Kwa-Zulu Natal and Kruger safari, South Africa

Planet

We are firmly committed to the protection and conservation of the ecosystems visited and the wildlife sought out during this tour. In particular, we recognise the international importance of ecosystems such as the Kruger National Park, as well as the metapopulations of many species supported by the smaller reserves, such as Manyoni and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi visited during this holiday. Wild dog, cheetah, leopard and lion populations are all reliant on these reserves and we are therefore determined to contribute to their continued existence. Beyond these keystone species, many areas visited by this tour support unusual species that are extremely valuable, including suni, mountain reedbuck and mesopredators including serval. We will therefore never engage in any activity that could cause distress or injury to any wildlife. We will never approach or remain at a sighting where we believe our presence could be detrimental to the animal in question. We will never pursue an animal that has chosen to move away from us and, in accordance with park rules, we will never drive off-road in South Africa. This itinerary includes several night drives, and we will never spotlight a young, injured or otherwise vulnerable animal - and we will always try to avoid spotlighting diurnal animals as far as possible.

Parts of South Africa, including the Kruger and Kwa-Zulu Natal, have experienced severe and prolonged drought in recent years. We therefore ask that clients are sensible and measured in their use of water, and this extends to limiting their use of water when taking showers. We recommend that guests turn the shower off when applying shampoo, turn taps off when brushing their teeth and avoid all other superfluous use of water.

People

It is absolutely vital for the long-term success of ecotourism that visits such as ours deliver genuine benefits to local people and the communities of which they are a part. If this is done properly, this allows local people to attach genuine benefit to ecotourists, and the wildlife and ecosystems we travel to enjoy, which in turn does a huge amount to secure the long-term futures of these wilderness areas. With this in mind, we insist that local suppliers employ local people and guests should therefore expect that the overwhelming majority of drivers, guides and housekeeping staff throughout this tour are South African.

It is important that all interactions between local people and visiting ecotourists are positive. We therefore have a zero-tolerance policy for any disrespectful behaviour when interacting with local people. We ask that clients are polite in all such interactions, and this extends to dressing modestly. Please do not take photographs of anyone without their consent.