Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Wildlife Management Expedition

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Detailed Trip Description

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. We are 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. 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. Course content: Wildlife Management Techniques, Sustainable Resource Utilization, Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation, Reserve and Resort Management, African Local Community Cultures and Conservation Perspectives, Capture and Care of wild animals.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Johannesburg

 
Arrival.
Airport Transfer

Students arrive and are received at Johannesburg International Airport by our staff members. Transfer to a youth hostel close to the University of Pretoria.

Relaxation

Spend the afternoon relaxing.

Food and Dining

Evening welcoming dinner.

Hotel

Accommodation: Youth hostel


Day 2 - Pretoria

 
Orientation, Pretoria, Rhino and Lion Park.
Adventure

We 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.

Sightseeing

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

Hotel

Accommodation: Guest house.


Day 3 - 6 - South Africa

 
Wilderness Training at Imbambala.
Adventure

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 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.

Camping

Accommodation: Tented camp.


Day 7 - South Africa

 
Blyde Canyon Reserve: Swadini Resort.
Adventure

We depart from the Bushveld, travelling east over the rolling hills of the Highveld.

Camping

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.


Day 8 - South Africa

 
At Leisure.
Sightseeing

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.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping (Swadini).


Day 9 - South Africa

 
Khamai Reptile Centre and Maholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Voluntourism

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.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)


Day 10 - 14 - South Africa

 
Hands-on Game Capture Course.
Safari

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.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)


Day 15 - 18 - South Africa

 
Kruger National Park.
National Parks

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 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.

Camping

Accommodation: Camping.


Day 19 - Hazyview

 
Shangana Village, Hazyview, Mpumalanga Province.
Sightseeing

We reluctantly leave the Kruger Park behind us for our drive to the town of Hazyview.

Hotel

We will check in at the Protea Hotel.

Food and Dining

We leave for the Shangana Village where we will experience a cultural evening and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Hotel

Accommodation: Hotel.


Day 20 - Pretoria

 
Back to Pretoria.
Adventure

It 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.

Hotel

Accommodation: Guest house.


Day 21 - Pretoria

 
De Wildt Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding Centre.
Adventure

After 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.

Food and Dining

Our Wildlife Expedition is concluded by the graduation ceremony, followed by a farewell dinner.


Day 22 - Johannesburg

 
Airport Transfer

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


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