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Features
Environment
Taking biotic and abiotic factors of each region into account, you will participate in formulating management strategies for game animals in the different ecosystems that we will examine. As a part of the experience, you will learn about the adaptation of game to specific areas and the dynamics of game populations under these conditions. Topics that we will cover include animal behaviour, water utilisation, game condition, diseases, parasites, nutrition, feed selection, game capture and relocation. |
Start: Johannesburg
Scheduled flights: Johannesburg International Airport |
Day 1: Arrival
Students arrive and are received at Johannesburg International Airport by EcoLife staff members. Transfer to a guesthouse close to the University of Pretoria, and spend the afternoon relaxing before the evening welcoming dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse |
Day 2 Orientation
We take a short drive to the Centre for Wildlife Management at the University of Pretoria where we meet up with Professor Wouter van Hoven. He and his staff will give an introductory lecture. Afterwards we take a campus tour of Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty. The tour includes a visit to the research institute and vaccine production unit
Accommodation: Guesthouse |
Day 3: DeWildt Cheetah Breeding Centre and Lion & Rhino Park Southern Kruger, Central Kruger
A morning visit at DeWildt Cheetah Breeding Centre for a project tour and a look behind the scenes. After lunch we visit the Lion and Rhino Park to meet the animal managers and caretakers to experience first hand how this interesting Park functions.
Accommodation: Guesthouse |
Day 4: Rural Community Veterinary Services Kruger Surrounds
We join dedicated veterinarians who volunteer their time and expertise to black rural African villages to care for draft animals such as donkeys, horses and oxen and other domestic stock..
Accommodation: Guesthouse |
Day 5 - 8 Imbambala - Loskop Dam Game Reserve Blyde River Canyon
We are met by a boat on the shore of the Loskop Dam and transferred to a remote bush camp in a private section of the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve. We take part in a tracking & survival course presented by qualified field guides.
Accommodation: Safari Tents |
Day 9 - 12: Kruger National Park
The biodiversity of this jewel of wilderness areas is spectacular, and the ideal area for observing and studying mostly the wildlife species Southern Africa has to offer. We meet with the local researchers and veterinarians and learn about disease control and other management issues in the park. We also visit the rhino bomas and buffalo-breeding project.
Accommodation: Camping |
Day 13 - 16: Hoedspruit Wildlife Veterinary Program
We spend four days with an experienced wildlife veterinary technician to learn about the handling of wildlife during disease testing, game capture, immunization and health care.
Accommodation: Camping |
Day 16 - 22: Swadini - Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve
Setting up camp at the foot of the northern Drakensberg Mountains, a workshop is presented on the handling and veterinary care of reptiles and we spend time at a wildlife rehabilitation centre. We visit a rare species breeding ranch, and explore the reserve around the spectacular Blydepoort Dam.
Accommodation: Camping |
Day 22: Departure
We depart for Johannesburg International Airport after breakfast. |
End: Johannesburg
Scheduled flights: Johannesburg International Airport |
Rate 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
. Camping equipment
. Permits and entry fees
. All meals
. Group activities |
Rate excludes
. Air travel to and from South Africa
. Visa costs
. Optional activities |
Group size
Minimum: 8 Maximum: 18 |
