- Posted by: Tania Wheeler
- July 31, 2008, 2:38 pm
10 reasons why Overlanding is an ‘Eco-Friendly’ way to travel…
To some travellers EcoTourism and Sustainable Tourism is becoming an important consideration when planning a trip. There are many reasons why participating in an Overland Tour is an Eco-Friendly way to travel throughout Africa.
10 of the best would be….
- Vehicles are regularly serviced and maintained therefore running cleaner and more efficiently whilst keeping emissions to a minimum.
- One vehicle = 12 to 30 travellers. The carbon footprint is divided across all travellers as opposed to having numerous vehicles on the road. (The saving you make on sharing fuel loads and costs is also worth mentioning!)
- Companies have recognised ‘Green’ or ‘Eco’ policies in place that crew and passengers must adhere to.
- One return long-haul flight is less of a ‘carbon burning’ nightmare than your long-haul flight plus lots of little, short, local ones.
- Fresh food and produce is purchased locally at local markets thereby supporting local businesses and economies.
- Curios and souvenirs purchased ‘direct from the manufacturer’ (often a person with a roadside stall selling their wares) ensure that the full cost is paid to the local manufacturer and therefore community.
- Overland vehicles and drivers stick to public, marked roads and don’t condone ‘off-roading’ limiting the environmental impact in eco-sensitive areas.
- Rubbish is disposed of properly and recycled where possible.
- Many overland companies support a local charity, NGO or community based charitable association and in some cases these beneficiaries only exist due to the input from Overland companies, their crew and their passengers.
- The use of local guides not only gives you on-the-ground knowledge but supports the communities that live in the places you visit.
The theories of "Tread lightly and travel politely" and "take only photos - leave only footprints" definitely apply to Overland travel.
Feel free to mail any questions about travel in Africa and overland travel in Africa or share your comments in the space below.
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About the Author
Tania Wheeler is the General Manager of Overlanding Africa.com. and has worked in the travel industry since 2000.
After working on overland trucks for 5 years in both the Middle East and Africa, Tania discovered she had a passion for people and places off ‘the beaten track’. Originally from New Zealand, Tania travelled widely before falling in love with Africa and ’setting up shop’ in Cape Town.
Ecotourism Australia
5:33 am, October 6, 2008
Sounds more like making the case for Overland tours being considered an “ecotour” rather than a VS scenario, which is probably a positive thing!