As tourists, we have a certain responsibility to the countries that we visit. After all, we want to have a positive impact, not a negative one. Unfortunately, many African nations (including Zimbabwe) have been through many hardships, which make them particularly vulnerable to harmful tourism activities.
So, what’s the solution?
This blog will explore the vital role that ethical and sustainable practices play in preserving Zimbabwe’s incredible wildlife and natural landscapes. We’ll also delve into what responsible tourism truly means and what you can do to help.
What is Responsible Tourism?
Responsible tourism goes beyond simply minimising environmental impact by doing things like recycling where possible and not littering. Being a responsible tourist means encompassing a holistic approach that benefits local communities, supports conservation efforts and enriches the visitor experience.
It means paying close attention to every aspect of your trip, including where you eat, what you eat, what activities you do, where you stay and more.
For instance, by making conscious choices about your spending and activities, you can contribute to the preservation of both the natural wonders and the cultural heritage of the places you visit.
Challenges Faced by Zimbabwe’s Wildlife and Ecosystems
Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s ecosystems have faced many challenges in recent decades, including:
Poaching
Sadly, elephants and rhinos are often the victims of poaching as they are killed for their horns and tusks. While poaching incidents still happen in Zimbabwe, there has been a steady decline in recent years, mostly thanks to stricter poaching laws as well as efforts made by anti-poaching patrols.
Education also plays a massive role in putting an end to poaching once and for all.
Habitat Loss
As Zimbabwe becomes more industrialised, more and more natural areas are cleared for construction, thus destroying certain habitats. Habitat loss is also caused by the illegal mining operations that keep cropping up around the country. Large animals, such as elephants, require large areas of land in order to thrive, so they often end up being the most affected.
Fortunately, there are plenty of protected areas in which animals can live in peace.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Human-wildlife conflict happens when people and animals compete for resources, such as agricultural land, natural water sources, etc. Wild animals can end up destroying crops and killing livestock, which often results in farmers killing these wild animals in return. Some of the animals that are most at risk include hyenas, baboons, and leopards, among others.
However, through effective peace-building strategies as well as government intervention, animals and people should be able to live in harmony.
The Role of Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority
This authority has been handling the management of conservation and wildlife in Zimbabwe since 1975. Over the past few decades, the team has taken huge strides to protect the country’s rich biodiversity by implementing sustainable practices and maximising conservation efforts.
From funding anti-poaching patrols to supporting community development projects that provide alternative livelihoods, Zimparks is an amazing organisation that receives much of its funding from a portion of the entrance fees you pay at the national parks you’ll visit during your Zimbabwe safari holiday.
What You Can Do
While there are plenty of organisations that aim to conserve Zimbabwe’s wildlife and uplift local communities, you can still do your part by abiding by the following guidelines:
Don’t Eat Bush Meat
Bushmeat is meat from wild animals such as cane rats, primates, and antelopes. Many tourists see this meat as an exotic delicacy and look forward to trying it. However, you shouldn’t support this trade as it has plenty of negative consequences.
When you buy and eat bushmeat, you are increasing the demand for illegal hunting activities in the country. Furthermore, this industry is largely unregulated, so you could run the risk of getting ill by eating this type of food.
Don’t Post Photos of Rhinos with Their Locations
If you see rhinos while on your Zimbabwe safari holiday, avoid posting the location of where you saw them. Poachers run rife on social media platforms, looking for their next victim. Don’t provide them with any information that could assist them in illegal activities.
The same goes for any other endangered creatures. If you’re unsure which information is okay to post and what isn’t, be sure to ask your guide for advice.
Use Eco-Friendly Shower Products
If you are staying at a campsite, be sure to use biodegradable shower products so that you don’t damage any nearby waterways or ecosystems with harsh chemicals. If you forget to bring these products with you, you can usually purchase them from local camp shops.
Obey the Rules in the Reserves
When visiting national parks and game reserves, be sure to follow all the rules, as these rules have been put in place for a reason. Typical rules include:
- Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing other visitors and wildlife
- Don’t play music through speakers. If you want to listen to music, use headphones
- No littering
- Don’t use generators
- Don’t use flash photography with wildlife
- Limit your use of fires. Buy firewood from Zimparks if need be
- Don’t enter campsites unless you have a booking
- Pay any required fees
- Listen to the safari guides
- Respect other visitors
- Don’t attempt to feed or touch any wildlife
Introduce Yourself and Ask Permission Before Taking Photos of Locals
If you’re into photography, it can be tempting to take photos of the locals going about their day-to-day lives. However, the right thing to do would be to ask permission before you start snapping away.
Go up and introduce yourself. While most locals speak English, it would help to have some knowledge of local languages, such as Shona. You could also offer to send the photographs to them as a thanks.
Tip Generously
Consider the fact that the average Zimbabwean makes around $2 a day, with most of the population living in poverty. By tipping generously, you can make a real impact in someone’s life. $5 may not seem like much to you, but it would be greatly appreciated by a local guide, waiter, bartender, or driver.
Also, remember to give and receive items (including money) with your right hand. Using your left hand is seen as an insult in Zimbabwean culture. Two short claps are also a common way to show thanks.
Help in Meaningful Ways
Many tourists enjoy giving out sweets to local children. While the kids love this, it doesn’t do anything for them, and it teaches them to beg from tourists. Furthermore, most of these kids can’t afford the dental care needed for the potential cavities.
If you want to uplift local communities, you can do so by donating to responsible initiatives and charities.
Work with Responsible Tour Operators
When choosing a tour operator, take the time to look carefully at their values and priorities. When you work with a responsible tour operator, you can rest assured that they will recommend sustainable options for all aspects of your trip, including food, accommodation and activities.
Are you ready to embark on a sustainable and unforgettable Zimbabwe safari? At Tailormade Africa, they’d love to come up with the perfect itinerary for you and your travel companions. Over the years, they have planned dozens of amazing Zimbabwe experiences, and yours could be next. Contact them today to chat about your travel preferences.
