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 area 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