Image description

It has never been more important to consider the negative impact of our travels and the effects of global warming and carbon emissions but it is a fact that thousands of families in Ethiopia rely on tourism. Bringing economic stability through employment can rescue whole communities from poverty.

Travelling responsibly means that we are always aware we are visiting someone’s home country and we are asking them to share some of its unique history. We are asking for a glimpse of daily life and maybe a walk in the mountains to see the Gelada Baboons. By taking small groups and individuals around Ethiopia we ensure that the communities have a powerful economic reason for preserving their heritage.

We encourage our clients to observe local customs and visit local restaurants. The markets have an abundance of locally made goods and home grown produce. The stall holders will be delighted by your visit and you will come away with great memories and maybe the odd unusual souvenir.

You might like to consider offsetting your carbon emissions. Here  you can calculate your footprint and take steps to ‘neutralise’ the impact on the environment.

Reducing the Negative Impact of Tourism


There are significant constraints on the supply of water – in some areas for parts of the year and in other areas throughout the year. Included within the information documents we provide to our clients we make recommendations and give advice on water preservation that we have developed through our experience of the country over the years.Our guides who helped to draw up the guidance on water preservation encourage clients to adopt this practice.

Tourist visits to tribal communities in the south of Ethiopia have, in many instances, resulted in tensions. We have developed constructive working relationships with local guides based in the communities we visit with tourists so that these concerns are addressed and managed.

Begging is pervasive in Ethiopia – with many people having no regular source of income. Children participate in begging on behalf of their families and the advice that we have received is to discourage children from begging as one of its consequences is that parents will prevent the child from attending school thinking that they have greater economic value on the street. However, we do encourage interaction between our clients and the poorest members of the community. This can take various forms, such as the donation of clothing/exercise books/ stationery etc.

Our sponsor company in the UK has gained ISO14001 – to demonstrate adherences to environmental best practice. Whilst we have not achieved that assessment in Ethiopia we seek to operate to equivalent standards. Staff from the sponsoring company have provided CPD training to Alligan Travel staff on the principles of the impact of our business on the local environment. Our guidance notes to clients and the advice they receive from our guides supports them in practical ways to reduce environmental impact........Read More