Tanzania is an incredible destination, offering unparalleled wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. To ensure your visit leaves a positive impact and helps preserve these treasures for future generations, practicing responsible tourism is crucial. Here are key tips for responsible travel in Tanzania:
1. Respect Wildlife and the Environment
- Follow Park Rules and Guide Instructions: This is paramount. Always listen to your safari guide and park rangers. They are experts in animal behavior and park regulations designed for both your safety and the animals’ well-being.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Never get too close to animals. Use binoculars or zoom lenses for a closer view instead of intruding on their space, which can stress them and alter their natural behavior.
- Never Feed or Touch Wild Animals: Feeding animals can make them dependent on humans, disrupt their natural diet, lead to aggression, and make them vulnerable to disease.
- Stay on Designated Paths/Roads: Off-road driving (unless in a private conservancy where specifically permitted and managed) can damage fragile ecosystems, destroy vegetation, and disturb wildlife.
- Minimize Noise and Disturbances: Keep voices low, turn off phone sounds, and avoid sudden movements. Loud noises can scare animals and disrupt their routines.
- No Littering: Carry all your trash with you, including tissues, plastic bottles, and food wrappers, until you can dispose of them properly. Avoid single-use plastics where possible (e.g., use a refillable water bottle).
- Support Conservation Efforts: Choose tour operators and lodges that actively contribute to wildlife conservation. A portion of park fees directly supports anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and community conservation projects. Consider making direct donations to reputable conservation organizations.
- Mind Your Carbon Footprint: Consider opting for eco-friendly accommodations that use solar power, conserve water, and implement waste management programs. Discuss carbon offsetting options for your flights if available.
- Sustainable Activities: Where possible, choose activities with lower environmental impact, such as walking safaris, hiking, or canoeing (if offered), over extensive vehicle-based tours.
2. Respect Local Culture and Communities
- Dress Modestly: Tanzania is a culturally conservative country. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, towns, and Zanzibar (which has a strong Muslim influence). For women, this generally means covering shoulders and knees. Men should avoid wearing shorts in public in rural areas.
- Greetings are Important: Tanzanians are very friendly. Always initiate greetings (“Jambo!” or “Habari?”) and engage in polite small talk about family and well-being before getting to the point of your conversation. A handshake (often with the left hand supporting the right elbow) is common.
- Ask for Permission Before Taking Photos: Never take photos of people without asking for their permission first. Some communities have cultural or religious beliefs about photography, and it’s always respectful to ask. Be prepared that some might ask for a small fee.
- Support Local Businesses:
- Buy Local Crafts: Purchase souvenirs and crafts directly from local artisans and vendors. This supports their livelihoods and helps preserve traditional craftsmanship (e.g., Maasai beadwork, Makonde carvings, Tingatinga paintings).
- Hire Local Guides/Porters: Opt for tour operators who prioritize employing local guides, drivers, and porters. Their invaluable knowledge of the area and culture enriches your experience while providing direct economic support to communities.
- Eat Local: Support community-run restaurants and markets to experience authentic cuisine and contribute to the local economy.
- Be Mindful of Giving Gifts/Money: While well-intentioned, directly giving gifts or money (especially sweets or pens) to children can unfortunately encourage begging, create dependency, and sometimes deter children from attending school. Instead, consider donating to reputable local community projects, schools, or health clinics. Ask your tour operator for guidance on ethical ways to contribute.
- Learn Basic Swahili Phrases: Even a few basic Swahili words like “Asante sana” (Thank you very much), “Pole pole” (Slowly, slowly), or “Karibu” (Welcome) will be greatly appreciated and help you connect with locals.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Things in Tanzania often operate on “African time,” which is a more relaxed pace. Embrace it!
- Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Public displays of romantic affection are generally frowned upon in Tanzanian society.
- Use Your Right Hand: When eating, giving, or receiving items, always use your right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
3. Choose Responsible Tour Operators and Accommodations
- Research Carefully: Look for companies with clear ethical policies on wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Check if they have certifications from recognized organizations promoting sustainable tourism.
- Transparency in Contributions: Ethical operators should be transparent about how your money contributes to conservation efforts and local communities.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Inquire about their energy consumption (e.g., solar power), waste management (e.g., recycling, reducing single-use plastics), and water conservation efforts.
- Fair Employment Practices: Choose operators who provide fair wages, good working conditions, and training for their local staff.
By adopting these responsible travel tips, you can ensure that your unforgettable Tanzanian safari is not only enriching for you but also beneficial for its incredible wildlife, pristine environments, and vibrant communities.