Zimbabwe canoe safari

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Efforts to Reduce Flying: The tour has taken measures to reduce flying by incorporating human-powered transport options. This includes a four-day canoe safari on the Zambezi River and walking safaris in Mana Pools National Park, Nyamatusi Camp, and Ghoha Hills Nogatsaa Pans. These activities offer alternatives to flying and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the trip.

Use of Renewable Energy in Accommodations: All three accommodations on the trip utilize renewable energy sources, primarily solar power, to minimize their environmental impact. Nyamatusi Camp is completely solar-powered, offering in-room charging facilities. Ghoha Hills Nogatsaa Pans and Victoria Falls River Lodge also rely on solar energy and have implemented eco-friendly practices like water conservation, waste management, recycling, and composting.
Shared Local Transport: The trip's details do not specifically mention shared local transport like buses or trains. However, the emphasis on human-powered
transport significantly contributes to reducing CO2 emissions per person.

Human-Powered Transport: The trip extensively incorporates human-powered transport. This includes a four-day canoe safari operated by Odessey Safaris and walking safaris at Nyamatusi Camp and Ghoha Hills Nogatsaa Pans. These activities provide immersive nature experiences while minimizing carbon emissions.

Availability of Vegetarian and Vegan Food: Vegetarian and vegan options are readily available throughout the tour. The accommodations and local restaurants in Zimbabwe offer a range of dishes catering to these diets, using fresh, local produce. Examples include sadza, muriwo, dovi, nyimo, chibage, muboora, and mapopo candy.

Local-Sourced and Seasonal Food: The majority of the food served is locally sourced and seasonal, supporting local farmers and communities. Zimbabwe's rich agricultural heritage allows for a variety of local crops, and the lodges contribute by growing their own herbs and vegetables and producing homemade bread, jams, and sauces. Non-local items like dairy, meat, and fish are sourced from reputable regional suppliers.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Contribution to Nature Recovery / Rewilding Projects: The tour indirectly contributes to nature recovery and rewilding projects by employing local guides and supporting local community projects. These initiatives, while not explicitly focused on rewilding, contribute to the overall sustainability and conservation efforts in the region.

Information on Reducing Impacts on Nature: The use of local guides and the emphasis on sustainable practices at the accommodations suggest an underlying commitment to environmental education.

Provision of Expert Nature Guides: The tour provides expert nature guides, mainly from the local communities. These guides, employed by accommodations like Nyamatusi Camp, Ghoha Hills Nogatsaa Pans, and activities like the canoe safari, offer in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations: Most of the accommodations used in this trip are locally owned. The only exception is Victoria Falls River Lodge, which is part of a South African-based private company.
Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities: The trip maximizes local economic opportunities by employing local guides for various activities and supporting local community projects. This approach ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are shared with the local communities.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY, AND DIVERSITY

Employment of Local Community Members: Nyamatusi Camp and Ghoha Hills Nogatsaa Pans employ people from the local communities in various roles, such as camp managers, chefs, housekeepers, and drivers. They also support local community projects like the African Bush Camps Foundation, which aims to improve education, health, conservation, and livelihoods in rural communities.
Opportunities for Marginalized Groups: The tour supports projects like the Thandanani Sewing Project, which empowers women with disabilities, and the Rose of Charity Orphanage in Victoria Falls, providing vocational training and employment for impoverished youth. This indicates a commitment to creating income-generating opportunities for marginalized groups.
LGBTQ+ Friendliness: The trip is LGBTQ+ friendly, with all service providers and accommodations welcoming guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities. They ensure respect for guests' privacy and dignity, with staff trained in diversity and inclusion. However, travelers are advised to be mindful of local customs and laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights.