Ecotravel Guidelines for Responsible Travelers
The mindset, actions, participation and interactions on the part of the individual traveler directly affect the outcome for all involved and the world we live in. As a thoughtful and responsible traveler there are several things you can do before, during and after your journey to Uganda and Africa at large and ensure the experience is in line with the values of "ecotourism" and minimize your impact on the host country. The following is a list of tips for responsible travelers.
1) Prepare for your trip: Educate yourself about your destination. Learn about local history, customs, the parks and culture as well as vital ecosystems. Learn at least the basics of the local language. A simple hello, please or thank you goes a long way. Kids will always wave and call out Mzungu “visitor/white person” and waving back with a smile is just magic. Approach travel with the desire to learn rather than just observe.
2) Respect local traditions and etiquette: Wear clothing that is accepted by the local culture. Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first. Observe local customs. Be perceptive of your own cultural values and how they affect your judgment of others. Remember that you are the visitor. There are many different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not wrong or inferior, just different. Act as an example for other travelers who are less informed than you.
3) Avoid giving out money on streets: Don't hand out loose change, instead small gifts like sweets, pens and pencils are recommended. Giving tips is encouraged in designated service centres like hotels but street giving is discouraged as it serves to corrupt and create a begging mentality where none existed before.
4) Be flexible in your expectations: Approach your adventure with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. Sometimes plans change and an opportunity for more in-depth learning or a unique cultural experience presents itself. Adapt yourself to the situation rather than trying to adapt the situation to you.
5) Conserve resources: Often times the resources in an area visited by tourists are under a great deal of pressure already. Be aware of the resources that are being used because of your visit. This includes your personal consumption of items like water and wood for building fires or specialty foods that had to be transported from afar. Don't ask our guide to hunt endangered or threatened species or harvest rare plants for your consumption.
6) Practice environmental minimum impact: Follow the International Leave No Trace Rules. Pack out everything that you bring in including toilet paper (if there is no toilet) or plastic water bottles (use purification tablets or a filter). Work with our guides to remove litter that others left behind. Do not remove any objects, plants or animal products from nature.
7) Support local economies: How your visit directly benefits the local economy or entire community is an integral part of true ecotourism. We use knowledgeable local guides and stay at environmental friendly restaurants. We visit local markets, communities, projects and schools. This helps create a buffer zone for the environment surrounding protected natural areas by giving locals an economic alternative to potentially destructive practices. Community based ecotourism spreads the wealth and workload.
8) Sharing cultural experiences: It’s a pleasure for us to guide you through our country but most of our guides have not had experiences out of Africa. When you come to Africa, you already have two cultures to compare. We are happy to share with you about our way of life but feel free to share with us the comparisons.
9) Continued ecotourism: Ecotourism doesn't need to end with your flight home. Follow through on your commitment to conservation in your everyday life. Share your experiences with others to foster a greater understanding of our world. You will have seen and learned much from your journey. While it is still fresh in your heart and mind take action using the various agencies, grassroots organizations and resources available to you.
10) We are responsible for the world we live in and it’s our job to shape our destiny. We strive to champion ecotravel in Uganda but you can be our partner.
1) Prepare for your trip: Educate yourself about your destination. Learn about local history, customs, the parks and culture as well as vital ecosystems. Learn at least the basics of the local language. A simple hello, please or thank you goes a long way. Kids will always wave and call out Mzungu “visitor/white person” and waving back with a smile is just magic. Approach travel with the desire to learn rather than just observe.
2) Respect local traditions and etiquette: Wear clothing that is accepted by the local culture. Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first. Observe local customs. Be perceptive of your own cultural values and how they affect your judgment of others. Remember that you are the visitor. There are many different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not wrong or inferior, just different. Act as an example for other travelers who are less informed than you.
3) Avoid giving out money on streets: Don't hand out loose change, instead small gifts like sweets, pens and pencils are recommended. Giving tips is encouraged in designated service centres like hotels but street giving is discouraged as it serves to corrupt and create a begging mentality where none existed before.
4) Be flexible in your expectations: Approach your adventure with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. Sometimes plans change and an opportunity for more in-depth learning or a unique cultural experience presents itself. Adapt yourself to the situation rather than trying to adapt the situation to you.
5) Conserve resources: Often times the resources in an area visited by tourists are under a great deal of pressure already. Be aware of the resources that are being used because of your visit. This includes your personal consumption of items like water and wood for building fires or specialty foods that had to be transported from afar. Don't ask our guide to hunt endangered or threatened species or harvest rare plants for your consumption.
6) Practice environmental minimum impact: Follow the International Leave No Trace Rules. Pack out everything that you bring in including toilet paper (if there is no toilet) or plastic water bottles (use purification tablets or a filter). Work with our guides to remove litter that others left behind. Do not remove any objects, plants or animal products from nature.
7) Support local economies: How your visit directly benefits the local economy or entire community is an integral part of true ecotourism. We use knowledgeable local guides and stay at environmental friendly restaurants. We visit local markets, communities, projects and schools. This helps create a buffer zone for the environment surrounding protected natural areas by giving locals an economic alternative to potentially destructive practices. Community based ecotourism spreads the wealth and workload.
8) Sharing cultural experiences: It’s a pleasure for us to guide you through our country but most of our guides have not had experiences out of Africa. When you come to Africa, you already have two cultures to compare. We are happy to share with you about our way of life but feel free to share with us the comparisons.
9) Continued ecotourism: Ecotourism doesn't need to end with your flight home. Follow through on your commitment to conservation in your everyday life. Share your experiences with others to foster a greater understanding of our world. You will have seen and learned much from your journey. While it is still fresh in your heart and mind take action using the various agencies, grassroots organizations and resources available to you.
10) We are responsible for the world we live in and it’s our job to shape our destiny. We strive to champion ecotravel in Uganda but you can be our partner.
Design & Powered By Jolis Intercom Copyright Ecotravel Uganda 2010-2011. All rights reserved.
