Every journey leaves a mark – but is yours helping or harming? From carbon footprints to over-tourism, travel can take a toll but by making conscious choices you can turn your adventures into a force for good.
Imagine stepping off a private jet, greeted not only by breathtaking landscapes but by the profound sense that every step of your journey makes a difference.
Here are five practical ways to embrace sustainable tourism on your next journey, creating a legacy of positive impact:
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
When booking your stay look for lodges, hotels, and guesthouses that prioritize sustainability. Many accommodations are implementing green practices such as solar power, water-saving initiatives, and waste reduction programmes. Staying at eco-certified properties supports businesses that care for the environment and local communities.
2. Respect Wildlife and Nature
Whether on a safari or exploring natural reserves, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Avoid disturbing animals, stick to marked paths, and never feed wild animals. Opt for ethical wildlife experiences where the well-being of animals, as well as wildlife rehabilitation, is prioritised.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Carry a reusable or glass water bottle, cutlery, and shopping bag to minimize waste. Many destinations, including South Africa, are tackling plastic pollution. By reducing single-use plastics, you contribute to cleaner beaches, parks, and urban spaces.
4. Support Local Communities
Purchase handmade crafts, dine at locally owned restaurants, and engage in cultural experiences that benefit the local economy. Your choices help sustain livelihoods, preserve traditions, and create authentic connections with the communities you visit.
5. Travel with a Purpose
Participate in tours and activities that give back to their communities. Tour Operators like Africa Select Journeys allocate a portion of every booking to 2cChange, a registered Non-Profit that supports local conservation projects and community initiatives.
Let your travels make a lasting impact
Eco-conscious travel is about being mindful of your impact and making small, intentional choices that create lasting benefits. When you travel with Africa Select Journeys, you’re not only exploring the beauty of Southern Africa but also playing a part in preserving it for future generations.
Ready to be the change you’d like to see in the world & join our #tour2Cchange movement?
