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Join us and be part of the solution. As we recover from the pandemic, now is the best time to start afresh - rethink, reshape, and choose a more sustainable road forward.
What can we do to support sustainable tourism?
Focus on reducing the negative impact of COVID-19 and maximizing the positive benefits for communities, cultures, and ecosystems.
Save our beautiful country for future generations.
Focus on responsible travel to natural areas and leave places better than they were before.
1. Get off the beaten track
Ditch the queues and get off the beaten track. Do have your bucket list but explore and create your own.
This allows you to have a unique and authentic experience while avoiding the crowds. Consider taking your trip during the off-peak season. We highly recommend November to mid-December for a safari or April - June to see the Victoria Falls at their best.
2. Slow down and stay awhile – add an extra day
Don’t miss out on the little hidden gems by trying to do too much. Take a piece of Africa home in your heart - Spend more time exploring and have a more authentic, memorable, and meaningful travel experience by getting get to know Zambia’s unique charms.
3. Conserve water and energy whenever you can
Turn off the lights and take in the starry night sky. Take a short shower instead of a bath we do have some creative showers in the lodges and camps. Zambia offers a range of low-impact accommodations from more basic accommodations to small high-end properties that utilize renewable energy and water-efficient technologies.
4. Keep your dollars local
You can help communities bounce back from the COVID effect by ensuring your dollars stay in the local economy and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Consider staying in Proudly Zambian-run Lodges and Camps rather than international chains. Dine at local restaurants and savor traditional dishes made with our fresh locally sourced ingredients. DO have some fun navigating the local market – try one of our local shopping experiences and buy crafts made by local artisans. (do haggle but pay a fair price). Our highly qualified and well-respected local guides will blow your mind with the best spots and lots of interesting facts about the fauna and flora. Please avoid giving money to beggars as dependence on tourist handouts is not sustainable, rather contribute to a local project that empowers people through skills and education.
5. Respect local communities
Soak up local culture with a glimpse into the traditions, ceremonies, beliefs, and ways of life. Zambians are very friendly and have a great sense of humor. Learn a few phrases of the local language. Please be considerate and mindful of their privacy (ask permission before you take their photo) and protocols.
(avoid very short skirts/shorts; cover up with a Zambian “chitenge”).
6. Avoid single-use plastics
With the increased reliance on plastics due to COVID, it’s even more important to cut down your own consumption when you can. Most high-end lodges supply a re-usable water bottle or bring your own! Where possible lodges use locally produced drinks, fresh meat, and vegetables. (Imported ones tend to use more packaging). Don’t miss out on a local Mosi beer.
7. Visit parks and protected areas
Africa’s National parks play an important role in protecting our natural resources and biodiversity. The Parks rely on park fees, permits, and bed levies to preserve these special places and animals, help fund conservation activities, and provide employment to local communities.
8. Choose a sustainable tour operator – The Ntanda Commitment
WHAT WE DO
- We use solar power where possible (geysers, borehole pump and gate motors)
- We only employ local residents from our community
- As a local tour operator, we prioritize local suppliers and producers in our packages
- All waste on our property is recycled where possible
- We plant paw and avocado trees (from the seeds of our fruit) and give excess plants back to the community
- We support Conservation South Luangwa by buying their Cook & Conserve recipe books for our promotions and Thank-you gifts
- We only promote Lodges with bank accounts in Zambia, we don’t externalize the tourist Dollar
- We do not promote any walking or riding with wild animals
-Our budget packages include extras to add a little luxury to your safari. We are very proud of our locally made “Ntanda Safari Packs” ( chitenge bags made from a local material usually worn as a wrap-around) which include your organic toiletries made in Zambia and a locally crafted gift just for you.
Read our blog about Traditional Zambian Cuisine You Must Try
