Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel

Responsible travel is part of how I plan every trip, not a separate product. That means reducing environmental impact, supporting locally led conservation and booking with partners who take sustainability seriously, in Africa, Australia and elsewhere. Because the trips are private rather than group tours, they can be planned to tread more lightly.

What It Means in Practice

1. Low-Impact Itineraries

I avoid large groups, overused routes and high-volume tourism. Private itineraries let me:

• Reduce pressure on wildlife and ecosystems
• Spread spending across several communities and conservancies
• Give travelers time to move slowly
• Avoid the busiest hours and places

2. Lodges and Partners

Where I can, I book camps, lodges and operators that meet strong standards for:

• Renewable energy and limited generator use
• Waste reduction and recycling
• Water conservation and greywater systems
• Local employment and fair wages
• Transparent environmental policies

3. Protecting Ecosystems and Wildlife Corridors

I focus on destinations where tourism helps fund:

• Anti-poaching teams
• Wildlife monitoring programs
• Habitat restoration
• Rewilding and species reintroduction
• Community-managed conservancies

4. Slow Travel

I encourage more time in fewer places. That means:

• Lower emissions
• A better understanding of each place
• Better wildlife viewing
• Less pressure on local infrastructure

You won’t see a “10 parks in 7 days” itinerary from me.

5. Activity Standards

I don’t book anything that compromises animal welfare or ecosystem health, including:

• Captive wildlife encounters
• Animal riding
• Staged or manufactured experiences
• Activities that disturb wildlife

6. Guidance Before You Go

I give travelers practical guidance on:

• Environmental etiquette
• Cutting plastic
• Wildlife viewing ethics
• Cultural respect, as set out in my approach to cultural experiences
• Lower-carbon choices
• Buying locally so the money stays local

Examples of Responsible Travel I Plan

• Stays at solar-powered lodges
• Reforestation or anti-poaching briefings
• Eco-certified marine excursions in the Indian Ocean
• Walking safaris that reduce vehicle numbers
• Conservancy-based safaris where fees support wildlife protection
• Reef-friendly snorkeling and diving in Australia
• Support for local conservation research projects

My Standard

I plan trips that respect the environment, benefit communities and protect the wildlife and wild places that make travel worthwhile.