Travel opens doors – to cultures, communities, and experiences that can change our lives. But with this privilege comes responsibility. Whether you’re exploring the bush in Chobe National Park, meeting the locals in Livingstone town and its communities, or taking on the rapids of the Zambezi River, the way you travel matters.
But we don’t think that being a responsible traveller should be about guilt or restriction! Rather, it’s about making small choices that ensure your journey is respectful, safe, and provides positive impacts for you, the people you meet, and the places you visit.
Here are some simple but powerful ways you can travel kindly and consciously while in Livingstone, Zambia.
Travel Lightly, Leave a Lasting (Good) Impression
Being a mindful traveller isn’t about perfection – it’s about the little things. A few small changes can ripple out into something extraordinary. Here’s how to embrace the “Do No Harm” approach on your Livingstone adventure – without sucking the fun out of your trip:
Dress smart, not stiff: Zambia is a predominantly Christian country, and a little modesty goes a long way, especially when visiting local communities or religious sites. Think respectful, not restrictive. But by all means, go wild with the swimwear at the Jollyboys pool. That’s your sun-soaked stage!
Save water and watts: Just because Victoria Falls is thundering nearby doesn’t mean water and energy are unlimited. Whilst staying in a hostel already supports lowering water
consumption you can be an ever bigger legend – take shorter showers, flick off the A/C when you’re out, and resist the urge to run a mini hydroelectric dam in your bathroom.
Pack out the plastic: Don’t let your trash travel further than you do. Bring a reusable bottle, ditch the single-use plastics as much as possible, and dispose of waste responsibly. We work
with awesome community projects that upcycle everything from egg trays to loo roll holders.
Yes, really.
Volunteer with your brain and your heart: Keen to give back? Fantastic. Just make sure your efforts are genuinely helpful – think skills-sharing over selfie-taking. We’ve got tips on
volunteering the right way – and feel free to ask our reception team for any advice before you sign up.
Buy local, it’s the real deal: Want to shop with soul? Support local artisans, traders, and tailors. Join our free town walking tour every Wednesday to find the best local spots or go explore for yourself! Head to Mukuni Park’s curio market for handcrafted souvenirs and the central market for all the fruit, veg and textiles you could ever need! Remember local sellers are
earning a living – fair pay matters. In Livingstone, haggling is more friendly banter than fierce debate. If you’re unsure of prices, ask a guide or local, and keep it light, smiles go further than stubbornness.
Love nature, from a respectful distance: Whether you’re in a national park or a village footpath, stick to the trail, don’t pocket pretty rocks, and don’t leave your crisp packets behind
(even the monkeys won’t be impressed). Keep your distance from wildlife. Snap the pic, skip the disruption … Take only memories, leave only footprints.
Be Kind and Thoughtful around Children
Children are an important part of every community, and while it can be tempting to give sweets or money to children on the street, especially when it feels like a kind gesture, it is not. These
actions can sometimes have unintended consequences, like encouraging begging and keeping children out of school.
A meaningful way to help is by supporting local organisations that work directly with children and families. At Jollyboys, we’re proud to support Lubasi Children’s Home, and guests are always welcome to ask at reception for ways to get involved or donate to trusted groups making a long-term difference.
And one last thing – always ask before taking someone’s photo, especially children. It’s just polite. A quick photo might feel like a simple keepsake for you, but it can be uncomfortable or intrusive for others.
Taking Small Steps in the Right Direction
Here at Jollyboys, we’re not just about poolside lounging and adrenaline-fueled adventures (though we’re excellent at both). We’re also rolling up our sleeves and getting serious about
responsible tourism. We’re currently on a mission to earn our Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification – and let’s just say, it’s more of a marathon than a sprint.
The Fair Trade Tourism checklist is longer than your arm and covers everything from fair wages and eco-friendly practices to community upliftment. There’s a LOT of checks and measures, but we’re all in. Because doing right by people and the planet is always worth it.
We believe travel should feel good and do good. That’s why we started the #BePartOfIt movement – our way of roping in guests and staff alike to get stuck into responsible tourism, from eco-friendly habits to community projects that make a real difference. Whether you’re getting involved in events to raise for Lubasi Children Home and Baobuyu Community Centre, dodging single-use plastics and taking full advantage of the free safe onsite water, or just remembering to switch off the lights in your dorm, every action counts.
So while you’re sipping a sundowner or planning your next bungee jump, know this: staying at Jollyboys means supporting a place that’s walking the talk on ethical travel and encourages you to jump in, get involved, and wear your do-gooder badge with pride. Travel’s more fun when you’re part of something bigger. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about giving it a go.
More good news? The FTT movement is growing across Southern Africa. So if you’re after tours, activities, or places to stay that share Jolly’s feel-good values – you’re in great company.
Make Travel Matter (and Not Just for Your Instagram)
Every choice you make on the road – whether it’s where you spend your money, how you treat locals, or whether you ask before snapping that perfect selfie – sends a message. Make sure
yours says, “I travel with purpose, not just passport stamps.”
Being a kind, curious, and conscious traveller doesn’t just earn you good karma – it helps others too. Leave honest reviews (yes, even about that bumpy safari ride or unexpectedly spicy stew)
to help fellow travellers follow in your responsible footsteps – ideally without stepping on anyone’s toes, culturally or literally.
Let’s be real: responsible travel isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being thoughtful. When you slow down, chat with the locals, and skip the gimmicky tourist traps for something real, your holiday transforms from a checklist into a genuine connection. And trust us – that’s the stuff memories (and good stories) are made of.
Final Thought: Tiny Choices, Tremendous Impact
By following these simple yet powerful steps, you’ll help make your time in Livingstone not just unforgettable, but meaningful – for you, for the community, and for the planet. The world’s full of
wonder – so let’s not wreck it while we wander.
So go ahead: pack your bags, bring your best manners, and travel not just to see the world – but to help shape it for the better.
Want to find out more about what Jollyboys is doing to support the local community? Check-out our projects or get in contact with the Jollyboys team now via email at res@backpackzambia.com or WhatsApp at +260 978571100 and they will be more than happy to assist you in any way!
And remember to tag @jollyboys_backpackers on your instagram stories & posts for a chance to get featured on our page!
