By demonstrating the following responsible behavior, travellers who are less informed will be encouraged to follow eco-principles and practices as well. As an eco-traveller, it’s your responsibility to minimize and prevent negative impacts tourism could have on our environment, local communities and economies.
Consider the carbon footprint left when travelling by air, The Tribes Foundation’s Travel Forest currently in Northern Tanzania and other parts of Africa, will plant five indigenous trees on your behalf, for each ton of carbon offset. For more information, please visit: www.the-tribes-foundation.org
The export of seashells and coral, ivory and turtle shells is illegal. A maximum of TSH2 000 is permitted for seashells. Support local ecosystems by not removing or buying any endangered animal or plant products.
· General guidelines for limiting and improving the impact on the environment includes:
- Inform yourself about vital eco-systems
- Stay on trails
- Awareness of resource shortages such as water
- Conservation of non-renewable resources
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and wildlife
- Do not feed animals
- Support organizations whose goal are to increase awareness of environmental issues
· ATM’s and Bureau de Change are available, US$ accepted widely, money unit for Tanzania is Shillings approximately (US$1 = TSH1 600)
- Guests are advised to not travel with a lot of cash. There is no limit on the importation of foreign currency, although amounts exceeding US$10 000 should be declared. It’s best to leave your passport and large amounts of money in a hotel safe inside a tamper-proof pouch
- Displaying signs of wealth such as cameras, jewelry and watches, may cause feelings of jealousy which in turn could create interaction barriers between the two cultures
- When bargaining or discussing prices, keep your wallet and money out of sight, avoid using external pouches, dangling backpacks and camera bags
- Try to resist requests for donations from children etc. We do not promote begging; rather give contributions to an established project or community Centre. If you would like to bring gifts to the local people, avoid sweets; consider books, clothes or pens – something they can use – and organize with a local to go with you when you drop the gifts off
- Tipping: In most African countries, a 10% service fee added to the outstanding bill is always appreciated, assuming good service was received. If you wish to give a little extra, give your tips directly (whenever possible) to the staff you want to thank.
· Respect and be sensitive to the local culture:
- Before arriving, make yourself aware of local customs and culture
- Be aware of differences such as concepts of time, personal space, communication, body language and hand signs
- Wear clothing that is accepted, wearing a bikini top or walking barefoot in a market may be offensive to locals where on a beach it would be accepted
- Always ask before taking a photograph, some cultures are highly offended when their photo is taken, and even sometimes believe their soul is being stolen
- Teach yourself a few phrases from the local language, making this effort will enrich your experience and is appreciated by locals
· Choose operators through Eco Tour Directories:
- Every listed operator has been reviewed regarding their eco-policies, and is available for you to read
- They are usually operators who use local transport and guides and will take you to local markets and restaurants benefiting the local economy
· Tanzania is generally a safe country, but like all countries, has its hiccups:
- Avoid long stretches of beach, and be wary of any stranger that approaches you.
- Also avoid isolated areas, especially stations and try not to appear as a newly arrived tourist.
- Don’t walk around at night; rather use a taxi or Tuc-tuc. Do not accept food or drinks from someone you do not know.
- When travelling in any type of vehicle, keep bags out of sight, on the floor behind your legs in a taxi, or behind your seat in a Tuc-tuc. Do not leave valuables unattended in a Tuc-tuc, it cannot lock.
- Be aware of drug dealer scams, where the police or even fake police could be involved. Marijuana is readily available in some areas, and in many cases readily offered to tourist on the street. If you see this scam coming, it’s best to get away from these people as quick as possible or a bribe as much as US$300 could be demanded, even if you are innocent.
· By following these guidelines and remembering the principles of eco-tourism throughout your trip you would have:
- Minimized your impact as tourist on the local environment, community and economy
- Helped encourage the tourism industry to comply with these policies
- Contributed to our aim to restructure tourism industries into creating a positive impact on the environment, economies and cultures
- Joined the movement of consumers demanding travel providers who hold eco-principles and guidelines.