Responsible Safari Travel: How to Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences

Why it matters

Tourism can protect wildlife and support communities, or it can damage both. Park fees, permits and lodge revenue pay for rangers, anti-poaching and habitat protection. In some places, tourism gives communities a reason to keep wildlife rather than clear the land. But poorly run operations disturb animals, exploit people and take money out of the local economy.

You can influence this through the choices you make.

Experiences to avoid

Riding elephants. Elephants used for rides are usually trained through harsh methods. Choose viewing wild elephants instead.

Petting lion cubs. Cub-handling attracts breeding for tourism and can feed unethical industries. Avoid any place that offers it.

Feeding wildlife. It changes behaviour and can be dangerous for animals and people.

Unregulated primate encounters. Approaching gorillas or chimps outside official tracking, or on trips that break the rules, risks disease and disturbance.

Dolphin swimming tours. In some places, including parts of Zanzibar, boats crowd dolphins and tourists swim with them, which stresses the animals. Choose operators who keep a respectful distance, or skip the trip.

Buying products made from wildlife. Ivory, skins, shells and coral souvenirs are illegal or harmful.

Experiences that help

Gorilla and chimp permits. Permit revenue funds rangers, veterinarians and community programmes. Following the rules protects the animals. See our gorilla guide.

Conservancies. Private and community conservancies around parks such as the Maasai Mara limit visitor numbers, lease land from local landowners and offer night drives and walks. Staying in one directly supports landowners.

Rhino sanctuaries. Places like Ol Pejeta protect endangered rhinos and are transparent about their work.

Community-owned lodges and guides. Ask whether a lodge is community-owned or works with local groups, and whether local people are employed at all levels.

Cultural visits

Cultural visits can be positive when the community has agreed to them and benefits directly. Ask your operator how the visit is organised and who receives the money. A good visit involves conversation and learning, not just photographs. Ask permission before photographing people, and never pay children directly.

On the vehicle

• Keep your distance and let animals decide whether to approach.
• Don’t crowd at sightings. If other vehicles are waiting, take turns.
• Turn off the engine when watching for a while.
• Stay on tracks.
• Don’t litter.
• Don’t use drones. They disturb wildlife and are illegal in most parks.

Reduce your footprint

Choose lodges that use solar power, manage water and waste responsibly, and avoid single-use plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle. Travel by road where practical rather than adding short flights. Consider offsetting flights, although reducing them is better.

Support local people

Eat at local restaurants, buy crafts directly from makers and tip fairly. Our tipping guide has the typical amounts. Hire local guides and porters, and pay what they ask when fair. Avoid bargaining to the last shilling.

Choose the right operator

An operator that pays its staff well, sets clear rules on wildlife viewing and works with local communities is more likely to run a responsible trip. Ask direct questions, as suggested in our operator checklist.