Responsible travel policy
How we protect wildlife, support local people and keep you safe on safari in Tanzania.
Last updated: 1 October 2026
Our promise
We are a small Tanzanian team, and the parks, birds and communities we visit are our home. We want every safari to leave them a little better off. These are the commitments we make, and what we ask of our guests.
Wildlife first
- We follow all national park and conservation area rules, including speed limits and staying on permitted tracks.
- Our guides keep a respectful distance from animals, limit time at busy sightings and never chase, crowd or call animals for a photo.
- On birding trips we use playback rarely and carefully, never at nests and never for threatened species.
- We never support activities that keep wild animals captive for entertainment.
Local people
- All our guides are Tanzanian, and we pay fair wages on time.
- We work with local site guides, such as Maasai guides on the Lark Plains and forest guides in the Usambara Mountains.
- We choose locally owned lodges and businesses where we can, and buy food and supplies in the communities we visit.
- We ask guests to take photos of people only with permission, and to dress modestly in villages and towns.
Environment
- Tanzania has banned plastic carrier bags. We provide refillable water in our vehicles to cut down on plastic bottles.
- We keep our vehicles well maintained and plan routes to avoid unnecessary driving.
- We take all rubbish out of the parks and leave picnic and lunch stops clean.
Health and safety
- Our vehicles are serviced regularly and carry first-aid kits, and our guides are trained in first aid.
- We keep in contact with our office while on safari and have clear plans for emergencies, including medical evacuation.
- Your guide may change the day’s plan because of weather, road conditions or safety. Please follow their instructions.
How you can help
- Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out.
- Keep noise low near animals and never feed them.
- Leave no litter and take nothing from the parks.
- Do not buy products made from wildlife, shells or coral.
- Tip fairly if you are happy with the service. Our tipping guide has suggestions.
Talk to us
Ideas for how we can do better are always welcome. Email tours@charles-tours.com.