Out of respect for and in the effort to preserve national park land, the majority of safaris now focus on walking, biking and the use of small watercraft colloquially known as mokoros or dugout canoes.
The primary goal of modern-day eco-friendly African safaris is to lessen the overall impact on the environment. One of the greatest impacts on the environment, regardless of where it occurs, is air pollution caused by fuel emission, especially those from 4×4 jeep-type vehicles.
Out of respect for and in the effort to preserve national park land, the majority of safaris now focus on walking, biking and the use of small watercraft colloquially known as mokoros or dugout canoes.
The idea of eco-friendly safaris has been evolving since the early 1960s, making them far different and even better than the traditional safari adventure popularized by the Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway.
One dynamic trend shift centers around small-group camps where the aim is to transport the necessary tents and other accommodation amenities into bush country without the use of large trucks. Many of these camps are permanent locations illuminated by solar lighting and disallowing the use of plastic drinking vessels. In keeping with the eco-friendly or go-green trend, safari operators endeavor to purchase supplies, especially foodstuffs, from local growers and vendors. Another advantage in the realm of small-group camping is the ability to explore remote, less easily accessible areas. Walking, biking and canoe usage afford the opportunity to maneuver closer to the shoreline or around a game refuge yet far enough away for human safety.
For specialist eco safari holidays, gone are the days of a canvas tepee-style tent with little room to move around accompanied by the almost-impossible ability for tall campers to stand comfortably unless near the center of the tent. The average accommodation is 28 feet long, 14 feet wide and 9-feet high. Some eco-friendly safari operators offer communal dining by candlelight and a fully stocked bar.
Luxurious accommodations can include a king-size bed and private bath with a flush toilet and running water while retaining the charm of the bucket shower. Water drawn from below ground at depths of 110 meters or 360 feet ispurified to avoid impurities and other contaminants associated with river water. Flush toilets are connected to large septic tanks that enable this waste water to be reused for agricultural purposes. Tents and sleeping huts are constructed from natural reed and other thatching material. In addition to illumination after dark, the use of solar power affords the capability to operate radios and communication equipment.
Among the best destinations in Africa is the Botswana Safari focusing on the Okavengo Delta, the Morari Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. A typical 7-night-8-day adventure commences with arrival at Johannesburg Airport, then boarding a smaller aircraft to Kasane. The Delta camping area, located on a small islet in the Okavengo Delta, is fenced in to avoid unintended encounters with wildlife.
Some camping areas such as those in the Klaserie Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park feature accommodations rising high above ground on stilt-style platforms. Some even offer small plunge pools akin to above-ground swimming pools. Luxury safaris often include communal dining at tables adorned with cloths and place mats crafted by native artisans.
One safari tour package offered in conjunction with the Harvard Museum of Science and Culture features the opportunity to observe wild animal birthing,to visit the residences of Maasai natives and the chance to visit a crater that is a natural habitat for rhinos. Some companies offer 1-day safaris of 2-4 hours duration in the area of Lake Manyara and the village of MtowaMbu. Destinations Africa clearly outlines their practices if you’re planning to book with them.
Since the early 1990s, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) has advocated «responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.» The ultimate goal of eco-friendly African safaris is to provide a cultural experience while preserving the land and sustaining the African economy.
Sarah Smith is a small business owner, and is currently learning about environment, using the internet. Aside from working on her own business, she likes to use social media, and read travel books.