Eco-travel in Africa

Eco-Holidays in Africa

Ever wondered what effect your African safari or holiday is having on the local environment you’re visiting? Take a moment to reflect: Africa has her share of amazing luxury lodges and incomparable wildlife experiences but the continent is the world’s poorest and her people and ecosystems beset by all manner of hardships and challenges.

Happily, there’s a new approach to African travel: eco-holidays in Africa. Operators, lodges and wildlife authorities all over the continent are actively promoting responsible, sustainable, eco-friendly travel to Africa, working not only to conserve the natural environment but also to give back to local communities.

Indeed, communities across Africa have been considerably uplifted by such initiatives: employment is generated by training disadvantaged community members to become guides, support staff or chefs; life skills like computer literacy and HIV awareness are provided; and in many cases, tribal communities such as the Kenyan and Tanzanian Maasai are now genuinely involved in the management of their traditional lands that have been set aside for tourism.

Other responsible travel role players support wildlife and conservation initiatives by funding animal rehabilitation centres, promoting awareness about rare fauna and flora and encouraging sustainable environmental programmes. Look out for lodges that are eco-friendly and recycle their waste, grow organic vegetables and use solar power or try an African eco-holiday that puts you at the heart of the community and its development projects.

It’s easy to get carried away by the magic of Africa but why not ensure your African holiday or safari has purpose and makes a meaningful contribution to the continent?

Check out our selection of African hotels and lodges who are actively involved in making a difference to Africa or find the best African eco-safari or holiday from our hand-picked list. Should you need more information or advice, simply contact one of our African Safari Experts for assistance.

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Kenya's Community & Conservation Safari

From $5,055 to $7,380 pps
8 days
This safari is a Trip With A Purpose
View wildlife from the hide. Colourful cultural encounters. guided-walk driver-guide-gordon ilmochin-primary-school-children-receive-digital-learning-kit-from-wilearn-4-life large-elephant-herds-in-ol-kinyei-conservancy masa-mara-community-beekeping-beehive
Highlights

Private conservancies for off-the-beaten-track game viewing. Nature walks with Maasai guides.

Destinations visited
Amboseli National Park Kenya Masai Mara Nairobi

Luxury Eco Safari in Botswana

From $16,370 to $26,160 pps
7 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
The exterior of King's Pool. Discover the reserve's large elephant population. The exterior of Vumbura Camp. Explore the 'Venice of safari' on a mokoro. Jao Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Incredible game viewing. Jao Camp. View from your suite at Jao Camp.
Highlights

Stay at three of the best eco-friendly luxury safari camps in Botswana. Flying to each destination gives you more time on safari.

Destinations visited
Botswana Linyanti Okavango Delta
8 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Stay at Nairobi Tented Camp in Nairobi National Park. Meet the traditional Maasai while staying at Porini Amboseli Camp. Exterior view of the tented suites at Porini Amboseli Camp. Enjoy game drives through Amboseli National Park. Stroll beside the Maasai on guided walks at Porini Mara Camp. Be treated to a delicious lunch in a private conservancy in the Masai Mara. Spot the resident lions of Ol Kinyei Conservancy in the famous Masai Mara. Share stories about the day's adventures around the campfire at Porini Lion Camp.
Highlights

Stay in a private conservancies to escape the crowds. Enjoy day and night game drives.

Destinations visited
Amboseli National Park Kenya Masai Mara Nairobi

Family Botswana's Okavango Delta & Kalahari

From $7,420 to $11,490 pps
8 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
Camp Okuti rooms overlooking a water channel. Rewarding game drives in the Moremi. The Camp Okuti jetty leads you to where your mokoro or boat safaris begin. Aerial view of Shinde Footsteps Camp in the Okavango Delta. Incredible sighting on a walking safari. Warm up by the fire after sunset at Footsteps Camp. Golden hour silhouettes at Camp Kalahari.  Camp Kalahari tent with a view.
Highlights

Experience an authentic safari, orientated towards families. Go on motor-boat excursions in Moremi.

Destinations visited
Botswana Kalahari Moremi Game Reserve Okavango Delta

Tanzania's Mnemba Private Island

From $11,890 to $16,240 pps
7 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Mnemba Island Lodge, a paradise within a marine reserve. The yoga deck. A beach boma. Abundant coral reefs to explore. The veranda of your Banda. The essence of romance, private dining on the beach. A traditional dhow cruise. Azure waters and white sandy beaches.
Highlights

Spend a week on a private island. Enjoy white sand & beautiful coral reefs.

Destinations visited
Tanzania Zanzibar

Honeymoon Kruger & Seychelles' Mahe

From $20,140 to $23,260 pps
12 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
See all your favourite African animals on game drives at Singita Boulders Lodge. Singita Boulders Lodge elephant sighting. Beautiful setting at Singita Boulders, overlooking the Sand River. In Johannesburg, the award-winning Fairlawns boutique hotel offers a tranquil oasis in the heart of a trendy enclave. The idyllic waters of Seychelles | Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort Spectacular views from the bar | Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort Torti restaurant is close to the pool, serving delicious meals all day. The main resort pool at Waldorf Astoria Platte Island.
Highlights

Fly-in safari & beach holiday. Award-winning accommodation.

Destinations visited
Kruger National Park Mahe Island Seychelles South Africa

Adventurer Family Botswana's Delta

From $3,000 to $4,880 pps
4 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
The lodge is nestled under tall trees providing shade through the day, as well as welcoming many species of birds. With a focus on walking safaris, you can experience the delta more intimately. Shinde Footsteps welcomes family and children can enjoy age-appropriate activities which makes the safari more exciting and interactive for younger guests. A small, but beautiful camp with the perfect balance of luxury and authenticity. The family tent at Shinde Footsteps. Relax in the lounge where you can spot animals as they wander past camp.
Highlights

Explore the Delta waterways by mokoro. Go on guided walks with a professional guide.

Destinations visited
Botswana Okavango Delta
8 days
Gorilla trekking. Close encounters with gorillas. Eco-sensitive lodges tucked into the Congo rainforest. See a sizable portion of the world’s remaining gorilla population. Lango Camp situated in the heart of the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Guided walks. Lango Camp room with a view of the surrounding rainforest. Boat excursions offered at Mboko Camp.
Highlights

Unique forest wildlife & amazing bird watching. Two gorilla treks plus water-based activities & nature walks.

Destinations visited
Congo Odzala National Park
7 days
Take a tour of the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi. Swimming pool at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Water-based safari on the Chobe River. Traditional game drive at Chobe National Park. Suite exterior | Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge Exterior of the suites at Sanctuary Stanley's Camp. Serene mokoro excursions (subject to water levels).
Highlights

See the famous Victoria Falls. Excellent elephant sightings at Chobe.

Destinations visited
Botswana Chobe National Park Okavango Delta Victoria Falls Zambia
7 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
Massive elephant herds crossing in front of camp. Share stories of the day and its adventures at Khwai Leadwood. Close encounters of the wild kind. The swimming pool at Khwai Leadwood. Boma dining at Khwai Leadwood. The swimming pool at Linyanti Ebony. Mokoro safaris. Tent interior.
Highlights

Air transfers between camps. Spacious family suites throughout.

Destinations visited
Botswana Chobe National Park Linyanti Moremi Game Reserve Okavango Delta
14 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Take a scenic railway trip through Victoria Falls | Rovos Rails Rovos Rail Deluxe Suite. Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages in Nairobi.
Highlights

Private day tour of the Cape Winelands. Private tour of Robben Island and Cape Town city.

Destinations visited
Cape Town Johannesburg Kenya Masai Mara Nairobi
14 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Black and white colobus monkey near Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Cultural interaction with the Batwa tribe Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. The firepit at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp gorilla sighting. Hot air balloon ride over the Wildebeest Migration with Sanctuary Olanana. Predator sighting with Sanctuary Olanana. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp tent exterior.
Highlights

See the extraordinary Wildebeest Migration in season. Seek out Big 5 game viewing.

Destinations visited
Arusha Kenya Masai Mara Nairobi Ngorongoro Crater

Good Value Year-Round Migration & Safari

From $11,350 to $15,240 pps
10 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
The Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp in Tanzania has a beautiful landscape of the grassy savannah studded with thorn trees and rocky outcrops. On game drives in the Serengeti, guests have the opportunity to witness massive herds on the move and predators lurking. Welcome to the luxurious Gran Melia Arusha. Game drive views in the Crater. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp tent interior. Incredible views over the Serengeti plains. Get close to the wildlife. Predator sighting with Sanctuary Olanana.
Highlights

Great Wildebeest Migration viewing from specialist camps in Kenya or Tanzania. Full-day Ngorongoro Crater Big 5 safari in Tanzania.

Destinations visited
Arusha Kenya Lake Manyara Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater
10 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Exterior of Arusha Coffee Lodge. Arusha Coffee Lodge is Tanzania's largest coffee plantation. Primates in close proximity to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Dining with elephants in sights. Canoe safari. Spend time at the boma | Swala Camp Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp tent exterior. Wildebeest Migration herd near Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp.
Highlights

Coffee tasting in Arusha. Guided walk in Tarangire.

Destinations visited
Arusha Lake Manyara Serengeti Tanzania Tarangire