How green is your safari?
Two years of work and a team of environmental scientists aren’t usually what is needed to produce a coffee-table book, but then Africa’s Finest (africasfinest.co.za) is primarily a guide to the most sustainable safari outfits in Africa. After witnessing the booming safari industry take a large toll on impoverished rural communities, natural resources, and habitats, safari insider Colin Bell and environmental scientist David Bristow recruited a team of researchers to evaluate safari lodges on 102 points including renewable energy use, waste management, and community outreach to compile a list of responsible operators. A portion of the book’s proceeds will go to organizations dedicated to conservation in Africa.
Originally appeared in the Aug/Sept 2013 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“How green is your safari?”)