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Tracks Safaris is committed to the concept of responsible tourism both in the UK and overseas. The very concept of responsible tourism is vast and has many interpretations – we believe that tourism should be beneficial to the host communities we visit if we take time to understand their culture, heritage, traditions and environment before travelling.
We can only make suggestions and we hope that you, our clients, will help us in our quest. Please ask if you require further information on any destination or topic before you travel. We value any feedback or suggestions you have either before or after your visit.
Tourism can definitely benefit host communities!
Wide Choice
Whether it be diving in Zanzibar, a photographic safari in the Serengeti, an intimate family safari in an exclusive camp in the Okavango Delta or a beach holiday in Mozambique – we want your safari to be just right.
In the UK
Tracks Safaris is entirely brochure free – helping to cut down on unnecessary use of paper. The booking process is online where possible and we re-cycle any waste produced in the UK office.
Before Travel
We hope that you will read a little about the country you are about to visit before leaving the UK. We can suggest reading material which encompasses the local culture, traditions, economics and environmental issues of the area you are visiting on request.
Social Policy
Tracks Safaris ensure that our ground agents have an effective social policy in place and we ask for evidence not only of the policy but how it is implemented.
Positive Impact
We endeavour to minimise negative impacts on societies visited by offering pre –trip advice on local customs, religions and culture. Our local guides are best placed to provide you with accurate local information and social etiquette.
Photographs
We all love to take photographs – but please always ask before taking photographs of local people. It is common courtesy – in most cases the answer will be yes – but do respect a no with a smile and a thank you. Your local guide will be able to offer advice in your destination. Tracks Safaris use local drivers/guides on all their safaris.
Language
It is useful to learn some phrases of local language before or during your holiday – this can be great fun and local people will appreciate your efforts.
Begging and Tipping
seek advice from your local guides on tipping. On the whole it is not sustainable to give money to people in the street as a reliance on this source of income may discourage other forms of income. Children might skip school in exchange for sweets and small change. Gifts of money to a local charity, or if visiting a village, a senior representative or school, so that the gift can be distributed fairly and to those who need it.
Tracks Safaris support various local charities such as orphanages and wildlife conservation charities and we offer our clients the opportunity to visit these local charities whilst on holiday.
Environmental Policy
The planet is very fragile and many destinations, whilst stunningly beautiful, may have fragile ecosystems and environments, lack of water, protected areas of outstanding natural beauty, national parks, soil erosion, deforestation … the list of topics is endless.
Tracks Safaris endeavour to advise our clients on the best possible practice to conserve the environment by:
Ensuring our ground agents have an effective environmental policy in place and ask for evidence not only of the policy but how it is implemented. We support local conservation projects in destinations and encourage our clients to visit during their trip.
We ask that you check before you buy products or souvenirs made from endangered species, coral or ancient artefacts – your local guide will be able to advise further whilst on holiday.
Limit environmental damage to land and underwater ecosystems – for example, dispose of any surplus packaging before travel as host countries may not have the resources to recycle, do not pick wild flowers or plants and always stick to roads or tracks in environmentally sensitive areas such as national parks. In marine parks, be careful not to tread on or touch corals and avoid the temptation to take corals and shells home
In many areas we visit water can be a scarce commodity with local people living with a very low usage of water per day as water is simply just not available due to droughts or it has be carried long distances. Your local guides will inform you of any areas this applied to. Limit the amount of water you use whilst bathing or showering. Small acts such as turning of lights and air-conditioner whilst out of your hotel accommodation goes a long way towards easing the burden on the environment.
Economic Policy
It is important that the money you spend at your destination stays within the local community. We encourage our ground agents to employ local people and to use hotels which have a policy of employing local people.
Some hotels ‘adopt’ a local village, supplying funds to improve infrastructure, health and educational facilities, and sponsor local children through education
Encourage our ground agents to encourage use of locally produced food in hotels and restaurants used on safari and to recommend local crafts and industry to our clients
Provide comprehensive information for our clients on local restaurants, charities, co-operatives and craft markets – local guides are well placed to provide this information in each destination
Carbon Emissions
There are many schools of thought on this topic – but what is essential is that we all reduce our carbon footprint both at home and whilst on holiday. We leave the choice to you. More information on this topic and a list of government accredited CO2 offset providers can be found at: www.direct.gov.uk.
This policy is intended to by a basic guide and provides tips on how you can travel in a more responsible and sustainable way. Comprehensive information can be found by visiting: www.tourismconcern.org.uk
Our expert staff are on-hand, happy to assist with any enquiry you have.
