Eco tips

While on holiday, you can help protect the natural resources of
the area in which you travel.

The greatest contribution to protecting the environment is made
simply by obeying the rules and regulations within each protected
area and respecting local traditions and cultures.

Local cultures vary tremendously throughout East Africa. With
over 60 different tribes, each with their own traditions, beliefs,
language and culture, it is not possible to learn all the cultural
taboos during a short vacation. However, below are a few general
"Dos and Don'ts" that will ensure you do not offend local custom,
yet protect the environment throughout the region.

* Nudity or semi-nudity is not permitted. It is especially
offensive to the Muslim Community on the Coast. Topless sunbathing
is illegal. Shorts, t-shirts, trousers, skirts and dresses are
suitable for all other activities. Africa tends to be casual, and
western dress is perfectly acceptable.

* Wherever you go, do not litter. Please keep your rubbish with
you until it may be disposed of properly. If you bring it into
the area, take it out when you leave.

* Water is a precious resource throughout East Africa. Please use
water sparingly wherever possible, using simple actions such as
turning off the tap while you brush your teeth.

* Electricity is expensive and in short supply. Please switch off
the lights if you are not using them, or if you leave the area.

* Never touch, chase or harass the wildlife or marine life.

* Do not take photographs without permission. Photography of
airports or any government buildings is illegal. Save your film
for the wildlife and cultural villages, where photos are
encouraged!

* The elderly are very respected in East African culture. When
introduced to a local family, addressing the eldest member first
generates an excellent rapport!

* The flora and fauna within East Africa is often fragile and
endangered. You are requested not to collect any form of flora or
fauna when on your safari, whether inside a National Park or not.
In particular, do not purchase any form of handicraft or souvenir
that requires the death of an animal, such as shells, starfish,
ivory, animal hides, bird eggs, etc.

* Animals on the CITES protection list are numerous in East
Africa. Trade in products made from these animals is illegal,
encourages illegal trade, leads directly to poaching and will
result in prosecution. Ivory, rhino horn and animal hides are all
prohibited items. If these items are offered to you at any time,
please report the matter to the authorities immediately.

* Many local handicrafts are hand carved from indigenous trees.
Please ensure that you purchase carvings made from woods such as
mango, neam and jacaranda trees. Avoid the hard woods such as
ebony and bamba kofi as these trees take centuries to grow and are
now endangered through extensive forest cutting.

* When purchasing your souvenirs and handicrafts, purchase the
work of local craftsmen and artisans. Woven baskets, beadwork,
jewelry, woodwork and cotton cloth are some of the more common
handicrafts. Most tribes have traditional designs, shapes and
sizes, providing a wide variety from which to choose.

* East Africa is known as the Cradle of Mankind. There are a
number of extremely important pre-historic archeological sites in
both Tanzania and Kenya, including Olduvai Gorge and Koobi Fora.
When visiting the sites, please ensure that you follow the paths.
It is very easy to step on and destroy the artifacts!

Along the Coast, there are numerous historical ruins open to the
public, such as Gede Ruins near Watamu, which is an excellent
example of the old Swahili trading culture.

* Please do not disturb any animal. Making noises, flashing lights
or making sudden movements is regarded as disturbing it. Animals,
if continually harassed, will avoid human contact or could become
aggressive.

* Where there is an existing road system, do not drive your car
off the road. Vehicles leaving the road can damage the habitat;
vehicle oil, fume pollution and plant disruption can damage the
eco-system by altering drainage patterns and causing soil erosion.

* Do not discard any foodstuffs or litter; it is dangerous for the
animals, disrupts wildlife traditional feeding patterns, creates
fire hazards and potentially maims or kills wildlife.

* Do not light a fire and never discard a burning object. Bush and
forest fires cause enormous damage to vegetation and wildlife.

* In the interest of the wildlife and visitors alike, there is a
limit of 40kph for all vehicles. Drive carefully at all times.
Speeding results in accidents to wildlife, as well as degradation
of the road surface.

* For your own safety, please stay in your vehicle at all times,
except where a signboard indicates that leaving the car is
permissible. Many of the parks and reserves have designated picnic
sites and nature trails.

* The animals are wild and can be dangerous. Do not stand up in
your vehicle unless you have adequate protection and supervision
from a professional driver/guide.

* Visitors should only enter or leave the park at an authorised
park entrance or exit.

At The Coast

* Do not damage or remove coral. It is a living organism, which
takes many years to form. It is also host to many rare and
endangered vertebrate and invertebrate species.

* It is illegal to remove shells, starfish or any other sea-flora
and fauna, as it disrupts the eco-system. Empty shells provide
homes for hermit crabs and some fishes, yet the areas outside the
parks and reefs are threatened by excessive shell collection.

* Do not buy shells and other marine animal products as souvenirs,
as this encourages further plundering of the reefs and beaches.

* Do not discard litter into the water, it is environmentally
unfriendly and illegal. Marine turtles can confuse clear, plastic
waste with jellyfish and will die if they eat the plastic.

* Hand feeding of fish is discouraged. Certain species are
dangerous; it also disrupts traditional feeding patterns.

* Hook and line fishing is allowed in the marine reserves, but not
in marine parks. Spearguns are not permitted.

* Local conditions may vary. The Kenya Wildlife Service wardens
and rangers are there to assist and advise you; please comply with
any order or direction given by the warden or any other officer in
any park.

* KiSwahili is the language spoken by most people in East Africa.
Originally developed on the Coast from a mixture of the African
Bantu languages and Arabic, this ancient trading language has
become the common language for all the tribes in the area.
Learning a few words of Swahili allows better communication and
helps to build a rapport with the people you meet on safari!