Mauritius holiday and community project

Responsible Travel is about sensitively supporting the host country's environment, social and economic policies, whilst minimising visitors' own negative impact in these three areas. The 14 day tour is a balance of eco tourism and volunteer experience where visitors have the opportunity to get involved with the community e.g. painting public buildings, help with refencing or support work in community centres. Visitors will be given opportunity to offset their own carbon footprint by sponsoring a plant ( e.g. purchasing a native plant) and planting it in a designated conservation area, either in the National Park, or on our land set aside for conservation. Here, we are working with the NCPS (National Conservation Parks Service) to create conservation botanical garden, which feel is a more direct approach to minimising visitors' environmental impact. The rest of the time is dedicated to providing an eco-friendly tour around Mauritius. The tour allows a maximum of 6 people and operates once a month so that the it does not overwhelm local communities and the environment.

Volunteers are made aware of the scarce water supplies on the island, especially during the drier winter months. Mauritian tap water is safe to drink and volunteers are encouraged to refill water bottles to reduce waste. Solar powered showers are used at the majority of the tour accommodation, and portable solar showers are taken on overnight camping stays, where water supply is limited and volunteers will be asked to be conservative in their use.

Accommodation is at small, family run guest houses or hotels, locally owned and run by local people who receive a wage relative to the Mauritian economy and any local guides used during excursions hold a Tourist Guide Permit. All food is purchased locally, from small independent retailers or markets to ensure money is put directly back into the economy and reducing unesscery packaging and waste.

Guests will receive an orientation evening on responsible travel conduct whilst in Mauritius and here are some suggestions of effective ways to follow such practices. All guests are asked to bring their own linen and towels so to reduce the energy consumed through onsite laundering, when required. We advise, prior to arrival, to avoid bringing products that use plastics or cardboard as Mauritius has yet to develop a collection facility. If any such products are brought e.g. toiletries, visitors are kindly asked to return packaging back to host country where it can be recycled effectively and any biodegradable rubbish is to be disposed in recycled refuse bags supplied by trained staff.

The tour takes you on adventure which shows the islands true beauty, in its people, places and scenery. The parks and attractions visited have an additional small entrance fee which goes back into the attractions themselves and provides employment for their upkeep. Be rest assured knowing that the tour you are on gives something back to the island and in return the island will give you an experience sure to take your breath away.