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

• Experience the world of wildlife conservation in Southern Africa, hands-on.
• 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:

Ø Wildlife Management Techniques
Ø Sustainable Resource Utilization
Ø Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation
Ø Reserve and Resort Management
Ø African Local Community Cultures and Conservation Perspectives
Ø Capture and Care of wild animals


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Students arrive and are welcomed at Johannesburg International Airport (OR Tambo International) by EcoLife staff members. Transfer 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
We start our expedition by attending a morning workshop at the Centre for Wildlife Management, 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 where among other species, white lions are bred. Here we experience the behind the scenes management and health care of this interesting park close to the Johannesburg metropolis.
Accommodation: Guest house

Days 3 - 6: Wilderness Training
After breakfast we drive east to a private camp in the Bushveld on the banks of the beautiful Loskop Reservoir. The wilderness reserve surrounding the reservoir is a pristine area in which our experienced field guide will introduce us to African bush skills like identifying indigenous plants and animals, tracking wildlife on foot, observing wildlife behaviour and learning how to survive in the bush. Weather permitting, we learn navigation by the stars of the Southern hemisphere and we will partake in some abseiling.
Accommodation: Tented camp

Day 7: Blyde Canyon Reserve
We depart from the Bushveld, travelling east over the rolling hills of the Highveld. En-route we stop in the town of Dullstroom for a visit to the interesting Birds of Prey Centre. After lunch we travel onwards, descending to the Lowveld to set up camp at the foot of the northern Drakensberg (Mountains of the Dragon). The resort’s facilities include public telephones, a shop, heated swimming pools, restaurants and a laundry.
Accommodation: Camping

Day 8: Reptile Centre and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
We attend a workshop presented on the identification, handling and care of reptiles, including highly venomous snakes and equally dangerous scorpions occurring in the African bush. We also visit a world renowned wildlife rehabilitation centre. This presents a unique opportunity to observe up close and personal the care of a wide range of injured or threatened wildlife species.
Accommodation: Camping

Day 9: Private Bush Camp
Mid morning we strike camp and depart for a private bush located just outside of the town of Hoedspruit. Here we set up camp for the next 6 nights.
Accommodation: Camping

Days 10 - 14: Hands-on Game Capture Course
The successful capture, handling and translocation of wildlife forms an important part of the wildlife manager’s program. The next five days are dedicated to observation and learning about and participating in actual game capture operations under the guidance of a world renowned specialist. Weather permitting we will also have the opportunity to mock dart a moving target from a helicopter in flight.
Accommodation: Camping

Day 15: Shangana Village, Hazyview, Mpumalanga Province
We leave the Kruger Park behind us for our drive to the Lowveld town of Hazyview. We will check in at a Hazyview Hotel before we leave for the Shangana Village where a delightful and interesting cultural experience with this fascinating tribe awaits us. We stay to enjoy a traditional evening feast with the villagers.
Accommodation: Hotel

Days 16 - 19: Kruger National Park
We depart after an early breakfast en route to the Kruger National Park. The biodiversity of this jewel of wilderness areas is spectacular, and the ideal area for observing and studying most of the wildlife species Southern Africa has to offer. We meet specialists and wildlife managers to learn about issues such as poaching and disease management in the Park. The greatest attraction of this magnificent Park is the opportunity to experience African game viewing at its best: we will drive along the Park’s pristine rivers and grasslands, go on a sunset game drive with experienced Park rangers to observe the mysteries of the African bush at sunset. Park facilities include public telephones, a bank, a shop, restaurants and a laundry.
Accommodation: Camping

Day 20: Back to Pretoria
After breakfast we depart from the Lowveld back to Pretoria. The whole day is set aside to travel back at a leisurely pace. Late afternoon we check back in to the guest house in Pretoria.
Accommodation: Guest house

Day 21: Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding Centre
After breakfast we drive to a world renowned Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding Centre to learn how both these magnificent animals were saved from extinction. After our return to our guest house we write our final exam.
Our Wildlife Expedition is concluded by the graduation ceremony, followed by a farewell dinner.

Day 22: Departure
We depart for OR Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg, in time for our flights home.


2009 Scheduled departure dates:
17 May - 07 June 2009
21 June - 12 July 2009
27 December 2009 - 17 Jan 2010

2009 Program fees:
NORMAL RATE: US$ 3,795 per student
OUR SPECIAL RATE: US$ 3,495 per student
SAVE US$ 300 per student!

2010 Scheduled departure dates:
16 May - 06 June 2010
20 June - 11 July 2010
28 December 2010 - 18 Jan 2011

2010 Program fees:
NORMAL RATE: US$ 4,285 per student
OUR SPECIAL RATE: US$ 3,950 per student
SAVE US$ 335 per student!


Includes:
• Accommodation for the duration of the program
• Transportation for the duration of the program
• Airport transfers as stated
• Lectures, course material and registration with the University of Pretoria (if applicable)
• 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