How You Can Make a Difference

As a traveler it is important to follow some basic rules in order to insure that your travels are positive on the communities and environments that you visit.  While most of these guidelines are common sense, it is not uncommon for people to get so wrapped up in the travel experience that they somehow act in ways they would never think of at home.  Please consider these points before and during your trip.

Offset Your Carbon Emissions:  E-Trip Africa calculates the estimated carbon emissions from your trip using the Trees, Water & People Calculator.  You may then purchase rocket stoves for a rural family to reduce their wood use and carbon emissions.  We welcome you take a moment from your safari or trek to install the stove and educate the family that will be using it.

Don't Litter:  Although you see litter in many parts of the world, don’t add to the problem.  Keep your trash until you can find a suitable way to dispose of it.  Please take extra care with cigarette butts; much of Africa is arid grasslands that can quickly catch fire with devastating effects.

Stay on the Trails:  Whether on foot, bike, or car; stick to the roads, tracks and trails.  Venturing off damages the vegetation and disturbs the wildlife.  Further, it is very easy to get lost once you’ve wondered off too far.

Respect the Wildlife:  When approaching wildlife maintain a distance of more than 30 feet.  Never feed or attempt to touch wildlife.  There should never be more than 4 vehicles around any animal or kill.  While in the parks keep quiet.  It is against the rules to honk the horn or to play music while in most National Parks.

Bring Environmentally Friendly Bathroom Products: In many areas in Africa, there is not sufficient infrastructure to properly deal with waste water.  Bathroom products often are a serious source of ground water contamination that heavily effects local populations. 

Conserve Water:  Most regions in Africa have serious water shortages.  Attempt to limit the length of your showers.  By asking the lodge or hotel not to change your bath towels on a daily basis you will greatly reduce the water usage during your visit.

Do not Purchase Animal Products:  While the souvenir might be beautiful, purchasing items that are made from ivory, coral, animal skins or other animal products promotes the destruction of the environment and can even push a species into extinction.

Do not Give Money to Beggars:  It may be tempting to help a street child in big cities, but by giving money to beggars it only makes the problem worse.  Many rural families take their children out of school and send them to the big cities to beg.  Instead, donate to a charity that is doing work that you believe makes a difference.

Respect Local Customs:  Do some research before your trip and learn about local customs.  You can also ask your local guide or driver about their customs.  It is particularly important to consider local dress codes when packing your bags.  Couples should limit public affection in most countries.