Description

The big prize on most safaris is seeing the big five: rhinos, elephants, leopard, lions and buffalo. But on this safari, the bigger prize is seeing that they thrive for years to come. The mission is simple: enter the wilds of South Africa to study animals and creatures you won't find anywhere else. Assist with efforts to conserve and protect their natural habitats and increase their populations. Zebras, giraffes, impalas - they need your help to hold back the destructive forces of development, poaching and hunting. Live at the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary and work alongside conservationists and veterinarians as they strive to rescue, rehabilitate and re-introduce injured species into the wild. This is no zoo. There are no cages. This is Africa. Wild. Up close. Dramatic. Incredible.

Day 1-6
Escape the frenzy of the Joburg airport and make a beeline to the Drakensberg Mountains. Yosemite is nice. Mt. Rainier is cool. But there's nothing quite like the majestic Drakensberg. A mountain wilderness dubbed the "Barrier of Spears" by the Zulu and "Dragon Mountains" by hikers like you. Push yourself to go higher and farther on one incredible hike after another. Take the trail up to Tugela Falls, South Africa's highest, then saddle up and ride horseback across its grassy valleys and crystal blue pools. We take a day trip to visit Lesotho, a land-locked, frozen-in-time country that is completely surrounded by South Africa. There we also wander through ancient mountain cliffs in the rugged highlands and encounter warm, welcoming people in the "Kingdom of the Sky."

Day 7-9
Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, the Kruger is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. With nearly 5 million acres of unrivalled biodiversity, it's the perfect place to continue our wildlife observations and studies. On game drives through the park, our knowledgeable naturalist guide knows the best spots to find awe-inspiring creatures including elephant, white rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, also known as the "Big Five." In the evenings, enjoy a traditional African barbeque or "braii" as we discuss the sightings from the day and listen to the sounds of the African bush all around us. It's one thing to explore the biology, behavior, natural history, and ecology of South African Wildlife in classes or group discussions. It's another to do it in their natural habitats.

Day 10-15
Settle into the rustic and protected Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary. Enkosini is derived from the Zulu word meaning "place of kings." The sanctuary rehabilitates plains game species and other wild animals that have been rescued, orphaned or injured. The reserve is home to thousands of wild animals including amazing bird, reptile and small mammal life. Much of the large African game in the area has been poached in the last 50 years, which is why they need our help more than ever to reintroduce native species to the area. Early discussions focus on the many species that live within the sanctuary and threats to their survival. Learn wildlife survey techniques used by researchers to track density, distribution and behavior of animals in the field. Find out how to identify an animal by its tracks, spoors and "leave behinds". Spend time exploring the reserve, tracking remaining giraffe, zebras, wildebeest and waterbuck through their natural habitat. At night we gather around our campfire and listen to the haunting calls of a resident jackals patrolling their territory.

Day 16-22
People from all over the world flock to South Africa in search of the Big 5 -- lions, black rhinos, cape buffalo, African elephants and elusive leopards. Hint, they're all hanging out near the Siyafunda Research Centre, locate within the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. Siyafunda means "we are learning" in Afrikaans. A fitting description as we dive right into hands-on encounters with game animals, collect data for ongoing conservation research and experience firsthand how a game reserve functions. Go on daily game drives. Take wildlife surveys. And reintroduce animals into the world.

Day 23-25
Explore Africa's landscape and natural history with an inflatable kayaking trip through Blyde River Canyon. It's the greenest and third deepest canyon in the world, and the site where the prehistoric Gondwanaland super-continent tore apart, creating Africa and Asia. The Blyde is one of Africa's natural wonders. It boasts breathtaking scenery and is home to mountain reedbuck, hippo, kudu, blue wildebeest and zebra. We set down for the night at Mac-Mac, near the Mac-Mac Falls on the Panorama Loop. Scottish miners may have panned for gold in this region. But the real treasure is the scenic falls themselves. Marvel at the rainbows streaking across the white water. Visit a local mining town. Then head into the trees and take a zip line tour. Mac Mac is a cherry on top of a life-changing odyssey that will stay with you long after your last goodbye.

Highlights

* Study and assist with wildlife conservation and rehabilitation
* See lions, elephants, zebras, rhinos and hippos in their natural habitats
* Explore Kruger National Park
* Live at the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary
* Go on a game drive and help collect data
* Take a wilderness adventure and kayak in Blyde River Canyon

Travel Types

• Camping
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Kayaking (River)
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Volunteering

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Call for details

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Year Founded

1993