Excursion Policy

Excursion Limitations

We want every visitor to have a lasting experience during their excursion. Some might prefer to go out of the way, trying to be adventurous. We have a limitation on how far we can go the extra mile. We do not do any excursions that might put human lives in danger or harm them or have negative impacts on the natural, cultural, and social environment.

Respect The Locals

The local community is the owner and the primary representative of an attraction place/a site/a destination. It is they who advise you on certain things such as myths or legends, and ways to find in case you lost your path.  This includes listening to what the accompanying guide/local guide/scout advises. Follow the saying – when you are with the locals, be like the locals. When saying this, it does not mean that in some areas where the locals themselves are disrespectful of the site, you should be like them. Instead, you play your role in teaching them about sustainability.

Respect The Site

For a site can also be a heritage, it needs to be respected in order for it to stay longer and be preserved so that the next generation can benefit from the sociocultural and socio-economic value it holds. Some of the ways to respect the site are keeping it clean, following designated walkways, and signs, or asking your guide for a nature call to take/show you a proper restroom or designated area, and not carving names or other designs on heritage walls. Each visitor is expected to do a pay-it-forward by respecting and protecting attraction sites.

Read and/or Follow the Instructions

In some areas before beginning a visit, conditions are set especially if the site is a sacred or religious one, it may have unique instructions about which way to go, how to dress, and when to visit. For example, some churches and monasteries may have different gates for males and females, shoes to take off, long sleeve dresses for women, etc. If you don’t comply with it, inform your guide ethically for alternatives.

Do not Disturb the Ecosystem

When visiting the parks for birding or wildlife, follow a camouflaging dress code, no loud noise, or speedy movement, honk a car, or stop the engine running if you pose for a moment.

Discourage Visiting Captive Animals

Unless it is legally established and run or monitor by the government authority, we condemn the visit of captive animals or species. If you happen to find some birds for sale by kids, we advise you not to pose, take a picture or engage in dealing with them. Because it encourages them to do more harm to the species, especially endemic and/or endangered ones. The same is true for other mammals such as monkeys and other smaller antelopes. Unless they are in the lists that are allowed for their economic benefit without harming their environment, for example, controlled hunting. Violation of this has its own legal consequences. Furthermore, Article 822 of the Criminal Code applies to animals kept in zoos, since it prohibits cruelty acts to be committed towards animals in a public place. Furthermore, it prohibits the organization of ‘shows or entertainments in which animals are treated with cruelty, is mutilated or killed’, which includes the shooting of captive animals or other offenses of a similar kind.

Wildlife Interaction

From the human perspective, interacting with wildlife is positive for the well-being of people, and has the added benefit of attracting tourism to the area, particularly if wildlife has become used to human presence (Mamede & Benites, 2018; Calderan et al., 2019). Besides, all animals crave human interaction and want to be loved. For their safety even, human interaction is required. Some species become endangered because of illegal poaching and hunting of the animals. Hence, visitors are expected to enjoy but show no sign or behave in a way that may charge the wild animals against humans.

Discourage the Purchase of Forbidden Souvenirs

Beware that many souvenirs and endangered species and plants are made. Some of the banned products such as ivory, fur, and coral were the reason for the public campaign for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF): ‘Watch, watch, don’t buy’. Many animal and plant species are on the international CITES list of endangered species, and products incorporating some of these animals or plants are prohibited. Animal and plant species that often suffer from the trade in souvenirs include corals, large shells, turtles, snakes, crocodiles, lizards, and butterflies. And in Ethiopia, prohibited or restricted items to take/export include ivory (even if already processed into Jewellery), precious metals, precious gems, religious artifacts, antiques, and animal hides. If they are made from wild animals or plants, it is recommended not to buy them if in doubt. Remember, Ethiopia is a member country of UNESCO since 1955 and is committed to the execution of these consensuses. https://www.unesco.org/en/countries/et If you are caught at the custom with prohibited souvenirs made of plants and animals, huge fines to the extent of imprisonment may occur.

Wildlife Harvesting

Wildlife harvesting or any kind related to it is against the law and is a criminal act as per Article 353 Crimes against the National Economy and State Monopolies; (1) Whoever, apart from the cases especially specified above or petty infringements punishable under the Code of Petty Offences (Art. 784-790), intentionally violates the provisions concerning; (C) the exploitation of wild animals or their products, or the hunting or killing of such animals;

Use Skilled and/or Certified Guides

At places that are sensitive or endangered such as sanctuaries, villages of indigenous society, and botanical areas - all visitors are advised to use and follow skilled and/or certified guides. The guides serve as a bridge and harmonize visitors’ interaction with the area or community – saving both, visitors and the host community from any cultural shock, or negative sociocultural influence. This helps minimize the negative impact on cultural sustainability.

Engage with Local Communities and Support

During the excursions, the visitors will have a chance to take part in different kinds of activities such as baking injera (the staple food), participating in a coffee ceremony preparation, paying a visit to a handicraft shop or cooperatives, consuming tea, coffee or even a small meal prepared by the locals and support them. This helps to implement the socio-economic sustainability practice.

Supporting Environmental and Biodiversity Protection

Implementation of sustainable tourism practices is helping to reduce pressures on biodiversity, particularly, by reducing waste generation and improving waste handling and management; by promoting more sustainable use of natural resources, for example through sourcing of food in tourism supply chains; and by involving the locals to use their expertise of indigenous knowledge, engage visitors to make direct financial contribution, raise awareness, membership of a conservation club, etc.