10 Tips on How to Enjoy a Sustainable Honeymoon Trip in Africa
When you are all done and dusted with wedding ceremonies and after-wedding parties it is time for the newlyweds to focus on their private trip together. A honeymoon trip is much more than just a holiday because it sets the tone for the new life ahead for both partners. It is also a great time for the couple to spend time together in privacy and focus on how they want to lead their lives ahead. Hence, you must focus on how you want to make your honeymoon experience worthwhile and memorable.
Europe and other exotic destinations have long remained popular but many couples today are looking for alternative options. Africa has emerged as one of the leading destination choices for many couples who care about nature, wildlife and the environment. Hence, many eco-friendly couples look for Africa honeymoons to provide themselves with the right experience at the start of their new life.
Here are 10 tips on how you can enjoy a sustainable honeymoon in Africa.
Do a Thorough Planning
When you care about your environment and the planet you need to make choices wisely. For this, you need to focus on how you research and plan your honeymoon to Africa. You need to look for destinations that would offer you the right choices and sustainable tourism experience. Choosing the right African destinations would allow you to focus on how you can find experiences that the couple wants. For instance, if you are interested in a boat cruise in Botswana you need to focus on tour operators who can provide you with packages that include these cruise trips. The couple should mutually decide what activities and accommodations they prefer to conclude.
Choose Sustainable Tour Operators
If you are not good at planning or do not have enough time at hand you can always hire the best tour operators and travel agencies who encourage sustainable tourism. This is a great way to let the experts help you with the planning. As a couple, wedding events can take a lot of toll and therefore you can approach tour operators who can customize the itinerary based on your needs and requirements. This would ensure that you can focus on your priorities while the tour operator will make things easier and more convenient for you.
Choose a Direct Flight Destination
When you are planning a sustainable honeymoon you want to look for destinations that have direct connectivity. Generally, planes consume more fuel when they take off and land. Hence, when you take fewer flights you cut down your carbon footprint. Choosing African destinations that have direct connectivity will make things easier for you. Also, it will help you save time and effort because you do not have to worry about taking connecting flights. This can be tiring and time-consuming as well.
Book Eco-friendly Accommodations
When you are looking for accommodations for your honeymoon trip to Africa you need to look for hotels and lodges that are made from natural products like wood and bamboo. This is a great way to promote sustainable tourism. You can always look for various hotels and camps that offer you the best comfort and convenience. Hence, you need to know how to book flights and accommodations for your honeymoon trip. With the right information you can narrow down the choices of accommodation you can find. To begin with, you can read reviews and even look for videos on YouTube where you can see the tour of the property.
Pack Wisely for Your Trip
Newlyweds often find themselves in a dilemma when they are packing for their honeymoon trip. This is because they’ve never done this before plus they want to fit in the entire wardrobe collection they have for pictures. However, stuffing your travel bag with plenty of clothes would only make things hard for you. Hence, you need to narrow down the clothes you want to pack. If you are unsure you can pack your bags way before your wedding. This will allow you enough time to rethink what clothes you do not want and you can re-pack the entire luggage with your second thoughts.
Focus on Carrying Essentials
Also, when you are packing your clothes you need to think about carrying essentials and accessories that will help you reduce plastic wastage. When you are on a honeymoon trip simple actions like reusing your towels, using your soap and shampoo, turning off lights and air-conditioning can make a huge difference. Also, you can skip your hair dryer and other electrical devices which can consume more electricity. You must focus on your time together rather than being busy with all the technological gadgets that take up your time and luggage space. You can always make a list of essentials for your honeymoon trip to Africa to help you make the right choices.
Choose the Right Way to Move Around
Once you have reached your destination you need to look for modes of transport that would allow you to save fuel. Instead of choosing vehicles, you can look for simpler options like riding bicycles or even taking some bushwalking tours. This is a great way to explore the natural locations slowly and quietly. Also, if you are in Botswana you can opt for mokoro rides, boat cruises, kayaking and canoeing. This ensures that you can have a great time with your partner as you explore the wildlife in Africa.
Enjoy Local Food
When you are honeymooning in Africa you also want to focus on the food you eat. If you are looking for eco-friendly options you need to look for accommodations where you can get fresh and locally produced food. This is a great way to help the local farmers and community. Choosing local food products and cuisines would also allow you to dig into the local traditions and culture and know more about them.
Choose Local Guides
While couples would want to explore places on their own choosing local guides is a great way to help sustainable tourism. This is a great way to enhance your experiences because you get to see some locations and places that you wouldn’t have explored otherwise. Also, hiring these local guides is a great way to help the local community, learn about their experiences and get to know more local stories and folklore which adds to your experience. As you connect with these local guides you can form friendships that will stay in your memory for a lifetime.
Shop Consciously
When you are honeymooning in Africa you also want to shop consciously. Focus on buying local products which directly impact the local economy and community. Also, you should avoid shopping at stores that pack items in plastic. This is a great way to ensure that you encourage the trend of using recycled materials like paper and other natural materials.