Tourism

Tourism is the fastest growing industry in Tanzania. The income that tourism generates, helps to fund many essential improvements and projects that are desperately needed on a day to day basis throughout the country. Tanzania has many wonderful and indeed incredible natural and cultural assets all of which exist in a mutually dependant balance that needs to be maintained. By practicing responsible tourism you can be a partner in maintaining that balance while helping to sustain the natural wildlife and cultures that have existed for thousands of years.

WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM?

Responsible tourism calls attention to the fact that much of tourism simply is not responsible. Locals are exploited. Natural or cultural resources are treated with disrespect. For travellers, responsible travel is simply treating others with the same respect you would ask for in your own community. While tourism officials have long touted "Destinations" - in fact we are simply entering someone else's home.

To that end we recommend the following:

Avoid purchasing items made from ivory, shells and coral, the export of which is illegal in Tanzania

When purchasing items made from wood, enquire which wood is used as there are many types of tree that are now becoming endangered

When diving, avoid touching living marine life and never stand on coral - they are extremely delicate

Tanzania is relatively unspoiled compared with other East African countries. After decades of active tourism, certain East African countries are facing an enviromental crisis of major proportions. Deforestation, poor grazing and arable land and almost extinct coral reefs are all symptoms of poor management and protection encouraged in no small part by the tourist industry.

Come enjoy, and help preserve, our natural heritage.