How to Plan a Positive-impact Safari, According to a Top Travel Advisor

Three decades ago, John Burdett and Warwick Hoffman were working on a project for an international aid organization when they fell in love with Africa. As a result, they founded Journeysmiths, an agency that specializes in safaris focused on animal and environmental conservation.

I joined their team to continue that legacy, but a lot has changed in that time. In an industry rampant with greenwashing tactics, it’s hard to be sure if you’re truly traveling in a sustainable way.  Below are my tips on how to safari with purpose. 

Pick the right agent.

The first step is to choose a travel agency that can demonstrate its commitment to supporting conservation. I recommend looking at the company’s website and speaking with one of the travel consultants there. Ask how they ensure your trip will positively impact the places you visit. A good response will include information on the company’s purpose, how it selects suppliers across Africa, and if they have a financial commitment to making a difference. My team and I work with Ripple Africa, a great organization that supports children, women, and people living with disabilities in rural African villages.

Add a less popular safari.

It’s tempting to consider a well-known safari area, like the Masai Mara in Kenya or Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. These iconic regions can offer an unforgettable experience, but to maximize your impact, consider adding a lesser-known but equally impressive safari destination to your itinerary such as Sarara Camp in Kenya and Rhino View Lodge in South Africa. Your safari dollars will go further and reach more remote communities.

Make direct donations. 

Africa is full of opportunities for travelers to create meaningful connections with people and places. Through our partner, Pack for a Purpose, you can make charitable donations of medical and educational supplies needed in places you visit on your trip.

The best safari properties will have a positive impact on their region, too. They’ll likely invest in conservation, fund education and medical facilities, and support local suppliers. Others focus on a particular need, like female empowerment, by employing women from nearby villages. 

See conservation in action.

We recently launched a new series called Small Group, Big Impact Safaris, designed to see firsthand how conservation and empowerment initiatives work. One group visited the Masai Mara with big cat researchers, joined anti-poaching units who were patrolling wildlife corridors, and witnessed the release of three endangered black rhinos. In addition, all profits from those safaris are invested back into the conservation initiatives.  

Laura Burdett-Munns is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in East and Southern Africa safaris. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Burdett-Munns by contacting her at [email protected].