Tribes Travel

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Tribes Travel

The art of travelling with respect

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    Responsible Travel Reviews

     

    1. ScillyMe
    2. 06/01/2012
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Particularly in terms of the local people, the lodges at Chambal, Bandhavgarh and Kanha provide employment. Tiger tourism is probably the best way of protecting tigers for the future
    1. Paul G
    2. 30/12/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The economy especially in Ollantaytambo relies on tourism. Made effort to use local small restaurants and shops.
    1. Julie and John, Cambridge
    2. 30/12/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. A very good affinity with the work of SAN Parks and Kruger conservation and environmental management- impressive
    1. Heather
    2. 11/12/2011
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. We did not take any options which particularly involved supporting the environment.
    1. Donna W
    2. 02/12/2011
    3. 12
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The whole crew of porters and locals have made me feel very honoured with my home life. I am humbled to see such strength and courage in those amazing people. So friendly and willing to help in any way they can x
    1. Gemma
    2. 02/12/2011
    3. 12
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes the sights i saw were amazing, such a great place to go!
    1. Mahmoud
    2. 02/12/2011
    3. 1
      • Good

      Good

    1. Liz Mclean
    2. 02/12/2011
    3. 12
      • Good

      Good

    5. i felt that there were other groups that were littering the environment. as leader i ensured we took ALL our litter along with us but unfortunately not all the guides did not really promote this.
    1. Naomi
    2. 27/11/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. excellent it gave my partner a very welcome and enjoyable first visit to Africa
    1. Jan Gillon
    2. 06/11/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Our CGH hotels seem to be making good effort towards environmental responsibility. I cant say that driving 1200 kms was much help, nor do I feel that we were able to help local people very much as we only stayed at 1 independent hotel. Of course some jobs were provided eg local people were park rangers in Periyar.
    1. Wayne Scott
    2. 04/11/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. JonesTheBear
    2. 04/11/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It was both impressive and humbling how much attention is given to improving the lot of the local people who staff the lodges, lug the party's kit around, and provide points of interest along the way.
    1. US Passenger
    2. 02/11/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Massimo
    2. 01/11/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Rich Thomas
    2. 31/10/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. very impressed with the benefits being established and promoted for the local community through Mutamaiyu House and the Mugie Conservancy, and the commitment of all involved in that project to protect the Black Rhino in particular (& risking their lives in doing so!). Also good to see local guides and staff being used at Kicheche
    1. Charles B Geffen
    2. 28/10/2011
    3. 3
      • Good

      Good

    5. We feft that the locals certainly got something too.
    1. Jon
    2. 25/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. Without knowing the financial benefits to local people this is very difficult to comment on
    1. Isabel & Christian
    2. 25/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. D and M, St Andrews, Scotland.
    2. 24/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. As we travel a lot, our holiday in Nepal was yet another opportunity to see how other people live. We found that though the Nepalese may not be as affluent as in the west, they are rich in their culture and social awareness. Their strong family ties and spiritual belief made us realise how sadly these were lacking in our own country, and in our own culture. We are also even more aware of the decline in animal species such as the tiger, and for the need to challenge governments the world over regarding their attitude towards conservation.
    1. Gill Allard
    2. 21/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Jill
    2. 21/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Being Diwali this had more of an impact on our trip than last time we visited India at this time. Khana was packed to bursting with max jeeps filled with local families intent on seeing tigers as the other wildlife they get in their gardens - rushing around reducing their chances of so doing. But the big advantage of this popularity (not seen 5 years before according to the guide) is that all this interest will educate the local population and ensure the park and its wildlife is preserved especially the tiger. It was also nice to see the local families enjoying wildlife many for the first time.
    1. Neil
    2. 21/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Nice to see local people employed at a a number of the places we stayed and support to the local communities - this was particularly noticeable at Nature Heritage and Kanha Earth Lodge.
    1. H Hill
    2. 16/10/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. JB
    2. 15/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Difficult to know since didn't know what people had been paid and if that was reasonable. We assumed it was since you'd booked it but the relentless requirement to give tips made it difficult and challenging re what was appropriate - if you don't know what someone is being paid, it is difficult to know what to tip.
    1. Lagardo
    2. 15/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Cindy
    2. 14/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Patrick & Diana Wheeler
    2. 09/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. See under 'anything else'
    1. Adam
    2. 05/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It was evident that the Drivers were respectful of the environment they were in. I am aware of Tribes carbon neutral policy in respect of flying which I approve of. I would hope that this sort of holiday impacts positively on the local environment in which it is set.
    1. Brian
    2. 05/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Our guide in the Galapagos, Darwin, was truly passionate about conserving the natural wonder of the region. He was inspirational. In Quito, we wished the municipality paid as much attention to it's indigenous past as it does it's colonial history.
    1. Mukesh
    2. 03/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Use of local people and services was good. The itinerary was arranged to benefit local people as well as us - economic benfit to them and knowledge gain for us.The hotel selection was good reflecting local culture and traditions offering character to the place and providing the right ambience and experience to us!
    1. Jenny Stenhouse
    2. 03/10/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We learnt a great deal about wildlife and the environment. We had some interesting walks in the jungle.
    1. Jeff Webster
    2. 24/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes; local people were employed at all the camps/lodges which not only helped the local economy but emphasised the value of the wildlife to that community.
    1. Ted Ledger
    2. 22/09/2011
    3. 7
      • Good

      Good

    5. It was beneficial without doubt to the local people.There has to be some conflict when it comes to the environment,driving across terrain that is sometimes not suitable,and on rare occaisions wildlife is disturbed as when leopards are sighted.But on balance the protection provided by tourism must outweigh the negatives.
    1. Kate Lothian
    2. 19/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I am really glad we stayed outside the Mara in a new conservancy
    1. Paul Davies
    2. 18/09/2011
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Julie and John
    2. 17/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It made us more aware as to the fragile state of wild life in all aspects.
    1. Paul R
    2. 11/09/2011
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. N S
    2. 09/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Visiting Machu Picchu one of the 7 wonders and being so close to the animals, birds and fish in the Galapagos were truly exceptional experiences.
    1. Kim Bates
    2. 09/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    1. Hilary Cox
    2. 08/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Simon Waller
    2. 06/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Poor

      Poor

    1. BenR
    2. 04/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We were told where they used saline or semi-saline water, water from springs, made efficient use of solar power etc and were using local staff and encouraging environmental responsibility in the local area (and making a strong contribution to it).
    1. Denise
    2. 02/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Kathryn
    2. 28/08/2011
    3. 7
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The camp was very environmentally aware (without being uncomfortable!)
    1. Scott Hamilton
    2. 19/08/2011
    3. 5
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I hope that some of our monies went directly and indirectly to the right places, but it is difficult to know, especially when buying locally. But yes, generally I feel it did. Also impressed, especially in Sable Mountain, at how eco friendly the camps are - no power and no generator even at Sable.
    1. Martyn
    2. 17/08/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Tony and Ute Brimson
    2. 14/08/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We were very pleased to see that Botswana seems to steer away from offering mass safari tourism with fewer vehicles surrounding wildlife than is the case in Kenya or Tanzania. Camps environmentally aware in terms of water conservation, some using solar power at the moment with some others planning to do so in the future. Unfortunately Kanana camp did not have local management.
    1. Phil Haywood
    2. 14/08/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. There was use of local labour, of solar power, local food and consideration for the wildlife.
    1. P.Rooke
    2. 12/08/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Helen Purdie
    2. 03/08/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The holiday made me conscious of just how much the governments are doing to establish responsible tourism and to conserve wildlife. The volume of wildlife was staggering and the guides made us very conscious of conservation issues too. The local people were just a joy to be with.
    1. Granny Margaret
    2. 30/07/2011
    3. 13
      • Average

      Average

    5. The main benefit was to us! Gives employment to local people though we weren't able to assess whether pay and employment standards were adequate/good. Too many people and vehicles in Masai Mara particulaly aroung cats - up to 20 at one time - and some vehicles disobeying "stay on road" rule around them. Visit to Masai village interesting for children and adults. Did all our fairly high "donation" go to community projects as stated or some to guide for introduction?
    1. Steve Todd
    2. 29/07/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Bob Mudd
    2. 27/07/2011
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Everywhere we stay the people and the wildlife are clearly trated with respect. That is important for us and for us to show our 10 year old daughter.
    1. Matt & Rachel
    2. 27/07/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Extremely beneficial in developing and understanding of the country, the indigenous people and their ways of life. Experiencing the wild life was fantastic. Our hope is that the game reserves will be protected from over exploitation, and there does seem to be some danger of that if numbers of visitors are allowed to increase substantially
    1. SueRW
    2. 22/07/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I hope so - clearly the camps provide a source of employment, and seem to source their goods and services locally.
    1. Liz Hexham
    2. 22/07/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Lou
    2. 19/07/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We understand that there is quite a bit of local involvement in the camp we were at but there was no real opportunity for us as visitors to experience it.
    1. Family of 5
    2. 15/07/2011
    3. 5
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Ol Seki was providing support to the local Masai village, which we visted.
    1. Caroline
    2. 12/07/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Travelling in Ecuador does seem to provide jobs for guides, drivers, hotel staff and people making handicrafts.
    1. Taylor family
    2. 10/07/2011
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. All lodges seemed to be genuine in their attempts to provide employment for and to train local people, as well as supporting charities established to improve living standards. The lodges seemed concerned to be as 'low-impact' as possible on the environment - solar power etc. One concern was the amount of 'off road' driving in Selous (exciting - but how much damage is being done to the soil/bush?!).There seemed to be landrover tracks everywhere! Also the provision of new towels every day was not really necessary (except Chole, where we kept our towels).
    1. Barbara McKenzie
    2. 30/06/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Moremi and Sango have very good environmental credentials. Sango also has a policy of employing the villagers and putting resouces into the local community through bringing people to the camp. Waterberry also has a close relationship with it's village and does the same.
    1. S.
    2. 19/06/2011
    3. 7
      • Poor

      Poor

    5. Did not get the feeling we were helping beyond giving heavy duty work to the porters.
    1. Jenny Cox
    2. 15/06/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. As above - the guides did a wonderful job in showing the guests the wildlife but they all showed respect and empathy for the animals, especially if the cats were hunting. It was great to see this.
    1. Alan Sweetman
    2. 12/06/2011
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. The time at Pinewood felt removed from the local culture and trips to the local village etc were very expensive. Felt uncomfortable at the Carnivore restaurant where we were told to "eat as much as we could!". This didn't sit very well in a country where so many people do not have enough food to feed their families. Also, a lot of plastic water bottle were used. Only the Sunbird Lodge provided drinking water in a Jug rather than bottles which was great.
    1. Eldon & Jo
    2. 06/06/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We supported the local economy. Cultural tourism can sometimes be intrusive. Some guidance on tipping would be helpful, as the traveller does not necessarily know what local people are being paid via local agents. i.e. there is no transparent base value on which an additional percentage gratuity can be based.
    1. Tony Kempster
    2. 02/06/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Plainly this is part of the Pongwe ethos, but most of the staff there are from the Tanzanian mainland rather than from Zanzibar. We suspect this is because Zanzibar is over 95% Muslim but i am sure that with a greater effort more local staff could be employed in front line jobs, not just doing the cleaning.
    1. Anne-Marie Harris
    2. 30/05/2011
    3. 1
      • Good

      Good

    5. Yes, generally. Understand that the money from the trekking goes to local communities. It would have been nice to know more about the lodge and how / to what extent it benefits local people. I wasn't even sure if it was owned by Rwandese (?) people or not.
    1. Mandy
    2. 25/05/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes we found local people friendly. We had excellent service & attention in restaurants. I would like to think we were helping the economy of the country by visiting. Always felt safe though warned we had to take care. Clearly there a lot of very poor people trying to scrape a living. I am not sure whether it is good for the Galapagos to have so many tourists with regard to the wildlife & environment. However we felt the Galapagos boat operator to be a very responsible company.
    1. Tony Marsh
    2. 23/05/2011
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The lodges we stayed at were owned and run by local people with a deep commitment to conservation and responsible tourism - hopefully we will have helped by staying with them
    1. Jane & Douglas. Leicetershire.
    2. 15/05/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Both Robin Pope Safaris and Bushcamp Company have set up initiatives to benefit the local community and they also have programmes which support the families of their staff It is good to know that they are investing in the future of Zambia in this way.
    1. Hil
    2. 08/05/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Extremely informative and beneficial. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with local people, staff in hotels, restaurants, etc. Everyone was very welcoming and we stopped for 'Mint Tea' and a chat on several occasions. Due to travelling more or less the length of Jordan and back we witnessed the most extraordinary landscape, continually changing
    1. Mike
    2. 06/05/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Both Eduardo (Jaguar Ecological Reserve) and Nick (Guapi Assu Bird Lodge) explained that they use most of the money raised from tourists for buying more land for their reserves. The motor yacht Tucano was built in a small riverside town on the River Negro itself by local people and the crew were all "Amazonians". The 2 villages we briefly visited along the Rio Negro sold very nice genuine crafts (not made in China).
    1. Adam + Sarah
    2. 04/05/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It was evident in both Zambia and Mozambique that tourism is a key industry in terms of employing local people whilst preserving the environment.
    1. Geoff Roberts
    2. 02/05/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Alison Thomas
    2. 01/05/2011
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Monica
    2. 22/04/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Jennie & Roy
    2. 19/04/2011
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. Somehow not applicable on this occasion!
    1. Gill Steinberg
    2. 17/04/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We were steered towards a market which helped local women. In the Galapagos I feel the tax we paid will have helped preserve the environment.
    1. bev costello
    2. 17/04/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes we liked being able to leave clothes etc to be re cycled I think that Tribes should encourage travellers to take things that are needed not just crayons and pencils
    1. Adela Gregory
    2. 16/04/2011
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Napo Wildlife Centre was an amazing treat. Never thought that one lodge can make such a massive difference to the local community. Felt very privileged to stay in such an amazing location and to receive such a warm welcome by the local community. The staff were super lovely and super friendly and I even had a game of volleyball with them which was brilliant.
    1. Debbie Gilliland
    2. 15/04/2011
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Tyla
    2. 09/04/2011
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Jo & Nick Bushrod
    2. 02/04/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I personally found the medina in Marrakech a bit frantic but my husband loved it. Outside the medina is calmer and the gardens tranquil and beautiful. I preferred the mountains. We stayed at a Berber run Kasbah which was a great way to dip into their culture and history, they are very hospitable.
    1. Clive and Lynn Fletcher
    2. 01/04/2011
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We saw very few people on this trip, locals or tourists but the currency obviously benefits the local population.
    1. Chris Ennew
    2. 28/03/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Particularly evident in the Galapagos with a very high standard of concern for the environment and out impact on it.
    1. Wendy & Stephen
    2. 23/03/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Colin Bailey-Wood
    2. 17/03/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. maggie
    2. 05/03/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. All hotel staff and guides were local so that good, but we were not sure about other aspects.
    1. vanessa Scholfield
    2. 04/03/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The Les Aigrettes conservation programme on the island of Les Aigrettes is excellent and to be recommended.
    1. Simon Bridle
    2. 04/03/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Sue Bryant
    2. 26/02/2011
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. Unsure whether the holiday was beneficial particularly in this sense. Obviously venues employed local people, unclear whether products used were environmentally friendly. Marrakesh was totaly geared to the tourist so a lot of people depend on tourists visiting.
    1. Jim and Gillian Macpherson
    2. 25/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It was beneficial in that we saw day to day life in 3 main cities and also in rural areas. The care of the environment was clear for all to see, particualrly in Ranthambore Park where the Tigers are protected, but also the surrounding areas where locals are trying to manage the land to become self sufficient.
    1. a Canadian traveller from Calgary
    2. 24/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Stephen and Frances Pick
    2. 21/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. This is a very hard question to answer. We were undoubtedly spending money in India which hopefully benefitted individuals and local communities and the economy generally. As to the environment they must use a huge amount of water etc while the locals are using the local well but perhaps the presence of hotels encourages the development of a basic infrastructure for such things. As to wildlife those involved in the parks and conservation argue that without tourism the plight of the tiger etc would be worse.
    1. Leanne
    2. 19/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It gave the local community employment opportunities
    1. Cathy Letchworth
    2. 19/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. It is always beneficial to meet different people. We met some wonderful people on our trip and exchanged ideas and cultural differences.
    1. JaneD
    2. 18/02/2011
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. I'm not sure it was beneficial, but everyone we came across was eco aware and it was clear that this was on everyone's priorities.
    1. AZ
    2. 15/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Peter Cooper
    2. 14/02/2011
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Clouth/J
    2. 10/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Sandra
    2. 09/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Hotels etc provide employment for local people classic camping should have low environmental impact
    1. Tony
    2. 07/02/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Paul
    2. 30/01/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. All hotels except one were Indian owned and not part of international chains. All 3 countryside places were environmentally responsible and provided employment for local people. Most of the hotels were heritage buildings.
    1. Robin Cooke-Hurle
    2. 26/01/2011
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. John & Linda Southwell
    2. 17/01/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Gave us a real in depth view of east africa.
    1. Michael Walter
    2. 10/01/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Chris and Kate Pare
    2. 10/01/2011
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. Obviously gave lots of tips and provided and helped sustain employment. Park fees obviously help protect animals and we know that Tribes donate to various funds. Other than that we can't see how we particularly helped!
    1. Marianne Coleman
    2. 10/01/2011
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. Tourism is of growing importance to Ecuador. The Galapagos cruise operator in Galapagos are very much aware of the environment and encourage conservation in every way.
    1. The Brindles
    2. 08/01/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We were really impressed with advice given about conserving water and electricity. Recycling facilities were fantastic - we could even recycle things we can't in the UK.
    1. Seymour and Anula
    2. 04/01/2011
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. David Alderton
    2. 03/01/2011
    3. 3
      • Good

      Good

    5. Really not sure if the porters and guides are getting reasonable pay and tips. More specific recommendations on clothing to take and give away would been useful e.g. was told fleeces are difficult for porters to obtain
    1. Joan
    2. 29/12/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Unsure. I gather the hotel is financed by non-Morrocan investment? Does that mean profits go out of the country? (Tribes Response - only a small number of Riads are Moroccan owned, the majority are owned by Europeans who live in the city and employ Moroccan staff.)
      The refurbishment and maintainance of the old houses as riyadhs must add to the attraction of the place as a destination.
    1. Peter and Jude
    2. 26/12/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Particularly Black Sheep. The owners have really made a difference in terms of sustainability in the local context and their support for the community is sensitive and greatly appreciated by the local people.
      Tourism in the Galapagos, while strictly controlled clearly provides funding which in turn is used to protect and maintain this extraordinary environment.
      La Selva provides very important employment and income for the local indigenous community.
    1. Alison, London
    2. 25/12/2010
    3. 1
      • Good

      Good

    1. Megan
    2. 21/12/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Sarah Phaup
    2. 20/12/2010
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    1. Geoff Furber
    2. 20/12/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes! I was particularly interested in rural life in India and how it compared with life in Malawi where I spend much of my time running a charity. It was inspirational to see how rural Indians invest in the future and use everything wisely to provide a sustainable farming culture. There appears to be a balance between knowledge, hard work, and discipline which is not as developed in Malawi.
    1. Sallie Parker
    2. 15/12/2010
    3. 7
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The local people around Matemwe in particular benefited from Che Che Vule and worked and interacted with the family. We loved this, it made our holiday talking about their lives, playing football with the locals and helping the chefs cook the food
    1. Julie and John, Cambridge
    2. 23/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The holiday certainly enforced how fragile the environment is and how it is being affected by mankind. Whilst we were there there was talk of having crusie ships capable of carrying 500 passengers which can only lead to disaster for the eco sysytem and the economy.
    1. Miriam H M Lenehan
    2. 23/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. we did meet a local family near muchenje but to be honest we weren't exposed very obviously to a definite contribution to the local people / wildlife or environment apart from the guides own care and attention and respect of the wildlife. Muchenje are handing over their other camp which is still being built to local people to run but this seems to be driven by a government initiative.
    1. Lesley
    2. 17/11/2010
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Uakari Lodge was a paradise of 100s of wildlife and thoughtful locals. I had no idea Iguassu Falls was so thunderously big. Amazon Clipper - everyone was so kind and cheerful.

      I got a real shock at the Pink Dolphin Research Station (near Uakari Lodge) as they brand the dolphins they catch, take a nick from their tail etc. I felt it was brutal and unnecessary as the decline of dolphin numbers I was told was due to poaching, therefore education is the key.
    1. D Massie
    2. 13/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I feel that our tips were well recieved! I hope to think that we left very little impact on the environment and that our presence was enjoyed. I believe the tourism dollar is assisting Africa and its people as they are so terribly poor. African people seem to accept that their governments are doing little to change the social and economic needs of their people so are keen to embrace eco tourism to survive and/or prosper. I hope to think we were non invasive in our interaction with the wild life.
    1. Mr Baker
    2. 10/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Paul Griffin
    2. 08/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The accomodation and food in the High Atlas included a levy for social development and the use of local staff provided much needed employment.
    1. DandR
    2. 07/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Paul Doe
    2. 03/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. James
    2. 02/11/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. William and Becca
    2. 30/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We appreciate the Botswanan approach to low impact (but high income) tourism compared to other African countries. Meno a Kwena was most obviously involved in working with local people and there was lots of information available about their Water for Life projects.
    1. Parker clan.
    2. 26/10/2010
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. It was great to travel and see locals doing what they do every day - to sustain their lifestyles and livelihood.
    1. Granpa
    2. 25/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Adams family
    2. 24/10/2010
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. I didn't feel I was on a ' Green' holiday but did feel the benefits for the local people - The Tides lodge employ 27 local people and for the last two days we were the only guests! The rules of Safari have changed in recent years with vehicles obliged to stay on the roads and not wander'off road' into the bush to get closer to the animals which is clearly better for their habitat.
    1. David
    2. 23/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Especially our trip to the mountains - Kasbah de Toubkal and the Lodge.
    1. Sam G
    2. 22/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Bob and Margaret
    2. 21/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. BB
    2. 20/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. All but one of the places suggested by Tribes were aware of these issues; we ourselves specified two places and of those one was in a very touristy location (although it employed a higher proportion of African staff in more senior positions than elsewhere).
    1. Jules
    2. 17/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I would like to think that the cost went some way in assisting the preservation of such a delicately balanced environment.
    1. Gordon
    2. 13/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We took time at Msambweni to use local guides for snorkelling and visits to two villages plus bought locally produced souvenirs. Visiting the Mara reserve also directs cash into the local economy as the land is leased by the Masai to the camps and each family with a landholding receives a monthly return.
    1. Lears
    2. 11/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Ferrari
    2. 11/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Andy G
    2. 10/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The tour of the Galapagos that we had was run locally, with a locally registered boat with local crew, this seemed to be the ultimate goal for all tours of the islands.

      What we witnessed on our trip lead us to believe that everything within the Ecuadorian governments power was being done to preserve and protect these beautiful islands
    1. Kerry O'donoghue
    2. 09/10/2010
    3. 3
      • Good

      Good

    5. HArd to tell, although talking to the staff in Kerala it did seem to be very beneficial.
    1. John Hughes
    2. 05/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Fiona McNeill
    2. 03/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. carolyn
    2. 02/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Moolmanshoek has taken farmland and turned it back into natural habitat, all there employees are local and they have built a little community for them and provide transport to school for the children.
      Barra lodge also employ local people and have provided the communities with fresh water supplies, schools and medical facilities.
    1. Louise
    2. 02/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I felt that in the main this holiday helped us get under the skin of Jordan and gave us access to local people and culture in a way that a tour or even backpacking could never do in a two week period.

      The trekking was very low impact on the environment and a great way to see the country.

      We chose to visit and stay in as many RSCN Reserves as possible. We were only sorry that most of their accomodation apart from Feynan Lodge was booked up as I feel it is a great cause to support.
    1. Steve Moyes
    2. 01/10/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Gordon Farrell
    2. 29/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We didn't have much contact with local people, except for the crew. In terms of wildlife and environment it was a unique experience and an amazing opportunity to experience walking with animals. An absolute lesson in why we need to respect and protect the environment.
    1. Frank and Sandra
    2. 28/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. No significant comments
    1. Ian Furbank
    2. 26/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. All the local staff seemed genuinely delighted that we had come to see their country, and to provide jobs for the community that otherwise wouldnt have existed.
    1. Liz & Dave, UK
    2. 20/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. Local guides and drivers are used so it does help the local economy.
    1. Laurie
    2. 17/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. I like to think the local people will benefit from us being there, but I have no idea to what extent that really happens. The camps all seemed to respect the environment and they were staffed largely by locals, although not necessarily at the management level. I would hope that the local people will recognize the value of the wildlife and the importance of protecting it, and I also hope they knew how much we enjoyed being there and listening to them impart their knowledge.
    1. John & Judy
    2. 16/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The camps all employed local people.
      The camps were careful with their resources and respected the surrounding wildlife and vegetation.
      Gifts were usually made by charitable groups so funds went to them, eg San people, Mothers for Children.
    1. David
    2. 15/09/2010
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The welcome I received from the attentive staff was outstanding. The Zambians are wonderfully friendly people and clearly passionate about their environment and wildlife.
    1. Caron Davies
    2. 12/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. All the people in the Impala camp seemed to be from Tanzania (except management) and the sourcing at the Tides seem to benefit the local people.
    1. Caroline
    2. 11/09/2010
    3. 1
      • Good

      Good

    5. I felt that the holiday in the Pantanal benefited wildlife and locals as they used local people, produce and tourism will encourage protection of the wildlife.
      I'm less certain of the benefits in Iguazu and Rio.
    1. Sue Bryant
    2. 10/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Resources seemed to be used responsibly, ie use of solar power, oil lamps, care with water use. I guess provided employment locally with hopefully minimal impact on environment.
    1. Sharon, Twickenham, London
    2. 08/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Carole and Jason
    2. 05/09/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Sally
    2. 04/09/2010
    3. 1
      • Good

      Good

    5. I don't think a holiday of this type can ever be directly beneficial to the wildlife. However it definetely puts money into the local economy providing an incentive for the Galapageons to look after the environment.
    1. Brian
    2. 02/09/2010
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Wildlife for us was related to the sea which they look after very well. The local area is very poor, and fishing and tourism are the only areas of employment. However we did find the locals were very friendly and some could speak english very well.
    1. Anne L
    2. 31/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Mr & Mrs Bowers
    2. 31/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Stephanie Holmes
    2. 29/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Prentice
    2. 28/08/2010
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We would like to feel that our stay and tips certainly benefitted the local people and wildlife. Each lodge had a separate tipping box for helping the local people which we hope was put to good use.
    1. Mr and Mrs C
    2. 26/08/2010
    3. 5
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Peter & Frances.
    2. 20/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. This applies to the nature reserves & Ilha Grande only. There was no wildlife in Rio and we knew that a big city was not going to be our cup of tea but we had to see it! A day was sufficient for our needs.
    1. Elizabeth
    2. 13/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. We were rather worried, given the ethos of Tribes, that we were often the only people on forms of transport (huge mini buses and the boat on Lake Titicaca) and the diesel engine on the tourist train from Cusco to Puna (which we loved) was filthy spewing great clouds of fumes across the countryside.
    1. David Kennedy
    2. 08/08/2010
    3. 3
      • Good

      Good

    1. Miles & Erin
    2. 08/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Expensive, but at least people know there's more money to be made keeping these animals alive than poaching them!
    1. Nick Gordon
    2. 08/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. David Waters
    2. 07/08/2010
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Especially at Meno A Kwena where they are doing all they can to support Botswana people's way of life and maintain water for the animals too. All our guides were doing all they could to protect the animals.
    1. Bill & Sue Hurtley
    2. 07/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. All local people, guides and drivers are proud and respectful of their environment. By UK standards Tanzania and Zanzibar are underdeveloped countries but their use of resources and willingness to co-operate and share with one another suggest robust and thriving communities. Tourism clearly benefits their community and every resort/hotel we visited was staffed mostly by local people, who prove themselves to be willing and hardworking and keen to provide a very positive experience of their beautiful country.
    1. Julie and John Spence
    2. 05/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It made us more aware of the problems encountered between protecting wildlife and the environment, especially in Botswana where the elephants are causing massive destruction to the habitat which will effect the survival of many species of animals.
    1. David Purcell
    2. 04/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. Gave local people work and money in to the area (I assume) but then most resorts do the same thing. Other than the Sopa lodge all camps appeared to have minimal impact on the environment / wildlife.
    1. Bob Mudd
    2. 02/08/2010
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Jane
    2. 27/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Pat & Bob
    2. 24/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Annemarie Williams
    2. 19/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. John Balladon
    2. 18/07/2010
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. At all times we were aware of the environment trying not to impose too much. Dominic stopped every time he saw a can, plastic bottle or tissue - we always took everything back to camp from our packed breakfasts and lunches (even the egg shells). However the impact of tourism in the Mara is just awful. Something needs to be done about the number of vehicles - the Park gets the fees so it will not do anything to reduce numbers but some sort of Foundation should try to do something OR all tourists should be given a crash training course of how to conduct themselves (not shouting from one vehicle to the other in loud voices and the people from the USA could reduce the loudness of their WOW's!!) It really, once again comes down to the Camp - a training session could be given before game viewing and also the guides could be trained to say something diplomatically eg. to the ladies - don't leave your tissues behind the bushes!
    1. Oscar Balladon
    2. 18/07/2010
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Visits to the local village put resource back into their community, in what is a very harsh environment to live in. Having the privilege of a trip / experience like this, should make you realise just how important the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife is. Dont just see it on TV or in a book - go and experience it!
    1. David&Jay
    2. 17/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Waitt family
    2. 17/07/2010
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We were humbled by the fantastic way that Moroccans, in general, are self sufficient and although poor in monetary terms they were not in spirit. It was great to discuss with the kids re how they perceived the comparison with our western life and we discussed all the positives of the Moroccan way of life on the environment and the family.
    1. B & K
    2. 14/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The accomodation, transport and meals employed local people in many roles. We visited a Berber souk in the countryside ,and it was one of the many highlights of the trip, but we didn't feel that we were contributing to their economy.
    1. Jeff Webster
    2. 13/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I find it difficult to make a balanced assessment. The people certainly were passionate about the wildlife and the environment but we did not meet any other local people other than the few who looked after us in camp.
    1. Bojana
    2. 10/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Ingeborg
    2. 07/07/2010
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Selous has not too many tourists so you can really feel like you are out in the nature, - we did not see any other cars when we were driving a single time, - and that's fantastic! We have earlier been on safari in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Kenya and have never felt the nature so strong as this time.
    1. Vernon
    2. 04/07/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. tarric
    2. 01/07/2010
    3. 3
      • Good

      Good

    5. The places we stayed and the attractions we visited all employed local people or helped local groups which helped to put money into the local economy
    1. An intrepid traveller.
    2. 26/06/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. There was no obvious detremental effect on either the wildlife or the environment at the two camps but,at the same time,we cannot see that these two factors actually benefited from us being there.However, at Mwagusi, it was appparent that local people were being given the opportunity to develop skills through camp projects.
    1. Julian Thompson
    2. 20/06/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. On Rodrigues, we enjoyed getting an insight into the local people through our hosts and to see how they employed locals.
    1. Janet
    2. 17/06/2010
    3. 5
      • Good

      Good

    5. Tourism definitely plays a big role in conservation and offering job opportunities. A lot of the cars on the roads were safari vehicles and most the lodges are involved with the local communities - offering employment and supporting schools, projects etc.
    1. Paul and Hazel
    2. 14/06/2010
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. It was clear that tourism in the South Luangwa plays and very important role in the conservation efforts and has contributed towards the costs of controlling poaching and providing a safe environment for the animals in the park. It also seemed that the park provides a range of employment opportunities for the local people and a lot of the lodges support local community projects. The lodges and camps we stayed in all used solar power to generate electricity or provide lighting in the rooms after dark.

      We would obviously have been protected from any negative impacts so cannot say for certain that there was no downside to the tourism industry. But we certainly felt that the tourism is being controlled and handled responsibly to ensure that it brings in positive outcomes and avoids exploitation.
    1. The Browners
    2. 12/06/2010
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. YY Chin
    2. 06/06/2010
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Great understanding of the need to preserve the natural habitat of animals. No unnecessary game viewing as well as limit the number of vehicles
    1. Jenny Chantler
    2. 04/06/2010
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Botswana's attitude to conservation and wildlife seems admirable and I admired all the camp efforts to use solar power, oil lamps or candles, and even recycle water as at Nxai Pan. Zambia may have further to go, but I was glad to have visited a village outside Livingstone to understand their challenges a bit more.
    1. alf - UK
    2. 01/06/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yachana lodge was very impressive with all the work they have done in preserving the rainforest and setting up the school.
    1. Mr A Palmer
    2. 28/05/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Jay and Kay(senior citizens!)
    2. 17/05/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We could say excellent, but its an ongoing process of cooperation and involvement so it obviously can improve. Its good that the companies are involved with the schools and take classes on trips into the park (South Luangwa)
    1. Jo & Justin Hillier - UK
    2. 14/05/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Tourism was clearly beneficial to the local community in Aremd as most local people were employed as guides, muleteers etc. All the people we met made us feel very welcome and were keen to encourage visitors to the region.
    1. A Thomas - UK
    2. 29/04/2010
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The Rana's are committed to wildlife conservation and to working with the local communities to ensure that they too benefit from tiger tourism
    1. Caroline
    2. 24/04/2010
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It was good to learn about the conservation in the country and how the local people are being educated. Pretty amazing.
    1. Softcat Ltd (company incentive for group of 27)
    2. 22/04/2010
    3. 27
      • Good

      Good

    1. David & Pamela Shadwell
    2. 10/04/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes, we certainly saw evidence of conservation and one Guide was actually telling us of the local charity work he was aware being undertaken by Tribes. We have become more aware of the environmental problems in the areas we visited and how this is affected by local and global issues. I think they could teach us a thing or two about recycling!
    1. Anthony Ainsworth - UK
    2. 06/04/2010
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Whilst we did visit the sites of Marrakesh, the desert and gorges the way Tribes had constructed the trip didn't feel at all touristy. It felt private and exclusive and took appropriate care of the culture and surroundings of Morocco.
    1. DB - London, England
    2. 02/04/2010
    3. 6
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. As expected, in the Galapagos Islands, there was a continuing reinforcement of the message that conservation of environments such as this (and the animals that live there) is an essential activity.

      However, this was not just communicated in the usual way, with printed notices, but in practical ways as well.

      So, for example, if the guides showing us round parts of the National Park saw rubbish (such as a piece of tissue or a bottle top) on the ground, they would pick it up and put it in their pocket. Every little thing makes a difference - actions speaking louder than words.
    1. Sue W
    2. 31/03/2010
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. Napo in particular was clearly benefitting local people.
    1. Dorothy and Roger, Nottingham
    2. 31/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Caroline Reid - UK
    2. 27/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. I think the lodges we stayed in Bandhavgarh and Corbett both had the environment in mind with employment of local people and tiger conservation high priority. I also understand that every penny we give to them is helping the local economy so I think the level of this was good.
    1. Bernie C
    2. 20/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We both learned a lot - particularly about the effects of the parks on local villages and culture - and vice versa.

      The scrums to get to the best place in the Gypsies (jeeps), however, once a Tiger had been spotted were verging on the obscene. We are a shamefully greedy species - and its not pleasant to experience that. Sometimes the best policy has to be to just leave the animals to those who got there first. We asked our driver and guide to back-off (which it turned out they wanted to do anyway) and I think we saw more tigers in other places as a result. See a big crowd of jeeps ahead- go someplace else.
    1. Gabrielle Dolan
    2. 17/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. I hope the local economy benefitted from our trip. I didn't feel and certainly hope that we did not damage the environment or wildlife with our presence.
    1. Greg
    2. 08/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. hanasan
    2. 07/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. This is hard to rate. I hope that our stay has some benefit if not only to the staff and guides, but also local community from the rent of their land.
    1. Lyn - Sheffield UK
    2. 06/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. We travelled by air and car so....
      However in the hotels there was much less waste than here and everyone was careful re litter.
      I worry about the stress on natural resources, especially water, that tourism puts on a country like Jordan, but am aware it is an enormous industry.
    1. Maureen and Mary - UK
    2. 03/03/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. In parts. Clearly the social and environmental responsbility was greater at Khem Villas and particularly at Coconut Lagoon which was very eco-friendly but it was impossible to tell in other places although clearly jobs were provided for local people.
      There was a lot of driving - carbon footprint(!) - even for very small distances.
    1. Judy & Rodolfo
    2. 28/02/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We appreciated the Porini camps and the walking safari being operated by the Maasai. This definitely added another perspective to our experience.
    1. Jeff Webster, Suffolk, UK
    2. 12/02/2010
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. At times we were in very rural areas of India especially at Tadoba where the local people until recently thought that a fork was a spoon with holes in it. What a pleasure it was to spend time with people whose lives are so very different from our own.
    1. Karen Griffiths
    2. 11/02/2010
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. All camps employed local people, our guides were local, some of the camps were powered by solar energy and measures were in place everywhere to conserve water. Presumably the wildlife would benefit from our park fees.
    1. Mr P Ross, UK
    2. 02/02/2010
    3. 8
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. 29 people supporting our group of 8 climbers so good local employment. All rubbish was collected in camp and carried back down.
    1. A Wright, UK
    2. 29/01/2010
    3. 12
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Using local services and visiting local communities was beneficial.
    1. J.Lewis, UK
    2. 14/01/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We really felt that the Tree House Hideaway resort in Bandhavgarh was living up to environmental expectations and promoting the Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT) code. They were sympathetic to the local environment and the naturalist was fantastic. He really enhanced our understanding of Tigers and their environment.
    1. Mr R Zerneck, USA
    2. 13/01/2010
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Being amongst the Maasai was wonderful. The only shortfall was being taken to visit a Maasai village that turned into a high pressure effort to have us buy trinkets. We did realise, however, that this village was visited only because we could not visit the village associated with the Porini Amboseli Camp due to flooding.
    1. Ms E Henshaw, USA
    2. 13/01/2010
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We could tell through conversations with our tour guides that we were really supporting the local economy, but we would\'ve liked the option to help out more! We didn\'t hear much about the townships befoe our trip, and the ability to help out would have added to our trip.
    1. S Milne
    2. 28/12/2009
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. S Baron, London
    2. 26/12/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Adele R, UK
    2. 24/12/2009
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. Lots of locals empolyed by the camps - however disappointed with first camp having Europeans running the camp. Second camp had a Tanzanian running it.
    1. Mr E Bolt, UK
    2. 22/12/2009
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Economic, as above: tourism seems crucial to the economy there at present. We do try to buy anything we can over there from local shops/street vendors etc. Apart from that it is difficult to see how us travelling about Rajasthan could have much benefit to the locals society or environment.
    1. J Davenport, Lancs
    2. 20/12/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. It would be good to know that a fair percentage of the cost of the trip was ploughed back into the conservation and social efforts.
    1. Gavin Draper, UK
    2. 19/12/2009
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Simon Armstrong
    2. 18/12/2009
    3. 5
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes, the concern for the environment was palpable and genuine. The use of local Quechua guides at Sacha Lodge was very valuable.
    1. Mrs J Cox, UK
    2. 03/12/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Ms H Jones, UK
    2. 02/12/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. People we spoke to were very happy to have us there - one chap even said ~Thank you for coming to India - he who dares wins! which made us laugh. We made some good friends in a short space of time and visited a local school with our guide in one park, as well as going to his home to meet his family. This sort of contact can only be positive I think. The trip really raised our awareness of issues facing India, its people and its environment/wildlife.
    1. Mr & Mrs Isle of Wight
    2. 30/11/2009
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. A bit concerned about the effect of vehicle tracks on the Mara especially in the rain.
      Kizingo really does try to make a small impact on its surroundings.
    1. M. Trouard-Riolle, UK
    2. 28/11/2009
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. At every point from booking through to the camp and guides, everyone thought about the environment, the wildlife and the sustainability of tourism within the Masai Mara.
    1. Mr W Graham, Scotland
    2. 02/11/2009
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We were reasonably remote in our camps, with mid-length road transits initially, so contact was minimal. In Maun and at Kwara we experienced lovely people as always in Africa. However if you want to experience the \'feel\' of Arfica, our trip would support this. The illustrations in geology and wildlife movements we learned from Clint added to our understandings.
    1. Mr S Hoyes
    2. 30/10/2009
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. I thought this holiday was beneficial. We interacted. We left money. We didn't harm the environment. We widened our knowledge of wildlife.
    1. Mr C Glossop, UK
    2. 20/10/2009
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We felt that in the Atlas the Toukbal operation was contributing to the prosperity of the local people.
    1. Mr D Lloyd, UK
    2. 05/10/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Obvious affection and care shown by our guide. Presumably we bought some business to the local economy.
    1. Mr M Beckett
    2. 04/09/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We welcomed the opportunity to see and meet local people particularly at the Napo Wildlife Centre, which we plan to nominate forThe Responsible Tourism Award sponsored by Virgin Holidays.
    1. K & D Brown
    2. 04/09/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Ms S Radice, UK
    2. 23/08/2009
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. All of the crew were local and Juan Tapiq, our wonderfully talented guide lives on the Galapagos and has a family there. I can't say our visit was beneficial to the wildlife but you have to be extrememly careful not to alter anything - shoes must be decontaimated each time you come back from an island ( because a seed from one island could pass to another) and you have to stick close to the guide. Juan was extremely proud and protective of his amazing homeland and there is a complicated debate about if tourism helps preserve the wildlife ( money is needed to get rid of non endemic species such as goats that were introduced by people that have tried to live on the islands in the last hundred or so years) or will eventually destroy it.... I'm not sure. There do seem to be very tight regulations.
    1. Mr L Mundy, UK
    2. 21/08/2009
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Totally excellent. Learnt so much.
    1. Ms A Morrison, UK
    2. 07/08/2009
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. Soweto, Lesotho and Masakala were particularly good examples where we felt our presence was investing in the community.
      Mkhaya is a good example of a low tech but up-market lodge

    1. Mr R Lilly, UK
    2. 02/08/2009
    3. 6
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. We felt your ethos was very much born out in the places you chose for us to stay, and these in turn were confirmed by talking to the people on the ground. Particularly the Porini camps were reported by the guides as being very good employers, and the managers were well regarded. Although we regard ourselves as being extremely fortunate and privileged to be able to stay in such camps, nevertheless it felt very good that our simply being there was helping the local community and providing employment. Also of course the camps were very eco-friendly with a very low carbon footprint. Their link with the conservancies was also very obvious and mutually beneficial.
    1. Ms C Riner, USA
    2. 29/06/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Mrs D Buttanshaw, Ireland
    2. 21/06/2009
    3. 5
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The local people were all very friendly. Also the other guests we met in our various locations were so friendly.
    1. Mr K Robinson, UK
    2. 05/06/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Safari experience felt like animals were in natural environment, not a theme park. Good to see Kwando camps run by Botswanan staff including camp managers.
    1. Dr C Pashley, UK
    2. 08/05/2009
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. I hope we were able to give something back through park fees,tipping well,staying at lodges where local people are employed well.
    1. Mrs H Harrison
    2. 04/03/2009
    3. 3
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Yes, it helps to keep the staff in employment and provide livelihoods for people in the tourist industry locally.Great conservation work and programmes are being undertaken in the Galapagos,regarding nature.
    1. Mr K London
    2. 22/02/2009
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The holiday made us more aware of social problems that SA is coming to grips with. We enjoyed very much staying with Hazel in Oodtshoorn who gave us a great insight into the struggle to run a B & B in a white domonated environment.
      There was alot of information on notice boards about biodiversity and conservation measures. I had not realised that SA has about 80% of the worlds plant biodiversity.
      The beaches are beautiful and relatively deserted - I hope they can keep them like that.
    1. Mr G Baker, UK
    2. 21/02/2009
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Mrs J Day, UK
    2. 08/01/2009
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. I felt that we were provding support through employment for local people in hotels, buying souvenirs from markets. Mvuu was very focused on the environment; Danforth and Marataba less so.
    1. P Chetwynd, Hong Kong
    2. 05/01/2009
    3. 4
      • Good

      Good

    5. The interaction with the Masai was a little frustrating ... we were taken to a village which was obvioiusly a tourist trap and it quickly became quite a grasping and unpleasant environment. Is there a way to improve this as we genuinely wanted to know more about the people and their cultures.
    1. Mr J Hunt, UK
    2. 03/01/2009
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Having been to India before, we were aware of the poverty that exists there. However, it was amazing to observe how hard the women had to work - even helping to build a house!
      We felt a bit uncomfortable in enjoying not only the nature but also the good food and accommodation which the local people didn't have. Even so, at least we brought some money into their communities by just being there. We also learnt a lot about how people were being encouraged to maintain the wildlife.
    1. Mrs P Moore, UK
    2. 25/12/2008
    3. 4
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. All the places we visited seemed to have a different positive aspect. We liked that the Tents with a View was owned and operated by a Tanzanian (we didn't meet the English partner). Two of our guides also talked to us explicitly about the importance of having visitors see the wildlife as a way of inspiring us to do what we could to reduce global warming. They seemed quite educated both about the wildlife but also about environmental issues.
    1. Mr T Brown, UK
    2. 06/12/2008
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The fact that Tribes has a charitable foundation meant that the trip felt guilt free (sounds funny but true). The fairtrade mark was really important to us travelling in Africa, and it made a difference that the staff in the lodges were all happy. Also I really appreciate the carbon offsetting - I hadn't notice this on your website before we booked but this also helped reduce guilt of a long haul.
      Both the hotels had charities linked to them, which was also nice to see businesses getting involved with their local communities.
    1. Ms C Wylie, Canada
    2. 24/09/2008
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Local service providers were actively involved in sustainable development projects and environmental issues.
    1. Ms I Howley, UK
    2. 21/09/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We were especially impressed with some of the initiatives Matemwe Bungalows is working on with the local community.
    1. Mrs A Rumney, UK
    2. 11/09/2008
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Good use of local hotels, houses, firms and guides. We saw at first hand how much the planning enabled money to go directly into local economies. We also appreciated the high level of awareness and consciousness raising with regard to preservation of environment, local cultures and of course the wildlife. All the guides and reps. were so informative on these issues.
    1. Mr B Elmes, UK
    2. 04/09/2008
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    1. Mr T Jones, UK
    2. 28/07/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Social and environmental aspects at shentons excellent particularly impressed with own farm for vegetables- though would have liked to have time to visit. Kaya Mawa social aspects very good - involvement of local community and supporting of various projects.
    1. Mr P Karstadt, UK
    2. 27/07/2008
    3. 2
      • Average

      Average

    5. Difficult to comment on this. We did see local involvement in most of the places we stayed and everyone was very welcoming. Presumably any trip to view wildlife must be helpful in the battle against poachers and developers, although we were a bit disturbed to hear about the development plans in the Serengeti - not sure if that could tip the balance. Also would like to know what happens to the huge numbers of plastic bottles that are got through in the course of a two-week holiday.
    1. Mrs J Spence, UK
    2. 10/07/2008
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. During our stay at the Sanctuary whilst horse riding we visited a local school with Gill Elias, which was a very humbling experience. It made us totally aware what conditions are like in the schools - no real equipment or classrooms etc. Children in this country do not appreciate what they have. It made us take stock and we will endeavour to improve their conditions by helping to provide books, games etc for the children in the area.
    1. Mr M Pettitt, UK
    2. 07/07/2008
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The guides and rangers were really good. We love our wildlife and we felt we learnt a lot about the animals and the vegetation. This holiday made us even more aware that you have to respect animals.
    1. Ms J Davenport, UK
    2. 26/06/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. As far as we can tell, the holiday was of benefit to the local people and the wildlife/environment. For example, care had been taken to employ local people, source local food and use local limited resources responsibly eg use of solar power for hot water/lighting. I believe that one community also had access to fresh water due to the construction of a lodge. I think it would have been worthwhile providing a 'statement of responsibility' in the lodges themselves so that we could try to ascertain the benefits on site. For the majority of the time the drivers seemed to respect the wildlife by not overly disturbing the animals and driving too close. I would like to think that a fair amount of resources will be ploughed back into conservation work and supporting local communities.
    1. Mr C Simmons
    2. 27/05/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Mrs I Bland, UK
    2. 04/05/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. All the hotesl and camps were environmentally aware. We would have liked to see and possibly buy gifts from local craftsmen. We feel that this is a way for the local population to benefit from tourism.
    1. Ms R Tudor, UK
    2. 01/04/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Using La Beduina throughout the trip was beneficial. Also all our hotels except the Intercontinental in Aqaba were locally run, some with local craft shop etc. It would be good if Jordan began recycling their plastic bottles - the amount in Petra was alarming.
    1. Mr A Thackray, UK
    2. 30/03/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. We spent some time with the local Berber families and we found out first hand how tourism was benefitting the local economy. We also consider that everything was managed in a sensitive way.
    1. Ms S Prangnell, UK
    2. 27/03/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The emphasis on eco-tourism which we encountered whilst in Ecuador and the Galapagos, will, I hope, contribute greatly to preserving these extraordinary environments.
      The Anangua community now completely own the lodge at Napo Wildlife Centre and this gives them the opportunity for improving education and healthcare. However, the oil industry is a major contributor to the wealth of the country and this has an impact on the environment.
    1. Mrs A Mathers, UK
    2. 17/03/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The holiday was beneficial in employing local people as guides and helping them to see the importance of the wildlife, though it seems that many people in Brazil have no idea of theit own country's flora and fauna.
    1. Mr J Hall, UK
    2. 08/03/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Sandoval Lake Lodge making real effort to be eco friendly. Impressed by lack of motorised transport. Include local families as much as possible. We took biodegradable soap, shampoo as recommended but question what is happening to the waste water.
      Some local people benefit from tourism. We bought souvenirs on Uros Islands as they seemed to have no other way to make money.
      Porters benefit from earning a reasonable wage to supplement their farming.
      Tourism is providing money for protection programmes for animals/regeneration of rainforest.
    1. Mrs N Benz, Switzerland
    2. 29/02/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    1. Mr P Gilbert, UK
    2. 22/02/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. The guides were able to give us insight into local customs and scenery.
    1. Mr D Billett, UK
    2. 08/01/2008
    3. 3
      • Good

      Good

    5. I think this camp/arrangement got it just about right betwen comfort and environmental impact. I suppose newer trucks would cause less pollution. Great to have the Maasai as hosts and to know a greater part of the finances were going back into their community for having shared their land with us. The message that wildlife has a value appears to be getting through, but I fear it will lead to more of their community heading for the city and abroad.
    1. Mr M Revell, UK
    2. 06/01/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Certainly at Mdonya Camp we were aware that Nick sourced as much stuff as possible locally and emplyed staff who lived nearby.
      The guides showed sensitivity to the animals - we never felt as if our presence was intrusive or threatening.
      Fumba Beach Lodge in Zanzibar had a collection box for the local primary school.
    1. Mr P Fleming, UK
    2. 03/01/2008
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. It was good to see how wildlife is being reintroduced into the areas for the good of all ie protecting the indigenous species and providing employment for the locals.
    1. Mr G Appleton, UK
    2. 21/12/2007
    3. 1
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The Masai are a wonderful and fascinating people with so much knowledge to share.
    1. Mr S Osborne, UK
    2. 12/10/2007
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. The walking safari guides had great respect for and interaction with the local communities.
    1. Mrs C Purkiss, UK
    2. 12/09/2007
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. Our Kicheche guide was from the local Masai community and was very informative about issues in the local area.
    1. Ms A Tippet, UK
    2. 11/03/2007
    3. 2
      • Good

      Good

    5. Drivers were very environmentally aware.
    1. Mrs M Canning, UK
    2. 09/12/2000
    3. 2
      • Excellent

      Excellent

    5. I thought that it was very evident from speaking to the people at Kaya Mawa how much work the lodge does in the community. So many of the people staying at Kaya Mawa made donations to the local school and everyone regardless had talked about their experience walking around Likoma Island in the community. Holidays such as this create a demand for a lodge in the middle of nowhere, providing stable jobs to over 100 people on a remote island who otherwise might not be employed. I was glad that my money was going to that.
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