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Page 1: Vets Go Wild (EMS) - College of Veterinary Medicine Go... · Vets Go Wild (EMS) Overview Vets Go ... Amakhala Game Reserve, located in the malaria free Eastern Cape, will be your

Information Pack

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

Vets Go Wild (EMS)

Page 2: Vets Go Wild (EMS) - College of Veterinary Medicine Go... · Vets Go Wild (EMS) Overview Vets Go ... Amakhala Game Reserve, located in the malaria free Eastern Cape, will be your

Overview

Vets Go Wild is a conservation based veterinary module and its objective is to conduct theoretical and practical training focused on the role of veterinary science in the context of African wildlife conservation.

The 16-day module provides a field based wildlife veterinary management programme for international veterinary students with an interest and passion for wildlife. The experience is both adventurous and educational with the main emphasis been on academic training and practical experience. *Extra Mural Study (EMS) requirements are met, so the 16-day module counts towards fulfilling these criteria.

Practical elements of the module may include game capture, translocation of game, the reintroduction of species into these reserves, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, animal husbandry at the Born Free Rescue and Education Centre, predator monitoring and much more.

Elements of the theory may include topics such as the history of conservation in Southern Africa, Wildlife habitats, environment & ecology, Wildlife management, Immobilisation anaesthetics , Diseases and vectors, Conservation medicine, Anatomy & Capture techniques.

The program also provides the students the opportunity to explore Southern Africa’s culture and to enjoy its magnificent hospitality.

Amakhala Game Reserve, located in the malaria free Eastern Cape, will be your home for the duration of your stay. Students will be accommodated on the Game Reserve in one of the Lodges. Amakhala will leave you in awe of life’s abundance, beauty and spectacular scenery. Sunlit grassy savannah plains, a mosaic of Valley Bush veldt plants inclining Aloe from which Amakhala derives its Xhosa name, the gently dappled light of the sand forest, many watering holes and the wide spellbinding Bushman’s River. This is home to a great many African mammals, birds and insects. It will humble and fascinate all the participants.

Quick Overview Country & Area: South Africa, Eastern Cape Nearest Airport: Port Elizabeth Transfer Time: 1 hour Durations: 16 Day Course Minimum Age: 18yrs

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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History of Amakhala

The Amakhala Game Reserve began in 1999 as a joint conservation venture. Today, six independently owned lodges of The Heritage Collection, are all TGCSA Star Lodge accredited. The lodges are owner managed by the descendants of the original families who arrived here with the British settlers of 1820. The lodges offer various styles of accommodation, which include two gracious colonial homesteads, two classic bush lodges, an historic inn and a Settler farmhouse. Amakhala Game Reserve is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so making a contribution to the conservation of our natural heritage. The land was used to ranch sheep and cattle up to the turn of the century. The challenge has been to re-establish the original flora and fauna species to the area and to return the land to nature. Amakhala Game Reserve has been awarded the voluntary label by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA). The FTTSA certification label is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria such as fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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Project Details

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

The objective of the Vets Go Wild courses on the programme are to conduct theoretical and practical training focusing on the role of veterinary science in the context of African wildlife conservation & utilisation. This means your animal care training will combine the disciplines of Veterinary Science, Wildlife Management and Conservation Field Training. The Vets Go Wild programme was established over 6 years ago and we are currently on our 6th year of hosting veterinary students from across the UK and further afield. The programme is facilitated by Dr William Fowlds. Our animal care courses for Veterinary Students operate at the following wildlife reserves: Amakhala Private Game Reserve Amakhala consists of 6500 hectares (15,600 acres) of wildlife reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Vet Students will enjoy this scenically beautiful area of green, wide-open plains, lined with acacia-savannah. It is home to wide variety of animals including elephants and giraffes, which you may get to treat as part of your animal care training. Addo National Elephant Park A mere 30 minutes drive from Amakhala is The Addo National Elephant Park. The 120,000 hectare (260,000 acres) conservation area is famous for its elephants but is fast becoming recognised as one of the most ecologically diverse national parks in the world. There are over 400 elephants here which our Vets Go Wild courses may tend to during your two-week experience. Bayworld Oceanarium The Vets Go Wild programme also deals with marine animal care; training students by letting them assist the South Africa vets at the Bayworld Oceanarium, located in Port Elizabeth, an hours drive from Amakhala.

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Project Details cont…

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

It is important that you please treat this as an EXAMPLE itinerary only. Due to the uncertain behaviour of wildlife, the practical arrangements relevant to the content of this course may vary. Also note that participation in veterinary wildlife “call outs” may take place at random times during the course.

Day 1 Arrivals and transfers to Amakhala Game Reserve Orientation of Camp & its facilities Africa Vet Course overview Guided game drive Opening dinner Day 2 - Amakhala Morning game walk Lectures: Basic wildlife conservation principles for Africa Vets Introduction to practical conservation management. Re-introductions and sustainable utilisation. Afternoon game drive Day 3 - Amakhala Sunrise solitaire Lectures: Relationships between animals & habitat management. An overview of the Africa Vet role in conservation. Equipment & drugs relevant to veterinary wildlife. Practical on darting and darting practise. Evening into night drive Day 4 - Amakhala & Surrounding Reserves Bush breakfast. Practical demonstration from an African vet of capture techniques used in antelope Overview of reserve management structures and principles in other conservation areas. Transfer to Camp

Day 5 - Amakhala & Surrounding Reserves Visit to the born free centre. Talk on role of the foundation in the rescue and care of African wildlife Tour around the Vets Go Wild centre and facilities. Discussion on health & welfare issues associated with captive conditions. Game Drive focused on predator management in the wild. Transfer to Camp Day 6 - Amakhala & Surrounding Reserves Game drive on Amakhala Focus on specific species & management issues. Mega herbivore and predator issues in management. Transfer to Camp Day 7 - Amakhala Game drive & practical darting procedure. Lectures: Africa veterinary pharmacology and case study examples Basic capture techniques Immobilisation practical Technology in conservation. Practical diurnal telemetry tracking on Amakhala Day 8 - Addo National Elephant Park Transfer to Addo Overview of park management and policies Different approaches of national parks compared to private game reserves. Visit to animal holding bomas and discussion Transfer to Camp

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Project Details cont…

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

Day 9 - Amakhala Early morning canoeing/river cruise on Bushmans River Lectures: Diseases relevant to African wildlife The role of parasites & disease in nature. The monitoring and control of disease Vaccination procedures for Africa vets or disease testing practical Day 10 - Amakhala Lectures: Protected area systems & economics. Alternative ways to utilize wildlife. Biodiversity issues and extinction processes. Night drive: telemetry on nocturnal species Day 11 - Marine & coastal management Transfer to Port Elizabeth Visit to Port Elizabeth Oceanarium Practical blood sampling and dissection of marine mammals Marine excursion into Algoa Bay and Addo marine reserve. Day 12 - Surrounding reserves A comparative look at different conservation models and ecosystems. Exercise in adaptive management plans for predators. Practical excursion involving procedures on challenging wildlife species

Day 13 - Amakhala Relocation and holding of animals Stress factors in handling and containment Drugs and facilities Africa vets use to reduce stress Pathology of stress related mortalities Day 14 - Amakhala & surrounds Socio-economic issues to consider in conservation of African ecosystems. Participation in Africa veterinary wildlife called outs to take place at random times during the course Day 15 - Amakhala Summary and key issue analysis Game drive on AGR for field discussion Appropriate capture techniques Drug combinations and dosages Vets Go Wild Course written examination Sundowners on Amakhala Vets Go Wild Course farewell dinner. Day 16 Breakfast Departures & transfers to Port Elizabeth

**The VETS GO WILD 16 Day module should count towards your Extra Mural Study requirements (EMS); however to be 100% certain of this please double check with your EMS facilitator. If your facilitator requires the course material for his/her reassurance we can arrange for it to be sent**

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What should I pack?

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

On arrival Vets Go Wild will provide each volunteer with the following: 1 x short sleeve shirt, 1 x fleece with no sleeves 1 x Vets go Wild cap Protective capture overalls will be issued for certain activities but are not part of the provided attire. Recommended Kit List •2 Short sleeve shirts •3 Long work trousers / Shorts (Or work trousers with zip-off longs) •T shirts •Hiking Boots •Flip flops for around the lodge •Sweat shirt/Fleece (winter months pack plenty) •Padded parka jacket/windbreaker - warm •Daypack •Long Socks / trainer socks •Scarf and gloves •Warm Hat or beanie •Gloves for working and warmth in winter •Changes of casual clothes for evenings •Underwear •Trainers/running shoes •Bath x Beach Towels •Bathing costume

Other useful items •Good torch (this is a must bring. Head torches work well) •Water bottle •Camera •Spare batteries •Binoculars •Sunglasses (to keep the dust out of your eyes as well as the sun!) •Personal medical goodies •Hairdryer •Cards/ CD’s •Spare memory cards for your pictures •Sunscreen (even when it is cold you can burn!) •Mammal/bird book (although there is a copy out there for your reference) •Notebook and pen •Stopwatch •Stethoscope •Thermometer

Please use the below recommended clothing list as a guide as you prepare for your experience. All items on this list are not essential and the list is only a suggestion. Please bear in mind season of travel when packing – You will get very cold while out on activities early morning and late afternoon. Most days should be sunny and mild but the weather can be unpredictable.

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Lifestyle Information

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

Accommodation: Vets Go Wild Students are accommodated in one of the Lodges situated in one of the protected areas that make up Amakhala Game Reserve. The camps are traditional lodges, which boasts comfortable rooms, en-suite shower facilities, a private swimming pool, and separate dining and bar areas. The lodges consists of separate units set into the surrounding vegetation: Social area - lounge & bar, balcony looking over the protected area, outdoor barbeque facilities, fireside area. Accommodation units sleeping up to six with en-suite bath or shower, toilet and basin. Dining and kitchen unit. Swimming pool area. Office and lecture facility for the Vets Go Wild animal care training, which backs onto one of the accommodation units. Food: Three basic meals per day are provided for you. Most meals will be enjoyed at the lodge but packed meals will accompany you when activities take you away from the lodge around meal times. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements are catered for, but must be specifically requested before arrival so that supplies can be arranged. Please make sure the Worldwide team are made aware of any such requirements. The meals will be prepared by the lodge chef. A typical menu includes: Breakfast, assorted cereals, yoghurt, fruit salad and toast. Lunch: Soup, open sandwich/burgers/rolls, salads & bread or a packed lunch if out of camp. Dinner: Example of main course is barbeque or lasagne or casserole served with jacket potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad and dessert. Soft drinks and bottled mineral water are available to purchase through an honesty bar system. Alcoholic beverages are available at the bar during social hours only. Drinking water via a water fountain will be available free of charge throughout the day. Laundry: A laundry service will be provided for basic clothing every 4th day at a small fee. Please note that the laundry is done by washing machine therefore treasured and expensive clothes go into the wash at your own risk. It is advised that students bring enough clothing for at least a 4 day rotation. Make provision to do your own hand washing please for delicate clothing. Health and Safety: Your Co-ordinator is qualified in First Aid. First Aid kits are available. Local doctors and hospitals are available in Port Elizabeth, a 1-hour drive away. We advise that you take responsibility for your actions to avoid any serious injuries. Tetanus injections are highly recommended. Please consult your GP for advice on immunisation requirements. Amakhala is a Malaria Free area.

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Communication

Communication An internet link is available at the lodge for the purposes of e-mailing only. The use of this service is free and time slots can be arranged during the course. Connections speeds are currently GPRS governed. The lodge and surrounding area has good mobile network coverage.(Vodacom, MTN & Cell-C) Telephone – There is a phone available in accommodation to receive calls only. For emergencies a land line can be accessed away from the lodge. Students will be responsible for general upkeep & tidiness of the camp for e.g. Litter, making of beds, replacing furniture that is moved out of place. Most of the washing up after meals will be done by lodge staff but your co-operation to ease the facilitation of this service is required. Linen provided consists of sheets, pillows a duvet and extra blanket. It should not be necessary to bring a sleeping bag unless you think you need more cover. Linen will be changed during the mid course period. During your time on the Vets Go Wild Course your nearest town will be Paterson. The farming community of Paterson saw a clash of domestic and wild animal hunting interests, which caused the eradication of ‘problem animals’. Substantial parts of the area since have become sanctuaries for wildlife and nature-based conservation. The last 200 years have seen dramatic changes in the farming and conservation around Paterson, with several farms diversifying into game reserves. The local community is actively involved in the running of these game reserves, retraining from farmers and labourers into maintenance and service workers. Paterson has since become a busy town offering a Café, coffee and cheese shop, fuel stations, Take-away, 2 mini-supermarkets, a post office and the popular Sandflats Public House. Shops available in Paterson: Café, Coffee and Dutch cheese shop, Take-away, Trio mini-supermarket, Post office and a garage. The nearest towns to Sandflats (Paterson) are Grahamstown (50 minutes drive) and Port Elizabeth (50-70 minutes drive).

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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General Information

Health and Safety First aid is available on site and at the reserve. Doctors in Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth. Dentists and private hospitals in Port Elizabeth. A tetanus vaccination before you fly out is recommended. No other vaccinations are needed. Amakhala is in a malaria free area (the whole of the Eastern Cape is malaria free). Students will be required to sign an Indemnity form for reserve insurance Please ensure insurance covers for transportation to and from Port Elizabeth should you need to visit a hospital. You will need to pay cash to any doctor or hospital in the area, should you need to make use of their services. Your receipt should be kept so that you can claim back from your insurance company upon arriving back home. • For your own safety, no one should walk alone after dark outside the premises. • (Please do not wonder off into the Paterson Township). • Aids is a reality in South Africa, be aware! The accommodation is your responsibility so please keep it tidy • Dress code: tidy appearance at all times, preferably neutral bush colours • Please respect the property of Amakhala game reserve, you may be held responsible for damages • Do not let hangovers hamper your experience • The use of narcotics is strictly forbidden • No smoking inside the accommodation

A student, deemed not to be acting in the spirit of the programme, could, after suitable warnings and counselling, be withdrawn from the programme and returned home. No refunds will be issued and any additional expenses incurred will be for the volunteers account.

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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General Information cont….

BEHAVIOUR: Students are to behave in a manner that is not offensive to staff, guests, visitors or fellow students. Behaviour must be conducive to teamwork and cooperation.

DRESS: Students’ dress must be appropriate and clean.

JEWELERY: Simple basic jewellery is acceptable. Visible body piercing, other than ears, is not acceptable, as it can be offensive to certain cultures.

DRUGS: The possession or use of narcotics and other recreational drugs is against the law. Students suspected of breaking this rule could be withdrawn from the programme and sent home. If you are on prescribed drugs, have a note and script from your doctor.

ALCOHOL: Alcohol use must be sensible and not during working hours. Age for buying alcohol is 18.

USE OF VEHICLES AND OTHER ASSETS

Students, when authorised to use vehicles and assets, must do so with care as to protect themselves, others and the asset.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Some areas in South Africa have a high crime rate and should be avoided, if in doubt please ask the advice of your Mentor Ranger. The incident AIDS and H.I.V is high in Africa, thus every precaution must be taken.

DISCIPLARY PROCEDURE

A Student, deemed not to be adhering to this Code of Conduct or to the spirit of the programme, could, after suitable warnings and counseling, be withdrawn from the programme and returned home. No refunds will be issued and any additional expenses incurred will be for the student’s account. All disciplinary issues must be brought to the attention of Worldwide Experience.

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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Country Information

South Africa is probably one of the most diverse countries. Very seldom do you find a country with as much adventure and beautiful scenery as South Africa.

Location: Southern tip of the African continent.

Size: 1,219,912 sq. km. The size of Holland, Belgium, Italy, France and West Germany put together.

Boundaries: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Landscape: Lowest point: Atlantic ocean 0m, Highest point: Njesuthi 3 408m

South Africa consists of a wide variety of altitudes. It is this variety that helps to create the great diversity of animals and plants.

Climate: The South African weather varies from one area to another. The Cape Province has its rainy season during the winter months while Kwazulu Natal has its rain season during the summer months. Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North Western province all have summer rainfalls with very hot conditions during the day. The Garden route consists out of a fairly sub-tropical climate all year round.

Natural resources: South Africa is the world’s largest producer of gold and diamonds. South Africa also produces a large number of coal, platinum, salt, natural gasses, iron and nickel.

Capital: Pretoria

Provinces: Nine provinces. Gauteng, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free state, Kwazulu Natal, Mppumalanga, Limpopo and North Western Province.

Ethnic groups: Black 75.2%, White 13.6%, Coloured 8.6%

Languages: 11official languages.

HIV & AIDS in South Africa: This disease is affecting many lives all over the world and is a big problem in Africa especially, so we wanted to offer you the chance to read more about HIV and AIDs before you travel. To read about how it is affecting Africa please visit the following website:

http://www.avert.org/aidssouthafrica.htm

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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Country information cont…..

Please Note

• Summer months in South Africa: November – April (ticks are rife during the summer).

• Winter months: May – October (morning and evenings are cold).

• Reserves do a great deal of community work at under privileged schools, thus any old clothes, stationery etc would be well appreciated by these children. Any donations made should be discussed with the operations manager as a proper handover can be organised with the students.

• Currency in South Africa is South African Rand (ZAR) We recommend you take some cash for purchases. Thomas Cook provides a new charge card which acts like a debit card and is accepted widely.

• Full UK driving is required when hiring or driving vehicles. Minimum age 21 to hire vehicles.

• Voltage 220v, plugs round three-pin plug – International adaptors required.

• All passengers travelling to South Africa need to have at least two completely clear pages in their passports for use by immigration upon arrival and if travelling to any other countries within Southern Africa further blank pages may be required. Passports must be valid for 6 months after the anticipated return date back to the UK.

• Depending on your nationality, and the purpose and duration of your visit, you may not need a visa to visit South Africa. British Passport holders can stay in South Africa up to 90 days without applying for a visa. Its is the responsibility of the traveller to obtain any necessary visas.

• Age limit for buying alcohol is 18 years

Immunisation: Polio & Tetanus are highly recommended. Please consult your GP for advice on immunisation requirements.

Amakhala is in a malaria free area.

In the unfortunate event of any emergency medical attention during your experience, doctors and hospitals in South Africa will require immediate payment. Although you are covered by your insurance it is recommended that you take a Credit Card or cash equivalent of £200 in local currency to cover any unforeseen eventualities, which can be reclaimed from your insurance company, upon your return.

For further information please visit www.southafrica.net

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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FAQ’s

GENERAL FAQ’s How do I book a placement? If you have decided that you would like to take the next step and book a Worldwide Experience, it couldn’t be easier, you can complete an online application, call us or email [email protected] What kind of support do I get in the UK? The Worldwide Team UK are with you every step of the way. From providing detailed information on your selected placement, right through to offering help and advice on sponsorships and fundraising. We also supply contact details of all your fellow volunteers so you can get in touch before your Worldwide Experience begins. What kind of support do I get in the selected country All of our placements have been carefully selected to meet our exacting criteria. In your country of choice we have dedicated coordinators for each placement, who are there to guide you through everything and to help with any issues that may occur. There is also a 24 hour contact number for friends and family calling from the UK. Will we need a visa when entering South Africa? If you have a British passport (or almost any EU passport) you will not have to pay for an entry visa to South Africa (except French passport holders). You are entitled to 3 months in South Africa, however should you wish to stay longer your visa can be extended and your placement coordinator will assist in taking you to the Department of Home Affairs. The Department will charge you a minimal fee for this extension. We advise you check your visa requirements well in advance. What are the dangers of malaria and other diseases? Certain parts of South Africa fall within malaria areas. Apart from malaria there are no other diseases one need worry about. Yellow fever is certainly not a problem in South Africa. Tap water can be drunk in South Africa; however it is advisable to consult with the coordinator at your selected reserve before doing so. For further information relating to health issues please visit: http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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FAQ’s cont….

Can I raise funds towards my placement? In the past we have had several students raise funds towards their Worldwide Experience. Because a large portion of the funds you generate goes back into conservation it allows to you capitalize on this opportunity. Fundraising projects past students have carried out include sponsored runs and swims, letters to companies and charities as well as general work. The best of these ideas can be viewed on the website under “Rates”. Feel free to discuss the opportunities with our consultants any time. There is a lot of money to be earned out there! What does my voluntary work contribution go towards? Worldwide Experience requests a significant financial contribution towards all requested placements. All funds generated contribute to the smooth running of the program, a certain portion is contributed to the Born Free Foundation and the Wilderness Trust and the funds also contribute to the on going projects related to our conservation efforts. Many organizations tend to step in to assist with a project and then simply disappear. This is not the case with Worldwide Experience. We realize that conservation needs man’s on going support, which can only be achieved through the generation of this contribution and via the support of the self-funding volunteer. To discuss any aspect of voluntary work contributions and/or our policies on the projects we support please do not hesitate to contact one of our directors. How will we travel in South Africa? We have a representative at each destination who will meet you from your flight and transfer you to your placement. For all our African placements, we are able to organise your international flights from the UK. It is also possible to extend your stay to accommodate any independent travel plans you may have. You will be collected from the airport in a microbus (7 seater) and transferred to your assigned conservation placement. There you will be transported around in either open pick-ups (open trucks/bakkies) or in open 4x4 Land Rovers. Certain placements offer horse riding as a mode of transport when patrolling and monitoring the bush/veld. What languages will we need to speak? There are 11 official languages spoken in Southern Africa. However, English is preferred as a common language because it is seen as neutral and prevents the favouring of any one particular dialect. It is advisable to have a basic understanding of the English language should you come from a foreign speaking country.

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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Bookings & Enquiries

Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0) 1483 860 560 Fax: +44 (0) 1483 860391 Website: www.worldwideexperience.com To be eligible for this project you need to be studying Veterinary Science and have a keen interest for conservation. Please note: Courses will only go ahead if a minimum number of 12 students are booked on each course date. Inclusions: Accommodation Meals Transfers from Port Elizabeth Airport to Amakhala Game Reserve (Transfers leave the Airport at 2pm) All fieldwork, lectures and visits to surrounding areas. Excludes: Flights and any other means of transportation not mentioned. Free Laundry Bonding - Worldwide Experience is a fully bonded tour operator and all volunteers booked to travel with us have protection by bonding, as required by ABTA and ATOL (through the civil aviation authority). We are also a fully licensed IATA agent, which allows us to organize all of your air travel requirements directly from our office. Please ask us for a quote. • A£200.00 per person deposit is required to confirm placement (Full payment if under 8 weeks prior to

departure) • Your Placement will then be confirmed to you in writing by Worldwide Experience • Take your time to do fund raising, sponsorship or work to raise money to fund your placement • A 50% installment is due 4 months before departure. • Full Balance is due 2 months prior to departure (10 weeks prior a reminder balance invoice is sent) • Volunteer Profile, Travel Plan, Air tickets and Preparation Pack sent to you. • ARRIVE at AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE for your VETS GO WILD EXPERIENCE!!

Worldwide Experience The Oak Suite Guardian House Borough Road Godalming Surrey GU7 2AE

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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Arrival Details

On arrival at Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport or Cape Town International Airport (these are your first points of entry into South Africa) you will have to clear immigrations and collect your baggage, once you have cleared customs formalities proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward domestic flight, the domestic terminal is clearly marked and within walking distance. We recommend a minimum of 90 minutes connecting time from your international flight. On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, having collected your baggage please proceed to the information desk in arrivals, a Vet Go Wild Representative will be awaiting your arrival and they will then transfer you to Amakhala Game Reserve’s Base Camp - your new home over the coming 16 days. Introduction to your coordinators During your stay, dedicated facilitators will look after you. They are there to organise and supervise all conservation projects undertaken, as well as looking after your well being and any personal issues that may occur during your stay. The facilitator team is headed by DR William Fowlds supported by other dedicated field guides, a food and beverage manager and lodge staff. DR. William Fowlds, co owner and resident vet of Amakhala Game Reserve I spent 5 years in small animal practice in the UK after graduating. This included 3 years of multiple practice management for a large veterinary group as well as 12 months experience in a predominantly exotic practice. My passion for veterinary wildlife was triggered by my involvement in organizing a two week travelling symposium for 72 veterinary students from 15 countries during my 3rd year of vet school. Since returning to Amakhala in 2002, I have focused almost exclusively on wildlife. I am involved in all aspects of wildlife conservation as a co-owner of a unique conservation area as well as private practitioner and consultant to game ranchers and reserves in the Eastern and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa. Approximately 4 weeks before you are due to arrive, we will send you a Travel Plan and Profile with all contact details on for Amakhala Game Reserve and the coordinators.

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]

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Flight Delays

If the incredibly rare situation arises whereby you miss your connecting flight, perhaps due to the delay or cancellation of your previous flight, you may have to stay overnight at Johannesburg or Cape Town airport. Therefore, we have collated a list of hotels around the airports where you should be able to stay if this situation was to occur.

Africa Centre Airport Leisure Hotel: Johannesburg Contact details: Zanete/George – (011) 894 4857 There is a free shuttle service from and to the airport, as the hotel is about 5 minutes away. Emerald Guest House: Johannesburg Contact details: Nico Geldenhuys – (011) 394 1148 There is a free shuttle service from and to the airport, the hotel is next to the airport. Road Lodge Hotel: Cape Town Contact details: 0) 21 934-7303 The hotel is located within the airport precinct. The Worldwide Experience team in South Africa and the UK are here to help you with any issues as much as we possibly can and would ask that you let one of us know if there is any delays with your travel.

www.worldwideexperience.com Tel: +44 (0) 1483 860560 [email protected]