Regenerative Travel is the Next Phase of Responsible Tourism

By Stephanie Vermillion (see companion article on page 11)

From far-fl ung expeditions to deep fi reside chats, travel has the power to change us. When done well, it can also positively change the places we visit—a fact I learned during a recent safari in southern Tanzania.

As a wildlife enthusiast, I often plan my trips around local fauna. Sure, I follow responsible wildlife tourism guidelines, but cruising around in a safari Jeep doesn’t necessarily help the animals, or ecosystems, I’ve come to admire. Getting my hands dirty installing camera traps to assist researchers studying wildlife in an uncharted and once highly hunted stretch of southern Tanzania? That’s a bit more like it.

And this, it turns out, is part of a growing trend of the 2020s: regenerative travel. The idea is to go beyond sustainability, which focuses on minimizing negative impact, and instead have a net positive impact on the place you’re visiting.

During my trip to southern Tanzania’s new Usangu Expedition Camp by safari company Asilia, this meant installing and monitoring camera traps and snapping then uploading animal photos to citizen-science database iNaturalist to help researchers benchmark and monitor local wildlife populations; guests can also assist with collaring programs to track the movements of big cats. These experiences felt even more enriching than a traditional Jeep safari, and they contributed to Usangu’s goal: helping conservationists from partner organizations, such as the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, better protect this under-studied ecosystem.

Usangu is one of a growing number of experiences allowing globe-trotters to leave a positive footprint. Given community and environmental strains from the last decade of uncapped (and largely uncontrolled) tourism growth, plus a jet-setting resurgence after the pandemic, this shift couldn’t come at a better time.

“Tourism took a bad [hit] during Covid from a reputation point of view; regenerative travel is a way to rebuild the brand of tourism,” says African

Leadership University’s School of Wildlife

Conservation research director Sue Snyman, noting this is particularly important for engaging local residents. Years of negative tourism impacts have left some communities wondering why they’d want tourism to begin with. “If communities see travelers having a genuine positive impact, they’ll understand [what tourism can do].”

What to Expect During the Year

Usangu is open from June to November, when it’s hot and dry. During this time, the Usangu wetlands recede, and the surrounding grasslands dry out into wide open spaces ideal for walking. The rains that fall from November until April transform the landscape, making it green and lush but also creating logistical problems as the road networks become water-logged and the rising fl oodplains limit land-based activities.

Telemetry Tracking

Join the researcher on a half-day tracking of collared animals using radio telemetry to track and locate them. Start the day by reviewing the latest locations of the animals of the days before and join the researcher in a vehicle to learn how radiocollaring and telemetry works, and how to locate the collared animals. Collared species diff er over time depending

on advancing research but usually focus on key species in the area such as lion, wild dog (yet to be collared), roan, and sable antelope.

Predator Identifi cation

If your camera trap has caught any inquisitive predators, or if you have captured any good images on your camera during your stay, you can upload these images to the Predator ID Hub at the station to compare against the existing database. Researchers will work with you to analyse identifying features and determine if this is a new specimen or an existing. This tracking of information helps to plot territories and allows you to actively contribute to the ongoing research.

Douglas Bell Eco Research Station

The Douglas Bell Eco Research Station is the

central hub for all research and conservation eff orts taking place in the Usangu Wetland. Situated alongside Usangu Expedition Camp, it provides guests with the opportunity to engage with researchers and develop a deeper understanding of the important work being performed in the region. The experiences on off er will vary slightly depending on which researchers are on the ground at any given time. However, a research coordinator is always present ensuring quality research immersion for visiting guests at all times.

Camera Traps

The placement of camera traps in close proximity to frequently used game trails provide useful information about wildlife numbers and the movements of game. On arrival, you will receive a camera trap to place near camp for the duration of your stay. On your last afternoon in camp, retrieve the images to see what your camera has captured. Trails Camp

This is one of the most exciting activities Asilia has to off er and is perfect for those who want an intimate safari experience. Set out on a walking safari in the afternoon and spend a night fl y camping in a remote part of the conservancy. We’ll cook dinner over a campfi re under the stars and the sounds of the bush will lull you to sleep. We return to the main camp the next morning.

to page 36

A Typical Day on Safari at Usangu Expedition Camp

Usangu Expedition Camp off ers a wide variety of activities, allowing for your days to be tailored around your preferred interests. Each group in camp has a private vehicle and guide, allowing for complete fl exibility within daily structure. Early mornings are typically best for game drives and walking safaris while the temperatures are slightly cooler, and wildlife is more active. Mid-afternoons are the perfect time to relax under the trees with a book or, or the more active, visit the Douglas Bell Eco Research Station for a fi rst-hand explanation about the conservation work and research being conducted in the wetlands. Afternoons off er the opportunity for boating safaris or spending time in the fi eld with a researcher.

Participate in research activities such as the positioning of camera traps, image analysis for predator identifi cation and tracking collared lions using telemetry.

Breakfast is often a picnic to allow for an early start from camp, but lunch can either be enjoyed in camp under the cool shade, or a picnic can be provided for those who wish to stay out longer. Whether you are in the main camp or a star cube in the Trails Camp, dinner is prepared on the open fi re in a communal setting.

Game Drives

The best times to depart on a game drive are early morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday heat when animals are less active. With your private vehicle and guide, you have the fl exibility to explore any (accessible) area of the Usangu wetlands. Usangu has fi ve biozones and off ers many diff erent habitat types that are waiting to be explored. Our up-cycled Land Rovers have been re-built from the ground up and are powered by green alcohol fuel (ethanol). This fi ve-seater, safari vehicle off ers unobstructed views — built for comfort, bush driving and remarkable off -road capability.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, away from the noise of the land cruiser and closer to the ground to observe the smaller and less obvious parts of the African wilderness. This is a completely diff erent way to experience the bush, encouraging your senses to engage as you spot tiny but fascinating creatures you’d never see from the vehicle.

Night Drives

See a diff erent side of Usangu with a night drive. It’s a special opportunity to spot shy, nocturnal animals and the those that prey on them. With the

Trails Camp

aid of your knowledgeable guide, keep your eyes out for leopard, genet, serval, honey badger, civet and African wildcats on the hunt; as well as bush babies, mongoose, bat-eared fox, nightjars and owls going about their business. Don’t forget to take a moment to a gaze up at the breath-taking night sky.

Boating Safaris

The wetland area and the intricate waterways that swell and contract throughout the season create a variety of conditions for boating. Our swamp boat is designed for these marsh-like conditions, off ering the opportunity to explore the wetland narrow waterways year-round. Elephant are regularly seen along the shallows, and the birdlife is fantastic.

Accommodation & Amenities

Usangu Expedition Camp has been carefully positioned as close to the high-water mark as possible, whilst still maximising the shade off ered by the surrounding miombo woodlands. With just 4 guest tents, the camp off ers an exclusive experience into this largely unexplored wetland. Simple in its design, the focus sits fi rmly on the exploratory nature of the experience with meals cooked on the open fi re and enjoyed under the African stars.

Asilia: Open: June to 30 November; Closed: December to May; Families: children aged 12 and older.

https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/ news-analysis/regenerative-travel-is-the-nextphase-of-responsible-tourism Image credit: atta.travel

Night Drives