Join
us for the experience of a lifetime in South Africa on a field study
program for students in wildlife conservation and veterinary fields
- Experience the world of wildlife conservation in Southern Africa, up close and personal.
- Meet and interact with conservationists and wildlife veterinarians in the field.
- Learn about the crucial balance of people and wildlife in conservation today.
- Gain hands-on experience by taking part in game capture operations.
- Earn university credits for these programs

Course content:
- Wildlife Management Techniques
- Sustainable Resource Utilization
- Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation
- Reserve and Resort Management
- Capture and Care of wild animals
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Students
arrive and are met at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport by
EcoLife staff members. They are then transferred to a guest house,
close to the University of Pretoria, and spend the afternoon relaxing
before the evening welcoming dinner.
Accommodation: 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. This is your
chance to see a white lion and get up-close-and-personal with lion cubs.
Accommodation: Guest house
Days 3 - 6: Wilderness Training
For the next 4 days we are at a private bush camp on the banks of the beautiful Loskop Reservoir. The Bushveld wilderness reserve surrounding
the reservoir 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 7 – 10: Kruger National Park
After
an early breakfast, we are on our way to the Lowveld. The Kruger
National Park is one of the world’s first proclaimed nature reserves to
serve as a benchmark in the field of conservation. It is one of the
largest pristine natural areas allowing pioneering wildlife research of
international significance. Much of the knowledge applied in global
scientific wildlife management originated in this Park. The
biodiversity of this jewel of wilderness areas is spectacular and
presents the ideal area for observing and studying most of the wildlife
species Southern Africa has to offer. We experience African game
viewing at its best. We will have ample opportunity to spot the BIG
FIVE in their natural habitat. We enjoy an included sunset game drive
with guides from the Park. Rest camp facilities include public
telephones, a bank, a shop, restaurants and a laundry.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 11: Blyde Canyon Reserve
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). This resort
has well equipped laundry facilities, shop, heated swimming pool and
public telephones.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 12: At Leisure
Today
we enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the reserve around the
spectacular Blydepoort Reservoir under supervision of our expert guide.
(Additional activities is available at own cost – river rafting, abseiling, boat rides etc.)
Accommodation: Camping
Day 13: Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Reptile Centre
We visit a world famous Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre which serves a vast are a
of private reserves where African wildlife abounds. Orphaned or injured
wild animals are cared for and treated here before they are returned to
the wild. The interesting Reptile Centre is a great source of to
learning about reptile ecology and get some hands-on time with the
creatures.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 14: Drive to Brits
We
depart early and take a scenic drive to Brits which known for the
numerous private game reserves and farms found in the area. Here we set
up camp and settle in for the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Days 15 - 18 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 venue for the game capture operations might differ from group to group**
Accommodation: Camping
Day 19: 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. This
resort offers a shop, swimming pools and public phones.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 20: Wildlife Center and Graduation
After
a leisurely breakfast we visit a wildlife rehabilitation center and get
to spend time feeding and interacting with the orphaned and injured
animals at the center. We will also get a lesson on wildlife
rehabilitation and the care of these animals.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 21: Graduation
We
have the morning at leisure to make use of the amenities on offer at
the resort. Optional activities include horse riding, quid biking and
game drives – at own cost. After lunch we will have enough time to
write our final 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 or on to other destinations.
2012 Scheduled departure dates:
28 December 2011 – 18 January 2012
20 May 2012 – 10 June 2012
28 December 2012 – 18 January 2013
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:
19 May - 09 June 2013
28 December 2013 – 18 January 2014
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
|