1. Learn something of the local customs and traditions before you go. Your local guide will be happy to explain the reasons behind these and teach you others, but a small gesture even of how to greet them, is appreciated and respectful.

2. Learn a few words of the local languages, such as Hello and Thank you. We are used to having them said to us and it's a great way to open doors and minds.

3. When you are there, be respectful of the local culture, whether this be entering an home or not ignoring the local music. Remember that your holiday is to enjoy the whole country, not just the safari animals and you will enjoy the experience much more if you welcome all the sights and sounds.

4. Be respectful when taking photos. Having a camera shoved in your face is intrusive and can be culturally taboo. Just ask and accept a shaken head gracefully.

5. Do not litter.

6. Do not pick flowers or collect local seeds.

7. Be careful of local resources. Just because they have electricity and water does not mean they have much of either. Turn the tap off when you are not using it, have a shower rather than a bath. Turn lights off when leaving a room. Many camps and lodges run generators to supplement the solar power. Fuel for these has to be driven in.

8. When on safari, do not pester your driver guide to leave the set tracks. They understand where they can/cannot go and pride themselves on getting you, their guest, the best sightings and views. Leaving the tracks damages the National Parks and disturbs the wildlife.

9. When buying souvenirs, ensure they are not encouraging poaching or deforestation by being made from rare or endangered materials.

10. Try to spend your money that it goes directly into the micro economy of the areas you are visiting.

11. Do not give children pens or sweets as it encourages begging (many pens are simply swapped for sweets when you have gone anyway!). Speak to your guide who will be happy to arrange a visit to a school where a donation or gift of materials can be given to the teacher to benefit the education of all the local kids.

12. We offset the carbon emissions from our staff travel to make them Carbon neutral. We offer a scheme for you to do likewise if you wish which directly benefits not only the environment but also communities in Africa.

13. Have a great time and make sure that those people you met also have great memories of you.