| A Veterinary journey from the Eastern Cape to the Cape Peninsula 2012 |
 Come and join Brothers Safaris on a veterinary journey into the exciting world of wildlife in South Africa. This “behind the scenes” safari allows you a rare opportunity to interact with researchers, ecologists, vets and guides, whilst experiencing the conservation work undertaken by local wildlife veterinarians. You will also meet with colleagues from across the world, and share with them on a professional and social level.This itinerary incorporates “traditional” tourism activities as you journey from the malaria free game parks of the Eastern Cape, through the spectacular scenery of the Garden Route and on to Cape Town. The trip is interspersed with a variety of private veterinary visits to learn more about cheetah conservation, ostrich farming and specialised wildlife breeding programmes including the re-introduction of the extinct quagga. Not only will you have a fantastic time but your participation also means donations to the various wildlife projects, thus you are helping wildlife conservation efforts. Guided throughout by a South African Wildlife Veterinarian and various local guides, you will be given a unique and rare insight into the world of wildlife in Southern Africa. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime safari, while helping to conserve Africa’s wildlife through your participation……..
On your arrival in Port Elizabeth you will be met by a Brothers Safaris representative and transferred to the Amakhala Game Reserve to arrive at the lodge at about lunch time – approximately 40 minutes. This transfer is scheduled to depart Port Elizabeth airport at 12h30, so please ensure that your flight arrives in sufficient time to collect your baggage and meet in the arrivals terminal by 12h30. Check into your lodge and enjoy some leisure time at the lodge, followed by a late afternoon/evening game drive (depending on arrival time) on Amakhala Game Reserve in an open Land Rover in search of their wildlife – rhino (white and black), elephant, cheetah, buffalo, lion, giraffe, black wildebeest, zebra, tortoise and over 16 antelope species. Watch the sun set while enjoying drinks and snacks, before searching for elusive nocturnal animals such as lynx, porcupine and spring hare.
Leeuwenbosch Lodge, which consists of the Country House and Shearers Lodge, was built in 1908 and is set in its own lovely garden. The Country House is a large and beautiful home, which offers true country living in every sense. Both spacious and comfortable, it has four en-suite bedrooms and a newly added suite. Shearers Lodge was originally built in 1930 and used for shearing and classing wool. It has now been beautifully converted into four luxury en-suite bedrooms. All the rooms open on to a wide colonial veranda, overlooking indigenous gardens, rolling lawns and the quaintly charming Leeuwenbosch Chapel. Your overnight accommodation in Amakhala Game Reserve is at Leeuwenbosch Lodge on a full board basis (accommodation, meals, standard drinks and activities; but excluding certain premium drinks and extras). After breakfast there will be some discussions with the veterinarians on the safari, as well as a presentation on The Role of the Wildlife Vet in Southern Africa and Basic Capture and Immobilisation Techniques and Pharmacology. Enjoy lunch at the lodge.
Return to the lodge for dinner and to overnight. Your overnight accommodation in Amakhala Game Reserve is at Leeuwenbosch Lodge on a full board basis (accommodation, meals, standard drinks and activities; but excluding certain premium drinks and extras). Day 3 – Tuesday, 18 September
Today we set set off in the early morning, after tea/coffee/a light breakfast, to do some rhino work…..most likely on one of the nearby Eastern Cape Nature Reserves – maximum drive time normally one hour each way. The final venue and work to be done will be finalised nearer the time, but the most likely scenario is that rhino needing to be ear notched and micro-chipped for management reasons and to help combat poaching, will be immobilised. DNA samples will also be taken for research and an anti-poaching campaign led by the Onderstepoort DNA laboratory. On arrival final preparations are made and then the rhino will be located and darted – either from a helicopter or a vehicle, depending on the terrain, etc. When the rhino is immobilised and it is safe, guests will be allowed to leave their vehicle and join the duty veterinarian, hands on! There will be an opportunity to help monitor and treat the rhino/help with procedures. Once all is done the duty veterinarian will reverse the rhino’s immobilising drugs, and you will watch him recover. Hopefully he heads off in a direction away from us! You will take a packed lunch along today, which you will enjoy after the immobilisation procedure is complete. During lunch there will be a talk on black rhino conservation and management, and time permitting, you will enjoy a short game drive in the reserve before returning to Leeuwenbosch Lodge in the mid afternoon. This talk depends on which venue your group will be working in.
Once everyone is back at Leeuwenbosch you will head out on a short game drive to the Bushman’s River, which runs through the reserve, and enjoy a boat cruise and experience the bird life which is prevalent along the riverine area. This boat cruise is dependent on water levels of the river and the time of your return to Amakhala Game Reserve. Enjoy sundowners before returning to the lodge for dinner and to overnight. Your overnight accommodation in Amakhala Game Reserve is at Leeuwenbosch Lodge on a full board basis (accommodation, meals, standard drinks and activities; but excluding certain premium drinks and extras). Day 4 – Wednesday, 19 September Leaving the city of Port Elizabeth behind, you will make your way into some of the most exquisite country and coastline that South Africa has to offer. Travelling first into the Tsitsikamma area, this is a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and birdlife. Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water”. The region stretches from Eerste Rivier in the east to Bloukranz River in the west, and is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean. The area is covered in large tract of indigenous forest, commercial plantations and Fynbos. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea, creating spectacular waterfalls of “Coca Cola” brown water from the vegetation that they carry. At the Bloukranz River Bridge you will stop off to view the site of the world’s highest commercial bungy jump – a whooping 216 metres high! This is the ultimate thrill, but not for the fainthearted. The bridge is the highest and largest bridge in Africa; the third highest in the world and the largest single span concrete arch bridge in the world. Learn about the incredible engineering feats that went into building this amazing bridge. Walk along a spectacular and specially designed catwalk to the top of the arch from where you look out over the Gorge to the mountains and the sea in the distance. Informative local guides will introduce you to the enchantment of this special place. This is the perfect way to watch the live bungy show up close and personal and is an ideal alternative to jumping off! The bungy jump and bridge walk tour cost would be for your own expense. From the bridge it is a short hop to the rural community of The Crags. Here you will make your way to Peppermill Café at The Mill, a small centre housing a wonderful mohair shop which offers the world’s largest selection of mohair products. At approximately 13h00 we will stop for lunch at Peppermill Cafe (for your own account). Lunch over, you head to the nearby Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre. Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offers a truly unique Wildcat Experience. Guests are taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred furry felines, living in a semi-natural environment. So close you can hear them purr ….. Tenikwa Wildlife Centre has a deeply rooted respect and love for the African landscape and its animals. They are passionate about their work and would like to share this with you. Be they big, be they small, spotted, furry or feathered, the animals of Tenikwa will charm their way into your heart.
Len’s enthusiasm for his work at the centre will keep you enthralled until it is time to head 24 kms further west to your overnight accommodation in Plettenberg Bay. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac just a few steps away from the sweeping white arc of Robberg beach, Cottage Pie Guest House welcomes guests to the pride of the Garden Route – Plettenberg Bay. Renowned for the splendour of its ever changing sky and seascapes, and the unspoilt beauty of its lagoons and beach, Plettenberg Bay is a destination of distinction. The Guest House offers 8 well-appointed suites offering the luxury and comfort expected from a first class establishment, including Wi-Fi, TVs in all rooms, fridges and tea trays in all rooms. The comfort of the rooms is complimented by the secluded private garden with its sparkling pool, where one can relax under a bougainvillea shaded terrace. Breakfast is served under the thatched boma. Check in to your guesthouse and take some time to settle in and relax, or enjoy a stroll along the beach located just 100 metres from your doorstep.
Your overnight accommodation in Plettenberg Bay is at Cottage Pie Guest House on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 5 – Thursday, 20 September Enjoy an early breakfast at your guest house, before checking out at 07h30 and heading further west through the magnificent scenery of the Garden Route to Mossel Bay. From Knysna you will enter what is known as the “Lake District” of the Garden Route, as apart from the vast lagoon on which Knysna is situated, this is a captivating world of lakes, rivers and estuaries, stretching for about 38 kilometres. The area is unique in that in this short distance there are three different types of lakes all of which are common throughout the world but are not common in that they are found in such a small geographical area. At Great Brak River you will meet at The Croft Animal Hospital at 09h00 with Drs Greg & Andri Garrett to view their mixed practice facilities. You will then head out to their local wildlife farming operation with Dr Garrett to enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour of the management facilities and veterinary implications of wild life ranching in South Africa. Dr Garrett will discuss the raising of buffalo, sable and nyala, and you will learn about the passive capture techniques which they have developed on their property over the past decade. Berluda lies in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley, halfway between Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves. The Schoeman Family's footprints lie deeply imprinted on the roads of this valley, where for generations the family farmed tobacco, fruit, vegetables and ostriches. Berluda Farmhouse has been home to the Schoeman family for more than fifty years. It is a typical Klein Karoo Farmhouse, with characteristic South African antiques, wooden floors and rooms filled with love. Recently upgraded, the farmhouse provides home-from-home comforts, amidst luxurious interior and beautiful decor. Lush gardens, authentic South African farm hospitality and traditional South African cuisine, is what made Berluda famous. All the rooms are fitted with luxurious touches and have their own Jacuzzi bath en suite.
Day 6 – Friday, 21 September This morning you will have an early breakfast before checking out of your guest house and heading into the town of Oudtshoorn to meet again with Dr Adrian Oliver, who will take you on an extensive tour of the ostrich leather production facilities, as well as the ostrich feather sorting and grading facility. Ostrich leather processing at Klein Karoo has advanced tremendously since ostrich skins were first processed here in 1970. Since 1945 Klein Karoo has accumulated a wealth of knowledge about ostriches. Technological advancements and on-going research have enabled them to produce the very best exotic leather – from farm reared ostriches only. Feather production processes are managed with regard to proper feather care on each farm, feather harvesting, handling and presentation and the provision of only the best quality feathers. You will have the opportunity to visit the Klein Karoo Ostrich Boutique to purchase your selection of fashion a accessories, interior décor, gifts or curios at the most affordable price. A donation is included in the tour price towards the local community projects run under the auspices of the Klein Karoo Group. After lunch at the Klein Karoo facility, it is now time to make tracks towards the Western Cape along the famous Route 62, the world’s longest wine route, which meanders between Oudtshoorn and Cape Town. This scenic route passes through farming towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladismith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor and Worcester. From Worcester you head into the renosterveld, one of the most threatened vegetation types which make up the World Heritage Site of the Cape Floral Kingdom Check into your guest house late afternoon / evening and enjoy some leisure time before heading into dinner. Bartholomeus Klip is a romantic Victorian farmstead, situated on a large wheat and sheep farm with its own 10 000 acre private nature reserve, about one hour’s drive from Cape Town. There is a long history of hospitality at Bartholomeus Klip which shows in the friendly smiles that greet the guests on their arrival. You are welcome to make the house your own either in one of the reception rooms or on the large broad veranda that winds around the homestead. All bedrooms are en-suite, with lovely views of the surrounding countryside, with luxurious and stylish finishes and crisp cotton bedding and elegant fabrics. The food – in the French tradition but with a local flavour – is one of the highlights of a stay at Bartholomeus Klip. The dedicated chefs in the kitchen have ensured that as many as possible of the ingredients they use come from the area, such as the locally-produced salmon trout and lamb, and the menus are varied and imaginative. Your overnight accommodation at Bartholomeus Kip is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and excludes drinks. Day 7 – Saturday, 22 September Enjoy some tea / coffee and light refreshments such as muffins and fruit at the guest house before heading out onto the reserve at around 08h00 for a morning game drive. You will be accompanied by Bernard Wooding, reserve manager at Bartholomeus Klip, who will provide you with his in depth knowledge of the animals on the reserve, and in particular on the quagga breeding project taking place on the reserve.
An important milestone in the 13-year history of the Quagga Project was reached on the 29th June 2000, when the Quagga Project Association and the South African National Parks entered into a co-operation agreement. This has changed the Quagga Project from a private initiative to an officially recognised and logistically supported project. Whilst on your drive you will hopefully also encounter another important inhabitant of the reserve: the endangered geometric tortoise, one of the world’s rarest reptiles, safe here in its last remaining viable habitat. Sadly there is little chance of seeing these during October. The reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok. Many other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope, live here too, and it is known that leopards still occur in the mountains. In the old days these fierce and beautiful animals regularly used to kill sheep, up to 25 at a time, but nowadays all the sheep are kept safely on the farmlands farther away from the mountains and the leopard has to live on the smaller wild game. Return to the guest house and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast / brunch before heading out, again with Bernard Wooding, to learn about another interesting and unusual project at Bartholomeus Klip - the breeding of disease-free buffalo, which was embarked on in 1999. As most of the buffalo in Southern Africa are infected with Theielria parva and Foot and Mouth Disease, and often Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis too, ‘clean’ animals from Bartholomeus Klip are in great demand on game ranches especially as buffalo are one of the ‘Big Five’ (the others being lion, elephant, rhino and leopard) that tourists always want to see. The breeding programme has been managed along basic farming principles since the original founder herd of 20 buffalo calves were raised on dairy cows. The herd is now breeding at a sustainable rate and numbers are kept at around 60 animals, with offspring being sold to areas that need stocking. Return to the lodge to check out at latest 12h00 and head in the direction of Paarl, one of the major towns on the famous winelands route.
Fairview is a third generation, family owned wine and cheese farm, on the south-west-facing slopes of Paarl Mountain, a granite rock outcrop in the heart of the Paarl wine district of South Africa. Fairview’s most famous landmark is undoubtedly the Goat Tower, and the select few who call it home proudly represent the herd of over 750 on the farm. In the wine and cheese tasting room your hosts will guide you through a relaxed tasting of the products made right here on the farm. After a relaxing lunch you will head out on your final leg of your journey into the Mother City of South Africa – Cape Town. City Lodge V & A Waterfront is a centrally located hotel at the gateway to the vibrant and dynamic V & A Waterfront, within walking distance of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (where the World Veterinary Congress is being hosted), the CBD and the waterfront complex itself. A nautical theme runs through the hotel and a spa pool is available for guests. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned with all modern amenities. Wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel, and fax and photocopy serves are also available. Day 8 – Sunday, 23 September Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and be ready for your full day Cape Peninsula Tour at 08h15, when you will be collected from the hotel foyer and embark on a wonderful tour of this breathtakingly beautiful city. A local guide will be on hand to share the secrets of the many wonderful locations you’ll visit today.
The city of Cape Town lies in the amphitheatre formed by Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak on each side with the majestic 1134m Table Mountain behind. On a clear day the mountain can be seen from 200km out to sea. Cape Town is known as the Mother City and the Western Cape is an area which is regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The City is a rare cultural gem, resulting from the amalgamation of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Bushman and Hottentot tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north. The impressive presence of Table Mountain, flanked by the legendary Devil's Peak and historical Signal Hill, stands proudly above the city. Beautiful white sandy beaches along a peaceful coastline frame the Cape Peninsula, which is famed for its unique floral kingdom, bountiful rivers, vleis and dams and magnificent countryside. The surrounding area extends far into the winelands; green in summer and red-gold in autumn. Cape Town boasts a multitude of entertainment, ranging from outdoor activities and adventures in the sun to a roaring night life under neon signs. The vast range of shopping opportunities includes haggling with vendors at Greenmarket Square Flea Market, as well as breezing through sophisticated and stylish shopping malls. The huge variety of restaurants reflects the multicultural history of the Cape and caters for everyone's taste, from fast-food outlets and casual pavement bistros, to chic and very elegant dining options. Cape Town provides a setting for many scenic wonders, magnificent seascapes and panoramic vistas. The beautiful coastal areas of Camps Bay, Clifton, Llandudno, Bantry Bay, Hout Bay and Blouberg surround the breath-taking tranquillity of the winelands, Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. A SYNOPSIS OF YOUR DAY: The Atlantic Seaboard – drive through Sea Point – High-rise blocks of expensive apartments now dominate Sea Point, once a little seaside resort out of town, where affluent Capetonians had their holiday and weekend homes. The promenade of Sea Point is a jogger’s mile and many people meet here for a walk and talk. The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) encompasses the incredibly scenic Table Mountain Chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point You will stop along the way to enjoy lunch where you can take in the spectacular sea views while relaxing over your food (for your own expense). The Garden covers 36 hectares in a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds. Kirstenbosch lies in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – another first for Kirstenbosch, being the first botanic garden in the world to be included within a natural World Heritage Site. You will return to your hotel at around 17h00 in the afternoon, where the tour ends. Depending on the mood of the group a dinner venue can be pre-arranged on your behalf to enjoy the last evening of the tour together (for your own expense). Your overnight accommodation at City Lodge V & A Waterfront is on a bed and breakfast basis, excluding drinks. Day 9 – Monday, 24 September Guests who are not staying on in Cape Town will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Cape Town International Airport (transfer price included in the Safari). For those guests wishing to spend more time in Cape Town Brothers Safaris can arrange additional nights’ accommodation and further excursions to visit the local attractions on request.
Exclusions: Any items noted as particular exclusion in the itinerary, such as: Bungy jump or bridge walk entrance fees; No flights are included in the tour price, but can be booked by Brothers Safaris on request. Please note the following regarding the darting/immobilisation procedures: Terms and conditions for booking
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Back at the lodge you will enjoy dinner and then the wildlife veterinarian will review the programme for the safari, and prepare guests for tomorrow’s activities.
In the afternoon we will participate in an immobilisation and/or veterinary procedure relating to the management of African plains game – most likely antelope work on Amakhala Game Reserve. Details will be finalised nearer the time depending on what veterinary work needs doing at the time.
This afternoon you will meet with ostrich vet, Dr Adrian Olivier from Klein Karoo Ostrimed, and embark on an exclusive tour of one of the world’s largest ostrich enterprises, owned by Piet Schoeman, Matilda’s brother. Here you will experience the breeding birds in the field; chick rearing operations; feeding; the hatchery; flock movement; dosing and plucking and of course the beautiful unspoilt Little Karoo vegetation. 
You will stop over in Paarl to enjoy a wine tasting and lunch (for your own expense) at Fairview Wine Estate.
in the south and the seas and coastline of the peninsula. The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay on the eastern side, and has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope.