When someone speaks of Tanzania, a safari is immediately thought of. Because that is what makes a Tanzania vacation an adventure. The contact with the locals and the experiences in the wilderness of Africa are something special. If you do something for sustainability at the same time, the trip will be even more enjoyable. That's why we've put together a few tips that you can keep in mind for your next trip.
Local transportation
Of course, you can travel long distances in the African country by plane, but it is not very environmentally friendly. Even though domestic flights are also very cheap. The same applies to the ferry, which tourists use for crossing to travel to different cities. More compatible for the environment is the journey by train. To get from the east of Tanzania to the west, it takes a good two days. So allow enough time if you are considering traveling by train.
But the most popular means of transport is the bus. Cheap and adventurous, because the duration of the trip is impossible to predict. Traffic, possible breakdowns and the skill of the driver are just a few factors that influence the duration of the trip.
Within cities, the most environmentally friendly way is to walk. However, this is not an option if the distance is too long. Alternatives would be to rent a car or take a cab. However, the "Dala Dalas" are the most environmentally friendly option for traveling on wheels. The "Dala Dalas" are a kind of shared cab. People move close together so that as many people as possible can ride. This is a good opportunity to strike up a conversation with the locals.
Environmentally friendly activities
The choice of experiences and adventures in Tanzania is very large. The country has enough highlights to offer. But always keep the protection of the flora and fauna in mind when deciding on your activities. Do not leave any traces in the untouched nature and do not disturb wildlife in their habitat.
Ventures that are environmentally friendly include hiking, kayaking or mountain biking.
Resource management
Using the important resources sparingly is just the right thing to do to contribute to greater sustainability. In Tanzania, fossil fuels are used to generate electricity. Therefore, it is better to use as little electricity as possible. Use electronic devices only when necessary and always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Water supply is another issue. The country has plenty of water, but the resources are distributed differently. As a result, half of the rural population and a quarter of the urban population do not have access to clean drinking water. Therefore, use water sparingly. Make sure to take showers as short as possible, do not leave water running when brushing your teeth or avoid hotels with pools.
Eyes open when buying souvenirs
At the end of your trip, you will certainly have or will buy one or the other souvenir. But always keep in mind what the souvenirs are made of or what is required to get the material. Rare animals are often hunted and killed to obtain skins or horns. Therefore, always be careful when buying souvenirs and inform yourself carefully.
Of course, there are also alternatives with which you can do good. You can support the local economy and art projects by buying textiles, ceramics, glass or stone. Especially individual and environmentally friendly souvenirs are created with the photos and videos with which you capture your experiences in pictures and which always remind you of the trip through Tanzania.
Want to travel to Tanzania and be 100 percent sustainable? Then check out our Tanzania Round Trip over!
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