Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. 

We are proud to be part of a joint initiative by The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of brands called The TreadRight Foundation. 

How We Tread Right (HWTR) is The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) new five-year sustainability strategy, which sets the mandate on sustainability at Thompsons Africa and our sister travel companies.  Our strategy is based on 11 measurable goals developed to address Thompsons Africa’s impact on Planet, People, and Wildlife. These goals, anchored to the United Nations’ Global Goals, address:

Planet – sustainability and conservation by targeting climate change, sustainable food production and responsible consumption through carbon management, renewable energy, the food cycle, waste reduction, and the elimination of single-use plastics.

People – community support and cultural preservation by targeting overtourism through the inclusion of new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® Experiences, the creation of a standalone strategy to encourage greater diversity and inclusion at Thompsons Africa, and our global give-back efforts.

Wildlife – conservation and protection by targeting animal welfare and conservation, and ethical wildlife experiences through TreadRight’s Animal Welfare Policy.

Learn more about how choosing Thompsons Africa means choosing a travel company that puts sustainability and the planet at the core of everything we do.

AN UPDATE ON OUR PROGRESS

Goal 11 – Ensure all wildlife experiences adhere to our Animal Welfare Policy by 2021

We have made significant strides in ensuring the interactions and experiences we offer adhere to the guidelines as set out by the SATSA Animal Interaction Charter. On a continuous basis, we check the interaction/experience against a defined set of criteria ensuring that we remain committed to an ethical approach to the long term conservation of wildlife welfare.

Using the guidelines of the SATSA Animal Interaction Charter to unacceptable practices, each establishment is required to answer a defined set of five questions and where necessary, provide documentation to support their answers.  In summary, any animal interaction/facility/establishment that includes any of the following is deemed unacceptable:

Performing animals (includes all types of animals e.g. elephants, predators, primates, cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), birds and reptiles)

Tactile interactions with ALL infant wild animals (includes cub petting)

Walking with predators or elephants

Tactile interactions with predators or cetaceans

Riding of wild animals (includes riding and sitting both for guests and handlers)

Goal 2 – Source 50% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025

We have installed a solar system which supplies approximately 40% of our power requirements for the Durban office. Almost there!

Goal 5 – Reduce printed brochures by 50% by 2025

We are very proud to share that our annual brochures are now hosted entirely online. Click on a brochure cover to view, print, share or download.  Alternatively, browse the pages and click on a property name to view rates, inclusions, exclusions and other information.