Travel
Responsible Travel in Tanzania
Tanzania not only has it all ? it has it with style - a uniquely African style. Tanzania is a full on assault on all your senses in the best possible way. Responsible tourism is a requirement for everyone including you whilst you are on safari and in the towns and villages. Tourism and Tourists have a responsibility to the environment and to the people you visit in Tanzania.
It is possible and in fact should be the case that Responsible Tourism requires you to simply relax and enjoy your safari. You don?t actually have to do anything while on your safari. So what can a responsible tourist do to make the difference...?
The profits generated by safaris can go to help the communities in Tanzania... that is the communities the the success of your safari rests upon. Take time when booking a safari to make sure the company you use are genuinely helping the people of the places you are visiting. Some play lip service to helping the community, some simply lie and others help individuals. Responsible tourism should help the whole community and not private individuals.
Charities are increasingly looking to become self finding, this means becoming leaner and becoming more responsible, becoming a business. Some charities and businesses such as Afriko Club, Bethel Adventure and maybe Hoopoe for example, are three charities or businesses that use tourism to fund community projects in a responsible way. All the funds raised through tourism go toward building schools, eco friendly lodges, clinics and caring for young children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves.
Whilst on safari I encourage you to take an hour or two, even a day or two if you have time and are even slightly interested in responsible tourism and to the people and village life of Tanzania. Visit the Community Initiatives and to spend time to see what is being achieved will enhance the whole safari experience. I do not recommend the plastic 'organized cultural addition' but genuine village life either in the peripheries of town or in the Tanzanian Bush. If you are not interested do not worry just use a safari company that will help a Tanzanian Community and enjoy your safari and know you are making a difference.
Try to choose a company whose profits will remain in Tanzania - not a Kenyan or South African company, not an American or European company - use a Tanzanian Company. Many foreign travel agents use ground operators based in Tanzania - ask when you book a safari who the ground operator will be and check out the web site for any signs that they are involved in Responsible Tourism and that they are Tanzania owned - some are many are not. . If the profits remain in Tanzania somehow the community will benefit.
I encourage you to come to Tanzania and explore, the culture which is is just as rich and exciting as the scenery and dramatic wildlife - Safari means 'journey' in Swahili - let your safari be a journey to discover a different culture and to discover more about yourself. Make difference when you visit Tanzania and taking care to use a company that is committed to building a stronger community.
For more information visit my site at http://www.thejumasite.co.uk - this site is dedicated to Tanzania and is a non profit making site. It is a community page for those who love Tanzania and waht to learn or share. |
Ian Williamson
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