ItineraryImportant Note: We involve a number of wildlife veterinarians and specialists who service different areas within South Africa. Each program is different and the wildlife species they work on will differ in every program. Game capture activities are not done as exhibits or demonstrations. We team up with wildlife veterinarians and specialists that need to capture an animal for the purpose of treatment, collaring, health check or relocation. These can be in the form of an emergency call out due to an animal in distress. Therefore, we cannot always predict ahead of time, what will be immobilised or exactly where or how long it will take.
Activities can be influenced by weather, topography of the terrain, density of the bush and presence of other species that might be a safety issue. Working with wildlife is always unpredictable. The duration of any of the activities cannot be pre-determined. Usually more time will be allocated to an activity to allow for any delays, which might occur. Should an activity go without hiccup, work could be completed early, which could cause some downtime in the program. This is unavoidable, but we will endeavor to try and fill days where too much downtime occurs. 
Day 1: Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport and travel by shuttle to a lodge close to the airport. Here the group will gather and meet their guide. Day one is set aside for arrival of all group members.
Due to the nature of working with wildlife, the range of activities and wildlife experiences will vary group to group, however you will likely experience many of the following activities and locations: Kruger National Park The biodiversity of this jewel of wilderness area is spectacular. It is the ideal area for observing and studying most of the wildlife species Southern Africa has to offer. This is your chance to see the Big 5, and a wide variety of other African wildlife, in their natural habitat. Game Capture & Care The successful capture, handling and translocation of wildlife all form important parts of the wildlife veterinarian’s program. Two days are dedicated to observing, learning about and participating in actual game capture operations under the guidance of a wildlife veterinarian. (The area in which the game capture will take place will differ from group to group.) One Health Program, Clinical Instruction & Wildlife Diseases Workshop We spend a number of days with a local veterinarian learning about wildlife diseases and the diagnostics, pathology and bush laboratory techniques. We will spend one morning partaking in a One Health program – including community, livestock and wildlife. Clinical instruction includes a post mortem examination, suturing class and microscope work. We may also visit a wildlife breeding project to assist with any work required. Rhino Orphanage We visit a rhino orphanage to learn more about the orphans housed at the project. We learn from the care givers about the treatment of the rhinos and have the chance to bottle feed the calves. Veterinary Outreach We join a team of veterinary volunteers treating domestic animals in a rural settlement area. K9 Anti-Poaching Unit We spend time with a K9 anti-poaching unit. We meet and learn about the training of the dogs, before we go out on patrol with the unit. Darting lessons and Helicopter darting exercise Learn how to shoot with a dart gun, before you will have the chance to shoot a target (not an animal) from a helicopter in flight. Cheetah Sanctuary We tour a cheetah conservation project, learning about their conservation efforts and viewing cheetah and wild dogs in residence. Here we may also attend a lecture on wildlife conservation, population control and poaching. Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation Project We take a tour of a vervet monkey rehabilitation project. We learn about the species, the care given to them at the project and how they go about releasing the monkeys back in to the wild. We end the tour with a visit to the infant nursery. Reptile Orientation Africa has a wide variety of reptiles, snakes and spiders. We visit a reptile park where we have the chance to see a wide variety of reptiles and learn more about the species. Cultural Village We visit a local village where we meet the locals, tour some of their community projects, spend time with the children and experience their culture, food and traditions. Jewellery Workshop We spend the morning learning, and then making jewellery from removed snares. Not one piece of jewellery is the same and this is your chance to make something special to remember your trip by or give as a gift to a loved one. Blyde River Canyon we take a hike to the waterfall set within the nature reserve. visit the local craft markets to shop for curios. Farewell on our last night, we gather early evening to take part in our graduation ceremony and farewell dinner. Day 15 / 22: Departure We depart for Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to be in time for our flights home. *** Add an action-packed 4 day / 3 night Victoria Falls Mini-Break from AUD $1,049 *** |
Accommodation and Meals Participants will be housed in shared, single gender bunk rooms, spacious and comfortable. All required linen is provided. We maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety for both the sleeping quarters and bathroom facilities, ensuring a secure and comfortable shared environment throughout your stay.
We provide the food ingredients which the group will self-cater. We will guide the group on meal suggestions, and at times we will even do the cooking. We make certain there is always sufficient diversity of fresh food and a well stocked freezer, suitable for individual participants with specific dietary needs. 
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