· Always consider the impact of your travel on the environment and people, from the moment you plan your trip to the moment you go back home
· Choose accommodation from a venue that operates sustainably
· Taking fewer, longer trips is greener than several short breaks, particularly if you're flying
· Consider offsetting your carbon emissions (for links read the article about carbon offsetting)
· Go easy on water - short showers, check for dripping taps (Africa is a very dry continent)
· Wherever possible, avoid plastic bottles and containers - and if you must use then reuse and recycle
· Eat local, seasonal produce
· Support local enterprise. When buying local souvenirs, avoid items made from natural materials such as ivory, skin, wood, unless it comes from a sustainable source (this is however, very difficult to check)
· Avoid air con and switch off appliances and lights in hotels
· Don’t give money and avoid giving sweets to children. If you want to help them, find the village school and donate some school materials. Don’t allow schoolchildren to guide you during school hours as this encourages them to skip school.
· Ask permission before taking close-up photographs of people
· Remember that where you stay, where you buy souvenirs and even your choice of drinks at the beach bar... everything you do has a knock-on effect upon the environment and the local community
· Go lightly, leaving small footprints in your path