Hwange NP safari and rail holiday, Zimbabwe

Planet

Carbon reduction
This trip includes shared transport where possible, and as our time is spent mostly on our boat, which will be home for the week, this reduces overall carbon emissions. All of our food is sourced locally and vegan food is available on this holiday.

We book all flights on airlines that use modern much more fuel efficient aircraft such as the B787 and A350.

We only use suppliers that have a sustainable planet policy in place. We deal with independent, family owned businesses where we know the owners and know of their commitment to reducing waste and fossil fuel usage and increasing the use of renewables.

Environment and wildlife
You will visit several national parks and reserves on this itinerary. In our detailed pre-departure travel pack we have included a note to remind you to not leave any litter in the national parks and reserves – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife.

Our UK office is an environmentally friendly work environment. We have reduced our use of paper and recycle our waste and continually look for new ways to be greener.

People

Local economy + Employment, inclusivity and diversity
Having operated a resort and dive centre in Africa, we know the positive effects of sensible tourism. We have a cast iron commitment to empowering our local suppliers to better their team, and educate themselves and their families.

We only promote responsible kinds of travel and we select local partners who share our values. We work with lodges across Africa which are directly involved in protecting key habitats and endangered wildlife. Our partner in Zimbabwe has a deep rooted love for educating and promoting not the employees, but their wider families. Imvelo Africa only employs people from the surrounding villages in all of their camps. From the guides to the chefs to the managers, every person bar the GM is hired from the village and trained up to do their job perfectly.

The training program takes educates farmers and turns them into waiters, guides chefs and managers. We also work with partners who promote eco awareness to former poachers through an interactive process.

Finally the Rhino protection team is entirely composed of turned poachers. Trained by volunteer former professional soldiers, these men and women have had their lives changed for ever for the better.