Wildlife Veterinary Science ~ Wildlife Diseases and Medicine ~ Capture and Care of wild animals Breeding of Rare Species ~ Wildlife Rehabilitation ~ Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservations

Day 1 Sunday: Arrival - Accommodation: Guesthouse

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, you will be met by EcoLife staff members and transferred to your guesthouse, close to the University of Pretoria. After your long flight to South Africa, and a delicious welcoming dinner, we recommend an early night! 

Day 2, Monday: Orientation, Pretoria and Cheetah Breeding Center - Accommodation: Guesthouse

We start our expedition by attending a morning workshop at the Center for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria where we also register as students of this University. 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 cheetah breeding center to learn how cheetahs and wild dogs were bred in captivity to ensure their future.

Days 3 and 4, Tuesday and Wednesday: Community Veterinary Services - Accommodation: Guest house 

After breakfast we travel towards Soweto, the sprawling black city adjacent to Johannesburg to join CLAW, (Community Led Animal Welfare) for two days. This is a world renowned group of dedicated animal lovers and veterinarians who volunteer their professional skills and time to poor Black African townships to create a better awareness for the care of their pets and domestic animals.

Days 5 - 8, Thursday to Sunday: Veterinary School and Wilderness Training - Accommodation: Tented camp

We check out of the guest house after breakfast.  The expedition continues with a visit to Onderstepoort, just north of Pretoria. As guests of the famous Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria you are hosted on an interesting tour of its facilities and campus. After this visit we travel eastwards to a private camp in the Bushveld . This wilderness reserve 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. An authority on community conservation ecology, associated with the Centre for Wildlife Management, will share his research and experience on wildlife care

Days 9 – 12, Monday to Thursday: Birds of Prey Center & Kruger National Park - Accommodation: Camping

After yet another early breakfast we drive along the rolling hills of the Highveld. Because of ever increasing agricultural intensity and the resulting habitat and prey limitations, many raptor species are becoming endangered. We visit the interesting Birds of Prey Centre outside the quaint village of Dullstroom and attend a lecture and demonstrations on this important wildlife aspect. After lunch we continue our travel eastwards to the Lowveld to enter the world renowned Kruger National Park.  The biodiversity of this Park, a true 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 learn about topical aspects in the Park like poaching and other management issues from dedicated staff and researchers. The greatest attraction of this magnificent Park is the opportunity to experience African game viewing at its best; we enjoy an included sunset game drive to observe the Park’s natural inhabitant’s behavior at night. Park facilities include public telephones, a bank, a shop, restaurants and a laundry. 

Day 13, Friday: Driving to Swadini - Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)

After a final game drive, exiting the Park, we arrive and set up camp at Swadini Resort in the beautiful Blydepoort Nature Reserve at the foot of the majestic northern Drakensberg Mountains (Mountains of the Dragon). This resort has well equipped laundry facilities. It also has a heated swimming pool where we can relax after each day’s activities.

Day 14, Saturday: Khamai Reptile Park and Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - Accommodation: Camping (Swadini)

At the famous Khamai Reptile Park you attend a workshop presented on the handling and care of reptiles, including highly venomous snakes. You could also participate in a necropsy on a reptile. You also visit the world renowned Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The care and rehabilitation of a wide range of wildlife species will be experienced and demonstrated first hand.

Days 15 – 19, Sunday to Thursday: Hands-on Game Capture Course - Accommodation: Camping (Beestekraal)

The successful capture, handling and translocation of wildlife all contribute greatly to the wildlife veterinarian’s program. The next five days are dedicated to observing and learning about and participating in actual game capture operations under the guidance of a renowned veterinary specialist. Weather permitting we will also have the opportunity to mock dart a moving target from a helicopter in flight.

Day 20, Friday: Sondela - Accommodation: Camping

After an early rise to strike camp we commence our long drive through rural villages and pretty towns to arrive at Sondela Nature Reserve to set up camp.

Day 21, Saturday: Sondela, Hands-On Wildlife Care - Accommodation: Camping

After a leisurely breakfast we attend formal courses presented by a practicing veterinary nurse, on wildlife rehabilitation. Our farewell dinner, followed by our graduation ceremony, is enjoyed under the stars around our last campfire. 

Day 22, Sunday:  Departure

We depart for Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to be in time for our flights home.