At Explorer, we don’t simply support sustainable travel, we live it.
We encourage sustainable travel which respects the environment and benefits local communities. As supporters of the TreadRight Foundation, we are committed to making travel matter by supporting people, wildlife and the planet for generations to come.
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword for us; it is woven into the fabric of everything we do. We safeguard the cultures and traditions of the communities we visit, promoting economic empowerment through our support of micro-enterprises and community-based tourism initiatives. Through our support of ME to WE – an innovative social enterprise that empowers people to change the world through their everyday consumer choices – we offer our travelers choices that leave a positive footprint on the planet.
Together with the Wilderness Foundation Africa, our commitment to preserving wildlife means that we only promote ethical experiences which protect and sustain wildlife and wilderness through integrated conservation and education programmes.
We have signed the SATSA Animal Interaction Charter and are committed to promoting ethical animal interactions and responsible tourism operators around Africa.
When you travel with Explorer, we’ll give you opportunities to meaningfully interact with the people and places of Africa, taking only pictures, and leaving only your footprints behind.
How We Tread Right
How We Tread Right (HWTR) is The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) new five-year sustainability strategy, which sets the mandate on sustainability at Explorer Safari and our sister travel companies. Our strategy is based on 11 measurable goals developed to address Thompsons’ impact on Planet, People, and Wildlife. These goals, anchored to the United Nations’ Global Goals, address:
Planet – sustainability and conservation by targeting climate change, sustainable food production and responsible consumption through carbon management, renewable energy, the food cycle, waste reduction, and the elimination of single-use plastics.
People – community support and cultural preservation by targeting overtourism through the inclusion of new Make Travel Matter experiences, the creation of a standalone strategy to encourage greater diversity and inclusion at Explorer Safari, and our global give-back efforts.
Wildlife – conservation and protection by targeting animal welfare and conservation, and ethical wildlife experiences through TreadRight’s Animal Welfare Policy.
Learn more about how choosing Explorer Safari means choosing a travel company that puts sustainability and the planet at the core of everything we do.
Our Focus on People
We are committed to supporting and encouraging the cultures and traditions of the communities we visit in Africa, and ensuring they see the true benefit from tourism through economic empowerment and community-based initiatives.
People & Culture Initiatives We Support
Cederberg, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof is the custodian of the more than 130 unique rock art sites.
ViewCederberg, South Africa
The staff and the local communities give Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat its authenticity, history and future social, economic and cultural sustainability.
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WE is a movement that brings people together and gives them the tools to change the world.
ViewOur Focus on Wildlife
By supporting those wildlife initiatives and organisations that are actively driving change in sustainable conservation, we educate and empower our guests with information about ethical wildlife experiences and encounters.
Wildlife Initiatives We Support
South Africa
The Wilderness Foundation Africa supports conservation agencies and organized private game reserves in protecting their rhino as part of a functioning natural ecosystem.
ViewBotswana
The Wilderness Wildlife Trust spearheads projects that deal with the needs of existing wildlife populations, seeking solutions to save endangered species.
ViewWestern Cape, South Africa
The Cape Leopard Trust is an active predator conservation working group in South Africa’s Western Cape.
ViewSimon’s Town, South Africa
The African Penguin population is in decline due to habitat destruction, commercial over-fishing, pollution and oil spills.
ViewCederberg, South Africa
Ensuring local communities can protect themselves and their livestock from a top predator, while also helping protect one of Africa’s most endangered wild animals.
ViewOur Focus on Planet
Our journey towards eliminating single-use plastics and reducing the environmental impact of what we do is just the beginning. In 2019, we implemented energy-reducing solar panels on the roofs of all our offices and vehicle depots, and have seen a significant reduction in energy from our national grid.
Planet Initiatives We Support
Heuningvlei, South Africa
The annual Clanwilliam Cedar tree planting ceremony takes place in the rural village of Heuningvlei, South Africa.
ViewWorldwide
TTC commits to eliminating single-use plastics across all operations by 2022.
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