Discovering new cultures is one of the great joys of travel. Learning about different traditions and value system expands much more than physical horizons – it opens our minds too. People, after all, make the world go round.
Over the past few years, there’s been a growing awareness that communities play a very vital role in the tourism landscape and money should be invested in local economies wherever possible.
But how can travellers engage with communities in a meaningful and sensitive way? Tribal tourism can all too easily descend into a Disneyfied circus. If conducted irresponsibly, it can do more harm than good.
Responsible tourism relies on respectful engagement, benefiting communities while preserving their culture and the environment. At Yellowwood, we strive to work with local storytellers, hosts and guides, ensuring money spent supports the destination. But sensitive engagement amounts to more than a sum of dollar bills. Here are a few general guidelines we should all follow.
Do:
Support local economies by purchasing handicrafts directly from artisans and eating at locally owned restaurants. Donations can also be made to local schools or charities.
Don't:
Give handouts of money, sweets or gifts to children. Any immediate gratification is quickly overshadowed by the long-term damage of encouraging dependency and begging.
Do:
Seek permission before taking photographs of people, especially children and women, to respect privacy.
Don't:
Objectify local tribes by viewing them like specimens in a human zoo. Instead, immerse yourself in their culture. We offer a tour with the Tsaatan Tribe in Mongolia, giving guests an in-depth experience of daily life for traditional reindeer herders. Camping in teepees alongside nomadic families, there’s a chance to experience the wilderness through their eyes and witness shamanic rituals.
Do:
Dress respectfully. Research local customs and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting sacred or rural sites. Although generally not required in public, women should cover their head with a scarf when visiting mosques, mausoleums and religious sites in Uzbekistan. A similar advisory applies to Catholic churches in Spain and Italy, where shoulders and knees should be covered.
Do:
Learn local phrases. Using basic greetings or phrases in the local language shows respect and build rapport, often breaking down barriers. If that proves too tricky, a big smile often goes a long way. Our Kenya, Laikipia, Maasai Mara and Lamu Safari Adventure, for example, visits the Makurian Cultural Centre on the border of Lolldaiga Hills. Guests have the chance to sit with Maasai women, share stories and learn about their nomadic lives.
Don't:
Judge cultural practices. Approach differences with curiosity rather than criticism or bias. Once residents of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, the Batwa community relied heavily on extraction and hunting survival. Their forced removal from the park is swathed in controversy. As part of our Gorillas & Hiking Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains tour, it’s possible to meet members of the community and listen to their side of the story.
