Our Responsibility
At Serengeti Mara Experts, enjoyment is our number one priority when travelling, but at the same time we need to consider the impact our travels may have on the environment. Therefore, we try to do as much as possible to reduce our ecological footprint on our safaris. We implement various initiatives to reduce this to a minimum:
It is our responsibility to preserve it and make sure that future generations can still enjoy an authentic safari in Africa. For this reason, Serengeti Mara Experts has taken a number of initiatives and supports various local projects.
This is how we engage in creating a positive impact through responsible private safaris. And don’t forget to check out our sustainable travel tips for you!
Protection of the Ngorongoro lions
Much as Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro are regarded as some of the best places to see lions in the wild, these animals are critically endangered and they have lost more than 90% of their historic range in the last century?
We have therefore been partnering with KopeLion. A local non-profit organization that creates sustainable ways for the local communities to live in harmony with the surrounding wildlife and protects the Ngorongoro lions.
For every safari to Serengeti, part of the travel sum with be contributed directly to KopeLion.
Reducing our carbon footprint
To conserve the nature around us, we must preserve the cultural heritage of the local tribes and stop deforestation. This means emit less carbon dioxide and at the same time remove excess carbon from the atmosphere.
Whilst we encourage you to exchange the safari vehicle for environmental-friendly transport as well, we closely work with Carbon Tanzania to offset the unavoidable emission from your safari. We do this by investing in their Yaeda Valley project that saves old-growth forests while human rights of the ancient tribes that depend on these ecosystems remain respected.
Local Community involvement
A visit to a Tanzania does not gain any depth if you don’t connect with the local people. And vice versa, your visit will have no added value for them.
During your safari you have the chance to stop at a local souvenir shop, as we stay away from the large commercial shopping centers.
This way you will support small local entrepreneurs and craftsmen. In each trip we will also offer you the opportunity to eat in a small, local restaurant in the middle of a village. A perfect way to taste the traditional food and experience the village life.
For cultural activities like a village walk or mountain bike tour we always use the service of a local guide. Someone who has been born and raised there and who takes pride in showing you his neighborhood.
Sustainable Safari Lodges
When crafting your safari itinerary, we carefully select accommodations that not only match your personal interest and budget, but also offer an extraordinary and unique touch. A place that is more than just a room but has a heart and soul.
An accommodation with a special story. A locally owned guesthouse that is situated in an extraordinary location. Small scale safari camps that are engaged in conservation efforts, or boutique hotels that have been constructed by using local and recycled materials.
In the national parks we encourage you to sleep “under canvas” as it truly enhances your safari experience. Moreover, these tented camps minimalize their environmental impact, yet offering you the greatest comfort in the wilderness.
Eco Friendly Transport
Whilst our 4WD safari vehicles are comfortable and perfectly suited for photographic safaris, with large windows and a pop-up roof, we welcome you to also come out of the car and explore Tanzania in a different way!
Stretch your legs on a guided safari walk and discover the hidden beauties of nature, which you otherwise would have passed unnoticed. Go canoeing on a crater lake or stream down the Rufiji River while watching elephants coming for a drink. Enjoy a glimpse of the village life with a nature walk or adventurous mountain bike tour. And what could be more memorable than approaching wild animals with a horseback safari?