Sustainable Tourism helps sustain livelihoods, support local communities and conserve the world’s natural and cultural heritage. Sometimes, travel and tourism can have an impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.  While it is important to limit pollution caused by gas emissions, we also know the beneficial power and transformation of travel.

​We at See Malawi Travel have a philosophy to sustainable tourism with a holistic approach; we will focus on both eco-consciousness and social responsibility.

We make sure to use energy and fuel efficient cars with low emissions. We offer employment to the locals by working with local guides in all the destinations that we operate in, be it hiking, cultural experience, urban tour or our excursions on offer. Apart from offering employment, this offers authentic experience of the local culture to our clients as they get to be part of the community by either engaging in the locals daily routine whether its cooking or trying the delicious local food or staying with a local family or you could just see the fascinating everyday life of indigenous people.

“For millions of Africans, tourism is a lifeline – its potential for driving transformative and inclusive growth must be harnessed.”
​Mukhisa Kituyi Secretary-General, UNCTAD

Like many travelers, we believe that in order for travel to be truly ethical, it needs to incorporate the best practices of both ecological and social responsibility so that travelers can benefit the people and places they visit.  There is nothing better than learning how others survive in our world today and this is a fantastic way to spend your vacation, knowing that somewhere, sometime you could make a difference in those peoples lives.

​Each host and indigenous community we’ll be visiting is unique. While we recognize and respect the distinct cultural and spiritual norms of each and every community, there are a few universal guidelines to visiting indigenous and rural communities in general.

Smile
​Smiling and laughter is universal among all cultures and societies, and often it is the single most important act to let them know you have something in common.

Always get permission
However, since many indigenous people, especially children, are strikingly beautiful, it would be a shame not to take any quality photos of the people you encounter, the best policy here is to ask. 

Show them your photos
If you’re just taking photos and moving on, they feel like an attraction, include them in the fun. If you go over and show them how beautiful they are after every shot, it will bring them into the experience and they won’t be as shy. Remember that many of the kids, especially, may have only seen themselves in the reflection of water. This is the beauty of digital photography.

One of our clients interacting with the children in Mangochi, Malawi

Owner of See Malawi Travel donating clothes, football jerseys and balls to the children at a feeding and playground center in Mangochi district.

Accept invites and eat up
The chances are good you’ll be invited into some one’s hut for food, Some of the best moments I’ve had with indigenous people have been over meals.
The only way you could offend someone in this situation is by denying their invitation to eat with them, so no matter how over-the-top their offer might feel, graciously accept and don’t take a big helping of something you’re not prepared to finish.

Enjoy and respect
​Unfortunately, many indigenous populations, societies that operate in complete isolation are disappearing due to shrinking natural territories. Enjoy this opportunity while it’s still available to you, its a truly remarkable experience and as always do everything you can to respect the local culture.

PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

We are still yet to identify partner organisations that we would like to work with to make a difference in the communities that we operate in. Please watch this space as we will be listing the partner organisations soon