Follow Park Rules and Etiquette
One of the most important parts of sustainable tourism is following rules and regulations set forth by the places you’ll be visiting. Our guides will outline important rules prior to reaching your destination.
There are a number of rules and etiquette principles that national parks in Tanzania have to reduce environmental impacts and keep you and other visitors safe.
Safari drivers are trained and skilled in operating safari tours. They must follow the rules of the parks, including speed limits, staying on authorized roads, and making minimal noise. These rules should be respected by the driver and passengers.
Other Tanzania park rules include staying inside the safari vehicle if you’re within 200 meters of wild animals, not making loud noises, and no littering. Following these rules can help everyone enjoy the adventure and allow wildlife to peacefully go about their natural habits without being disturbed.
Minimize Environmental Impacts
One of the key principles of sustainable tourism is respecting the environment and all that it has to offer. There is an abundance of wildlife to see all over East Africa and on our Tanzania wildlife and safari tours.
You may have the opportunity to see diverse plants and wildlife, such as the “Big Five” game animals which include African elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
You may also see wildebeest and zebras making the Great Serengeti Migration across the vast savannah in Serengeti National Park. Other wildlife commonly seen along a number of our safaris include pink flamingos, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and small dik-dik antelopes.
To get the best safari experience possible, keeping volumes low while traveling through the parks is important so as to not disturb the wildlife. You should not feed or approach any wildlife. Feeding wildlife can alter natural behaviors and put the animals in danger.
Plants, rocks, and other objects found in the parks should be left alone. Picking, cutting, uprooting, or being in the possession of indigenous plants from Tanzania parks is prohibited.
Taking plants or other objects out of the park is not only against the rules, but it can also alter habitats and ecosystems to which the plants are important to. Additionally, it can negatively affect animals that depend on those plants or objects for food and other needs.
Book a Safari with a Responsible Tour Operator
If you’re thinking about taking a wildlife safari tour of Tanzania, it’s important to consider how tour operators are making efforts to be responsible and sustainable. At Shah Tours, we support our communities by employing locals. More than 95% of our workforce is made of Tanzanians. We also support the Share Tanzania nonprofit organization that helps children in need.
Tour operators should be aware of how their actions affect wildlife and local communities. Tour operators must uphold quality standards and environmental responsibility to achieve sustainable goals. Shah Tours is a licensed member of the Tanzania Tourist Board and the African Travel and Tourism Association.
Tour operators that are members or partners with tourism organizations show dedication and commitment to being responsible operators.
Signs of a responsible safari tour operator include being a member of various associations or organizations that act in the best interest of the environment and local communities and make an effort to practice sustainability.
Support Local Communities and Cultures
Reducing environmental impacts is often the main focus when considering how to have a sustainable trip. However, supporting local communities and respecting local cultures are equally as important.
Educating oneself on the different cultures and types of communities in Tanzania shows respect for locals and helps individuals get a better understanding of their way of life. If you’re able to learn a few words and phrases of native languages prior to your visit, this can show an immense amount of appreciation and respect.
Places all over the world have different ways of communicating and being aware of these differences can help prevent you from unintentionally disrespecting the cultures and beliefs of locals.
Another way to support local communities and cultures is to invest in experiences and souvenirs at local restaurants and shops. The economy of some areas greatly depends upon tourism to support local businesses, communities, and families.
