How Thomson Stays Devoted to Sustainability

Written by Thomson Safaris

single tree in plains of Serengeti tanzania

As a tour operator who puts their heart and soul into Tanzania, it’s crucial to share the efforts that Thomson Safaris is putting forward as an organization to help reduce our environmental footprint. In a place so rich in wildlife and ecological beauty, sustainability is all the more important for preserving all that Tanzania gives.

 

Here comes the sun

Thomson’s office in Watertown, Massachusetts is outfitted with 110 solar panels, which provides one-third of the office’s power. Installed in 2009, it remains one of the largest arrays of solar panels in the city!

In addition to the Watertown office, all of Thomson’s Nyumba tents have been outfitted with solar LED lighting, which means no need for noisy generators. Phone run out of battery? Not to worry, solar energy is also utilized for electronic charging stations lounge tents at camp. The shining sun will charge your phone, while you admire the Serengeti in all its glory.

 

Going green with propane

nyumba camp chef preparing dinner

At Thomson’s Nyumba Camps, propane gas is utilized to fuel items like refrigerators and freezers. Thomson staff also prepares meals using propane gas stoves. Propane gas is considered an environmentally friendly fuel both before and after combustion and is approved as a clean energy source by the Clean Air Act.

 

Personal Bottles = Preferred

eliminating single-use plastic on safari

Following in the footsteps of Tanzania’s ban on single-use plastic bags, Thomson is encouraging guests to use refillable water bottles on safari. Clean water is provided in all camps and vehicles, reducing the need for single-use plastics and helping to protect the environment and ecosystems where guests travel.

 

No water wasted at Thomson’s Nyumba camps

how to save water on safari

You may have heard of a carbon footprint, but have you heard of a “water footprint?” Because clean water is a limited resource in Tanzania, Thomson has made it the company’s mission to use as little water as possible, while still keeping guests 100% hydrated and clean.

Did you know the average American home uses 90 gallons of water per day? Compare this to a Thomson Nyumba camp, which uses just 14 gallons each day – that’s an 84% savings! Check out this blog post for a more in-depth look into Thomson’s water usage.