Wildlife Veterinary Courses
We would like to invite you to join and make this unique experience with us.
European Wildlife Vets and Maia Wildlife have joined forces to offer an exceptional opportunity for aspiring wildlife veterinarians. They are organizing wildlife veterinary courses at the picturesque Tendeni Private Lodge, nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Dinokeng Game Reserve in South Africa.
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These courses provide a unique hands-on learning experience, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into the field of wildlife veterinary medicine. Under the guidance of experienced wildlife veterinarians, attendees will have the chance to observe and assist in various aspects of wildlife health and management.
Participants will delve into topics such as wildlife immobilization, disease management, surgical interventions, and conservation strategies. They will also get a chance to learn about the specific challenges faced by wildlife in the African ecosystem.
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The Tendeni Private Lodge serves as an idyllic backdrop for these courses, offering a stunning natural setting where students can immerse themselves in the wonders of the African wilderness. Through practical training sessions and engaging lectures, participants will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to wildlife conservation efforts.
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By attending these wildlife veterinary courses, participants will not only expand their expertise but also make valuable connections with like-minded individuals and experts in the field. It is an incredible opportunity to embark on a rewarding journey towards becoming a proficient wildlife veterinarian while exploring the captivating beauty of South Africa's wildlife-rich landscapes.
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One unique experience adapted and thanked for you.
Where are we staying ?
Our meeting point will always be at the O. R. Tambo International Airport , Johannesburg, South Africa.
We're one official transport company car will be waiting for you.
From there you will have around one hour drive to the Dinokeng Game Reserve, were your guide will be expecting you.
DGR is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the province of Gauteng in a malaria free area. There the "Big Five"(lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) roam free in the approximately 21.000 hectares of the reserve. The DGR is an exclusively conservation reserve, were they developed the concept that eco-tourism could become the source for uplifting the rural communities through sustainable employment. Dinokeng is the language of the baTswana and baPedi people, translated means "a rivers place"and the reserve is named for the many rivers that flow through it on their way to joining the Limpopo and Orange rivers.
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You will be accommodated in one of the newest lodges of Dinokeng, the 4* Tendeni Private Lodge, that offers our guests open-plan accommodations, each one furnished with king-size or double single beds and a ceiling fan, all units with inside bathroom fitted with toilet, shower and bath. The lodge also offers a communal lapa with a lounge, kitchen, dining area and bar, as well as an outdoor braai area and swimming pool. You can find more information about Tendeni in our "Partners" page.
Tendeni Private Lodge
Traveling to South Africa :
Money and tipping :
The local currency is South African Rand (ZAR). 100R are approximately 5.50CHF/5€/4.50£/5.50$ (2020). It is advisable to exchange money into local currency, either at the airport or in your country ahead of the event.
There is no expectation of tipping at the event or activities, of course, local people will be happy if you do it. The guideline is voluntary tipping of 10% on service fee/food/beverages.
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Voltage :
In South Africa the power plugs and sockets are of type N. Check out the following picture.
The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in South Africa, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in South Africa. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.
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Insurances :
All participants are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurances in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to participants falling ill or having to cancel their trip in South Africa.
Dress Code :
The entire event is very casual. Just one little reminder about colours, it is important the using of earth colours (greens, browns and khakis), specially for the game drives and bush walks.
Bush walks are walking safaris and we are invading the territory of the animals and possibly predators. For your safety and the safety of your group, you will be expected to dress in neutral tones (earth colours), so white, bright colours or busy patterns are not appropriate.
Dark colours, like blacks and dark blues are thought to attract flies and mosquitos. Red is also not a very good idea, predators identify red with wounded animals.
The weather in South Africa is nothing like one would expect, most people think that this part of the world is constantly warm, if not unbearably hot. Nothing could be more farther from reality. During the early morning and evening safaris a warm jumper, cardigan or coat is highly advised as it can get quite cold on the open plan jeeps.
Wear a hat/cap, anyone who’s spent time in the African sun can attest to the power of the rays, and wearing a hat/cap for safari is the first line of defence from sun damage.
Very confortable shoes at all time is a must, specially for the bush walks is recommended high trekking shoes.
What you can expect ?
Full days of fun, emotions, adventures, wildlife, knowledge gathering and cultural interaction.
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Our days will start at 5h for a little coffee/tee before we move on at 5.30h with our first safari of the day, that will take around 3h. At around 9.30h we will return to the lodge for our breakfast around 10 o'clock.
At 10.30h we will start our theoretical or practical lessons or accordingly with the planning, we will leave to our activity, that can be outside the Dinokeng Game Reserve (all planed activities are at the maximum around 2h drive from Dinokeng).
Lunch will be held on the lodge or on the place of the activity around 13 o'clock.
Around 16h, back at the lodge, we start our second safari of the day. Again around 3h of great adventure trying to spot the most incredible animals and specially the "Big Five".
Around 20h we will enjoy our dinner, with delicious African specialties.
Afterwards we can relax and have fun at the lodge bar.
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Attention: All times and structure of the day planning can be adjusted accordingly with the activities we are doing, weather, etc.
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Be prepared for great fun in a truly South African Experience.
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Prices :
The prices of your Wildlife Veterinary Courses are €2500.
The event fees include: lectures, airport transfers, accommodation, all meals & drinks and sunrise/sunset safaris from Sunday to Saturday. The event fees do not include: flights, optional activities and personal insurances.
The inscriptions will be validate just after the payment of 30% of the event fee (non-refundable). The participant agrees to pay the full payment until 60 days prior of the event. If the inscription will be made 60 days or less from the begging of the event , the full fee should be payed for inscribing. The Maia Wildlife have the right to cancel all inscriptions, when the payments did not follow the conditions here described.
We have a limited number of inscriptions, early reservations are advised.
Don't forget to pack :
Adaptor for South African wall plugs, if needed; sun cream; insects spray; hat/cap; sunglasses; swimming suit; pool towel; binoculars; photo camera; basic medication;
And the most important, an open mind and lots of fun.
Optional activities :
Rory Hensman, Conservation and Research Unit (Adventures with Elephants)
- R600 + transfers costs
As numbers of elephants have decreased by some 350% in the last 70 years and by 110 000 elephants in the last ten years (Great Elephant Census) due to poaching and habitat loss, we are honored to have saved a few. We are even more thrilled to be able to connect you with Elephants through our unique interactions, so that you might see them for what they are, and therefore think a little bit more about their future, and indeed many other species, in an ever changing and modernizing Africa.
Head out with the herd after the interaction to spend a little more time getting to know them a lot better! Here you’ll see the wild side of the elephants as they free-range feed, frolic, drink, dustbathe and enjoy the 300-hectare wildlife reserve they call home!
Cullinan Diamonds Mine Tour - R600 + transfers costs
Since the discovery of diamond pipes in the world, it was established that Cullinan Diamond pipe is the oldest diamond pipe in the world. In 1905 only 9m from surface the world’s biggest diamond the Cullinan 3l06ct was found.
KEVIN RICHARDSON - R350 + transfers costs
Kevin Richardson’s unique relationship with some of Africa’s apex predators have opened many doors and captivated the imagination of many people throughout the world. He has presented and produced several documentaries that detail his relationships with the animals and highlight the plight of lions both in captivity and in the wild.
The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a self-sustaining African carnivore sanctuary for the purposes of wild species preservation through education, awareness and funding, especially pertaining to the rapid decline of large carnivores in Africa due to habitat loss, human-predator conflict, the illegal bush meat trade, unscrupulous hunting, disease and their illegal trade.
Wildlife Tracking, Cheetah Monitoring - R600
The South African Cheetah population is classified as Endangered and is comprised of a population of approximately 550 individuals. Over the last 30 years the Cheetah population has declined by a massive 30% – largely driven by habitat loss and fragmentation due to burgeoning human populations, persecution of Cheetah by livestock farmers and communities as they are deemed “problem causing” animals, and the hunting of Cheetah for the lucrative fur trade industry.
Cheetah monitoring and tracking involves the use of telemetry tracking equipment and hand-held GPS devices. It is also essential to produce Cheetah identification kits and set up and check camera traps. This allows our monitors and volunteers to collect valuable data to inform and enhance management objectives on the reserves.
Meet our speakers:
Click on the picture for more information about visa-free countries for travelling into South Africa.
Click on the picture for more information travelling with children to South Africa
For all specific informations about the courses, please, contact directly European Wildlife Vets at: ewvets@gmail.com
We are very happy to share this experience with you.