Ethical Safaris
With years of guiding experience across various parks and reserves, I’ve encountered situations that both upheld and fell short of ethical standards. One of the aspects I value most about running our own safari company is the ability to set our own standards—to move respectfully through nature and raise awareness about wildlife and their habitats among our guests. When you book a safari with us, you’re supporting responsible tourism practices that protect natural habitats and prioritize the welfare of the animals.
In this blog, I’ll explain what defines an ethical safari, discuss which activities are “no-go’s,” share some personal experiences with unethical guiding in the field, and dive into the complex dilemmas that wildlife tourism presents.
What is an Ethical Safari?
An ethical safari prioritizes the wellbeing of wildlife and the preservation of their habitats above tourist demands or business pressures. This approach ensures that the safari experience is both memorable and sustainable for the animals and ecosystems it supports.
Why activities like "Walking with Predators or Elephants" are unethical
Activities like walking with predators or elephants are often promoted as unique experiences, but they come at a cost. Animals involved in such activities must be trained to interact with humans, which often involves harmful handling methods. This is unnatural for them and deprives them of the freedom to behave as they naturally would.
These interactions offer little true educational or conservation value—insights that can be gained through ethical safaris or visits to genuine sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers. Resources like SATSA’s (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) guide can help travelers identify responsible wildlife activities.
Examples of Unethical Practices in the Field
Booking a safari in the Greater Kruger doesn’t guarantee a guide who respects nature. Unfortunately, I’ve seen situations where guides “go the extra mile” to satisfy guest demands or chase a higher tip, often at the expense of the animals.
- Using Bright Lights After Dark: Some guides will shine lights on animals like impalas after dark, despite knowing that predators like lions may be nearby. This disorients the prey, giving predators an unfair advantage. A more respectful approach is to park quietly nearby, dim the lights, and listen to the sounds of the bush—it’s an immersive experience that allows nature to unfold without interference.
- Approaching Mothers with Young: I’ve seen guides come dangerously close to mothers with newborns, startling them to the point where they flee. The young, left behind and exposed, become easy targets for predators. Instead, a respectful distance allows the young animals to grow accustomed to vehicles, so that future encounters are calm, unobtrusive, and rewarding.
- Damaging the Environment for a Better View: If there’s a rhino sighting but the view is partially blocked by bushes, some guides may choose to drive off-road to get a clearer look. While off-roading is allowed in certain areas where the soil and vegetation are resilient enough to handle vehicle tires, it is strictly prohibited in more sensitive areas where the impact could take years to recover—if it does at all. A more ethical approach is to wait patiently for the rhino to emerge or move on and try spotting it again later. Respecting these guidelines and practicing patience is part of the true art of safari.
Complex reality of Ethical Safaris
Wildlife tourism forms the backbone of Southern Africa’s travel industry, drawing visitors who seek genuine connections with the continent’s landscapes and ecosystems. SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) underscores that Africa’s true appeal lies in its pristine wilderness—places where animals roam free, embodying the natural world as it once was. This is Africa’s unique selling point: unspoiled nature in an increasingly developed world.
Yet, there’s a complex reality to this. Many captive wildlife facilities across Africa house animals affected by human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, or injury. While some of these facilities began with sincere conservation aims, many have since transformed into tourist attractions, aiming to meet the demand for close animal encounters. This shift can sometimes prioritize entertainment over animal welfare, focusing more on creating “thrilling” experiences rather than fostering respect for the animals.
In light of this, SATSA promotes a shift toward authentic conservation attractions that respect the natural behavior and welfare of wildlife. Safari Reinhardt supports this approach by offering safaris that prioritize ethical practices and protect the natural environment of the animals. Choosing such experiences allows visitors to enjoy Africa’s wildlife in a way that preserves it for generations to come, sustaining Africa’s true strength—its wild and free nature.
My conclusion on Ethical Safaris
Choosing an ethical safari guide means choosing a meaningful, respectful encounter with nature. In Kruger Park and the Greater Kruger, we offer safaris where animals roam freely, undisturbed by forced interactions. Each sighting becomes even more special—a lion beside the road, elephants crossing a river, or a leopard perched high in a tree. With us, you can trust that your safari experience respects and preserves the incredible wilderness of Africa.
Interested in a safari in an ethical safari?
Get in touch with us by clicking the “Planning” button below. Maria and I are here to help you plan and arrange the perfect safari experience in Hoedspruit!