Travel is a powerful storyteller. It connects us to the rhythm of new places, the warmth of strangers, and the untamed beauty of nature. But every journey we take leaves a mark, and as adventurers, we carry the responsibility to ensure our footsteps are gentle.
Imagine gliding through lush trails on an e-bike, the scents of wildflowers blending with the sounds of rustling leaves. Or sharing a meal in a local home, savoring the flavors of Zimbabwean cuisine while exchanging stories over a communal table. These moments not only enrich our travels but also align with a deeper purpose—to explore without harm, to experience without depleting.
Sustainability begins with small, thoughtful choices. A reusable water bottle filled at a community Eco-Drop station is more than a convenience; it’s a commitment to reducing plastic waste. A handwoven basket purchased at a local market isn’t just a souvenir; it’s a piece of a story, crafted by hands that draw from the land without exhausting it. Planting an indigenous tree isn’t merely an activity—it’s a legacy, a gift to the ecosystem that will outlast your journey.
At Victoria Falls, these choices come alive. Join a clean-up effort, restoring the pristine beauty of the land. Wander through markets that showcase artistry from recycled materials. Learn from conservation teams dedicated to planting forests where they once stood. These are not just opportunities—they’re invitations to be part of a greater story, one of stewardship and connection.
Every decision we make as travelers has the power to ripple outward. By traveling lightly, we honor the landscapes that host us and the generations who will come after. So, as you pack your bags for your next adventure, let your choices reflect not just where you want to go, but the world you want to leave behind.
The question isn’t just where will you travel—but how will you?
Sustainable Travel Hacks
1. Eco-Friendly Exploration To Offset Your Carbon Footprint
- Hack: Opt for low-impact transportation like biking tours, walking safaris, or horseback trails.
- Wild Horizons Example: Participate in a Wild Horizons bike tour, which not only reduces emissions but immerses travelers in local landscapes and communities without leaving a heavy footprint.
- Hack: Leave a lasting impact by planting indigenous trees to combat deforestation.
- Wild Horizons Example: Visit the indigenous nursery at Wild Horizons, where travelers can actively contribute to reforestation by planting trees.
2. Choose Reusable Travel Essentials
- Hack: Pack reusable items like water bottles, cutlery, silicone bags, and cloth napkins to minimize single-use plastics.
- Wild Horizons Initiative: Wild Horizons offers EcoDrop refill stations, ensuring travelers can hydrate without contributing to plastic waste.
3. Buy and Eat Locally Sourced Food
- Hack: Support local farmers and chefs by dining on regionally sourced cuisine.
- Wild Horizons Example: Enjoy Home Hosted Meals, a unique experience where travelers dine with local families, tasting fresh, traditional dishes while supporting the community.
4. Eco-Craft Souvenirs
- Hack: Purchase keepsakes made from recycled or natural materials.
- Wild Horizons Example: Explore local artisan markets supported by Wild Horizons, showcasing sustainable crafts that celebrate regional heritage.
5. Pay It Forward: Shop with a Purpose
- Hack: Combine your shopping experience with meaningful community support.
- Wild Horizons Example: Book the Pay It Forward: Shop with a Purpose Tour. Guests choose a local organization in Victoria Falls to support, receive a wish list from their chosen charity, and embark on a mission to source these items from the town’s markets. The experience concludes with guests personally delivering the goods, creating a direct connection with the beneficiaries. This unique tour is a fun and impactful way to give back while exploring the vibrant markets of Victoria Falls.
6. Support Wildlife Conservation
- Hack: Participate in initiatives that protect local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Wild Horizons Example: Learn about and support the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, founded by Wild Horizons. This pioneering conservation organization works tirelessly to protect local wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education.
7. Support local small business
- Hack: Support grassroots entrepreneurship in Victoria Falls
- Wild Horizons Example: Every Guided Tour of the Falls booked with Wild Horizons supports the Rainforest Raincoat Project. This initiative provides raincoats to local vendors who rent them out to visitors, creating sustainable income for over 30 families.
8. Participate in Local Clean-Up Drives
- Hack: Engage in community clean-up events to preserve natural areas.
- Wild Horizons Initiative: Join Wild Horizons’ organized clean-ups around Victoria Falls to help maintain its pristine beauty.
9. Digital Travel Journal
- Hack: Record your memories digitally instead of using paper notebooks.
- How to Begin: Share your experiences online using #WildHorizons hashtags to inspire others to travel sustainably #WanderWildly #KeepItWild
10. Water Purification
- Hack: Bring a UV water sterilizer or portable filtration system to avoid plastic bottles.
Wild Horizons Feature: Our lodges offer filtered water stations, eliminating the need for bottled water.
The Wild Horizons Advantage
Through these practices, Wild Horizons provides tools and opportunities for travelers to explore responsibly, leaving destinations better than they found them. Every step, from supporting conservation to embracing community-driven projects, is a step toward a sustainable future. Let your journey through Victoria Falls be more than an adventure—let it be a story of care, connection, and positive change.
