Zambezi Etosha Tours & Car Hire CC

Sustainability Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a sustainability framework that minimizes our environmental impact, benefits local communities, and aligns with our commitment to responsible tourism.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees (permanent and fixed-term), contractors, volunteers, and stakeholders involved in the operations of Zambezi Etosha Tours and Car Hire CC.

3. Sustainability Management & Legal Compliance

3.1 Sustainability Commitment

The leadership of Zambezi Etosha Tours and Car Hire CC is wholly committed to the company’s sustainability performance and endorses the sustainability mission and policy.
We utilize the Travelife platform to report on and monitor sustainability progress.
A public Travelife report will be issued every two years to ensure transparency and accountability.

3.2 Continuous Improvement & Legal Compliance

We commit to the continuous improvement of sustainability practices, with dedicated personnel and resources to achieve our goals.
Zambezi Etosha Tours and Car Hire CC complies with all local, regional, national, and international laws relating to:

• Human resources and rights

• Children’s and land rights

• Environmental management, wildlife, and land use

We uphold a strict Code of Ethics with zero tolerance for corruption, bribery, forced labor, and discrimination.

4. Internal Management: Social Policy & Human Rights

4.1 Employees

We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. Our human resources policy ensures:

• Full legal compliance

• A safe, healthy, and welcoming workplace

• Fair contracts and compensation

• Training opportunities, including sustainability and anti-harassment awareness

• Participation in sustainability planning

• Equal opportunities in promotion, compensation, and development

4.2 Community Prosperity

• 60% of suppliers are local SMMEs

• Cultural tours co-designed with indigenous groups

• 15% of annual revenue reinvested in education and sanitation projects

5. Internal Management: Environmental Practices

5.1 Environmental Management of Office Operations

We follow the 5Rs principles – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.
Key actions include:

• Compliance with all environmental regulations

• Monitoring of water, waste, energy, and carbon use

• Local and sustainable procurement

• Limited and responsible printing (FSC-certified paper, grayscale, double-sided)

• Energy-efficient equipment and lighting

• Water-saving systems and external water capture

• Waste separation and disposal via Namib Waste Solutions

5.2 Carbon Management

We are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint by:

• Reducing unnecessary travel

• Monitoring and offsetting carbon emissions (via NamPower)

• Encouraging remote work and eco-friendly transport

• Maintaining vehicle efficiency and energy-saving office systems

5.3 Land Use

Our Windhoek office complies with local land-use laws and promotes sustainable architecture and cultural respect.

6. Supplier Policy

6.1 General Supplier Principles

We source responsibly, preferring local, sustainable, and certified suppliers who:

• Uphold fair labor and human rights

• Avoid harmful social, cultural, or environmental impacts

• Demonstrate sustainability policies or certifications (GSTC, B Corp, ISO)

Suppliers are expected to:

• Comply with all laws and regulations

• Respect human and labor rights

• Follow anti-corruption and anti-discrimination policies

• Protect children and the environment

• Act in the best interest of local communities

Violations of our Code of Ethics result in immediate termination.
We encourage supplier engagement, capacity building, and sustainability learning via open communication.

6.2 Inbound Partner Agencies

We only collaborate with partner agencies adhering to our Code of Ethics and sustainability standards.
Partners are offered access to the Travelife learning platform and are encouraged to prioritize community and environmental well-being.

7. Operations

7.1 Transport

We minimize environmental impact by:

• Using fuel-efficient, well-maintained vehicles

• Promoting low-impact travel (guided walks, eco-transfers)

• Offsetting flight emissions

• Providing filtered water and reusable bottle options

• Partnering with conservation initiatives

7.2 Accommodations

We prioritize:

• Locally-owned and eco-certified properties

• Ethical working conditions and fair employment

• Local guides and staff empowerment

• Strict monitoring and zero tolerance for unethical practices

7.3 Activities & Excursions

All excursions are designed for sustainability:

• Prioritizing conservation-focused destinations

• Ensuring minimal environmental disruption

• Maximizing community benefit

• Promoting authentic and educational travel experiences

8. Guides, Tour Leaders & Local Representatives

8.1 Training & Certification

We run an Annual Guide Training Program covering:

• Wildlife tracking and safety

• Cultural interpretation

• Sustainability and Leave No Trace principles

• Ethical tourism practices

• Conservation innovations

8.2 Role of Guides

Guides are trained to:

• Facilitate cultural connections

• Model sustainable behavior

• Educate travelers on conservation

• Report ethical or environmental issues

9. Destinations

9.1 Sustainable Destinations

We prefer destinations that integrate sustainability into local development.
We avoid overtourism and destinations with poor human rights records.

9.2 Contribution to Local Communities

We commit to:

• Supporting local sourcing and traditional arts

• Educating guests about responsible shopping

• Collaborating with local stakeholders for sustainable development

• Advocating for human, land, and labor rights

9.3 Environmental Stewardship

We ensure:

• Protection of natural resources

• Education of travelers on responsible behavior

10. Customer Communication & Protection

10.1 Privacy

We protect customer data as outlined in our Privacy Policy:
🔗 https://www.zambezietoshatours.com/privacy-policy

10.2 Marketing & Communication

We commit to:

• Honest, transparent communication

• Anti-greenwashing practices

• Inclusivity and cultural sensitivity

10.3 Sustainability Communication

Customers are informed about:

• Certified accommodations

• CO₂ compensation

• Community-benefiting activities

• Responsible shopping

10.4 Customer Experience

We ensure safety, transparency, and satisfaction through:

• Health and safety protocols

• Emergency procedures

• Respect for children’s rights and fair tourism

• Complaint and feedback systems

11. Contact / Responsible Person

All staff are responsible for implementing this policy.
The Sustainability Coordinator,
Jeromy Kaluwasha,
can be reached at jeromy@zambezietoshatours.com.

12. Definitions

Carbon Offset: Compensation for greenhouse gas emissions through verified projects such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.

13. Policy Review

• Effective Date: 01 August 2025

• Last Revision: 01 March 2025

• Next Review: 10 January 2026

Sustainability in Practice

At Zambezi Etosha Tours and Car Hire CC, sustainability isn’t just a policy — it’s a daily practice woven into every aspect of our work.

A. Environmental Practices

1. We follow circular economy principles (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle).

2. Waste is separated and responsibly managed via EcoWaste Namibia.

3. Carbon emissions are offset through Carbon Footprint Ltd. tree-planting programs in northern Namibia.

4. Our vehicle fleet follows a strict eco-driving maintenance schedule.

5. Solar-powered lighting and energy-efficient equipment are used in our office.

6. Water-saving and greywater systems are standard.

B. Community & Cultural Commitment

1. Over 60% of suppliers are Namibian-owned SMMEs.

2. 15% of annual revenue is reinvested in local education, women’s empowerment, and sanitation projects.

3. We co-create cultural tours with indigenous and rural communities.

4. We sponsor guiding and hospitality training for young Namibians.

5. We partner with community conservancies for wildlife protection and job creation.

C. Ethical Business Operations

1. Zero tolerance for corruption, discrimination, or exploitation.

2. Regular staff training on ethics and sustainability.

3. Supplier compliance with fair labor and environmental standards.

4. Transparent, anti-greenwashing communication.

5. Full compliance with all tourism and environmental laws.

D. Guest Engagement

1. Pre-trip briefings on responsible travel.

2. Reusable bottles and filtered water during tours.

3. Conservation and tree-planting participation.

4. Promotion of local crafts and responsible shopping.

5. Transparent reporting on how each journey supports communities and conservation.

Together, with our guests, partners, and communities, we are shaping a future where travel uplifts people and protects the planet.