April 18, 2024
Adventure Travel with a Positive Impact
Thinking about the Earth and your impact on it while you explore is something many travelers ponder these days. Sustainable travel may be the industry’s latest buzz words but many locations around the world are already “green” – saving energy and resources – simply by offering experiences in remote destinations, such as andBeyond’s Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa or Mombo Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
In Rwanda, you can go gorilla trekking while also helping to protect the animals’ mountain habitat for generations to come. The revenue generated from tourism helps foster a thriving local community, supporting the fight against poaching and promoting sustainable practices.
For something closer to home, why not visit Hawaii? The islands are asking visitors to “Mālama,” or give back, by learning more about Hawaiian traditions and culture. Spend time meeting the locals and hearing the legends while planting native trees and flowers or take part in a cultural tour of the native Loko Ea Fishpond.
If your crew is ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Costa Rica, why not combine a trip to the beach and jungle with a hands-on visit to the Costa Rica Wildlife Rescue center? This is a unique opportunity to witness the rehabilitation of orphaned animals and those rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, and even participate in feeding and learning about a variety of species, including sloths, monkeys, kinkajous, macaws, owls, and leatherback turtles. The surrounding jungle provides an ideal setting for an exciting hike or wildlife-spotting expedition.
See more of the world by finding adventures that help the planet.
Explore the Poles with Innovative Green Expedition Ships
Have you considered exploring with the latest expedition ships that bring eco-sensitivity to adventure sailings? Lindblad, already a 100 per cent carbon neutral company, and Ponant both have new ships that glide through the ecologically fragile Arctic and Antarctic waters propelled by hybrid electric and natural gas.
Quark’s latest vessel – the MV Ultramarine – gets high marks for its improved luxury experience and state-of-the-art features that help reduce waste, recycle energy and enable the ship to position itself without an anchor that might damage the seabed. Sailing in these sensitive waters has never been more environmentally viable.
Set sail with companies that are on the right track.
Namibia has made animal conservation an important part of its culture – using community-run conservancies (along with government- and non-profit run organizations) to restore populations of lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, zebras and other wildlife. Namibia is what the World Wildlife Fund calls “the world’s richest dry land.”
Namibian safaris prioritize sustainable tourism, working with local communities to protect natural resources. Destinations include Damaraland, home to desert-adapted elephants and lions, and Etosha National Park, with diverse wildlife and over 300 bird species. Visit during the rainy season to witness the spectacle of flamingos.
The Skeleton Coast, a 25 mile wide and 310 mile long coastal stretch, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, with shipwrecks and contrasting landscapes. Explore the African-German culture in Swakopmund, a resort town that also serves as a base for Skeleton Coast trips.
Don’t miss the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo, where visitors can learn about efforts to protect the world’s fastest land mammal. Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes and commitment to conservation make it an unforgettable travel experience.
