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Tanzania-based hoopoe safaris has won us magazine, Condé Nast traveler's 2004 ecotourism award for best operator in the world.  The awards recognize properties, tour operators and destinations committed to preserving the local environment, assisting and employing the people who live there and educating their guests. The recent accolade acknowledges Hoopoe Safaris' (together with Kirurumu Tented Camps and Lodges) dedication to protecting the environment and support of effective local community partnerships. Hoopoe is an East African safari outfitter and tour company, owned and managed largely by Africans. The company is said to offer an authentic 'out of the way' African experience of the traditional safari camp, which enables visitors to get close to nature without forsaking the creature comforts of a safari under canvas. According to the company's Peter Lindstrom, the knowledge, expertise and interaction of the guide is fundamental to the experience. As such, he says, Hoopoe has pioneered the training of local guides in a much broader range of subjects, such as geology, anthropology, zoology, botany and culture. The company has also recognized the significance of creating and developing sustainable tourism, which requires low-impact tourism and engaging the local communities. Community-based partnerships have therefore been established to protect the fragile environment and the East African savannah ecosystems. Involved communities thus earn much-needed direct annual income in return for granting private concession areas to Hoopoe for their safari activities and employment as trackers and guides.  Travel with AfricaTours and Hoopoe safaris on our "Serengeti Shall not Die" tour"  http://www.africasafaris.com/countries/tanzania_itin.asp.