African Landscape Adventures Sustainability Policy
African Landscape Adventures is committed to responsible and sustainable tourism that protects Tanzania’s natural environment, respects local communities and cultures, supports local livelihoods and creates meaningful experiences for our guests.
As a Tanzania-based travel company, we recognise that tourism depends on the protection of the landscapes, wildlife, communities and cultural heritage that make Tanzania a remarkable destination. We therefore aim to conduct our business in a way that contributes positively to the places and people with whom we work.
Our sustainability approach applies to our wildlife safaris, Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru climbs, Zanzibar and beach holidays, honeymoon experiences, excursions, airport transfers, accommodation arrangements and other travel services provided by African Landscape Adventures.
This Sustainability Policy explains the principles and practices that guide our environmental, social, economic and operational responsibilities.
Our sustainability commitment
African Landscape Adventures is committed to continuously improving the sustainability of our operations.
We aim to:
- Protect Tanzania’s wildlife and natural ecosystems;
- Respect national parks, conservation areas and protected landscapes;
- Reduce the environmental impact of our travel operations;
- Support local communities and businesses;
- Create fair and meaningful employment opportunities;
- Promote responsible and ethical wildlife tourism;
- Respect local cultures, traditions and communities;
- Encourage responsible behaviour among our guests;
- Reduce unnecessary waste and resource consumption;
- Work with responsible suppliers and service providers;
- Support conservation and community initiatives where appropriate; and
- Continuously improve our sustainability practices.
Responsible tourism in Tanzania
We believe tourism should benefit the destination as well as the traveller.
Our goal is to create travel experiences that allow guests to enjoy Tanzania while contributing to the protection of its natural and cultural heritage.
We seek to balance the needs of our guests with the long-term interests of local communities, wildlife, ecosystems and future generations.
Wildlife conservation
Wildlife is at the heart of many of the experiences we provide.
African Landscape Adventures supports responsible wildlife tourism and respects the rules and regulations established by Tanzania’s national parks, conservation authorities and protected areas.
Our guides are expected to promote responsible wildlife-viewing practices and to encourage guests to observe animals without causing unnecessary disturbance.
We do not support activities that intentionally harass, injure, feed or unnecessarily disturb wild animals.
Responsible wildlife viewing
During safaris, our guides encourage guests to follow applicable park regulations and responsible wildlife-viewing practices.
These may include:
- Maintaining appropriate distances from wildlife;
- Following designated roads and tracks where required;
- Respecting speed limits and park regulations;
- Avoiding unnecessary noise around wildlife;
- Never feeding wild animals;
- Never attempting to attract animals for photographs;
- Not chasing animals with vehicles;
- Respecting other safari vehicles and visitors;
- Following instructions from guides and park authorities; and
- Leaving natural areas as they are found.
Wildlife encounters are unpredictable and should always take place on the animals’ terms.
Protection of national parks and protected areas
African Landscape Adventures recognises the importance of Tanzania’s national parks, conservation areas, forests, mountains and other protected landscapes.
We encourage our guests and staff to respect all park rules and conservation regulations.
We do not support the removal of plants, rocks, fossils, cultural objects or other natural or protected resources from national parks or other protected areas.
Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru sustainability
Mountain environments are particularly sensitive to waste, erosion, overcrowding and other forms of environmental pressure.
During Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru climbs, African Landscape Adventures aims to minimise environmental impact while respecting mountain regulations and conservation requirements.
Our mountain operations encourage:
- Carrying waste out of the mountain environment;
- Avoiding unnecessary single-use plastics;
- Using designated routes and campsites;
- Respecting mountain regulations;
- Using water responsibly;
- Avoiding unnecessary damage to vegetation;
- Maintaining appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices;
- Encouraging responsible behaviour among trekkers; and
- Supporting fair treatment of mountain crews.
Leave no trace principles
We encourage guests, guides and staff to follow practical leave-no-trace principles during outdoor activities.
This means taking care not to leave rubbish, damaging vegetation, disturbing wildlife, removing natural objects or otherwise altering the natural environment unnecessarily.
Guests are encouraged to take responsibility for their personal waste and follow the instructions of their guide and the relevant park or conservation authority.
Waste reduction
African Landscape Adventures aims to reduce the amount of waste generated through our operations.
Where practical, we encourage:
- Reducing unnecessary packaging;
- Reducing single-use plastics;
- Reusing suitable materials;
- Sorting recyclable materials where appropriate facilities exist;
- Using reusable water bottles;
- Responsible disposal of waste;
- Encouraging suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging; and
- Educating guests about responsible waste management.
Reducing single-use plastics
Plastic waste can have a significant impact on wildlife, landscapes and communities.
We aim to reduce unnecessary reliance on single-use plastic products within our operations.
Where practical, we encourage the use of reusable water bottles, refillable containers and reusable supplies.
Guests are encouraged to bring reusable bottles and avoid unnecessary single-use plastic packaging during their travels.
Water conservation
Water is an important and limited resource in many parts of Tanzania.
We encourage responsible water use throughout our operations and ask guests to avoid unnecessary consumption.
Where practical, our team and partner properties are encouraged to use water efficiently and avoid unnecessary wastage.
Energy efficiency
We aim to reduce unnecessary energy consumption in our offices, vehicles and operational activities.
Where practical, we encourage energy-saving practices such as switching off lights and equipment when not required and using energy-efficient equipment where appropriate.
We also encourage guests to use electricity responsibly during their stay at accommodation properties.
Responsible transportation
Transportation is an important part of safari and travel operations and can contribute to environmental impacts.
We aim to operate and maintain our vehicles responsibly and to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption where practical.
Our drivers and guides are encouraged to follow responsible driving practices, avoid unnecessary idling and respect park speed limits and road regulations.
Vehicles are maintained appropriately to support safety, reliability and efficient operation.
Carbon emissions
We recognise that tourism and transportation generate greenhouse-gas emissions.
African Landscape Adventures aims to reduce avoidable emissions through responsible vehicle use, efficient trip planning, appropriate vehicle maintenance and other practical measures.
Where appropriate, we may explore conservation, reforestation, tree-planting or other environmental initiatives that can contribute to climate-related goals.
Any carbon-offset or environmental contribution programme offered by African Landscape Adventures will be communicated transparently to guests.
Responsible accommodation
Where practical, we seek to work with accommodation providers that demonstrate responsible environmental and social practices.
Depending on availability and the requirements of a particular itinerary, we may consider factors such as:
- Waste-management practices;
- Water conservation;
- Energy efficiency;
- Local employment;
- Community involvement;
- Responsible sourcing;
- Environmental awareness; and
- Respect for local communities and ecosystems.
Accommodation availability, guest preferences, location, budget and itinerary requirements may affect the properties available for a particular trip.
Supporting local communities
We believe tourism can contribute positively to local communities when economic benefits remain within the destination.
As a Tanzania-based company, we aim to support local communities through employment, local procurement, partnerships and tourism activities.
Where practical, we encourage guests to purchase locally made products and services from legitimate local businesses and artisans.
Local employment
African Landscape Adventures aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for Tanzanian citizens.
We value the knowledge, skills and experience of local guides, drivers, mountain crews, office staff and other tourism professionals.
We aim to provide fair and respectful working conditions and to support professional development within our team.
Fair treatment of guides and mountain crews
Guides, drivers, porters, cooks and other tourism workers play an essential role in delivering safe and memorable travel experiences.
African Landscape Adventures is committed to treating our employees and operational partners with dignity and respect.
For mountain expeditions, we support responsible treatment of guides, porters and other crew members in accordance with applicable requirements and responsible tourism principles.
We do not support abusive, discriminatory or exploitative treatment of tourism workers.
Responsible porter practices
Mountain porters are an important part of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru operations.
We aim to ensure that porters working on our trips are treated fairly and respectfully.
Our approach includes supporting appropriate working conditions, reasonable treatment, suitable equipment where applicable and responsible workload practices.
We encourage guests to follow our guidance regarding porter welfare and responsible tipping.
Local sourcing
Where practical, African Landscape Adventures aims to purchase goods and services locally.
Local sourcing may include:
- Food and beverages;
- Accommodation services;
- Transport services;
- Local crafts and products;
- Professional tourism services;
- Equipment and supplies; and
- Other goods and services available locally.
Supporting local suppliers helps keep a greater proportion of tourism expenditure within the Tanzanian economy.
Supporting local businesses
We recognise the importance of small and locally owned businesses to Tanzania’s tourism economy.
Where suitable, we aim to work with locally owned hotels, restaurants, transport providers, guides, artisans and other service providers.
We also encourage guests to experience locally owned businesses responsibly during their travels.
Respect for local communities and cultures
African Landscape Adventures respects the cultural diversity and traditions of Tanzania.
We encourage guests to interact respectfully with local communities and to understand that cultural practices may differ from those in their home countries.
Guests are encouraged to:
- Ask permission before photographing people;
- Respect local customs and traditions;
- Dress appropriately when visiting communities and cultural sites;
- Avoid behaviour that could be disrespectful or offensive;
- Respect religious and cultural practices;
- Purchase products responsibly; and
- Follow the guidance of local hosts and guides.
Community and cultural experiences
Where cultural visits or community experiences form part of an itinerary, we aim to ensure that these experiences are conducted respectfully and provide appropriate benefits to the communities involved.
We do not support activities that intentionally exploit, humiliate or disrespect local people for entertainment purposes.
Child protection
African Landscape Adventures has zero tolerance for the exploitation, abuse or inappropriate treatment of children.
We encourage responsible interaction with children encountered during travel and discourage behaviour that creates dependency, exploitation or unsafe situations.
Guests should not photograph or share identifiable images of children without appropriate permission.
We also discourage the distribution of money, sweets or other items directly to children where doing so could encourage begging or other unintended negative effects.
Wildlife and animal welfare
African Landscape Adventures respects animal welfare and supports responsible interactions between visitors and animals.
We do not support activities that intentionally harm, harass, exploit or unnecessarily disturb animals.
Where activities involving animals form part of a travel experience, we aim to work with responsible providers and follow applicable laws and regulations.
Prohibition of wildlife feeding and harassment
Guests are not permitted to feed wild animals during our safari activities.
Guests should not attempt to attract, chase, touch or otherwise interfere with wild animals.
Our guides have the authority to instruct guests to stop any behaviour that could endanger people, disturb wildlife or violate park regulations.
Protection of endangered species
We support the protection of endangered and threatened species and do not support the illegal purchase, sale or possession of wildlife products.
Guests should not purchase products made from protected wildlife, endangered species or illegally obtained natural materials.
Where appropriate, our guides may advise guests about responsible purchasing and wildlife-protection requirements.
Responsible photography
Photography is an important part of many African travel experiences, but it should always be conducted responsibly.
Guests are encouraged to avoid using photography or equipment in ways that disturb wildlife or disrespect local communities.
Photography of people should be undertaken respectfully and, where appropriate, with their permission.
Responsible purchasing
We encourage guests to support local artisans and businesses while avoiding products that may contribute to environmental degradation, wildlife exploitation or illegal trade.
Guests should avoid purchasing products made from endangered wildlife, protected species or illegally collected natural resources.
Community contributions
African Landscape Adventures recognises the value of supporting initiatives that benefit local communities.
Where appropriate and within our capacity, we may support community initiatives involving education, environmental protection, conservation, livelihoods or other community priorities.
Where we make specific donations or contributions, we aim to communicate their purpose transparently.
Education and awareness
We believe education is an important part of responsible tourism.
Our guides and team members are encouraged to share appropriate information with guests about wildlife, conservation, local communities, cultural practices and responsible travel.
We also encourage guests to ask questions and learn about the environments and communities they visit.
Responsible suppliers and partners
We aim to work with suppliers and partners who share our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.
Where practical, we consider factors such as:
- Environmental responsibility;
- Legal compliance;
- Fair employment practices;
- Responsible treatment of staff;
- Wildlife protection;
- Community relationships;
- Waste management;
- Safety standards; and
- Responsible business practices.
Health, safety and responsible operations
Sustainability also includes the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, employees, guides and operational partners.
We aim to maintain responsible operational practices and to comply with applicable safety requirements.
Our guides and staff may modify or stop an activity where they reasonably believe that continuing could create an unacceptable safety risk.
Accessibility and inclusion
African Landscape Adventures aims to provide welcoming and respectful travel experiences to guests from different backgrounds and circumstances.
We do not support discrimination, harassment or inappropriate treatment of guests, employees or partners.
Guests should inform us of relevant accessibility or mobility requirements as early as possible so that we can determine what arrangements may reasonably be provided.
Ethical business practices
We are committed to conducting our business responsibly and ethically.
We aim to maintain transparent communication with guests, provide accurate travel information and deal fairly with our suppliers, employees and business partners.
We do not support bribery, corruption, exploitation or other unlawful business practices.
Guest responsibilities
Sustainable tourism is a shared responsibility between the travel company, suppliers, local communities and travellers.
We encourage our guests to:
- Follow national park and conservation rules;
- Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances;
- Never feed or harass wild animals;
- Dispose of waste responsibly;
- Reduce unnecessary plastic use;
- Use water and energy responsibly;
- Respect local communities and cultures;
- Ask permission before photographing people;
- Avoid purchasing illegal wildlife products;
- Support legitimate local businesses;
- Follow the instructions of guides and park authorities;
- Respect mountain environments;
- Leave natural areas as they are found; and
- Report serious environmental or safety concerns to our team.
Continuous improvement
Sustainability is an ongoing process.
We recognise that there is always room to improve how tourism affects the environment, communities and local economy.
African Landscape Adventures will continue to review its operations and look for practical ways to improve environmental protection, responsible employment, community engagement, resource efficiency and guest awareness.
Measuring our sustainability efforts
Where reliable information is available, we may monitor sustainability-related activities and outcomes across our operations.
These may include areas such as:
- Local employment;
- Local procurement;
- Community contributions;
- Waste reduction;
- Plastic reduction;
- Environmental initiatives;
- Conservation support;
- Staff development; and
- Other sustainability activities.
Where we publish sustainability figures or impact information, we aim to ensure that such information is presented responsibly and accurately.
Environmental claims and transparency
African Landscape Adventures aims to communicate our sustainability efforts honestly and responsibly.
We will not intentionally describe an activity, service or business practice as environmentally beneficial where we do not have a reasonable basis for making that claim.
Where a sustainability initiative is operated or verified by a third party, we may identify the relevant organisation or programme where appropriate.
Compliance with laws and regulations
African Landscape Adventures is committed to complying with applicable Tanzanian laws, regulations and requirements relating to tourism, environmental protection, wildlife conservation, national parks, employment, health and safety and other relevant areas.
We also expect our employees, guides and relevant partners to respect the rules and regulations applicable to the services they provide.
Reporting sustainability concerns
If a guest, employee, supplier or other stakeholder becomes aware of conduct that may cause serious environmental damage, wildlife harm, exploitation, unsafe working conditions or other significant sustainability concerns, we encourage them to report the matter to African Landscape Adventures.
We will review genuine concerns and take reasonable steps to address issues within our control.
Working with our partners
Sustainable tourism requires cooperation across the travel industry.
We therefore encourage our hotels, lodges, camps, transport providers, guides, activity providers and other partners to adopt responsible environmental and social practices.
Where practical, sustainability considerations may form part of our future supplier selection and partnership decisions.
Policy updates
African Landscape Adventures may update this Sustainability Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our operations, applicable requirements, sustainability practices or industry standards.
When changes are made, we will update the “Last Updated” date displayed at the beginning of this policy.
We encourage guests, partners and other stakeholders to review this policy periodically.
Contact us about sustainability
If you have questions, suggestions or concerns regarding our sustainability practices, please contact African Landscape Adventures through the official contact details provided on our website.
African Landscape Adventures
Arusha, Tanzania
Website: african-landscape.com
Sustainability enquiries: Please use the contact information provided on our official website.
Our commitment to responsible travel
African Landscape Adventures believes that tourism should help protect the places that travellers come to experience and create meaningful benefits for the people who call those places home.
Through responsible operations, local partnerships, conservation awareness, community support and continuous improvement, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable future for Tanzania’s tourism industry.
We invite our guests to join us in travelling responsibly and helping protect Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, cultures and communities for future generations.
African Landscape Adventures — Explore Tanzania. Experience Africa.