World Primate Safaris Responsible Travel Ethics
World Primate Safaris offers unique wildlife safaris to a variety of destinations some of which include Borneo, Uganda, Rwanda, Northern Sumatra, Madagascar and Gabon. Our specialist safaris concentrate on the primates of each destination. However we also try to incorporate other wildlife and cultural aspects of your destination of choice into your trip.
A number of our destinations are up and coming travel destinations and it is therefore essential that we set a responsible precedent from the start so that others may follow in our footsteps. Responsible travel is essential in the planning of our safaris.
World Primate Safaris Responsible Travel Policy
International Operations
* A direct contribution is made from each safari sold to the conservation and preservation of the primates in the destination of choice. This contribution is made directly in a number of ways:
1. to the conservation of the primates
2. to local communities and projects
3. to local conservation agencies
* We make every effort to use responsible and eco-friendly local agents in each destination.
* Wherever possible we use environmentally friendly local accommodation. Please bear in mind that it is not always possible to find eco-friendly accommodation in some remote destinations; if this is the case then we make every effort to alert the management of the accommodation in question to ways of improving their service with the environment in mind.
* We encourage the use of local guides in every destination and with every local agent. Even on our specialist led safaris we try to ensure that a local guide is also used. We do not believe in taking jobs from local populations in order to provide for western needs.
* We aim to minimise our impact on the environment at the same time as retaining western standards of comfort.
* Where possible we will always use local suppliers in preference to others whether this is in the purchase of provisions, accommodation, transport or equipment.
UK Operations
Our UK operations reflect our standards abroad in that we aim to minimise our impact on the environment as much in the UK as we would do in any of our destination countries. We attempt to do this through recycling of any office waste including, paper, plastic, cans, glass, refuse, in partnership with the Borough of Brighton and Hove.
How you can help
We in no way think that we are perfect and this is where you can help us!
Responsible travel is the way forward for travel in the 21st Century; as we destroy more and more of our natural environment we slowly begin to realise how much we need it.
...It is predicted that within this decade the Orangutans of Borneo (some of our closest living relatives) will no longer be able to survive in what remains of their natural habitat due to logging and habitat destruction...
Unfortunately, it is not hard to find similar such examples in relation to both the other primates of the world and wildlife in general. When visiting destinations please bear this in mind and remember how privileged you are to be able to see the wildlife and nature that you are visiting, and, in a few years, if no action is taken, the fact that it will no longer be there.
If you would like to make a donation to the conservation and protection of the primates of the world please do not hesitate to get in contact and we will either put you in direct contact with a local organisation or pass your donation on to one of the local projects that we support in the destination of your choice.
If you think of any other ways in which we can improve our responsible travel please get in contact either via e-mail or by telephoning us as we are always happy to hear your suggestions.
When travelling please remember how you can help
The purpose of our safaris is to contribute to local populations, communities and projects. Please bear this in mind when travelling with us.
Do...
* .respect and listen to your local guide at all times. This is essential both for your safety and to further your experience in visiting the destination.
* .use the toilet facilities available. If there are no facilities available please ask your guide for directions. Always bury your waste and make sure that it is away from any local water supply.
* .try and support local businesses, shops, curios and local work people. Do not bargain just for the sake of it and because it is the "thing to do", pay what you feel the object is worth to yourself and the vendor, bearing in mind local cultures, society and standard of living.
* .be aware of the local environment and people around you. Try and blend in with your surroundings and do not come across as a brash foreigner with lots of money.
* .please use environmentally friendly shampoos, soaps and toiletries. Unwrap any products before leaving your home country and dispose of the wrappers in the correct environmental way.
* .please ask permission before you take photos of local people and buildings. A number of people do not like or it is against their traditional / religious beliefs to have their picture taken.
* .please ask your local guide how to respond to begging. Often if you want to donate some items it is best done through your local guide in combination with a local body such as a school or local community leader. Please think of this before you travel as it is often better to donate clothes and school materials that you can bring from home rather than money.
* .please minimise water consumption on all occasions. Our safaris often visit regions where local populations do not have access to fresh running water.
* .enjoy the experience of being on safari with World Primate Safaris; make the effort to mingle with the local people, taste new foods and try new experiences as it is in this way that you will learn about and enjoy the destination!
Do Not..
* .leave any bio-degradable or non bio-degradable litter; this is harmful to the environment and local wildlife.
* .touch or remove any of the local fauna or flora.
* .approach wild animals more than the recommended distance as this can cause them undue distress and can also be dangerous both to yourself and the wildlife.
* .buy products that may harm or encourage the destruction of local fauna and flora. Wildlife souvenirs may appear attractive but this is illegal and encourages the destruction of important eco-systems. No matter how small or irrelevant the product may seem, it is always a vital part of a larger eco-system. Please do not collect shells and corals from beaches no matter how colourful and pretty they may appear.
* .take unnecessary luggage and products. Please travel as light as possible; this reduces carbon emissions from the transport that you use throughout your safari from the moment you leave home, planes, trains, buses, 4x4's.
* .hand out sweets, pens and pencils etc, directly to begging children as this often causes dependency on tourists visiting the area, encourages the impression that tourists will always do this, and can also be dangerous as local children may run after a vehicle if they know it is carrying tourists.
Rules for Visiting Gorillas / Primates:
* Never approach the primate more than the recommended 7 metres. This is for both your safety and theirs. On occasions they may approach you and if this is the case then slowly and gently move out of their path.
* Please use the toilet facilities at the park entrance before you enter the park. If you do need to go to the toilet when in the park please ask your guide for instructions as to where it is safe to go. Always dig a hole of at least 0.5m deep and then cover your waste when finished. Make sure that this is not near any local sources of water.
* If you are ill you are forbidden to visit the primates. Due to the genetic similarities between humans and the various primates it is very easy for them to catch a simple cold from us; as they have not been immunised against such diseases this can very quickly spread and kill a whole family. Please bear this in mind at all times.
* Never touch any primate; they may look sweet and cuddly but they are actually immensely powerful animals and may not take kindly to being touched. It is also in this way that you may transmit diseases.
* Always listen to your local guide and do as he says. This is for both your safety and the safety of the wild animals that you are visiting.
* When visiting the mountain gorillas no visit should be longer than an hour from when the first one is sighted.
* Never use a flash when photographing primates as this causes them undue stress.
