Travel is an incredible gift. It has the ability to open our eyes, our hearts and our minds to the unique cultures and spellbinding beauty of the natural world. With this gift comes a responsibility – to protect the world as we know it.
Our goal is to make travel matter. We recognize our responsibility to ensure our impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the wildlife we find there, is a positive one.
We take steps to address our impact in two ways; through our sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right (HWTR), and through our TreadRight Foundation®.
All of our efforts to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® focus on:
Tanzania Make Travel Matter® Experiences
Mwika Village Beekeeper Visit
Guests visit the beekeping project in Mwika village on the border of Tarangire National park. The project was envisioned with the Chief and elders of Mwika Village due to its potential to benefit the community as a whole. Honey is a staple in their diet and has great nutritional value and thepreservation of indigenous plants. By increasing production we have enabled the people to meet their needs and also sell residual honey to our camps in Tanzania, Sanctuary Swala and Sanctuary Kusini.
The project has continued to grow to more than 30 beehives. In addition we have also donated new equipment and assisted in the bottling and distribution of the honey, including a project to make the colourful 'Maasai' beaded cloth to top the jars which brings additional income to the village. visit the Mwika village to learn more about the project and to interact with the local community.
Guests on our Discover the Wonders of Tanzania safari have the opportunity to meet with the beekeepers on a visit to Mwika village and learn firsthand how the project operates.
Maasai of Ololosokwan
One of the most rewarding experiences of any visit to Africa is time spent with the local people. Guests on our Discover the Wonders of Tanzania safari can join Wine To Water an incredible organization that not only helps to build water filters and infrastructure to solve the water crisis, but also empowers and educates local communities on the importance of clean water to ensure the projects are used, serviced and maintained properly for many generations to come.
Cultural interactions with local Maasai tribe: Unlike many Northern Serengeti Maasai tribes, the Ololosokwan tribe remains unaffected by large-scale tourism. They welcome the few visitors they do receive and are always enthusiastic about sharing their way of life and customs with others, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience Africa in a way that may touch visitor’s lives forever Interactions for all ages can be arranged, including having your child herd sheep with the Maasai boys or learning how the Maasai build their homes with dung from the cattle they raise.
Shanga Experience
Shanga actively recruits and employs people from underrepresented populations, including people with disabilities. People shop and money is contributed back to the community. The Shanga Workshop is located within the lodge complex, the workshop supports the community by employing local people with disabilities. The workshop uses recycled materials, like glass bottles, to make colorful arts and crafts such as jewelry and glassware.
Guests on our Ultimate Tanzania and Rwanda safari can visit Shanga and other bespoke creators around Arusha.
Little Chem Chem School Trip
Guests on our Tantalizing Tanzania safari can visit one of the schools supported by the Chem Chem Association. Join in an impromptu soccer game with the children, share African songs and dance with locals. You can even teach a math, geography or English lesson. Learn from them as they learn from you.
Expand your cultural horizons and enjoy an authentic experience sharing stories and learning about the Maasai - you'll meet Chief Choroko and some of his wives: Sindani, Seeki, Nebulu and Nemburis. Guests are also invited to visit the Barabaig village and gain a truly authentic glimpse their world, a vivid and transformative experience for any visitor.
PLAN A SAFARI
Call 1-800-421-8907 or fill out our questionnaire and submit it to a specialist to plan a trip.