Travel sustainably and leave a positive impact. Learn how to protect Africa's wildlife, support local communities, and make your safari count for conservation.
Your safari experience directly shapes the future of African wildlife and communities. Every traveler has the power to make a positive difference.
$39B
Annual tourism revenue for Africa
Tourism generates $39 billion annually for African economies, funding infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
80%
Conservation funded by safari tourism
Safari tourism funds approximately 80% of wildlife conservation across Africa, protecting endangered species and habitats.
1M+
Jobs created by safari tourism
Over 1 million jobs are created by safari tourism, providing livelihoods for local communities across the continent.
Follow these eight principles to ensure your safari has a positive impact on the environment, wildlife, and local communities.
Keep a safe and respectful distance from all animals. Never chase, feed, or attempt to touch wildlife. Follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Choose accommodations that are owned or co-owned by local communities. Your money has the greatest impact when it stays in the local economy.
Bring refillable water bottles, cloth bags, and reusable containers. Many lodges now provide filtered water stations to reduce single-use plastics.
Many safari lodges rely on solar power and bore-hole water. Take shorter showers, turn off lights when leaving, and reuse towels.
Do not purchase ivory, animal skins, coral, shells, or any products made from endangered species. This fuels poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Ask before photographing people. Learn a few words in the local language. Dress modestly when visiting villages and sacred sites.
Look for operators certified by recognized bodies like Ecotourism Kenya, Fair Trade Tourism, or Travelife. Certifications signal genuine commitment.
Long-haul flights have a significant carbon impact. Use reputable carbon offset programs to compensate for your travel emissions.
We are committed to making sustainable tourism the norm. Here is how our platform helps you travel responsibly.
We badge operators and properties that hold recognized eco-certifications, making it easy for you to choose responsibly.
We highlight properties that reinvest in local communities — from employing local staff to funding schools and healthcare facilities.
Many of our partner lodges contribute directly to wildlife conservation funds and anti-poaching efforts in their regions.
We encourage carbon-neutral travel planning and provide information on reputable offset programs for safari flights.
Not sure which certifications to look for? Here are the most recognized sustainability certifications in African safari tourism.
East Africa's leading eco-rating scheme. Properties are rated Bronze, Silver, or Gold based on environmental practices, community engagement, and sustainability.
Certifies tourism businesses that adhere to fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable benefit-sharing with local communities.
An internationally recognized certification that assesses environmental management, energy efficiency, and waste reduction practices.
A leading international sustainability certification for tour operators and accommodations, focusing on environmental and social responsibility.
Recognizes businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
For lodge buildings — the global standard for green building design, construction, and operation. Look for LEED-certified safari properties.
Before booking, ask these questions to gauge how seriously an operator takes sustainability. Genuine eco-operators will answer openly and proudly.
A transparent operator will welcome these questions. If they cannot answer clearly, it may be worth looking at alternatives.
These organizations are doing vital work to protect Africa's wildlife and ecosystems. Consider supporting them before, during, or after your safari.
Works across the continent to protect wildlife, conserve land, and empower communities. Active in over 20 African countries.
Focuses on protecting critical ecosystems, combating illegal wildlife trade, and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
Dedicated to conserving large predators in the Maasai Mara ecosystem through research, community engagement, and anti-poisoning efforts.
Works to restore viable wild rhino populations to Uganda through breeding programs and habitat protection at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Kenya's leading elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation program, caring for orphaned elephants and supporting anti-poaching operations.
Make your next safari count for conservation. Browse verified tours from eco-conscious operators or explore sustainable properties across Africa.