![\"eco-conscious](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1438,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/08\/1-gorillas-drc-democratic-republic-congo-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
<\/a>\n1. Pick uncrowded destinations that value sustainability<\/h2>\n
Choosing to travel to a destination that places great emphasis on conservation and cultural heritage is in fact one of the most important tweaks travellers can make \u2013 so it pays to do your research. Also try to avoid places already drowning in tourism, and think about picking lesser-known \u2013 albeit no less intriguing \u2013 alternatives instead. The good news is that our beautiful continent offers plenty of unspoiled destinations worthy of your attention. So if, say, you were thinking of travelling to the busy beaches of Thailand, why not head to Mozambique<\/a> or Madagascar<\/a> instead? Or how about a mountain gorilla encounter in the Democratic Republic of Congo<\/a> rather than mingling with masses of tourists in Venice or Barcelona? Following a turbulent history, Africa\u2019s second-largest country is currently experiencing a major renaissance, with tourism providing much-needed funds and injecting a new lease of life.<\/p>\n We all know that air travel is bad news for our carbon footprint \u2013 yet a plane is often the only realistic way to get from A to B, especially when travelling to a far-flung destination. One way to alleviate the problem is to choose airlines offering carbon offset programmes, such as Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, who calculate passengers\u2019 emissions, then purchase carbon credits to finance renewable energy, forestry and conservation projects. Once you are on the continent it is also worth considering train travel \u2013 from the opulent Rovos Rail<\/a>, to the Blue Train<\/a>, Shongololo Express and Nairobi to Mombasa rail journey, there are plenty of wonderfully old school options. Not only will your leisurely journey generate up to 10 times fewer carbon emissions, you\u2019ll also get a more profound sense of place.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s eco-conscious hotels offer far more than the option not to have your towels changed every day \u2013 to stand out, they have to combine innovative sustainability concepts with a contemporary approach to design and luxury. African lodges are known for setting precedents as far as ecologically sound accommodation is concerned \u2013 they are built with as light a footprint on the environment as possible, and use locally sourced materials and interior design where they can. Take Grootbos in Hermanus<\/a> for example – world-renowned as a botanical wonderland, the lodge\u2019s various ecological and social development projects set a great example. Or the 100% solar powered Mombo Camp<\/a> in the Okavango Delta<\/a>, which features nine tented suites elevated above ground to reduce the lodge\u2019s carbon footprint. If you need any more inspiration, take a look at our\u00a0\u00a0Top 10 eco-friendly safari lodges<\/a>\u00a0article.<\/p>\n According to statistics provided by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), for every $100 spent by the average developed-world traveller, only $5 remains in the destination\u2019s economy. Luckily, travellers have the power to change this somewhat sobering statistic. Check with your hotel, tour operator and savvy locals before parting with your hard-earned cash, to make sure that your money really benefits the local community. This means eating regional food, in restaurants that employ people in the area and use local ingredients; visiting nearby markets and buying locally. Lovingly handcrafted gifts by regional artisans will no doubt cost you more than mass-market souvenirs from a cheap shop at the mall \u2013 but every time you look at it back home you\u2019ll be reminded that you helped preserve your destination\u2019s cultural heritage and economy.<\/p>\n As we all know, the world is drowning in plastic, which wreaks havoc on marine ecosystems \u2013 and single-use plastic bottles are the biggest culprit. Bringing reusable water bottles when you travel and refusing plastic shopping bags and straws in shops and restaurants are easy steps to take in reducing waste. Then there\u2019s the matter of water \u2013 an essential most of us take for granted, even though an estimated two billion people around the world are without clean running water. And as the recent drought in Cape Town<\/a> showed, even global cities are at risk of running out of this precious commodity. Smart Cape Town hotels such as Radisson RED<\/a> reacted by introducing water saving initiatives, and encouraging guests to be H2o conscious \u2013 simple things, such as turning the tap off while brushing their teeth, and choosing short showers over baths.<\/p>\n It is tempting to hand out sweets, gifts and even money to local kids and villagers in developing countries. Your heart is definitely in the right place, however your good intentions can have unintended consequences \u2013 leading to community conflict and breeding begging and dependency. There are other ways to give back in a meaningful way however \u2013 \u201cPack for a Purpose\u201d<\/a>\u00a0for example lists destination-specific supplies that are sure to reach their intended target audience, while luxury safari lodge providers such as Singita<\/a> make it their mission to help local communities thrive economically and socially \u2013 through child education, the development of small enterprises, and an improved awareness of conservation and sustainable daily living practices.<\/p>\n The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently launched an \u201cIs it too much to ask\u201d campaign to raise awareness amongst travellers regarding cultural practices and important dos and don\u2019ts. The aim is to ideally leave a place better than you found it \u2013 there are the obvious points, such as being respectful of cultural and religious customs, and choosing ethical, sustainable experiences and outings. Other things, such as wearing reef-safe sunscreen to avoid coral bleaching, may not necessarily have been the first thought to pop into your head. Prioritising animal welfare is another must – steering clear of activities that involve animals in captivity, not interfering with their natural habitat, and saying no to any kind of wildlife souvenirs. Many African lodges also have ambitious wildlife initiatives \u2013 with profits from guest stays often flowing straight back into these programmes.<\/p>\n![\"eco-conscious](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/08\/2-eco-conscious-safari-The-Blue-Train-johannesburg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
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\n2. Consider how to get there<\/h2>\n![\"eco-conscious](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/08\/3-eco-conscious-safari-Mombo-camp-okavango-delta-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
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\n3. Choose \u201cgreen\u201d accommodation<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>![\"eco-conscious](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/08\/4-eco-conscious-safari-highlands-asilia-ngorongoro-crater-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
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\n4. Go local<\/h2>\n![\"eco-conscious](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/08\/5-marine-life-plastic-eco-conscious-safari-and-beyond-benguerra-island-mozambique-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
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\n5. Say no to plastic and yes to saving water<\/h2>\n![\"eco-conscious](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=958,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/08\/6-give-back-kalahari-plains-activities-central-kalahari-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
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\n6. Give back<\/h2>\n![\"eco-conscious](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/08\/7-customs-Chilo-gorge-safari-lodge-gonarezhou-national-park-zimbabwe-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
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\n7. Take only photos, leave only footprints<\/h2>\n
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