Sustainable travel sits at the heart of everything we do. We work exclusively with African guides, drivers and partners, source from local businesses, and keep every group small enough to leave a light footprint behind.
Here are a few practical ways to travel responsibly with us in West Africa.
Garbage
West Africa is not yet equipped for recycling, and waste collection services are rare outside major cities. Limit your waste by avoiding unnecessary packaging and choosing reusable items wherever possible.
Shopping bags
Bring a reusable cloth or canvas bag. It cuts down on plastic and supports the local shopkeepers who prefer not to hand one out.
Water
Water is scarce across much of the Sahel — its availability is never guaranteed. Close taps firmly, keep showers short, and tell your guide about any leak you notice.
Drinking water
Rather than buying bottled water, we recommend travelling with a reusable bottle fitted with a purification system — filter, UV or iodine tabs. Your guide will help refill safely along the way.
Electricity
Power is precious and often unreliable. Switch off lights, fans and appliances when you leave a room, and avoid leaving chargers plugged in overnight.
Batteries
Prefer rechargeable batteries or a small solar charger. Non-rechargeable batteries should be taken home for proper recycling — there is no way to dispose of them cleanly here.
Cultural respect
Dress modestly, especially near mosques and in villages. Always ask before photographing someone — a smile and a question go a long way, and many people will happily pose if you bother to ask.
Gift-giving
We ask travellers not to hand out sweets, money or small gifts to children. It encourages begging, which is a difficult cycle to reverse. If you want to contribute, speak to your guide about channelling support through the Papillon Funds or community projects.
Souvenirs
Buy from local artisans wherever possible. A woven basket, a bogolan panel or a piece of silver jewellery puts fair income directly in the hands of the people who made it.