Eco – Tourism in Tanzania

 

Did you know?

The highest and lowest points of the African continent can both be found in Tanzania. It is a well-known fact that Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 m. But few people are aware that the lowest point in Africa can be found at the bottom of Lake Tanganyika, which is 1,470m deep.

WHEN IN ZANZIBAR

• Please remember and respect that Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Don’t walk around towns and villages dressed in bikinis, miniskirts or similar clothing, women should cover their shoulders and wear garments that reach below the knee. Men should not go shirtless. Don’t go topless on the beaches! Swim wear it acceptable on tourist beaches, but not if there are fisherman or seaweed harvesters nearby
• Although alcohol is freely available, drunken behavior is considered offensive
• Ask permission before taking pictures of people or private houses
• Be careful walking on beaches late at night or early in the morning. Don’t carry valuables or walk alone
• Don’t accept tours or transport from unlicensed tour guide-their services are illegal and unreliable. Only use reputable tour agencies or official Government guides
• Choose wisely-make sure your tour provider is reputable. Endorsed eco-tourism organizations whenever possible, will encourage other organizations to consider the benefits of eco-tourism
• Let your tour operator know if they are doing something potentially damaging to the environment or to local people
• Think small! Staying in bed and breakfasts, village houses and locally owned accommodation benefits local families
• Don’t buy large shells, turtle shells, or pieces of coral from street or beach vendors. These are mostly taken from endangered reefs and buying them actively encourages the destruction of Tanzania’s ocean fauna
• Purchase local products instead of imported items, but remember that many local handicrafts are carved from indigenous trees. Avoid hard woods such as ebony and Bamba Kofi as these trees take centuries to grow and are now endangered through extensive forest cutting
• Do not litter or remove anything from the places you visit-including shells
• Water is a precious resource; use it sparingly wherever possible
• Never touch, chase or harass the marine life or wildlife
• Visit the main tourist destinations but get off the tourist track too. Visit the places where the locals go. Try to learn some Kiswahili!
• Don’t give presents of money to children as this encourages begging.