Our Values & Commitments

Our aim is to help you see Africa as it is, in her resplendent glory, chaos and wonder.

We want to help tread a delicate balance between witnessing places as they are, ensuring you experience the wonders and challenges, but also to feel comfortable and rewarded for doing so.

We don’t want to cocoon you such that you don’t experience life as it is, but we do want to ensure you learn, are safe, happy and uplifted by your experiences.

Know that we would never recommend people travel to countries, or places within, if we felt like there wasn’t a net-positive impact on you and the places and people you visit. 

1. Is travelling in Africa ethical?
2. What does responsible travel actually mean? 
3. How do I ensure I travel responsibly?
4. Why tourism is important
5. Is flying halfway around the world still okay?
6. Are people paid enough?
7. Our thoughts on tipping
8. Staffing
9. Do what you'd be done by
10. Our vision: environment & sustainability

Picture a lodge nestled into the natural environment, with unique plant, animal and bird life charming you as you sit in comfort, enjoying sundowners after a day exploring.

A passionate, happy, well-paid local guide, born nearby and employed to help you understand the wonder, nuance and history of the region you are visiting, and the creatures you witness. 

And others whom you don’t see: the hundreds of hands which built and maintained the lodge. The farmer providing vegetables, the supplier of those comfortable pillows in your picture perfect room, the local solar panel business helping provide clean energy, the spread of knowledge about sustainable water use, biodegradable materials and sensitive living that villages nearby adopt and benefit from. 

Unique, beautiful, carefully-crafted experiences that leave you able to dip your toe into a world few have the chance to see and remember forever. All in an area that without protection and the high-value impact of visitors, would many years ago have been lost forever. 

Africa does this kind of travel better than anywhere else, if you know where to look. We can help you find it.

We like responsible tourism because we believe it results in better experiences, and a better impact on the destinations visited. A win-win. 

Responsible tourism is, in our eyes, a sensitivity to the places you visit - ensuring fair wages, equal opportunity, minimising negative impact, preventing waste and so on.

Responsible travel should be easy.

The best destinations - with local employment and ownership, knowledgeable guides, locally-used materials, sustainable sourced energy, careful integration and other features - should be well-marked and offer a much better experience than those which are disconnected from the surrounding environment (unless you’re in an airport hotel, in which case perhaps the double glazing is worth it).

In addition to employment, alternative livelihoods and the protection of natural wonders, travel opens eyes and minds to the majesty of our planet and helps us better understand our place in the world.

Of all international aid that has been gifted to Africa and activities to deal with issues within - perhaps none have had as much an impact as opportunity.

Mobile phones, internet, mobile payments, information, connectivity and opportunity have lifted millions from poverty.

Tourism is at the vanguard of that change. 

This is a hard one.

Many claim we should no longer fly due to the carbon emissions, yet this would limit the countless other mentioned benefits of tourism. At Brilliant, we have a couple of simple rules that we try to follow. 

1. We try to understand the value we are hoping to get from any trip, and help our customers notice and capture as much value from a trip to Africa as possible.
2. We try to offset our flights. 

Our belief is that the positive contribution of tourism far outweighs the negative of flying, but we try to be as conscious of it as we can and look for ways to mitigate wherever possible. 

Tipping is common in Africa and can cause confusion or awkwardness, particularly when people are unsure about amounts or the custom. 

Our advice is simple, don’t worry too much about trying to work out what is ’normal’, give instead what you think feels right based on the value you’ve received.

Err on the side of generosity, it’s highly likely that the recipient will need it a lot more than you do. If in doubt, tip. If unsure of the amount, add what you think would be generous. 

However, if you’re pushed too hard for a tip, or haven’t enjoyed a service. Make sure that this is communicated. Whilst it can be uncomfortable - it is usually worth letting someone know when their behaviour is over-reaching, or if they have under-performed. You will be helping all other tourists who come after you if you do this well.

Whenever you’re on Brilliant trip, we’ll try to ensure you have guides or guidance on what is best practice. We'll talk you through our 'tipping best practices', and give guidance on amounts before you travel. 

Employment is scarce in many parts of Africa. Whilst it can feel uncomfortable to be waited upon, or looked after in a manner that might be different from your home country, this is often a good thing and should be encouraged, not avoided.

Within reason, remember that more staff means more employment. It’s not uncommon to see people doing tasks that might be automated at home - the gentle swish in the early African morning as someone mows a gigantic lawn with a small scythe is a surprisingly common scene in Africa.

Carrying water, or manual labour offer dignity. What might seem demeaning or boring to you, could be a source of great pride and feed a family. 

However, remember it can be taken too far. Treat other people as you would members of your own family. Whilst they might enjoy tasks that you do not, try to remember to respect and admire the fortitude, wonder and diversity of us human species and to treat others with kindness.  

Remember, there are chequered histories across Africa.

The simple secret to enjoying a guilt-free trip in Africa is to travel with a smile, with kindness, with thoughtfulness and an open mind.

Tread lightly, remain open to the experiences, ask for what you need, be curious and remind yourself of the privilege of being able to travel to other countries.

Start there, and let us do the hard work of putting together the very best experiences on offer.