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Features
Environment and Heritage
The two part course consists of the following sections:
Ecosystems Management
Taking biotic and abiotic factors of each region into account, participate in formulating management strategies for game animals in the different ecosystem that you examine. As a part of the experience, learn about the adaptation of game to specific areas and the dynamics of game populations under these conditions. Topics that you cover include animal behaviour, water utilisation, game condition, diseases, parasites, nutrition, feed selection, game capture and relocation.
People In Conservation
In this section, learn about grazing and browse capacity and general concepts of carrying capacity in a multi-species park. This includes tourist carrying capacity and how to manage a game lodge in a way that maximizes the experience of the tourist, yet minimizes the impact on the environment. Learn about road layout and fire as a management tool. Learn about the importance of historical and cultural sites and see first hand how many of these places are maintained by local communities for a livelihood as a part of ecotourism. |
Start: Johannesburg
Scheduled flights: Johannesburg International Airport |
Day 1: Arrival
Students arrive and are received 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 Rhino 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 the Rhino and Lion Park to also 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 at Imbambala Durban
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: Swadini Resort Greater St. Lucia
We depart from the Bushveld, travelling east over the rolling hills of the Highveld. We get the opportunity to enjoy real South African pancakes in the quaint Highveld town of Dullstroom, as we stop here for a visit to the interesting Birds of Prey Centre outside the town. 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 pristine Swadini Resort's facilities include public telephones, a shop, heated and ambient swimming pools, restaurants and a laundry.
Accommodation: Camping |
Day 8: At Leisure Ndumo Game Reserve
We enjoy a day at leisure to explore the reserve around the spectacular Blydepoort Reservoir, a boat cruise and for activities of choice such as horse riding, swimming and hiking.
Accommodation: Camping (Swadini) |
Day 9: Khamai Reptile & Maholoholo Rehabilitation Centre Swaziland
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 (Swadini) |
Days 10 - 14: Hands-on Game Capture Course Southern Kruger, Central Kruger
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 (Swadini) |
Day 15: Shangana Village, Hazyview, Mpumalanga Province Blyde River Canyon
We leave the Kruger Park behind us for our drive to the Lowveld town of Hazyview. We will check in at the 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 Kruger Surrounds
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 controversial issues such as the management of elephant populations and of the introduction of trans-frontier parks. We discuss disease control and other management issues in the Park with local researchers and veterinarians. We also visit the wildlife quarantine and relocation bomas. 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 nature walk in the bush with experienced Park rangers to guide us and enjoy a game drive at night to observe the mysteries of the African bush after dark. Park facilities include public telephones, a bank, a shop, restaurants and a laundry.
Accommodation: Camping |
Day 20: Back to Pretoria
It is with great reluctance that we depart from the Lowveld. We travel at a leisurely pace back to Pretoria where we check in to our guest house and settle in for the night.
Accommodation: Guest house |
Day 21: De Wildt Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding Centre Johannesburg
After breakfast we drive to the world renowned Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding Centre at De Wildt where both these magnificent animals were saved from extinction. After our return to our guest house we prepare for our examination.
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. |
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 (if applicable)
. Camping equipment
. Permits and entry fees
. All meals and group activities |
Rate excludes
. Air travel to and from South Africa
. Visa costs
. Optional activities
. Alcoholic beverages |
Group size
Minimum: 8 Maximum: 18 |
