Guide to Safari Travel Etiquette

Are you wondering how to behave on safari in Africa? If so, this is the article for you!

Below you will find a comprehensive guide to African safari etiquette, so that you can have a pleasurable travel experience and avoid making any embarrassing mistakes.

Travel Etiquette: What to DO

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, do listen to your guide or driver at all times. Good safari etiquette is to treat your guide as the teacher. The animals are wild and the guide knows the African region well. If your guide or drive does not tell you it is safe to explore outside of your vehicle, then stay in the vehicle.

As well, good African safari etiquette dictates that you tip your guide or driver. There is no minimum tip price but use your best discretion, based on how you feel you have been treated.

Also, show respect for the guide and other people on the safari by showing up on time for the game drives. It is inconsiderate to delay them. As for what to wear, pick clothing that fits in easily with the natural surroundings, rather than bright whites or other vivid colours that can scare the animals.

Safari Etiquette: What NOT to Do

Good safari etiquette also means not doing certain activities that you would likely do at home. For example, do not talk on your cell phone or answer calls while on the safari. Your ringtones and phone conversations will distract other people on the safari and take away from the peaceful natural environment of Africa that surrounds you. Be considerate and put away your cell phone.

In addition, it is poor African safari etiquette to take items back with you, such as stones or flowers. Removing items from their natural environment can damage the ecology of the area. Instead, take photos of the items.

When it comes to interacting with animals, do not tease them, chase them or trap them in small spaces. The wild animals are not always predictable. It is not worth risking your life! Instead, good travel etiquette is to speak quietly when you are around the animals and use only small movements so as not to scare or entice them.

Learning how to behave on safari in Africa can enhance or inhibit your experience. By following the above rules, you are more likely to have an enjoyable time!

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is the term which basically means responsible tourism. It focuses on the local, traditional cultures, wilderness and personal growth. The travel destinations which exhibit untouched flora, fauna and rich cultural heritage are the major attractions. Environment in its preserved and original form, landforms and geological attractions are all included in ecotourism. Conservation is essential and this is what ecotourism aspires for.

The Nature Conservancy defines eco tourism as:

"Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples."

Why is Ecotourism important?

The advancement in transportation has enabled man to travel far off places within a short period, explore places that were never heard of. With the onset of information technology and age of globalisation, people all over the world aspire to explore the planet earth and visit far off places with the convenience of technology. This is the reason tourism has emerged as one of the largest industries of the world today where nature tourism is on top of the list. People, living in cemented urbanized cities with technology all around them wish to visit natural wonders and experience something that brings them closer to nature.

However, this interaction between man and the natural environment must be done in such a way that the beauty of it is maintained and preserved. This is the reason the new travel ethic, ecotourism has emerged to protect and safeguard the planet earth from negative aspects of tourism. With the rise in tourism, the importance of ecotourism has only grown.

What are the objectives of Eco tourism?

Ecotourism advocates a number of objectives and aims which are:

1.      To provide tourism which is just and yields benefits which are distributed fairly

2.      To provide tourism that respects and recognizes the rights of the residents

3.      To provide sustainable tourism

4.      To increase the level of education and conservation activism among the travelers

5.      To generate revenues for conservation and preservation

Ecotourism in South Africa has a lot of potential. It can help alleviate poverty in this geologically and naturally well endowed country and can bring positive changes to its economy.