How to Help Without Hurting: Ethical Giving on a Family Safari in Africa
Family posing in front of Victoria Falls during a safari trip in Africa, reflecting joyful, ethical travel
Planning a family safari in Africa is thrilling—there’s the wildlife, the landscapes, the sense of wonder and discovery. But for many families, it goes deeper than that. You want to teach your kids to be good global citizens. You want your travel to mean something. You want to give back.
That’s beautiful.
But here’s the tricky part: how do you give back without accidentally doing harm? How do you contribute in ways that are thoughtful, respectful, and actually helpful?
We’ve made mistakes, too. I’ll never forget the moment I realized one of them.
A Personal Lesson: When Good Intentions Fall Short
On a recent family safari, we wanted to support a local school just outside Victoria Falls. The school had shared a list of supplies they needed—everything from pencils and erasers to backpacks and notebooks. We carefully packed everything up, including some metal spiral-bound notebooks.
We thought we were doing a good thing. We even contacted them in advance, letting them know we couldn’t get enough notebooks for the packs we were taking. They said we could buy notebooks there to finish up our packs, we were excited to deliver everything.
But when we got there, we realized something important: what we brought wasn’t what they actually needed. The notebooks weren’t the right type or size. And we’d brought a bunch of items that—although they’d been requested—would have been easier and more sustainable to buy locally.
They were gracious, of course. But the truth is, we could have done more good by simply giving the funds directly to the school and allowing them to source what they needed on their terms.
That experience changed how I think about travel and giving.
So… What Does Ethical Giving Look Like?
Here are a few key lessons we’ve learned—many of them the hard way.
1. Ask, Listen, and Trust Local Knowledge
It’s not enough to ask what a community needs—you also have to really listen. Often, what people ask for is more nuanced than we realize. And what’s most helpful might not be what’s easiest or most obvious from our side of the world.
When in doubt, trust the local experts and community leaders. They know their needs better than anyone.
2. Buy Local Whenever Possible
This one’s big. If you want to bring gifts or make a donation, consider giving cash or purchasing items in-country. Not only does this ensure the community gets what they actually need, it also supports the local economy. Double win.
And it cuts down on plastic waste, transportation emissions, and the awkward reality of giving something that can’t be used or replaced locally.
3. Understand That “Helping” Can Sometimes Be a Burden
This one stings a bit—but it’s true. Sometimes, well-meaning travelers cause more harm than good by unintentionally creating dependence, reinforcing stereotypes, or disrupting local systems.
An unplanned visit to a school? That might sound fun—but it can interrupt lessons, confuse kids, or create an expectation of gifts. That’s why planning with intention—and through the right channels—is so important.
4. Tip Generously and Explain Why It Matters
One of the most direct, respectful, and meaningful ways to support local communities on safari? Tip well.
Tourism jobs—like guiding, driving, or cooking—are often seasonal and dependent on tips. Generous tipping can help a family pay school fees, cover medical expenses, or simply feel valued for their hard work.
We always encourage our clients to factor tipping into their budget, and to talk with their kids about why it matters.
5. Work with Ethical Travel Partners
This is where your travel advisor comes in.
One of the best ways we’ve found to help families give meaningfully in Africa is by partnering with on-the-ground experts who have deep relationships with the communities we visit. These guides, lodge owners, and conservation leaders know what works, what doesn’t, and how to make sure your presence uplifts—not disrupts.
That’s why it’s so important to work with a travel advisor who makes ethical travel a priority. Someone who asks questions, chooses responsible partners, and understands how to navigate the delicate balance of curiosity, generosity, and humility.
We take that role seriously.
Bringing It All Together: Leave No Trace, Leave Good Behind
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. It’s showing our kids how to travel with open eyes and open hearts. It’s being willing to learn, to pivot, and to do better next time.
So whether your family is planning a first safari or your fifth, here’s what I encourage you to keep in mind:
Ask first. Give what’s needed, not what’s easy.
Support local businesses, guides, and makers.
Tip well and explain its impact.
Travel with humility and respect.
Choose a travel advisor who values this as much as you do.
Ethical giving isn’t about fixing something—it’s about walking alongside, sharing joy, exchanging stories, and leaving behind a trail of respect.
That’s the kind of travel that stays with you. That’s the kind that changes lives—yours included.
