Fourteen Jeeps idle near the dozing lion cubs, their engines humming and burning fuel. The scent of petrol lingers in the air as guides maneuver their vehicles off-road in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, trampling the vegetation to grant tourists a better view. The scene is a paradox tourists who likely traveled thousands of miles to witness Africa’s wildlife in its rawest form now sit in fossil-fuel-powered machines, contributing to the very environmental degradation conservationists seek to prevent. They will later retreat to luxury lodges, stocked with goods flown in from distant locations, before boarding their private bush planes to move to the next safari destination.
Despite the contradictions, safaris remain a crucial part of conservation efforts across Africa. By expanding protected areas, funding anti-poaching efforts, and supporting local communities, they provide an economic incentive to preserve wildlife and habitats. In recent years, as climate change awareness grows, a rising number of travelers have sought eco-friendly safaris that minimize environmental harm. A report by B Corp-certified travel advisor Go2Africa noted that interest in sustainable safaris has surged by over 1000% in the past four years. In response, major safari operators have embraced a “green” approach, boasting carbon-neutral or even carbon-positive tours. These operators swap traditional fuel-guzzling Jeeps for electric vehicles, install solar panels, and purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the emissions caused by their guests’ air travel. In theory, this offers a guilt-free way to experience the African wilderness.
However, some sustainability experts caution against taking these claims at face value. Green marketing tactics, sometimes referred to as “green-crowding,” can capitalize on society’s growing climate concerns. According to Judy Kepher-Gona, executive director of Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa, terms like “carbon neutrality” capture public attention more effectively than general sustainability efforts. The problem, she argues, is that such claims often lack transparency.
Achieving true carbon neutrality is complex. Data manipulation, loopholes, and varying definitions of sustainability can obscure the reality of a camp’s environmental impact. Some lodges claim to be carbon neutral but exclude their Scope 3 emissions—the emissions generated by external sources, such as supply chains and guest travel. In remote regions where everything from food to fuel must be transported long distances, these overlooked emissions can be substantial. Moreover, carbon offsetting, a common sustainability measure, has its pitfalls. Some offset programs are vague or fail to contribute meaningfully to the local environment, leaving travelers unknowingly participating in a system that does little to curb actual emissions.
True sustainability in safaris extends beyond carbon calculations. Experts stress the importance of holistic practices that integrate conservation, community engagement, and ethical tourism. Operators that are genuinely committed to sustainability prioritize partnerships with local communities, fair employment practices, and investments in wildlife protection. For instance, Segera, a private conservancy in Kenya, has transformed from a former cattle ranch into a thriving wildlife sanctuary, while also providing education, medical care, and employment for nearby villages. Similarly, &Beyond Phinda in South Africa runs a pangolin reintroduction program, and Singita in Rwanda works to establish crucial buffer zones for mountain gorillas.
For travelers hoping to make informed choices, it is essential to scrutinize sustainability claims. Lodges with recognized certifications from independent auditors offer greater credibility than those making unverified statements. Transparency about conservation spending, third-party verifications, and clear community engagement programs are strong indicators of an operator’s genuine commitment to sustainability. Asking the right questions—such as how emissions are measured, whether local people benefit from the business, and what long-term conservation efforts are in place—can help travelers distinguish between true eco-friendly safaris and those engaging in greenwashing.
The push toward sustainable safaris is promising, yet no travel experience can be entirely impact-free. However, by prioritizing accountability, transparency, and a broader approach to sustainability, the industry can ensure that African wildlife and local communities benefit in the long run. For travelers, the goal should not be to find a perfectly carbon-neutral safari, but rather to choose experiences that contribute to conservation and responsible tourism while minimizing harm.
