Responsible Travel Policy

Pictus Safaris takes our obligations to the people and wildlife in our destinations extremely seriously. Please take a note of the points below, which outline how we ensure that we do the right thing by local communities, valuable ecosystems and our clients.

Our commitment to the communities we visit

Pictus Safaris only use suppliers that employ local people. In the accommodation you stay at, the transfer services you use, the game drives you enjoy, local people are at the heart of it. A local guide will always be with you, wherever possible. This is vitally important. Our mission is to ensure that people see the benefit of ecotourism, and that real value is attached to ecosystems and wildlife across Africa.

We always encourage clients to visit local projects, markets or cultural areas during their stay, and purchase local products where possible. All visits to local communities, projects and markets will be accompanied by a Pictus Safaris tour leader and a local guide. We work closely with our suppliers to determine which local projects or areas would most benefit from our visit, to ensure the local community gets the most value possible from our presence.

We recognise that many countries and areas we visit have a poor record when it comes to human rights. We want our clients to be fully informed about the history, politics and culture of each area they visit, and this information will be included in the “About” section of the information document you receive from us after booking your trip.

Pictus Safaris often work with NGOs to fund development projects in some destination countries. We are in the process of arranging this in some countries currently and will share more information soon.

Please treat local people and cultures with respect. Always dress modestly (within reason!) and be respectful of local traditions, taking the advice of your local guide as necessary. Please never take a photograph of anyone without their consent.

Our commitment to the ecosystems we visit

Clients are kindly asked to think carefully about water usage when travelling with us. Many of the local people struggle for water on a daily basis, and we recommend that clients do not take long showers, no matter how much you might want one after a long day!

Clients are asked to treat the ecosystems we visit with the utmost care and respect. Visiting these areas is a privilege and should be treated as such. Any intentional distress or damage caused to wildlife or the environment will be taken very seriously. We ask clients not to use drones, as this distresses wildlife. Any behaviour that the Pictus Safaris tour leader believes may distress wildlife, damage ecosystems or upset fellow travellers is grounds for removal from the tour – more information on this can be found in the “Behaviour and Expectations” section of our terms and conditions.

Clients are asked not to print out any materials we send them if possible – we operate in a paperless office. Similarly, we strongly discourage the use of single-use plastics, and ask clients to bring re-usable water bottles with them on holiday.

Our commitment to clients

We take all complaints very seriously. If you feel we haven’t lived up to our promises in this document, or in any other materials provided to you, you can complain to us as per our terms and conditions by contacting us by email, post or telephone.

Whilst we want you to enjoy your holiday, our first priority is always your safety. All Pictus Safaris tour leaders have first aid qualifications, and clients may not travel with us unless they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Your insurance details will be on the person of your Pictus Safaris tour leader at all times during your tour, as will a satellite phone, that will allow us to access medical help as promptly as possible in the case of any injury.

We are an inclusive company, and will never ask anyone to hide their sexual orientation, gender or beliefs whilst on holiday.