Environmentally Friendly Travel in Africa

Exploring Africa at its best while preserving her nature and wildlife.

Each year, Africa’s game and nature reserves are swamped with adventure travelers from across the globe. This together with factors such as hunting, global warming and declining geographical regions all influence the eradication of what we know as a land of favourable natural resources, and thus putting nature and wildlife particularly at risk.

A rise in both urbanization and agricultural evolution along with illegal lumbering and poaching, pose the greatest threats to African nature and wildlife.

Factors that have a negative influence on nature and wildlife

Global Warming affecting animal migrations?

It is discovered that climate change directly affects almost half of all wild species. Animals seeking cooler temperatures migrate to unknown territory or to higher elevations and thus facing new and more daunting challenges as they come into close interaction with new/different species and so forth.

Tourists, Overpopulation and Urbanization

Africa’s main attraction is its diverse landscapes and unmatched wildlife. The tourism industry in most African states are a major source of income, source for job creation and maintains economical stability. This remains a controversial topic as what is good for mankind and its economical development is not necessarily good for nature.

Nature depends on delicate balances of animal and plant life to remain healthy. When just one part of that equation is altered, Africa’s flora and fauna can be put in danger. Although change is a natural part of our developing world, changes that occur at a rate that is too rapid has a fatal effect on individual species of plants and animals.

Illegal Hunting / Poaching

The most sort after animal feature is its skin and other body organs such as the tusk of elephants that produce ivory which is eventually used to make precious art pieces.

'Illegal poaching and the commercial dealing of endangered animals has been a major issue in Africa for many years. Even today, in spite of great efforts by African wildlife authorities and environmental organizations, the killing of precious animals goes on.

While some high-profile individuals boast about a shoot and kill session involving all of Africa’s Big Five game: Elephant, Rhino, Bufffalo, Leopard and Lion… the results of this will eventually have devastating effects on the eco-system (if not already), and the economical situation in the continent on the whole.

Conservation in Africa

Conservation in Africa has to be given great credit for the work it has been doing over the years. Several established conservation companies and smaller organizations have made the protection and survival of Africa’s nature and wildlife its key priority. From nursing turtles in Kenya, saving Kilimanjaro lions, rescuing chimpanzees in Congo and plenty more. Elephants, leopards, gorillas and many more animal species are at daily risk, but with the help of African conservation programs there is hope for these amazing creatures.

Eco-Friendly Safari Lodges in Africa

Africa is the world’s primary safari destination. So it is to no surprise that African safari lodges are joining the concept of eco-friendly Africa travel. Several lodges in Africa offer eco-friendly accommodation, support their local communities and villages and most of all protect their nature and wildlife.

When travelling specifically to these destination a cultural/community tour is always worthwhile. Proceedings from these tours are normally used for a worthy cause. Uplifting local trade, youth empowerment and awareness, nature and conservation and rescuing wildlife.


Let your Siyabona Africa Travel consultant recommend an Eco Friendly African safari lodge in the country / destination of your choice.

Some Eco-friendly lodges and reserves in Africa: