How to conserve Uganda's National Parks through responsible Tourism

Obey Park Rules at all times. In many places, fresh water is in short supply, so keep showers short, avoid leaving taps running and reuse towels and linen. In places with solar panels, be aware of your electricity use- turn of lights and all electrical appliances when not is use. Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals, such as ivory, fur or feathers. Do not buy bush meats such as hippo, bushbuck and buffalo. These are obtained only though illegal poaching, which poses one of the greatest threats to Uganda’s wildlife today. Recycling facilities are limited in Uganda, but many lodges have bins to collect plastic bottles, and all glass bottles should be returned to the place you bought them to be reused. Take all batteries home with you- they cannot be safely disposed of in Uganda. If possible, use rechargeable batteries to reduce toxic waste. Respect the Communities Respect the local people- don’t take photos of them without asking. Dress respectfully and learn how to say please and thank you in the local language (take a look at this basic Luganda language guide) politeness is always appreciated. Tip guides, porter, drivers and waiting staff as you would back home. Haggling over a price is fine – as long as you are prepared to pay a fair amount. Think about the time and craftsmanship that has gone into what you want buy to buy, and remember the seller is trying to make a living. Use local guides in Uganda Safaris where possible, eat at local restaurants, shop at community craft shops and consider spending part of your trip in community- run accommodation-it will be an exciting, authentic experience for you, and worthwhile for the local village. AS where the crafts came from before you buy- in some cases they are imported, and will not support local craftspeople. Do not give sweets or money to children as this encourages begging. If you want to give gift (such as pens or pencils) during a community tour, give them to your guide to distribute afterwards. Give something Back Many communities offer short or long term volunteer placements- in a school, nursery, clinic, reforestation project, or even helping the community work on their tourism business .If you have some time to spare, why not take a look at the latest volunteer opportunities? You are sure to get as much out of it as the people you are there to help! Become a wildlife researcher for a day! Get up close to the wildlife and enter parts of the parks not open to tourists when you join a group of researchers to track lions or monitor mongoose behavior. The activity fees will support the important research projects, and the date you collect will be used as part of the monitoring process.