Danakil depression tour, 5 days

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
This adventure into the Danakil Depression does require the use of internal flights in Ethiopia, which despite our best efforts are unavoidable. The distances and terrain make it impossible to use any other type of transport to reach the area. We suggest that our customers calculate their estimated impact on the environment of their flights (we send a link) and choose to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to act on their emissions if possible, or purchase carbon offsets from certified climate projects

Once we are in the region we do minimise our carbon footprint by using camels to transport our equipment and we trek/walk when we can. All of our food is locally sourced and when we are not camping, we are using locally owned and managed hotels. Vegan and vegetarian food is available but must be requested in advance. The local partner is the first Ethiopian travel company to launch zero emission vehicles (not used on this tour).

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
On this tour we are committed to reduce the environmental impacts of our visit. This is why we use camels to transport equipment and provide water refills for travellers rather than single use plastics. Our guides are all locally based and experts in the region that we travel to. When visiting Simien Mountains National Park we use local guides and our park fees help to maintain and protect the park and its unique wildlife. All of our clients get an information sheet before travelling with information about reducing their impacts on the local environment.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
We strive to generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhance the well-being of the communities we visit whilst still providing a positive and rewarding experience for our customers. Our business aims to minimise the negative social, economic and environmental impacts of tourism.

We aim to use 100% locally owned accommodation on this tour. The tour also uses 100% local guides as well as employing local scouts in the Simien Mountains National Park.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
We understand that the responsibility and action needed in a particular location will depend upon the local environment and culture. Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It accounts for 11% of the world’s GDP and 12% of its exports. It employs more people worldwide than any other industry, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs.

Our interactions with local tribes in the Omo Valley are done in a way that is sensitive to the requirements of the local people, and initiated by local Ethiopian guides.

All of the team that we use for this tour are based in Ethiopia. All employees have health and life insurance covered by the company and they offer the highest standard of salary and working environment in the travel industry in Ethiopia. Being socially responsible and environmentally conscious with minimal impact on the environment and local culture and heritage is embedded in the company culture. Currently the first and the only Ethiopian travel company to be Travelife Certified.