Enjoy Safari In An Environmentally Responsible Way
If you have been thinking of taking safari holidays, you shouldn’t really need the lecture about environmental responsibility: after all, you’re a nature lover. Safari is definitely a force for good: not only does it raise awareness about the world’s most endangered species, it also brings much needed wealth to developing African economies. However, on the flip side it is undeniable that the the African ecosystem is being damaged by human activity linked to safari excursions. Everyone deserves that once in a lifetime safari experience. But everyone owes it to Africa to make sure their experience doesn’t have a negative effect on the region.
When you’re on your Mozambique holidays, be wary of the rush to ‘see the big five’. The big five are the Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Lion and Buffalo. Having marketed safaris on the appeal of the ‘big five’ for decade, operators or over obsessed with these animals (which are ultimately a list derived from hunting, which tells you a lot in itself). You can see all five at any zoo. Were you to see just one of the big five, to observe them at length in your natural habitat, you’d get a better experience than having to constantly speed across the plains looking for the next tick box. Consider also what isn’t included in the ‘big five’. No giraffes, zebras, hippos or any of the stunning creatures that bolster Africa’s biodiversity.
When you go on Safari, try to go with a party of like minded people and with a tour operator that isn’t constantly trying to earn tips by following everyone’s whims. On your South Africa holidays you have to recognise that the extra effort it takes to see animals up close is polluting and trampling all over the habitat. You’ll find that off-road driving is prohibited by law in the major parks. The imposition isn’t there to make your visit less fun, it protects the visits of the future. In a sense, the pursuit of intimate snaps up close with the ‘big five’ is no better than poaching. Environmental damage could just be the thing that lets these marvelous beasts become extinct after all.
by harry on December 26th, 2010 Tags: Africa, environmental, holidays, Safari
Posted in global holidays, global news, global tips, global vacations | Comments Off
