The Little Bush Baby Company
At The Little Bush Baby Company we believe tourism has a responsibility to protect, respect and regenerate the natural environments and communities that make travel possible.
Operating on the edge of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, one of Africa’s most biologically diverse conservation areas, we recognise that tourism businesses must act as guardians of biodiversity while creating meaningful experiences for visitors.
Our responsible tourism approach is guided by the following principles.
Wildlife Welfare and Ethical Viewing
The wellbeing of wildlife always takes priority over tourism experiences.
We follow responsible wildlife viewing practices that ensure animals are not disturbed or pressured by visitor presence.
Our guiding principles are to:
• maintain safe and respectful distances from wildlife
• avoid disturbance to nocturnal species and sensitive habitats
• limit time spent at sightings to reduce stress on animals
• never pursue wildlife or encouraging unnatural behaviour
• prioritise animal welfare over photography opportunities.
Our goal is to ensure wildlife encounters remain respectful, educational and non-intrusive.
Protecting Natural Environments
We operate with a low-impact approach to tourism and actively promote the protection of ecosystems.
Our practices include:
• following Leave No Trace principles
• respecting all protected area regulations
• avoiding off-road driving in sensitive habitats
• minimising noise, light and environmental disturbance
• encouraging visitors to respect the natural environment at all times.
Tourism should not only minimise harm but help visitors develop a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and conservation.
Environmental Education
Education is at the heart of our safari experiences.
Rather than focusing only on animal sightings, our safaris highlight:
• ecological relationships between species
• the importance of habitat protection
• the role of predators and biodiversity in healthy ecosystems
• conservation challenges facing wildlife in Southern Africa.
By helping visitors understand the natural world, we aim to encourage long-term conservation awareness and responsible travel behaviour.
Citizen Science and Biodiversity Awareness
Where possible, we encourage visitors to participate in citizen science initiatives that contribute to biodiversity monitoring.
Through platforms such as iNaturalist, guests can document wildlife observations and learn how biodiversity data contributes to scientific research and conservation.
This helps transform tourism experiences into opportunities for participatory conservation and nature stewardship.
Respect for Local Communities
Responsible tourism must benefit the communities who live alongside protected areas.
We aim to:
• support local businesses where possible
• promote respect for local culture and communities
• highlight the importance of sustainable tourism livelihoods
• encourage visitors to understand the connection between conservation and community wellbeing.
Healthy ecosystems and thriving communities are closely interconnected.
Our Commitment
Responsible tourism is an ongoing process. We regularly reflect on our guiding practices, visitor feedback and environmental impact. This helps us ensure we continue to operate in a way that supports nature-positive tourism.
We also encourage our guests to take an active role in responsible travel by respecting wildlife, following protected area regulations and developing a deeper understanding of the ecosystems they visit.
The Little Bush Baby Company is committed to operating in a way that protects biodiversity, promotes environmental awareness and contributes positively to the landscapes and communities where we work.
Our goal is simple: to help ensure that the wildlife, ecosystems and natural heritage that make this region extraordinary remain healthy for future generations.
Last reviewed: March 2026
