Wildlife Encounters: Ethical Practices on Safari Tours
There are few travel experiences that are as impactful as seeing wildlife in its natural habitat - it’s something you just can’t replicate at a zoo. But with wildlife tourism growing rapidly across Africa and beyond, we’re acutely aware that some experiences are to the detriment of animals, both immediately and in the long term.
Here are Adventure Unbound, we believe that choosing an ethical safari has never been more important. This is not only for the well-being of animals and ensuring they remain wild, but also for protecting broader ecosystems and supporting local communities.
In this article, we’ll explore what ethical wildlife encounters look like on safari tours and how you can make responsible choices as a traveller.
What is an ethical safari?
An ethical safari is one that prioritises animal welfare above photo opportunities and up-close encounters. Yes, you are likely to capture incredible photos. But it won’t come at the expense of the animal’s well- being…and you shouldn’t want it to!
Respecting the natural behaviour of wildlife is key. In no way should your actions stop them from feeding, interacting, or migrating as they normally would. Most importantly, wildlife should never be handled, fed, chased, or manipulated for tourist entertainment. This is highly unethical!
An ethical safari should have minimal environmental impact. Instead, it should play an important role in the conservation of habitats and species. This could be through the design of the safari lodge/camp, limiting the number of guests, or providing financial support to local conservation projects and initiatives. Lastly, an ethical safari should bring meaningful benefits for local people, whether that’s through employment or investment in community projects. It should never be focused solely on generating profit for investors or international owners.
Ethical practices to look for when planning a safari
1. Respectful wildlife viewing
Responsible safari operators will always keep safe, regulated distances from animals, rather than driving right up to them for close-up shots. They will never surround or block the pathways of animals. Rather, they will allow them space to move naturally in their environment. If a safari advertises “guaranteed sightings” or allows off-road chasing, that’s a red flag. Animals sightings in the wild are never guaranteed and wildlife should never feel threatened while being pursued in their natural environment.
Ethical safari operators will usually limit the number of vehicles at sightings, so as not to disturb the animals. Rather than signalling for every driver in the area to approach, they will take it in turns so that everyone gets to enjoy the experience.
2. No feeding, touching, or baiting
Ethical safari operators will never feed wildlife to attract them or lure them closer to vehicles. Similarly, they will never use bait to encourage the animals to move or get a reaction. Touching of animals is also completely prohibited - if you see this, call it out!
These practices disrupt natural behaviours and increase the stress experienced by wildlife. If continued over time, they can make animals dependent on humans for their survival and/or far more aggressive then they naturally are.
3. Trained guides with conservation knowledge
Ethical safari operators will always work with highly experienced guides who are trained in animal behaviour and ecology. It’s important to note that this may not be through formal higher education, but rather, as a result of on-the- ground and lived experience.
Based on their knowledge and years of experience, these guides are equipped to understand the unique behaviours of wildlife and their stress signals. As such, they know when the presence of a safari vehicle is negatively impacting the animal and that it’s time to move on. Guides who are trained in conservation better understand the challenges being faced by wildlife and are in a unique position to educate guests. They will enhance the experience through their knowledge and storytelling, rather than trying to push boundaries that are detrimental to animal welfare.
Most importantly, responsible safari guides will follow the park and reserve regulations to a “T”. In most cases, these have been implemented for ethical reasons and wildlife well-being.
4. Supporting conservation efforts and local communities
An ethical safari operator is not solely focused on being a for-profit business, but prioritises reinvestment back into its environment and community. This might be through anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife monitoring and research, or habitat restoration projects. Many also financially support endangered species protection programs, with the hope that animals will be reintroduced into the wild in the future.
Additionally, ethical safari operators support their surrounding communities by employing local guides and staff, and paying them fair wages. Some spearhead education and healthcare projects (or provide financial support to existing ones), while others partner with community-owned conservancies. Look for safari lodges or tours that are transparent about where their conservation funding goes and how they are reinvesting profits into local communities. It’s no secret that when communities benefit from wildlife tourism, they have a stronger incentive to protect wildlife, rather than exploit it.
5. Environmentally responsible lodges
Many safari companies are based out of lodges or camps whose operations may or may not be detrimental to the surrounding environment. Look for sustainably run safari properties that use solar or renewable energies and manage their waste responsibly.
Ideally, the safari lodge or camp will be designed to blend into the natural environment and incorporate practices that reduce strain on fragile ecosystems. This might include limiting water usage in drought-affected regions or eliminating single-use plastics. Many properties are upfront about their sustainability goals and steps they are taking to improve their eco-credentials. If not, that could be a “red flag” that they’re not doing their bit.
How to be a responsible safari traveller
Before booking, research safari operators thoroughly and read reviews that highlight ethics, not just the thrill of the chase or the sightings encountered. Check whether the lodge or camp has affiliations with conservation organisations and how they are reinvesting money back into local communities and/or wildlife conservation initiatives.
Be cautious of any experiences that promise up close encounters with wildlife or animal handling, no matter how harmless or “once-in-a-lifetime” they might seem. Wild animals are just that and they should be left to their own devices, not manipulated for selfies or petting. Also, be aware of captive breeding programs that are disguised as conservation projects. Some animal rescue and wildlife rehabilitation programs are playing an important role in caring for injured or orphaned creatures, with the aim of returning them to the wild. Others are purely designed for money-making purposes, with animal welfare taking a back seat.
During your safari, always follow your guide’s instructions - even though you are the client, they are the boss! Never pressure guides to follow animals or find a particular species, remembering that in the wild, nothing is guaranteed. Rather than focusing on “ticking off” animals or getting the perfect shot, choose to patiently observe your surroundings. You never know what you might see or experience in the moment.
Lastly, always keep noise to a minimum, even if the thrill of seeing a particular animal is almost too much excitement to bear. Why ethical safaris matter more than ever When conducted responsibly, safaris can be a powerful force for conservation, which is only becoming a more pressing issue around the globe. Not only do they help to fund protection efforts, but they also inspire travellers to care more deeply about the natural world.
Ethical wildlife tourism plays an important role in ensuring habitats are preserved and animals are allowed to remain in the wild. In the long run, local communities benefit from protecting wildlife, rather than being encouraged to harm it for financial gain.
By choosing an ethical safari tour and supporting responsible operators, you can play a vital role in protecting some of the planet’s most extraordinary species. It’s about shifting the focus from how close you can get to witnessing wildlife on their own terms, in a way that ensures they’ll still be there long after you’ve gone.
