December 19, 2022by Sasha Ella

Recalibrating the travel journey

It is in giving that we receive

‘Tis the season of goodwill and giving, the ideal time to consider ways you can ‘give back’ and change lives on your next holiday. Travel can be positive … for you as well as the communities you visit. Don’t underestimate the power of your support to help maintain an environmental balance and save our wildlife.

It’s well known that travelling helps broaden the mind. It exposes you to different cultures, cuisines and beautiful natural landscapes. However, we need to be aware of how it can also have a negative impact on the environment. Fortunately, there is a growing trend to travel sustainably. Here are a few tips on how to become a more responsible traveller.

Offset your carbon footprint

Although flying might be one of the least environmentally friendly ways to travel, you can help reduce your carbon emissions by flying direct and choosing an airline that has a good environmental sustainability track record. Along with this, you can help neutralise emissions from your flight by supporting projects, such as the planting of trees.

Trees play an important role in our environment. Besides offsetting carbon emissions, indigenous trees are perfectly adapted to their environment: They don’t use too much water, aren’t invasive, are good for soil ecology and help rewild by encouraging wildlife species to re-inhabit the area. Our properties have numerous projects that assist with reforestation, removing of alien vegetation and allow you to plant or adopt your own tree, or sponsor a tree through our Foundation, CCFA.

Choosing the right travel partner

Book your holiday through a business that is responsible. Check that their business principles are based on sustainability and that they are being kind to the planet. Make sure they care about improving the livelihoods of local communities and actively employ and uplift them.

At Mantis more than 90% of staff are from local villages and we support the community in various forms, from school nutrition and literacy projects to sinking boreholes, bringing clean water to villages. Where possible, we source local produce to help communities earn a living.

In Rwanda, we are partnering with a responsible tour guide training provider. This means you can book a variety of professionally guided nature experiences, conducted by these community-based tour guides, on foot or by bicycle. It gives you a chance to participate in unusual activities while contributing towards job creation.

Say no to plastic

Plastic pollution is suffocating our planet. It’s estimated that we produce over 380 million tons of plastic every year, of which only 9% is recycled. This results in a negative impact on our wildlife, plants and natural habitats. Do your bit by carrying your own reusable water bottle, saying no to plastic straws and limiting single use plastic wherever you travel.

We are committed to finding sustainable solutions for reducing, recycling and repurposing plastic at all our properties and have pledged to permanently remove guest facing, single-use plastic by the end of this year.

Embrace different cultures

Be open to new encounters and interactions whether you’re visiting a local village, are at a drumming session or watching a dance troupe performing traditional dances. By supporting local tourism, you are acknowledging and respecting different cultures and contributing to the upliftment of communities.

We encourage you to buy locally crafted souvenirs, this can have a massive impact on the community’s economic wellbeing.

In South Africa, our Foundation, CCFA, has commissioned a group of women, with little or no employment opportunities, to design and sew a range of wildlife mascots – from rhinos to elephants, gorillas, penguins, turtles and bongos – that are sold at Mantis properties in South Africa. This has resulted in job and financial security for these women and their dependents, who were previously unable to even afford a daily meal.

Waste not

Be aware of the scarcity of water and energy resources, especially in wilderness areas. It’s about understanding the environment.

Experiences matter

Every region and country has something unique to offer from different landscapes and wildlife to the cuisine and culture – embrace it all. Book experiences that support local communities, protect wildlife and does no damage to the environment.

Consider a walking safari, exploring the area by bicycle or taking a short, guided walk to the local village that allows you to interact with the community
All our hotels have organic vegetable and herb gardens. You’re welcome to harvest your own produce which the chef will transform into a delectable dining experience, just for you
While travelling, you might want to donate financially or volunteer your time to a local project linked to the hotel – these range from adopting a beehive to supporting rehoming projects for species such as owls, birds of prey and bats
You can plant trees, visit a nutrition scheme or clear alien vegetation
At Mantis Founders Lodge, the rhino population is intensively managed and protected. You can be part of an experience that introduces you these endangered animals as you learn more about anti-poaching units and supplementary feeding to keep them in peak condition.

Convert your points

Accor members can donate their Reward points into positive change. Support the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA) – that help preserve Africa’s endangered wildlife and wilderness areas through sustainable community upliftment initiatives. 2000 Rewards Points = €40.There is much that can be done to start a ripple effect for positive change, it’s about recalibrating your travel experience. We believe that giving back, especially while visiting wilderness areas and developing countries, gives a sense of completeness to your journey.

‘A mind that is stretched by a new experience, can never go back to its old dimensions’ – Oliver Wendell Holmes