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.
Set departure dates:
WM01 : 18 May - 09 June 2008
WM02 : 19 June - 10 July 2008
WM03 : 28 Dec - 18Jan 2008
EcoLife Expeditions is an extension program of the Centre for Wildlife Management, and has been conducting short-term field study programs for international students since 1999. Two study programs are currently presented, the Wildlife Management program and the Vets-in-the-Wild program. Aimed at students of wildlife management and veterinary science, these study programs offer an exciting, hands-on, in-depth and educational experience, taking students behind-the-scenes in the wildlife field in Southern Africa.
The expeditions are in the form of a camping safari, and the duration is around 3 weeks.
Students interact with rangers, veterinarians and researchers working in the field, giving them an insight into life, successes and problems associated with conservation in Africa today. Participants also meet and learn from pioneers in game capture and those actively involved in the field of wildlife veterinary science on a day-to-day basis.
The program includes a Capture and Care course where students participate in actual game capture operations. Students also observe the role that veterinarians play at a rehabilitation centre, a reptile park and a rare-species breeding ranch. This revised program is tailor-made for students in Wildlife Management and Biological Sciences.
Qualifying students could enroll for the NLB 311 Ecosystems Management and NLB 312 People in Conservation courses at the University of Pretoria, and receive 8 credits on completion.
Students meet with and learn from pioneers in game capture and those actively involved in the field of wildlife management on a day-to-day basis. The program also includes a Capture and Care Course where students participate in actual game capture operations. Course content: Ø Wildlife Management TechniquesØ Sustainable Resource UtilizationØ Ecosystem and Biodiversity ConservationØ Reserve and Resort ManagementØ African Local Community Cultures and Conservation PerspectivesØ Capture and Care of wild animals Itinerary Day 1: ArrivalStudents 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 ParkWe start our expedition by attending a morning workshop at the Center 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 metropolisAccommodation: Guest house
Days 3 - 6: Wilderness Training at ImbambalaAfter 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 to learn practical bush skills, track wildlife on foot and study wildlife behavior, and is perfect for learning how animals and man utilize plants. Nocturnal animals and their activities can be observed, and we learn navigation by the stars on a sleep-out. Weather permitting we will also do some abseiling.Accommodation: Tented camp Day 7: Blyde Canyon Reserve: Swadini Resort We depart from the Bushveld, travelling east over the rolling hills of the Highveld. Soon we descend 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 LeisureWe 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 Centre and Maholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre We attend a workshop presented on the handling and care of reptiles, including highly venomous snakes, and we also visit a world renowned wildlife rehabilitation centre. The care of a wide range of wildlife species will be experienced and demonstrated first hand.Accommodation: Camping (Swadini) Days 10 - 14: Hands-on Game Capture CourseThe 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)
Days 15 - 18: Kruger National ParkWe 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 the researchers and wildlife managers and also learn about controversial issues such as the management of elephant populations and of the new trans-frontier parks. We meet with the local researchers and veterinarians and learn about disease control and other management issues in the Park. 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, go on a nature walk in the bush with experienced Park rangers to guide us and enjoy a game drive at night. Park facilities include public telephones, a bank, a shop, restaurants and a laundry.Accommodation: Camping
Day 19: Shangana Village, Hazyview, Mpumalanga ProvinceWe reluctantly leave the Kruger Park behind us for our drive to the town of Hazyview. We will check in at the Protea Hotel before we leave for the Shangana Village where we will experience a cultural evening and enjoy a traditional dinner.Accommodation: Hotel
Day 20: Back to PretoriaIt is with great reluctance that we leave the Lowveld. We ascend the picturesque Long Tom Pass to the pretty towns of Sabie and Lydenburg and get the opportunity to enjoy real South African pancakes in the quaint Highveld town of Dullstroom. We visit the interesting Birds of Prey Centre outside Dullstroom before returning to our guest house in Pretoria.Accommodation: Guest house Day 21: De Wildt Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding CentreAfter breakfast we drive to the world renowned Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding Centre at De Wildt where 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: DepartureWe depart for OR Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg , in time for our flights home. We reserve the right to change the sequence of events or the program content if deemed necessary
Cost: US$3 300 per person sharing 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
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Whether it be for pleasure or as a student of wildlife, EcoLife offers an exciting, hands-on, in-depth and educational experience.
During the expeditions you interact with rangers, veterinarians and researchers who are actively involved in projects, giving you insight into life, successes and problems associated with conservation in Africa today.
Depending on the nature of the expedition, the profile of the group and terrain entered, we travel in a Mercedes Benz Safarimobile which has been custom-built for group safaris or a Mercedes Benz Sprinter bus. The Safarimobile provides comfortable seating, with ample leg space, huge windows for game viewing and individual lockers. For a "bird's eye-view" a section of the vehicle opens, allowing guests to sit on the roof in areas where it is permitted. An intercom system at each seat facilitates easy communication with the guide.
The Sprinter bus is stylish, comfortable and equipped with an airconditioning unit. This vehicle is ideal for our clients who prefer a more luxurious way of travel
We supply all camping equipment including comfortable 2-man tents and foam mattresses. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
We make use of a variety of campsites, ranging from sites with full amenities, to rustic campsites in more remote areas. In some reserves accommodation will be in huts, chalets or safari-style tents.
Guests on our Wildlife Management, Vets-in-the-Wild and Vet-Nurses-in-the-Wild expeditions participate in camping activities, such as pitching tents, and assistance with meals while on the expedition. No experience is necessary, as guests will only assist with basic activities, and will be under the guidance of our skilled team at all times.
We pamper guests on our Tailor Made expeditions to their expectations.
Our groups usually number between 6 and 18 persons. Traveling in relatively small groups provide a more personal experience and allows for more freedom in field activities. There is no age limit on our expeditions.
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