Below is SafariPlanner.org’s high-level framework, including our five core pillars, each with specific, measurable indicators to objectively assess the sustainability of a safari experience.
1. Land: Community + Conservation Model
This factor evaluates the conservation context and land ownership model, prioritizing direct community involvement and dedicated conservation areas.
- Ownership Status: What is the legal designation of the land (e.g., community-owned conservancy, national park, private game reserve)?
- Community Co-management: Is there a formal, active partnership or co-management agreement with local communities?
- Conservation Dedication: What percentage of the land is exclusively dedicated to wildlife conservation versus tourism infrastructure?
2. Money: Economic Benefit & Equity
This assesses the flow of tourism revenue, ensuring it provides tangible, equitable benefits to the local host community, economy, and conservation.
- Revenue Sharing: What percentage of revenue directly benefits the local community and wildlife conservation through wages, fees, and projects?
- Ownership Structure: Who owns the safari lodge or company (e.g., local community, national entity, international corporation)?
- Local Sourcing: Does the operator have a “buy local” policy, giving preference to local suppliers, artisans, and service providers?
- Community Development: Is there a transparent, audited community development fund or plan supported by tourism revenue?
3. Activity: Safari Method & Impact
This scores the direct impact of the safari activities themselves, favoring low-impact, small-scale, and educational experiences.
- Mode of Safari: How are game drives conducted? (e.g., walking safaris, electric vehicles).
- Group Size: What is the average guide-to-guest ratio and group size for activities? (Smaller is better).
- Guide Expertise: What is the level of training for guides in conservation, local culture, and ethical wildlife viewing protocols?
- Wildlife Interaction: Are there strict ethical guidelines that prioritize animal welfare and prohibit behaviors like baiting, crowding, or off-road driving in sensitive areas?
4. Footprint: Environmental & Cultural Trace
This measures the tangible and intangible impacts left behind, from resource management to the nature of cultural exchange.
- Environmental Management:
- Energy: What is the primary source of energy (e.g., solar, generator)? Is energy consumption measured and managed?
- Water: Where does water come from? Are there water conservation and wastewater treatment systems in place?
- Waste: Is there a comprehensive waste management system that prioritizes reducing, reusing, and recycling? Are single-use plastics eliminated or minimized?
- Carbon Footprint: Does the operator measure its carbon emissions and have a clear strategy for reduction or offsetting?
- Cultural Respect:
- Authenticity: Are community interactions designed to be authentic and respectful, avoiding staged “poverty tourism”?
- Guest Guidelines: Are guests provided with clear guidance on respectful photography, dress codes, and social etiquette?
- Heritage: Is local cultural heritage and knowledge respected and authentically incorporated into the guest experience?
5. Management & Ethics: Operations & Transparency
This final factor assesses the overarching commitment of the safari operator to sustainable practices through its policies, certifications, and workplace environment.
- Sustainability Policy: Does the company have a documented, publicly available sustainability management system?
- Third-Party Certification: Is the operator certified by a recognized sustainable tourism body (e.g., Fair Trade Tourism, Ecotourism Kenya, GSTC)?
- Fair Employment: Are there clear, fair, and safe employment practices, including equitable wages, benefits, sustainable working hours, and opportunities for advancement for local staff and guides?
- Transparency: How transparent is the company about its business practices and the impact of its sustainability initiatives?
