Join us for the experience of a lifetime, a field study program in South Africa for students in veterinary fields and wildlife conservation

• Experience the world of wildlife conservation in Southern Africa, hands-on.
• Meet and interact with conservationists and wildlife veterinarians in the field.
• Gain hands-on experience by taking part in game capture operations.
  Earn university credits for these programs.
  

Course Content:
The Course includes:

• Wildlife Veterinary Science
• Wildlife Diseases and Medicine
• Capture and Care of wild animals
• Breeding of Rare Species
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservations
  

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Students arrive and are welcomed at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, by EcoLife Staff Members. You are transferred to your guesthouse, close to the University of Pretoria, and relax before the evening welcoming dinner.
Accommodation: Pretoria Guest house

Day 2: Orientation, Pretoria and Lion Park
Our expedition starts by attending a morning workshop at the Center for Wildlife Management of the University of Pretoria. We meet with staff members who have been involved in the pioneering of wildlife management in Southern Africa, and learn about the latest developments in wilderness management. After lunch we visit a lion park to view lions up-close and even catch sight of a white lion. This is also your chance to get your hands on a lion cub!
Accommodation: Pretoria Guest house
 
Days 3 and 4: Community Veterinary Services
After breakfast we drive towards Soweto, the sprawling black city adjacent to Johannesburg where we join CLAW, (Community Led Animal Welfare), a world renowned group of dedicated animal lovers and veterinarians who volunteer their professional time and services to Black African townships to assist in the care of these people’s domestic animals.
Accommodation: Pretoria Guest house
 
Days 5 - 8: Vet School and Wilderness Training
We visit the famous School of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria for an introduction to its renowned facilities. Then we turn east to a private camp in the Bushveld on the banks of the Loskop Reservoir. The wilderness reserve surrounding this lake is a pristine area in which to learn practical bush skills, track wildlife on foot and study wildlife behavior, and is perfect for learning how animals and man utilize plants. Weather permitting we will also do some abseiling.
Accommodation: Tented camp
 
Days 9 - 12: Kruger National Park
We depart after an early breakfast en route to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. The biodiversity of this jewel of wilderness areas, almost the size of Belgium, is spectacular. It is the ideal area for observing and studying most of the wildlife species Southern Africa has to offer. The greatest attraction of this magnificent Park is the opportunity to experience African game viewing at its best and to spot the Big Five. We enjoy a sunset game drive to observe the Park’s inhabitant’s behavior at night, drive along the Park’s pristine rivers and perhaps go on an optional nature walk in the bush with experienced Park rangers to guide us. Park facilities include public telephones, a bank, a shop, restaurants and a laundry.
Accommodation: Camping
 
Day 13: Blyde Canyon Reserve: Swadini Resort
After a final game drive, exiting the Park, we arrive and establish our base at the beautiful Blydepoort Nature Reserve at the foot of the majestic northern Drakensberg Mountains (Mountains of the Dragon). The pristine Swadini Resort’s facilities include public telephones, a shop, heated and ambient swimming pools, restaurants and a laundry.
Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)
 
Day 14: Reptile Centre and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
We attend a workshop presented on the handling and care of reptiles, including highly venomous snakes, and we also visit a world renowned wildlife rehabilitation centre. The care of a wide range of wildlife species will be experienced and demonstrated first hand.
Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)
 
Day 15: Drive to Brits
We depart early and take a scenic drive to Brits which is known for the numerous private game reserves and farms found in the area. Here we set up camp settle in for the night.
Accommodation: Camping

Days 16 - 19: Hands-on Game Capture Course
The successful capture, handling and translocation of wildlife all form important parts of the wildlife veterinarian’s program. The next four days are dedicated to observing and learning about and participating in actual game capture operations under the guidance of a veterinarian. We will, subject to the weather, also personally experience a mock darting exercise from a helicopter in flight. (The area in which the game capture will take place will differ from group to group)
Accommodation: Camping
 
Day 20: Sondela Nature Reserve
After an early rise to strike camp we commence our long drive through rural villages and pretty towns to arrive at Sondela to set up camp.
Accommodation: Camping

Day 21: Sondela Nature Reserve
After breakfast we visit a wildlife rehabilitation center, where we get the chance to interact with the sick, injured and orphaned animals. After lunch we will have enough time to write our exam. Our farewell dinner, followed by our graduation ceremony, is enjoyed under the stars around our last campfire.
Accommodation: Camping
 
Day 22: Departure
We depart for Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, in time for our flights home.
 
 

2012 Scheduled departure dates:
08 January – 29 January 2012
15 January – 05 February 2012
03 June – 24 June 2012
10 June - 01 July 2012
24 June - 15 July 2012
08 July – 29 July 2012
15 July - 05 August 2012
05 August - 26 August 2012
27 November - 18 December 2012
01 December – 22 December 2012

2012 Program fees:
NORMAL RATE: US$ 4,715 per student
OUR SPECIAL RATE: US$ 4,370 per student
SAVE US$ 345 per student!

2013 Scheduled departure dates:
06 January – 27 January 2013
13 January – 03 February 2013
02 June – 23 June 2013
09 June – 30 June 2013
23 June - 14 July 2013
07 July – 28 July 2013
14 July - 04 August 2013
28 July – 18 August 2013
04 August - 25 August 2013
26 November - 17 December 2013
01 December – 22 December 2013

2013 Program fees:
NORMAL RATE: US$ 4,715 per student
OUR SPECIAL RATE: US$ 4,370 per student
SAVE US$ 345 per student!

 
Includes:
• Accommodation for the duration of the program
• Transportation for the duration of the program
• Airport transfers as stated
• Camping equipment
• Permits and entry fees
• All meals and group activities

Excludes:
• Air travel to and from South Africa
• Visa costs
• Optional activities
• Alcoholic beverages