This course is intended to build on what students learnt in their first course with us and goes into more depth on some topics, while reviewing others. Several new topics are introduced too. There will also be more hands on work and practical opportunities.
The course aims to take students/veterinarians to the next level and hone some skills learnt previously, while introducing new knowledge and skills too.

The knowledge and experience gained during this course will serve course delegates well in any field of wildlife work, anywhere in the world. 

 This course is intended to build on what students learnt in their first course with us and goes into more depth on some topics, while reviewing others. Several new topics are introduced too. There will also be more hands on work and practical opportunities.

The course aims to take students/veterinarians to the next level and hone some skills learnt previously, while introducing new knowledge and skills too.

The knowledge and experience gained during this course will serve course delegates well in any field of wildlife work, anywhere in the world.

Day 1 - Sunday, 24 July 2011

Arrival day – all delegates must arrive today before 11am to facilitate transfers. Students from the same faculties should try to arrive on the same flight - arrangements to be made by delegates and advised. Students arriving later can be accommodated but transfers may then be for their own cost.

(Early arrivals/activities/travel can be facilitated by Brothers Safaris at an additional cost.)

Met by Brothers Safaris representative, and transferred to De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, just North West of Pretoria (approximately 1 hour drive).

Check in and acclimatise/relax for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon/evening there will be an overview of the course before dinner at the lodge.

Overnight at De Wildt Cheetah Lodge.

(During your stay at De Wildt, Dr Brothers might not overnight at the lodge – lodge staff live on the premises should any assistance be required at night.)

De Wildt Cheetah Lodge is situated just north west of Pretoria, in the De Wildt area. The lodge is set in lush green gardens on an adjacent property to the breeding Centre, nestled in the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountain range. This presents a landscape of open veld (bush), many indigenous trees, and a panoramic view to the north.

A renovated old farm homestead, the lodge has eight suites, each individually decorated to highlight the species that are bred at the Centre, or the environment. 

Day 2 - Monday, 25 July 2011

After breakfast at 8.00 am, we will start with some revision lectures for the day, Dr Peter Brothers (Wildlife Veterinarian):

• Capture and Immobilisation Methods
• Pharmacology and Physiology
• First Aid
• Species Specific Considerations

Enjoy lunch at 12.00 pm at the De Wildt Cheetah Lodge.

Dinner at 7.00 pm at the lodge and overnight at De Wildt Cheetah Lodge. 

Day 3 - Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Breakfast at 7.00 am is followed by lectures starting at 8.00am at De Wildt Lodge.

This morning’s lectures will be presented by Prof Mouritz van Vuuren from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Infectious Diseases, and will focus on diseases causing clinical signs in wildlife: 8.00am – 1.00pm

We enjoy lunch at the lodge at 1.00 pm.

Lunch is followed by lecture sessions, from 2.00 pm, with an afternoon tea break.

The afternoon’s lectures will be presented by Prof Henk Bertschinger (Veterinary Theriogenologist) and will focus on Theriogenology in wildlife.

Dinner at 7.00 pm and overnight at De Wildt Cheetah Lodge. 

Day 4 - Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Breakfast at 06.30 am is followed by a transfer at 7.15 am to nearby Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty.

At 8.00 am we start with a morning of pathology – theory and practical presentations – Prof Leon Prozesky (Head of Pathology) and Dr Jan Myburgh (Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology)

Lunch is at Onderstepoort at 1.00 pm.

Starting at 2.00 pm we will be lectured by Dr Gerhard Steenkamp, Veterinary Dentist. Dr Steenkamp is undoubtedly the leading Veterinary dentist with regard to African wildlife and will share this knowledge with you.

Transfer back to De Wildt Cheetah Lodge.

Dinner at 7.00 pm and overnight at De Wildt Cheetah Lodge. 

Day 5 - Thursday, 28 July 2011

Early breakfast at 7.00 am, followed by a transfer at 7.30 am to the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria – approximately 30 minutes drive – where we will spend the day.

Basic program for the day is as follows, and is subject to change on the day:

08h30 – 10h30 Veterinary hands-on procedures
10h30 – 11h00 Tea break
11h00 – 12h00 Nutrition lecture 1 – Dr Adrian Tordiffe
12h00 – 13h00 Nutrition lecture 2 – Dr Adrian Tordiffe
13h00 – 14h00 Lunch at the zoo
14h00 – 16h00 Post Mortems with Dr Emily Lane, a specialist in wildlife pathology. We will split the group in two for this and while the one group is busy with pathology the other will be taken on a zoo walk tour with Dr Tordiffe, and will discuss various animal health issues in the zoo while on the tour.

 Return to De Wildt Cheetah Lodge for dinner at 7.00 pm and to overnight.

Day 6 - Friday, 29 July 2011

After breakfast at 8.00 am we check out of the De Wildt Cheetah Lodge at 9.00 am and transfer to a private game reserve in the Northern Cape Province – approximately a 6 hour drive.

Check in and enjoy lunch and leisure time before an afternoon game drive to introduce you to the reserve and to discuss/plan the procedures starting tomorrow.

One the oldest conservation areas in southern Africa, this private Game Reserve dates back to 1893. At more than 40 000 hectares in size, the reserve is also ranked among the largest private reserves in South Africa and was declared the fourth South African Natural Heritage Site in 1985. About 65km west of Kimberley, the reserve is situated on the transition zone between the Karoo, Kalahari and grassland zones and boasts 32km of riverine habitat along the banks of the Vaal River.

Of course, biodiversity is extremely impressive with 14 species of antelope as well as zebra, giraffe and a wide variety of small mammals and reptiles on the reserve. Over 240 species of birds have also been recorded here.

The reserve’s progressive conservation philosophy clearly shows wildlife to have more than aesthetic value. Several wildlife management strategies are in place and include the capture and sale of live game in order to reintroduce species into other conservation areas. The reserve is amongst the largest private suppliers of wildlife to reserves and game farms in southern Africa. Only the latest and most effective methods in game capture are practiced – some of which have been developed on the reserve. The reserve has played a pivotal role in ensuring the survival of several species, most notably the red hartebeest and the black wildebeest which was threatened with extinction in the 1940s.

The Reserve is also one of the richest rock art sites in Southern Africa, with over 4600 rock engravings.

Your overnight accommodation will be at The Shooting Box, a magnificently beautiful historical building consisting of separate bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Dinner and overnight at the Shooting Box. 

Day 7 - Saturday, 30 July 2011

We plan to do some white rhino immobilisations this morning on another neighbouring reserve in the same area.  Depending on the final work scheduled for today, this is likely to be the typical day:

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to the neighbouring reserve, where we will set off in search of the white rhino targeted for immobilisation.

The plan is to microchip and ear notch these animals for positive identification and management reasons, and to help combat poaching, and also to blood sample them for research purposes. We might also insert a tracking device in the front horn to allow closer monitoring on the reserve.

Once located and the ground team is in position with the delegates, we will endeavour to dart the rhino from a helicopter. When the rhino is immobilised and it is safe for the ground crew to move in, we’ll get up close and personal with our patient, helping monitor vital signs, ear notch, insert micro-chips and take blood samples, while examining this magnificent beast in detail. Of course there will be time for those once in a lifetime photos too, all being well!

The total procedure from darting to recovery will take approximately one hour.

When recovering the rhino may be ill tempered and this can be a tense moment….. Hopefully he will simply stroll off into the bush under our watchful eyes.

The plan is to try immobilise two white rhino, after which we’ll enjoy a packed lunch in the reserve whilst we relax and rid ourselves of some of the adrenalin that is sure to have flooded our bodies!  After lunch we will head home to our safari camp.

Time permitting, enjoy some leisure time in camp before heading out again to enjoy a game drive in the late afternoon. 

Enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep, if you can…. 

Day 8 - Sunday, 31 July 2011

Enjoy an early morning game drive in an open game viewing vehicle with a local guide and Dr Brothers. Return to the camp late morning for brunch and some leisure time.

After high tea we again set off into the reserve to do any remaining vet work that needs doing. If there is no additional vet work needing to be done then there will be time to don your walking shoes and explore the surrounding area to view the rock art, or for the more active to take up their paddles and canoe out onto the Vaal River.

In the late afternoon we will enjoy our last game drive on the reserve, enjoying  sundowners in the bush before returning to camp to enjoy dinner and our last night here. We are sure to spend some time sitting around the fire discussing the past days’ experiences!

Day 9 - Monday, 1 August 2011

Enjoy a sleep in before breakfast at 08.00 am.  We will then check out and transfer to Mattanu Game Ranch in the Northern Cape, There may be some further talks by local conservationists/ecologists before checking out this morning.

En route to Mattanu we will endeavour to stop over at the Big Hole in Kimberley (time permitting) to allow some time to view the largest man made hole in the world.  A tour of the Big Hole and the new exhibition centre (for your own expense) is an experience which brings back to life the diamond fields of long ago.  The centre also offers a unique shopping experience where you can buy gifts, diamonds (for those who still have the funds …) and other jewellery.

Check in late morning/lunch time and enjoy lunch before some leisure time in camp.

Tonight we’ll review camp rules and our plans for the stay here with the Kriek family – father Dr Johann Kriek is a Wildlife Veterinarian and helicopter pilot, oldest son Johann is a helicopter pilot and youngest son is the marketing manager and heads up the ground crew on capture operations.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at Mattanu.

Mattanu Game Ranch is a unique Kalahari savannah Bushveld farm about 60km outside Kimberley on the Barkley-West road.  This 2300ha Game Ranch, owned by the Kriek family, started in 1991 when the owner, Dr JC Kriek, imported 95 endangered roan antelope and 65 rare sable antelope species into South-Africa from Malawi.  This is regarded as the most successful game capturing and importing operation ever.  Hence the name Mattanu meaning, gift from above. The ranch boasts over 36 species, including rare species like roan and sable antelope. Mattanu also operates a disease free buffalo breeding project.

The thatched and tented accommodation nestles between Camel thorn trees and is a combination of shared accommodation – some en-suite, some with shared bathroom facilities. The water hole at the front of the lodge attracts wildlife for their daily drinks and provides some great game viewing on your doorstep!

Day 10 - Tuesday, 2 August 2011

Early morning light breakfast/continental style breakfast before setting out for the day’s activities.

Our time spent here will involve as much practical work as possible, mostly in the mornings. Routine management procedures on the ranch as well as work for clients in the area will be undertaken, subject to suitability for our group. Typically this work will include numerous immobilisations for various reasons, and of various species, mostly antelope. Subject to progress on the course, students will be allowed to be involved hands on in monitoring and handling the patients.

Students who have been with us before/vets, subject to progress on the course, will be slightly more hands on in some aspects such as loading darts with immobilising drugs and actually fire them in some instances, depending on the situation.

Competent hands-on involvement will be expected in order to hone certain handling and monitoring skills.

Work will only be decided/finalised nearer the time and students need to be flexible in this regard since this is the nature of wildlife practice which is solely what Dr Kriek practises.

Lunch will be back at the lodge, or a packed lunch if we are out in the field.

This afternoon will be dedicated to dart gun systems and darts – a theory presentation followed by a practical session of loading darts and firing them at a target – Dr Peter Brothers.

Dinner and overnight at Mattanu. 

Day 11 - Wednesday, 3 August 2011

Early morning breakfast before setting out for the day’s veterinary work.

Lunch back at the lodge, or a packed lunch, pending the day’s work.

This afternoon Dr Kriek will lecture you on the breeding and management of rare species, based on years of personal experience. After the lecture we’ll head out onto the ranch to show you the practical aspects of the lecture.

Enjoy sundowners in the bush and return to the lodge after sunset.

Dinner and overnight at Mattanu.

Day 12 - Thursday, 4 August 2011

 Early morning breakfast before setting out for the day’s veterinary work.

Lunch back at the lodge, or a packed lunch, pending the day’s work.

This afternoon we’ll have a theoretical presentation on helicopter safety and darting by Johann Kriek Jnr, followed by a practical helicopter session darting a target with a paintball gun. This will give you an excellent idea of what is required when darting from the air! For some this will be revision/practice and for others a novel experience…..

After ridding yourself of some of the adrenalin, we’ll enjoy dinner at the lodge before another night at Mattanu. 

Day 13 - Friday, 5 August 2011

Early morning breakfast before setting out for the day’s veterinary work.

Lunch back at the lodge, or a packed lunch, pending the day’s work.

This afternoon delegates will have an opportunity to put all the theory into practice and vaccinate some of the animals on the reserve/dart animals (most probably the giraffe on the reserve which receive annual vaccinations) that need treatment, from the helicopter!

Enjoy a game drive and sundowners in the bush for the last time before returning to the lodge for dinner and to overnight. 

Day 14 - Saturday, 6 August 2011

After breakfast at 8.15 am we check out at 9.30 am and transfer back to Johannesburg International Airport in time for connecting flights home/to your next destination – approximately 6 hours drive.

Please do not book flights departing before 6.30 pm tonight.

Lunch en-route for your own expense.

*** END OF SERVICES *** 

Cost per person sharing: 

ZAR29 000-00 per delegate sharing

Single supplements apply where/when available. 

This is based on a minimum of 10 persons participating in total, and allows for a maximum of 12 participants. 

The course cost includes meals and accommodation as indicated above, all land transfers in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus, guides and lecturers as above (a wildlife veterinarian throughout and local guides where indicated), all practicals and lectures as above, all tours and activities as above, Park entry fees, VAT and Government Tourism levies. 

Not included are flights, drinks, meals as indicated for your own expense above, optional additional activities, items of a personal nature, gratuities (budget on approximately R300 over the duration of the course), travel/medical insurance (compulsory and we have details of a good policy which covers you here in SA, should you need assistance with this) and pre- and post-course activities (we have a leisure department that can assist with these activities). 

Please Note: 

1. Accreditation of this course by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) for Continuing Education/Continuing Professional Development purposes for Veterinarians is pending, and should be complete by the time the course takes place. Each formal contact hour equates to one CPD point in the SAVC system. Accreditation for 2011 pending. 
2. Due to the nature of wildlife and the situations in which we work, as well as the working conditions for people involved with wildlife, and weather conditions, it is often necessary to amend the itinerary and plans as we go along. There is also never a 100% guarantee of what work will be successfully completed, although we obviously select work and situations that have a very likely chance of being completed/successful. Ultimately course delegates will be expected to be flexible and understanding, and will also have to share duties during immobilisation and hands-on work throughout the course, in order to give everyone maximum exposure and practical experience since there will obviously not always be multiple animals at each immobilisation. Your understanding in this regard is much appreciated. 
3. Brothers Safaris does not guarantee that any one particular veterinarian, guide, ranger, lecturer will participate in a particular course, despite any reference to specific names in this itinerary.  However it does guarantee that any personnel employed for any of the above is suitably qualified and appropriately experienced to handle the veterinary work / guiding / lecturing in question.  The content of this itinerary is intended as a guideline to the content of the course, and details are subject to change. 
4. While we do have an enormous amount of fun, this is a course intended to educate you in many of the veterinary aspects related to wildlife and you should be aware that many of the days are long, and work filled. Safety of course delegates and patients is an obvious priority and delegates will be expected to co-operate with, and adhere to, instructions issued in this regard. We reserve the right to refuse access to situations if it is deemed that a student is not satisfactorily adhering to such instructions. 
5. Meals are provided as indicated and dietary requirements such as vegetarians and allergies will be catered for, as far is possible under these circumstances. We unfortunately cannot accommodate each delegate’s preferences for food which are not related to ethical/medical reasons. 
6. Very limited telephone access & internet (for email only) will be available at De Wildt and Mattanu Game Reserve. When in town/other areas, telephone access will occasionally be available. Emergency contact numbers for the lodges/reserves and  our staff are available prior to your arrival. 
7. Weather at this time of the year can be extremely variable, please come prepared. Temperatures can range from freezing to over 20 degrees Celsius, and we may encounter rain. Please use the link on our website for more information.  Temperatures in the Northern Cape can drop to minus degrees at night, so warm jackets are essential for game drives. 
8. Limited laundry facilities are available at De Wildt and Mattanu for a fee.  
9. Course delegates will be expected to sign an indemnity on arrival, as well as an adherence to course rules form. These are available for viewing prior to booking, on request. These measures are to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during the course. Delegates are expected to be courteous and tolerant to staff and fellow course delegates. 
10. A suggested packing list and general information document will be supplied to all participants on confirmation as a delegate.

Please note the following regarding the darting/immobilisation procedures:

While every endeavour is made to locate and dart the animal in question, factors such as severe weather conditions or illness involving the animal, unable to locate or approach the animal close enough due to bush conditions, failure of the animal to come to a bait, etc. which are all unpredictable, may prevent the darting from going ahead. Every effort will be made to ensure that the client participates in the darting procedure, or similar, as laid out in the itinerary, but the animal's welfare will not be compromised at any stage, and a procedure may have to be aborted and the animal revived in certain circumstances. This may shorten the procedure/down time, and hence the close up experience for the client. Brothers Safaris, its staff, and appointed agents will not be held liable for any losses incurred by a client as a result of such situations, and accept no responsibility whatsoever. Every endeavour is made to ensure the health and safety of all our clients, but any procedure with a potentially dangerous wild animal and veterinary drugs is of such a nature that certain circumstances may be beyond our control. Should any such situation arise which leads to death or injury due to any reason whatsoever, Brothers Safaris, its staff, and appointed agents, will not be held liable for any losses incurred as a direct, or indirect, result of such a situation, or our actions in such a situation.

Booking terms and conditions for Wildlife Courses

• A 30% deposit is payable at confirmation of booking (30% non-refundable once the course has reached minimum participation numbers). A space on the course will not be 100% confirmed until the payment has registered in the Brothers Safaris account.
• 70% balance payable 60 days in advance of the course date.
• Full refund (excluding deposit of 30%) for cancellation 60 days or more prior to commencement.
• 50% refund (excluding deposit of 30%) for cancellation 30 days to 60 days prior to commencement.
• Cancellation within 30 days prior to commencement subject to full forfeiture.
• Cancellation must be made in writing to the Brothers Safaris
• A fee of ZAR 500.00 per person will be charged for each amendment made after confirmation
• Without giving notice, Brothers Safaris reserves the right to use a similar camp if the intended camp is not available.
• Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice
• Payment of deposit indicates acceptance of the above terms and conditions.