Responsible Tourism

“Conservation and sustainability is at the core of everything that we do – providing the trusted link between study and ethical action”

Sustainable growth of tourism, and the volunteer projects which accompany them, are something which we have a great passion for at Gap Africa Projects. We’re constantly on the lookout for new partners and enthusiasts that will help us to make even more of a difference.

All of our volunteer projects and adventure trips are focused on providing a life changing experience whilst minimising the negative impact conventional tourism often has on the landscape and wildlife. We’re committed to supporting those community and conservation projects that focus on sustainability, and will positively impact communities for as long as they run.

Our projects promote cultural understanding, personal development and the importance of local knowledge. All of our projects are run by community operators and wherever possible, we use local guides and tour companies to ensure that your experience is as genuine as possible, while also contributing to the development of the surrounding area and economy.

Conservation is one of our greatest responsibilities as a tour operator, and we are proud to support wildlife reserves in their on-going research and rehabilitation projects.

Carbon Offsetting

Climate change is the most pressing global issue facing us all, with potential for significant global consequences to our community, biodiversity and the environment.

We believe that no matter how small our actions, together we can make a difference. That’s why we’re working alongside sustainability support service ClimateCare, to offset the carbon emissions of our business – helping to reduce our own impact to the environment, in whatever way we can.

ClimateCare is an organisation that reduces global greenhouse gas emissions on behalf of companies and individuals. These reductions are made through a range of projects around the world that not only make real reductions in carbon emissions, but also make a difference to people’s lives.

To find out more about ClimateCare and emission reduction projects, visit www.climatecare.org.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

Whatever your reason for travelling abroad, you’re sure to want a trouble free trip. Many of the things that often go wrong for travellers can be prevented or made less stressful by taking a few simple precautions. So, it makes sense to spend a little time getting prepared before you travel – you could save yourself a lot of problems in the long run.

With this in mind, we are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help British nationals stay safe abroad. The FCO website offers straightforward travel advice, top tips and up to date country information to help you plan your holiday.

Top tips:

• Make sure you have valid travel insurance, even if you’re only planning a short trip.
• Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before you travel to receive any vaccinations you might need.
• Read up on your destination, including local laws and customs.
• Make photocopies of your passport, visas and insurance details and leave a copy with a relative or friend at home.
• Register with the FCO’s LOCATE service to tell them where you’re travelling to, so the embassy and crisis staff can provide better assistance in an emergency such as a tsunami or terrorist attack.
• Find handy checklists to use – before you set off and whilst you’re away.

Plus, it’s worth reading up on what the local British Consulate can do to help you if you run into problems abroad – and also what they can’t do.

For all this information and more, visit the FCO website.