Introduction - Responsible Travel
Yama Ethiopia Tours is willing to contribute to a responsible travel approach by incorporating tours that benefit both the biodiversity and the local communities. It is our duty to continuously work with suppliers to advocate for sustainability and offer services that allow tourists to enjoy their trip while making sure they do not contribute to harm the environment or the people.
Responsible travel is a necessity within the tourism business. Being socially and environmentally aware when you travel is the first step to make a positive impact on the places and people you visit during any trip. Responsible tourism is formed by all the travel stakeholders. That is why Yama Ethiopia Tours is working together with accommodation and transport suppliers and the local authorities to ensure fair economic, social and environment policies. We aim to protect Ethiopia from the impact that humans leave behind whenever they travel throughout our country. If you are interested in learning more about our sustainability , please check our sustainability policy page.
Yama Ethiopia Tours is Travelife certificate awarded company for its commitment to sustainability and willing to invest to develop responsible practice contributions to sustainable development of environmental and cultural protection in the destinations.
What is Responsible Travel?
Responsible Tourism is about "making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit." Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility, take action to make tourism more sustainable.
Our responsible travel packages are characterized by the following principles: -
Minimizes negative economic, environmental and social impacts.
Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world's diversity.
Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues.
Provide access for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged
Include accommodations that have in place sustainable practices such as fair contracts and work conditions in accordance with Ethiopian laws, rejection of sexual exploitation and child abuse or energy and waste reduction to minimize its footprint on environment
Use the shuttles provided by hotels and share vehicles when available for airport pick-ups and drop-offs or city tours
Provide tours using public transport with the assistance of one of our guides in order to ensure safety while offering a real Ethiopian experience.
What do you need to know when you participate on our responsible travel programs?
Our responsible tours are carefully crafted to offer a respectful travel experience while taking visitors to the heart of Ethiopia’s natural, cultural and human resources. We want you to have the best memories of Ethiopia once you are back to your routine.
We will continuously work to develop several sustainable optional tour packages which can be an interest to be apart and play active role in sustainable tourism yourself. We have also Do`s and Don`ts guidelines to be followed when you participate on our responsible travel programs which is as follows:-
DO'S
Do pack lightly the more lightly you travel, the less fuel vehicles need to carry that weight.
Get proper vaccination and bring your own reusable face mask to comply with Covid-19 safety and health protocols.
Bring refillable bottles to use water jars whenever available and keep your plastic bottles for recycling.
Be aware of the lack of electricity in some destinations.
Use energy and water wisely (e.g. turn off the lights, take short showers, etc.)
Keep distance when spotting wildlife
Follow rules and guidelines in protected areas
Contribute to local economy by eating at local restaurants
Avoid buying imported food or items
Respect the guidelines and rules at historical buildings
Interact with local communities with respect and empathy
Wear modest clothes and respect different Ethiopian clothing styles, especially the ones from the Omo Valley tribes
Contact local NGO’s or projects to donate your personal stuff or money directly to them
Follow the instructions of tour guides related to tour visits, showers, campfires or waste disposal
Report any misconduct of any staff member that you encounter during your trip
Avoid domestic flights as long as possible
Use airport shuttles offered by local hotels or share public transport if available and accompanied by your guide.
Pack according to the season
DON'T
Do not contraband or bring any illegal substances into the country
Do not travel without travel insurance
Do not forget to check the protocols and regulations related to Covid-19 to fly in and out of the country
Do not waste much water at restaurants and hotels
Do not leave any lights on at hotels or restrooms
Do not litter
Do not feed animals or disturb wildlife
Do not pick flowers or plants
Do not walk outside designated trekking routes or pathways
Do not buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered species
Do not give alms to kids or buy handcrafts from them, it prevents them from going to school
Do not donate your stuff during your trip to children or people on the street to avoid uncomfortable situations
Do not leave your human waste uncovered when using open air toilet
Do not judge if you do not understand or share certain customs and lifestyles
