations in cities such as Nairobi and towns such as Hoedspruit, to join rhino poaching units on a walk on a reserve, early in the morning.

Safari Tourism and Personal Responsibility

Knowing how to safari responsibly when on an African safari can also pertain to general good behavior by safari-goers when out on a game drive or guided nature walk. Some 4×4 game vehicles are enclosed with pop-up roofs and others are completely open on all sides, somewhat exposing guests to elements of the wilderness and the animals that roam freely.

Your safari guide will always start the day with a small guideline of how to behave when you come across an animal sighting and during your time at that site. Sitting still and quiet is usually the rule of thumb. Understanding animal behavior is important and following the rules of the bush both ensures you safari responsibly and of course are there for your added safety, both out in the bush and back at your lodge or camp.

Some accommodations are unfenced, so animals are free to move around the camps and lodges during the night, and guests are usually walked back to their rooms. Ensuring you do not litter at any time will also keep the environment clean and safe for all wildlife.

Local Communities and Culture

Engaging with local communities can be both culturally enlightening and a wonderful way to give back to the tribes and neighborhoods around your safari destination. People living in the conservancies and villages often work in the lodges and camps near their homes, as well as provide lodges and camps with local produce proudly grown on their land. Engaging with them throughout your stay and paying a visit to their villages and homes, gives back incredibly and leaves guests with a true sense of purpose. 

Safari guides are well-trained and provide immense knowledge to their guests as well as to their families at the end of the day. Following your guide’s lead and adhering to cultural norms when visiting a community, will show your intention to honor traditions and show the utmost respect when stepping into their world. Maasai guides in East Africa have fascinating tales of their history and traditions to share with you whether in their environment or back at your lodge, often around a crackling evening fire.

Ready for your African Safari?

No matter where you choose to enjoy your African safari, our Natural World Kenya Safari destination specialists will ensure you are aware of how the reserves are sustained, what efforts are made to ensure an eco-friendly safari is possible, and how this is carried on and out in the many lodges and camps in the regions. Knowing how to safari responsibly is important and easy to understand and ensure.

Natural World Kenya Safari is a proud member of the following sustainable travel organizations:

Pack for a Purpose

Pack for a Purpose is an initiative that allows travelers to make a lasting impact on the community of their travel destination. East African visitors are encouraged to bring in their suitcases a few supplies for projects in need. These supplies support the lives of local children and families.

Ecotourism Kenya

Promoting responsible tourism practices within the tourism industry is the main purpose of Ecotourism Kenya. Their goal is to encourage tourism stakeholders to adopt best practices concerning the social, environmental, and cultural aspects of Kenya.

East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS)

“The voice of conservation in East Africa” for over 60 years. The East African Wildlife Society is one of the pioneer membership-based, public-benefit conservation organizations with a special focus on Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.