Responsable tourism
"The most powerful weapon to change the world,
is education "
Nelson Mandela
Today it will not sound strange to anyone that human activity is having unflattering consequences for humanity and the future of our planet.
At theafricanexperiences we are as committed as we can to our trips, safaris and activities in the destinations where we offer, we believe that small changes at a local level have great impacts at a global level, that is why we try, through our experience and knowledge, share what we have learned over many years, with our friends and clients.
Here we share some of the most relevant aspects so that any traveler, anywhere in the world, can be part of a more responsible, respectful and friendly tourism with local communities or fauna, wherever they are.
This is our little grain of sand, which we hope will join many people everywhere.
1>
RESPECT FOR PEOPLE
When you meet in towns or villages and find people from other cultures, do not force situations or photograph without your consent. Nor create uncomfortable moments for people who do not want to be photographed. Above all is respect for others and their privacy. What may seem like a memory to us wonderful, for another person it may not be and invade their space in a very violent way.
2>
NOT IN CAPTIVITY
This is one of the ways most devastating tourism that exist, animals at the service of the traveler, simply to have a photo with a wild animal or the damn "selfies". Please never do photographs of wild animals that are in captivity or enclosed in enclosures. This directly undermines the good condition of the local fauna, encourages poaching and maintains the suffering of animals that will be forced to carry out behaviors not common in their species all their lives, just because of a photo, your photo.
3>
RESPECT FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Many times we think that when we go on a trip, giving gifts is a good idea, that we help wherever we go when we leave old clothes, pens or notebooks, but in most cases the only thing we will be doing is changing people's daily habits locals, in search of the tourist to obtain these gifts, doing in most cases, that it is the children who put in front of the tourist to get them and then resell them, causing the children to drop out of school, to "bring" money home .
4>
REMOVE THE GPS LOCATION FROM YOUR PHOTOS
It is not the first time that a photo has multiplied by thousands the number of tourists or travelers in a destination that was very quiet, sustainable and remote. Please do not give hundreds of clues on your social networks. If in one of our safaris we take you to "secret" places, help us to preserve that place as we have known it, for what really attracted us, for being unique and not having had the impact of uncontrolled and unsustainable tourism. Do not share excessive data on these destinations, still "virgin".
5>
DAMN PLASTIC
Unfortunately one of the inventions that seemed wonderful, is turning against us all over the planet, plastic.
We try to work with accommodations that have removed or are removing plastic from any of their products, bath gels, bottled water, etc.
Together we can row in the same direction, reject anything plastic, to receive it without unnecessary wrapping and take your water bottle with you to always carry water, without generating new waste.
6>
BIRDS AND FAUNA
In all the places where you will be on our safaris, you will find birds and fauna, in different quantities.
Many times some tourists like to feed the wild animals, the "selfie" will be the main attraction.
This modifies the behaviors of wild animals, it is dangerous because the animals can become more aggressive, by not receiving food and can spread diseases from animals to humans, especially primates, our first cousins.
Be a responsible traveler and do not eat or leave food anywhere.
7>
DO NOT PLAY IT
In many countries it is strictly forbidden to buy any type of article that is of animal origin such as corals, turtle shells, stuffed fish, etc, nor that you may have caught on a beach, such as shells, crabs, wood, etc.
If at the departure or return airport, the police stop you and they discover that you have something prohibited, you could be charged with a stipulated offense in the international CITES conventions. Not knowing this does not exempt from compliance and the penalties are very serious.
8>
BE AMBASSADOR OF EXCHANGE
One of the best actions you can do is tell your friends, Family members or travel companions, such as small actions like the ones we propose here, can generate a positive impact during the trip and especially when you leave.
Be ambassador of change, share these tips on your networks so that every time we are more, what we want a better planet, for future generations.
The planet is not an inheritance from our parents, but a loan from our children.
