Cultural Tourism -- Harming or Helping Tribes in Africa?

While Africa is still known primarily as a "safari destination" more and more people are traveling to the continent to experience its diverse cultures and colorful festivals. It's no longer acceptable to visit Kenya for a safari without getting some exposure to Maasai culture beyond a quick dance for tips. In Tanzania, Maasai tribesmen are leading walking safaris and building schools with the money they make from cultural tourism. The Hadzabe bushmen are also becoming a fixed part of many safari itineraries in Tanzania. Being able to go on a traditional hunt with the tribe is something more visitors are seeking out.

A real amateur anthropologists dream is Ethiopia's Omo River Region which is home to over 50 unique tribes. In Southern Africa, a visit with the Himba will certainly be a highlight of a trip to Namibia, as much as climbing up the sand dunes and enjoying a safari. A dream trip of mine is to one day join the Touareg on their salt caravans through the Sahara in Mali, a route that has been plied virtually unchanged since medieval times.

But the verdict is still out as to whether tourism harms or benefits traditional tribes; it's a thin line between commerce and exploitation. The awkward fact remains that tourists are attracted to some tribes because they seem to be "living in the past", and your dollars may directly threaten this traditional lifestyle. On the other hand, many traditional tribes like the Kalahari Bushmen are no longer able to sustain a traditional lifestyle and if they can earn some tourist dollars for a day of tracking in the bush, perhaps their children will be able to go to school.

As a visitor, the best thing you can do is to choose a cultural experience where you know the profits will end up in the hands of the people you are visiting, and not just the tour operator.

What do you think? Does tourism aid or harm traditional societies? Please leave a comment.

_{Image of a Himba girl © Charles Roffey}