More Than Just Green: What Sustainable Travel Truly Means to Hippy Safaris
Hello Wayfinders!
In the world of travel, the term "eco-conscious" gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean when you book a safari? For us at Hippy Safaris, sustainable travel isn't a marketing buzzword—it is the foundational promise of our brand. It’s a commitment to ensuring that every incredible adventure you take leaves a positive mark on the people, the wildlife, and the planet.
We approach sustainable travel not as a limitation, but as a framework for delivering a deeper, more authentic, and ultimately better experience. Here are the three rules that define ethical adventure for us:
Rule 1: Investment, Not Just Expense (Money Stays Local)
When you book with us, your money is intentionally directed to maximize local impact. We are deal hunters for authentic experiences, not just cheap prices.
Local Partnerships: We prioritize smaller, locally-owned lodges and use guides who are from the communities immediately surrounding the conservancies. This ensures that the bulk of your travel investment directly supports the people who are the true guardians of the wildlife you came to see.
The Empowerment Ethos: We ensure every choice promotes empowerment. Your dollars are not just covering costs; they are actively funding local projects, schools, and sustainable enterprises that build a stronger future for the region.
Rule 2: Quality Over Crowds, Community Over Convenience
A truly sustainable safari is one where your presence enhances the environment, rather than diminishes it. This is why we focus on "life-seeing" over "sightseeing."
While many operators simply book into private conservancies to avoid crowded national parks—a worthy step, but not enough—we acknowledge the troubled history of some conservancy models. Simply avoiding crowds doesn't solve issues of land rights or local empowerment.
This is how we improve the odds: We actively research and vet our partners to ensure they champion local voices. We select only those conservancies that demonstrate strong, equitable relationships with the local community, ensuring that our presence directly translates into genuine employment benefits and empowerment for the people of the area.
The result is a higher-quality, less crowded, and more serene experience for you, where you witness wildlife naturally, knowing your entire investment is the most sustainable choice possible.
Rule 3: Transparency & Education (You Become the Solution)
We believe the best traveler is an educated traveler. We are here to empower you with the knowledge of your impact.
Accountability: We provide the context and background on our partners, showing how your fee supports anti-poaching units, community development, or habitat restoration. You are not a spectator; you are a direct financial partner in conservation.
Purposeful Travel: We help you see that the decision to travel ethically is the most powerful choice you can make. Every dollar you spend becomes a vote for the world you want to see.
Choosing Hippy Safaris means stopping the search for just a trip and starting to plan a meaningful adventure—one that gives back as much as it gives you.
