Tips on Responsible Tourism

Language: hello, thank you & goodbye!

Know some lingo! Learning a few words of the local language is a great way to break barriers: greet shopkeepers, waiters, drivers, clerks, etc. It is equally important to say your thank-yous and goodbyes. See some examples in Swahili.

Local Customs: another time, another place

Religious customs and local traditions vary enormously around the world and play a large part in the local way of life. It is important to familiarise yourself with the local people’s dress codes and thought patterns, and recognise them; the local concept of time is also likely to be less hurried than your own. Remember – you are the visitor, and by showing respect you will be respected and appreciated yourself!

Packing

Keep your packaging down to a minimum and avoid disposable goods. Waste disposal facilities can be limited and recycling non-existent in many parts of the world. Bring your own water bottle, which you can use, on the golf course and on safaris. You may refill this with filtered water where available.

Gifts & Presents

You may make special friendships and experience generous hospitality when abroad. Gifts that are evocative of your home country such as postcards and photographs make ideal presents.

ON HOLIDAY.....

Souvenirs & Shopping

Avoid buying souvenirs that exploit wildlife or threaten endangered species. Buying local souvenirs helps the local economy; whilst it is often customary and even fun to haggle, stop once you have got a reasonable price: the low price you achieve may only be due to the desperation and poverty of others.

Wildlife and Animal Welfare

Avoid disturbing wildlife and damaging their natural habitats. Take care not to touch coral reefs and do not feed animals or fish. Stay quiet when viewing animals on safari.

Plants & Shells

One of the joys of travelling is the spectacular variety of wild plants and shells you will see. These should remain in their natural environment, so avoid picking any.

Begging

Don’t give out sweets or money, especially to children. Giving will only teach them that begging is rewarding and can undermine parental authority. It is far better to interact with children. Cat’s cradle, frisbees or simply exchanging drawings or photos can be more fulfilling and fun for both you and the children. Though begging is the sole source of income for many of the world’s poor you may wish to consider that giving money to charities can often offer more long term help to a far greater number of people.

Litter

Many countries do not have adequate litter collection, never mind recycling or waste reduction schemes; so the less you create, the better. Where plastics are not recycled, you might consider taking a water bottle or filter and purifying your own water; this, of course, needs to be weighed against the fact that drink sales can play a vital part of the local economy.

Photos: think before you click

People in colourful local dress always make good subjects for photographs, but think before you snap. Many people, for whatever reason, do not like being photographed. Always ask permission before taking photographs.

Water: pollution & usage

Water is one of the scarcest resources in Africa. Please use water sparingly.

ONCE BACK HOME....

Continuing support

If you come across charitable projects or organisations or been affected by humanitarian or conservation concerns on your holiday, we support a wide variety of charitable initiatives and can advise where you can direct your support to ‘put something back’ into East Africa. Exotic Golf safaris is in the process of launching both ‘Sponsor a Caddy’ and ‘Plant a Tree’ programmes which shall be managed by us and select golf clubs and NGOs, details of which will be published on this site shortly.

Feedback!

If you have particular comments – positive or negative - about responsible tourism issues on your tour, please let us know! We are continually striving to give you more than just a tour and are genuinely concerned about the development of our communities. Your comments are vital in helping us ensure we act on the issues and operate in a responsible fashion.