Eco-friendly safari holidays in Africa

Taking part in a safari experience in Africa is often placed high on the proverbial bucket list the stunning landscapes interesting array of wildlife and rich and varied cultures are just some of the reasons why.

However long-haul travel has a significant impact on our carbon footprint and this is becoming an increasing concern for many travellers. Fortunately it is still possible to minimise this by choosing to travel with an eco-friendly holiday company. 

Jumbari Family Safaris a Cape Town-based tour operator are committed to responsible tourism practices and are hot on sustainable development community involvement and wildlife conservation.

Discover the Okavango Delta & Chobe Safari in Botswana

Okavango Delta & Chobe Safari is ideally suited for animal and photography lovers. This tour starts in Kasane and ends in Maun where there will plenty of opportunities to capture superb wildlife activity.

There are daily game drives and an exhilarating boat safari along the Chobe River in Chobe. Later you can take refreshing a dip in the Elephant Valley new rim-flow pool.

For the second half of the tour spot elephants lions and wildebeest in the Okavango Delta and take part in a walking safari. There is also the option to go hot air ballooning over the Delta.

Staying at: Elephant Valley Lodge (Days 1-3) and Kadizora Camp (Days 4-5).

Family friendly? In Kadizora Camp children under the age of 12 are permitted on safari at the discretion of the manager or guide. Children under 6 are not permitted on safari under any circumstances.

Eco-friendly credentials: Elephant Valley has many Eco friendly accolades. They operate on borehole water which comes from 110m below the ground and is used to operate everything in the lodge from cooking (it is safe to drink) to gardening. They also operate a 20,000-litre biochemical septic tank which filters and purifies the water so it can be used for irrigation. Power usage is kept to a minimum and electricity is switched off in rooms when they are not in use. All refuse is removed to a new eco-friendly dump in Kasane.

Kadizora Camp is run by solar power and gas only and they also utilise a water purification and waste management plant.

Family focused conservation adventure in South Africa

This tour is designed with families in mind. The first four days of this tour is spent exploring Cape Town, the “Mother City” staying in the child-friendly Belmond Mount Nelson overlooking Table Mountain.

Next you will travel to Franschhoek (Cape Winelands) to Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch fruit and vegetable farms. You’ll stay in a luxury two-bedroom cottage with full access to the gardens and the chance to take part in activities including cycling, bread baking and rowing on the farm dam.

The second half of the tour is safari-focused and starts in Port Elizabeth on the east coast of South Africa. For the next five days you will stay at Samara Private Game Reserve in the Karoo with access to private game vehicles with a guide and trackers.

Staying at: Belmond Mount Nelson, Baby lonstoren and Samara Private Game Reserve.

Family friendly? Absolutely – this is a family-focused tour. Mount Nelson has a children’s centre and child friendly activities and can also arrange babysitting. Babylonstoren welcomes families and is situated on a farm, which will be great fun for the kids. Samara also runs a dedicated children’s programme.

Eco friendly credentials: Mount Nelson makes their own organic compost and uses spring water to irrigate the estate. Babylonstoren is a member of the Biodiversity and initiative and Samara has spent the past two decades fine tuning their conservation best practice.