Socially responsible travel
Our trips go beyond sightseeing; they are cultural expeditions. Here, we share essential tips, such as avoiding shadowy orphanages and ‘White Savior Syndrome’. We strive for equal connections and create meaningful memories.
Respectful and meaningful
Our focus is on equal exchange between cultures. Our trips are not just sightseeing trips; they are true cultural expeditions! Because let's face it, experiencing a country also means learning about the local people, their norms, values and traditions.
Therefore, always be respectful to the locals. Get to know their norms and values and avoid unintended misunderstandings. Because while we Europeans may be straightforward, this is not always the case in Africa. In addition, dress neatly and avoid overly provocative outfits. Spread love and respect to the locals so that your experience will be a great time for both you and the wonderful people you meet!
Beware of that shadowy industry surrounding orphanages and schools. If you want to connect with locals, choose an authentic experience where no one is exploited. Stay genuine and create valuable memories that will stay with you forever, for both you and the local communities.
Don't visit orphanages or schools
As a tour operator, we are often asked about the possibility of visiting an orphanage or school during a trip. However, it is important to be careful when visiting orphanages in Africa. Orphanage tourism has adverse effects, including serious attachment problems in children. Due to the lure of volunteers who pay substantial sums to work in an orphanage and donors who pay monthly money per child, orphanages are springing up like mushrooms. As a result, they are often unnecessarily filled with children. So please do not cooperate in this!
Don't be the ‘white saviour’
Ever heard of the so-called ‘White Savior Syndrome’? It is something many white people suffer from - unconsciously. This means not thinking that African people are pathetic and helpless, and you are the only one who can help them from a position of superiority. It is important to avoid this and strive for equality in interaction. We give our travellers information about this before they travel to ensure that they engage in cultural exchange in a respectful manner. Read about what else you can do regarding socially responsible travel here
We give you the real deal!
We make this exchange a little easier by working directly with local partners. For example, communities that welcome you in their homestay or organise a tour in which they take you to secret places and teach you all about the area. This gives a unique insight into the daily life of locals from the country where you are a guest.
We go for the real experience, not stuffed shows you sometimes see at tourist facades. No, this is all about genuine encounters between two worlds. And while socialising around the campfire, deep conversations emerge in which you can also share your own culture.
A handbook full of useful tips and behavioural guidelines
We naturally want both you and our local partners to have a great time, which is why we share some handy behavioural guidelines with you ahead of your trip. Our ‘behavioural guidelines’ are filled with smart tips & tricks to make things easier for you. For instance, what kind of clothes are best to bring and wear so that your hosts feel completely at ease?
Plus, we also have the tip guide! We have compiled a handy list, because in Africa, tipping is not only a fair way of doing business, but it is also hugely appreciated. Everyone likes a tip, of course, but in African countries, tipping is a big part of income. We tell you in the tip guide exactly what you can give to your driver or guide.
Ethical travel: striving together to connect
What is true for travellers is also true for us: we live and work from a position of privilege on the African continent, and we must use it responsibly. Thus, we do our best to avoid any trace of white supremacy in Africa, but even in our private lives we keep a close eye on what we post on social media. We also try to create as many employment opportunities as possible.
But even at our own office, we make sure that as many positions that do not require Dutch-speaking tongues are filled by local colleagues. The magicians behind the scenes who conjure up your entire trip to perfection? They are - of course - Africans! And so we all make sure that our different cultures, backgrounds, norms and values can enrich the other and bring us closer together!
‘I don't believe in charity: I believe in solidarity. Charity is like a one-way street, from top to bottom. Solidarity is equality, it respects the other.’
Eduardo Galeano
Writer and journalist
Our other impact pillars
Ecological
Reduce the footprint of your holiday
- Take the train instead of the plane.
- Visit ecological accommodations.
- Use as little disposable plastic as possible.
Economical
Support and promote local initiatives
- Stay in small-scale and local accommodation.
- Eat in local restaurants
- Make use of local guides.