Respectful Indigenous Tourism - How to Plan an Ethical Indigenous Travel Experience

I vividly remember my first field trip when I stayed with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers in Northern Tanzania. The Hadzabe are a tribe that relies on hunting for their livelihood. We drove off-road through the savanna, kicking up a thin layer of dusty sand that settled everywhere. Have you ever experienced African sand that finds its way into your lungs, nose, head, scalp, and ears? Despite the discomfort, I couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking sunset that bathed the savanna in a purple hue, reminiscent of scenes from an African nature documentary. As we continued our journey, the jeep suddenly came to a halt, and my guide began yelling loudly and making click-sounds into the bush. To my surprise, we received a reply, and soon enough, we had located a Hadzabe family. And so, my unforgettable adventure with the bushmen was about to begin.

As an African researcher with a Master's degree, it is important for me to engage respectfully with Indigenous people. I conduct thorough pre-research and make an effort to learn their local language, even if I am already fluent in Swahili. Additionally, I prioritize longer stays over short ones to better integrate into the society. As an anthropologist, my approach is to observe and participate, adapting to different cultures without passing judgment. However, this doesn't mean that we tolerate everything; instead, we seek to understand and appreciate the diverse aspects of human cultural lifestyles.

While sustainable travel has gained traction, it has sparked important conversations about greenwashing. How do travel agencies uphold their commitments, and how can their impact be quantified? The same applies to Indigenous tourism; there are numerous concerns. Ethical Indigenous tourism should be a boon to the Indigenous people, and the most effective way to achieve this is through experiences that are thoughtfully crafted and managed by the Indigenous people themselves. It's crucial for travelers to show respect and appreciation for this unique perspective when visiting various Indigenous societies.

I am passionate about indigenous cultures, which is why I founded Visit Natives (visitnatives.com), a social travel enterprise. Visit Natives offers responsible and authentic stays with indigenous people in Tanzania and Norway. The purpose of these trips is not only to provide extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but also to educate and broaden our minds about what travel is all about.

I have developed six tips for planning an ethical indigenous travel experience, which also reflect Visit Natives' core values in our business.

1. Prepare yourself before the trip. What fascinates you about the indigenous people you want to visit? Is it their unique culture, their exceptional livelihood, or their fascinating language? Engage in some online research to delve deeper into the distinctiveness of the culture. This will not only enrich your trip but also show your respect for their heritage.

2. Choose the right tour operator. Your choice of tour operator is crucial. Some operators may take you to touristy villages near the road, offering only a brief glimpse of their culture. Ensure that your tour operator is committed to ethical guidelines in Indigenous tourism, as this is a responsible and conscious way to visit the indigenous community.

3. Remember good travel ethics while staying with the indigenous people. Ask for permission before taking photos or videos. Avoid giving gifts or food unless you have discussed with your tour operator how you can contribute meaningfully. It's crucial to respect the indigenous people and their culture, and to avoid portraying them as an uncivilized tribe that exists solely to entertain tourists. As a professional photographer selling the photos to third parties or social influencer profiting from your posts, it is crucial to obtain written shooting permission. It is also essential to ensure that your indigenous hosts, who may not be literate, understand how to give their consent for the use of the content.

4. Please be mindful of the environment of your native hosts. They rely on nature for their sustenance, so it's essential to honor their customs during your stay. Kindly refrain from leaving any litter in the wild, as they may lack access to proper waste disposal facilities. Opt for natural alternatives to chemical-based sunscreens and mosquito repellents, and avoid disturbing objects in their natural habitat. Don't harvest fruits or roots as some may be poisonous. Lastly, ensure you do not damage or disrupt anything in their natural surroundings.

Visit Natives is not just a travel agency, but a gateway to authentic experiences. Specializing in sustainable indigenous tourism in Tanzania and Norway, they offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the genuine experiences designed by the indigenous communities. Learn more at visitnatives.com