Sustainability Policy

Environmental Stewardship

Office Operations: Our office has implemented best practices in purchasing, energy, water, waste management, and paper usage. Our objective is to reduce waste, water, and energy consumption, reuse and recycle materials, and purchase certified, recyclable, and organic products. We also minimise paper usage and offer our programs and travel documents digitally.

Excursion Operations: We are committed to ensuring that all our preferred suppliers understand our sustainability objectives and encourage them to adopt similar approaches.

Improving Overall Sustainability in Our Excursions

Our commitment to sustainability encompasses all aspects of our excursions, from transportation to accommodation and guided tours.

Transportation

  • We measure and reduce our travel carbon emissions, aiming for compensation.
  • Shared transportation is prioritised over single-use options.
  • Fuel-efficient vehicles and models built within the past three years are favoured. Drivers are encouraged to turn off their engines when waiting.
  • Excursions on foot and bike are promoted, and city tours combine walking and electric biking.

Accommodation

Responsible accommodation is prioritised, and we collaborate with our partners to optimise their sustainability practices through training and suggestions.

Guides

  • Guides play a crucial role in educating travelers and local communities about sustainable travel.
  • They must serve as role models for sustainable behaviour, contributing to the protection of destinations and communities.
  • We work with guides who share our passion for sustainability and can effectively communicate it to our customers.

Respecting Destinations and Local Cultures

We foster positive and meaningful interactions between our company, travellers, and the local places we visit.

Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism

Our activities and excursions are conducted with utmost respect for the artistic, archaeological, and cultural heritage of the destinations we visit. Our primary objective is to highlight the diverse and rich tapestry of culture and heritage that these places offer.

We firmly believe in fostering genuine and respectful interactions between travellers and the local community. This is achieved by portraying destinations fairly and respectfully in our communications and marketing materials.

Our cultural experiences are developed in direct collaboration with the local community, ensuring that they are authentic and meaningful.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

We strongly advocate for the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, minorities, and children. We firmly reject any business activities that involve illegal trafficking, the consumption of illegal substances, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation of minors, or terrorism.

We adhere to the code of conduct established by the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) and the End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT).

Child welfare is our utmost priority. We are committed to the guidelines set forth by the International Child Safe movement and ensure that we are not directly or indirectly complicit in any child protection issues, as guided by our child protection policy.

Protecting Animals

We firmly believe that wild animals should be preserved in their natural habitat and not subjected to captivity or staged for tourism activities that have detrimental effects on their well-being.

Any wild animals held captive must be released responsibly, or, where this is not feasible, they must be rehomed into sanctuaries or rehabilitation centres where their freedoms can be maintained. We collaborate closely with our in-destination teams to ensure that visits to these sanctuaries are closely monitored and outcomes are always in the animals’ best interests.

Supporting Local Communities

We are committed to maximising the positive impact of tourism on local economies and communities. Our approach includes employing predominantly local staff and selecting local suppliers who support their local economies.

Our Commitment to Sustainable and Responsible Travel

At Etuko Safaris, we are dedicated to designing excursions and experiences that not only provide unforgettable moments but also contribute to the alleviation of poverty in the destinations we visit.

Sustainable Practices and Local Community Engagement

We prioritise sustainable practices by purchasing locally produced products and promoting the responsible acquisition of local souvenirs, crafts, and art. Furthermore, we actively involve the local community in the design of our experiences, ensuring that they reflect the unique needs and aspirations of our travelers.

Employee Well-being and Fair Relationships

We provide a healthy and safe working environment for our employees, fostering equal opportunities and respecting labour laws. Fair wages, medical insurance, training investments, and opportunities for personal growth are integral to our commitment to employee well-being.

Open and Honest Relationships with Clients

Our primary focus is on building open and honest relationships with our clients. Every action we take is driven by the desire to provide travelers with a unique, authentic, safe, and pleasant experience. We strive to meet their expectations and inspire their trust.

Long-lasting Relationships with Local Providers

We invest in long-lasting relationships with local providers, recognising their role as our local representatives. We pay fair prices and adhere to the same standards of integrity that we hold ourselves to.

Carbon Compensation Programs

At Etuko Safaris, we are committed to offsetting our carbon footprint through active reforestation efforts. For every new client we welcome, we plant a tree, contributing to the restoration of natural ecosystems and the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Our tree planting programs support local communities and promote biodiversity, ensuring a positive environmental impact.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

We implement energy-efficient practices in our operations, including the use of LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and optimised heating and cooling systems.

Waste Management

We are committed to implementing a comprehensive waste management program that encompasses recycling, composting, and the reduction of overall waste generation.

Sustainable Transportation

We strongly encourage the adoption of low-emission vehicles, carpooling, and public transportation for business travel purposes.

Educational Initiatives

Our primary objective is to educate both employees and clients about the paramount significance of sustainability and their individual contributions to carbon offsetting initiatives.