| Responsible Tourism in Tanzania has become a | | | | building schools, clinics and caring for young children |
| marketing tool for the safari industry. The welfare | | | | who would otherwise be left to fend for |
| of our communities may, at times, be of genuine | | | | themselves on the streets. |
| concern to the safari company although, sadly, | | | | Some charities have become very good tour |
| many times it is not. Can you, the traveler, do | | | | operators. These professionally run charities or |
| anything toward changing the safari companies to | | | | tour operations allow the community to build itself |
| support responsible tourism? Indeed, yes it is | | | | a brighter future on the back of tourism. These |
| possible to make a difference. Responsible | | | | companies offer boutique style safaris and |
| Tourism should give back to the community and | | | | specialize in showing clients the real Africa in style, |
| you the tourist can and should change the | | | | comfort and safety. All the profits remain in |
| industry; it is your money after all. | | | | Tanzania and all the profits go into the community. |
| Responsible tourism is an attitude of mind to | | | | When on safari and you are amongst local people |
| which every traveler should all aspire. To choose a | | | | - remember you are their guest - treat them |
| company that supports the community in deed | | | | with the regard a visitor should show toward the |
| and not in word only is the key; by employing | | | | host. Many of the National Parks are home to |
| some discernment this task should not be difficult. | | | | people whose economy is based on livestock; |
| Your travel agent or safari company might not | | | | respect the local customs and traditions and dress |
| have a real presence in Tanzania. They may | | | | code. Often we see the tourist has little respect |
| confidently spout fair trade values and a | | | | for the dress code of other cultures. It is not |
| responsible tourism ethos, however, the very fact | | | | pretty to see tourism interfere with the native |
| they are not present in Tanzania makes it difficult | | | | peoples work and private lives; use common |
| for them to do as they claim. Always insist in | | | | sense and remember what is acceptable in your |
| knowing who the ground operator is and check | | | | culture may not be acceptable in a more |
| them out. Look carefully at what they claim they | | | | traditional culture. |
| are doing. | | | | Tanzania has over the past few years risen from |
| When visiting Tanzania it is possible to visit the | | | | relative obscurity and now enjoys tourists in ever |
| community projects that are being supported by | | | | increasing numbers. There are good reasons for |
| your presence in the county. Alternatively, after | | | | this. There is no tribalism in Tanzania; it is safe. |
| choosing the correct operator, you prefer just | | | | Tanzania is gentle and friendly and peace loving. |
| simply relax and enjoy your safari, then do just | | | | Tanzania has Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, the |
| that. | | | | Serengeti, the Selous and Zanzibar. This |
| Charities are increasingly looking to become self | | | | remarkable country does not stop at these few |
| finding, this means becoming leaner and becoming | | | | destinations either; so much more is on offer. |
| more responsible; becoming a business. Some | | | | Tanzania is a country to visit, for fauna, flora, |
| charities use tourism to fund community projects. | | | | culture and to experience real Africa in a safe |
| All the funds raised through tourism go toward | | | | environment. |