Making a difference, one safari at a time

At a time when the word "sustainability" is bandied about without any real understanding of what it is and why we should all be taking it seriously, it's never been a more important time to stop talking about it and just do it. Nimali has been founded on the three pillars of responsible, ethical tourism - environmental, social and economic sustainability - sometimes known as planet, people and profit. It's not just what we do. It's who we are...

So, what exactly is sustainability and why is it important in a Safari for the Senses? For us, sustainable tourism is about respect - respect for the wonderful wilderness areas around us that provide us with everything we need for a successful safari business; respect for the amazing team of people we have gathered around us and their cultural heritage and wellbeing; and respect for the economic impact our business is having on our lives, the lives of everyone involved in our day-to-day business and the whole tourism value chain.

It may sound quite "heavy" but in reality, a sustainable safari is quite logical because it makes sure that every dollar and cent you spend on your Nimali safari makes a difference to the people who are part of it, the places you visit, the wildlife you encounter and the wilderness around you and leaves a lasting legacy behind it.

Sustainability literally means that we are working to keep what we have today for tomorrow without diminishing it in anyway, maintaining balance in everything we do. It's not rocket science but rather intuitive and in every sense African, speaking to the spirit of "ubuntu" - the wonderful belief that "I am because we are" that encapsulates humanity.

It's so much more than just being "green" and while the ethics of reuse, reduce and recycle are very much part of who we are, we understand the importance of including people in the conservation equation and of inspiring future generations to follow in our footsteps and help us protect the fragile ecosystems our tourism offering depends on, as well as the wild fauna and flora that call them home.

The domino effect

When it comes to Safaris for the Senses, sustainability is the bedrock on which Nimali has been built. We are able to offer you authentic, immersive safari experiences that heighten every sense you possess because we appreciate what goes into creating an environment in which you can see, touch, taste, smell and hear wilderness at every turn.

Behind the scenes are a team of amazing people working hard to ensure your safari is flawless, making every aspect of it look effortless... The reservations staff who take your booking; the drivers and pilots who get you where you need to be safely; the guides who interpret the African wilderness for you; the housekeepers who make sure your suite looks and feels amazing; the chefs and kitchen staff who prepare incredible meals; the logistics and maintenance managers who make sure everything runs smoothly; the procurement staff who source and buy everything we need; the grounds keepers who tend the land beneath our feet and the men and women who protect the wilderness around us.

All of these people are part of the unseen face of Safaris for the Senses and all of them benefit directly from every visit by every traveller, through employment, development, training and personal growth. Their salaries support extended families and stimulate local economies, their skills and experience help communities to grow and prosper... The domino effect of being sustainable is truly phenomenal.

Conserving and protecting

By making ecotourism relevant and beneficial, through the creation of jobs, career opportunities and thriving local economies, the value of protecting the wilderness areas and wildlife that call them home increases exponentially, supporting conservation in the process.

This is most easily seen in the communities on the periphery of our game reserves and national parks where the need to protect and preserve the wild environment is now understood and supported because sustainable tourism has demonstrated its importance.

Perhaps the most important work we do as a safari company is to act as a bridge between communities and conservation programmes, helping to change the dynamic between the two. We do this throughout reach, education and practical support.

Lastly, we live what we preach. Our lodges make as little impact on the environment as possible, constructing them in eco-friendly ways, running them on solar power, eliminating plastics and recycling everything we can. We are empathetic with all life and recognise the right of everything around us to a clean and healthy environment. We are custodians of wild Africa and proud to call it our home.

So when you book your next Safari for the Senses with Nimali, you know that your vacation is going to have a lasting, positive impact long after you have returned home. How's that for a legacy?