Beyond the Crowds: Choosing Responsible & Ethical Safaris in East Africa
The annual Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti and Masai Mara is one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. Unfortunately, recent reports have highlighted the darker side of this phenomenon: over tourism; raising concerns about Safari best practices. Long lines of safari vehicles jostling for position at river crossings, off-road driving that damages fragile ecosystems, and pressure on wildlife and local communities all threaten the very experience travellers seek.
This raises a pressing question: how can travellers ensure their safari choices support conservation, community wellbeing, and cultural respect rather than contribute to the problem?
Located in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi reinvests directly into protecting endangered species. They have established 900 acres of acacia woodland, 41 acres of wetland and exclusion zones around the lodge.
What Responsible Travel Looks Like in East Africa
Responsible and ethical tourism is not just about where you go, but how you go and why—you go. It’s a shared responsibility, where the intention behind travel matters, and agents and DMCs play a vital role in guiding, educating, and helping guests set informed and respectful expectations.
Travellers should look for operators who:
Limit Vehicle Numbers at Sightings – ensuring wildlife is not stressed and sightings remain meaningful.
Invest in Conservation – by funding anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring.
Work with Local Communities – offering employment, education, and livelihood opportunities.
Respect Cultural Heritage – by celebrating traditions rather than exploiting them.
Operate with Transparency – clearly communicating how tourism revenue supports conservation and community projects.
Choosing operators and lodges that adhere to these values ensures that each safari contributes to a healthier balance between people, planet, and profit.
How can travellers avoid contributing to overtourism?
The best way is to choose responsible and ethical tourism operators. These are safari camps and lodges that:
Limit vehicle numbers at wildlife sightings.
Reinvest profits into conservation projects.
Provide local employment and education opportunities.
Respect and celebrate cultural heritage.
Share transparently how tourism revenue supports nature and people.
Examples of Responsible Safari Operators in East Africa
100% of tourism profits fund rhino conservation and habitat protection.
Employment and revenue-sharing create long-term benefits for surrounding communities.
Tourism supports rewilding and women’s empowerment projects.
Guests help fund the Zeitz Foundation’s community and conservation work.
Operates anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration programmes.
Provides healthcare, education, and training through community partnerships.
Works with the Maasai community on the Olderkesi Conservancy.
Secures wildlife corridors while ensuring communities benefit from tourism.
Located in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi reinvests directly into protecting endangered species. They have established 900 acres of acacia woodland, 41 acres of wetland and exclusion zones around the lodge.
Strong focus on community partnerships, education, and livelihoods, ensuring local families benefit from tourism. Guests' conservation fees directly support the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's Wildlife protection program.
Champions community-owned conservancies in the Masai Mara working across six community-owned wildlife conservancies securing 1.2 Million acres.
Supports Maasai guides, women’s groups, and conservation education, keeping revenue within the community.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Kenya works with the Maasai community on the Olderkesi Conservancy and Secures wildlife corridors while ensuring communities benefit from tourism.
How Travellers Can Be Part of the Solution
As a traveller, you hold real power in shaping the future of Africa’s wild places. By choosing lodges and operators that commit to conservation and community wellbeing, you not only experience a more authentic safari but also help protect the very landscapes and species you’ve come to see.
The wildebeest migration and East Africa’s ecosystems are too precious to risk through irresponsible tourism. By supporting members of The Long Run and like-minded operators, travellers can ensure that their journey is part of the solution, safeguarding nature for generations to come.