Veterinary Study Tour to South Africa May 2017

Cheetah mother and baby Veterinary Study Tour to South Africa 11 - 22 May 2017 “The whole trip has been wonderful and has been superb as a veterinar...
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Cheetah mother and baby

Veterinary Study Tour to South Africa 11 - 22 May 2017

“The whole trip has been wonderful and has been superb as a veterinary studies tour. I particularly enjoyed Pretoria Veterinary School and the Drakenstein Veterinary Clinic and the Penguin Rescue Place, but Elephant Whispers brought tears to my eyes. Fantastic!” John Pumpa, Veterinary Study Tour to South Africa, May, 2016

Elephants in Kruger

Animal life is something that South Africa has in abundance. With a plethora of animal species large and small, wild and domestic, South Africa is a must-see destination for anyone who has a passion for animals and their welfare. It is not only the animals of safari country that thrive here, but also domestic animals and horses, which South Africans are passionate about. Starting in Pretoria, travel into the safari country of Kruger National Park and the Mpumalanga region and end in the cosmopolitan harbour city of Cape Town. Led by Dr Pieter Smit, a veterinarian in South Africa and also acting MD of the South African Veterinary Association, your journey is punctuated with regular professional visits and talks and provides real insight into veterinary science and practice in South Africa and the challenges that vets face in treating both wild and domestic animals.

learn about the education of vets. In the early afternoon, there will be a tour of a dairy farm located just outside the city. The following day depart Pretoria and head into safari country and Timbavati Safari Lodge. In the early evening set out for a sunset drive through the Lodge’s private reserve. Return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy your surroundings with a drink in the outside bar. Rise before sunrise the next day for a full day’s game drive in Kruger National Park in open safari vehicles. It isn’t unusual to spot the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) in a single day along with a fascinating range

Arrive in Johannesburg and drive to Pretoria, taking in the sights of South Africa’s capital city en route. Arriving at your hotel in the early afternoon, you will have time to relax before dinner in the evening. The next morning set off for Pretoria Veterinary School, where you will meet with staff and Union Building, Pretoria

The next day visit Elephant Whispers, an elephant sanctuary dedicated to securing the future of African Elephants. Learn about the lives of the elephants, meet the handlers and get up close and personal with these giant beasts. In the afternoon your time is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or take an optional afternoon safari into Kruger National Park.

Examining a cheetah. Photo courtesy of John Pumpa

of mammal, bird and reptile species. Stop for a bush lunch during the day. Game drives are conducted with qualified rangers and Shangaan trackers, who share their intimate knowledge of the bush. In the late afternoon transfer to the Lodge and in the evening enjoy a traditional Boma dinner under the stars.

The next day fly to Cape Town, the glamorous face of South Africa. Dominated by Table Mountain, it boasts one of the most stunning natural settings in the world. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. The next day enjoy the myriad attractions offered by Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. Start the day with a cable car ride up Table Mountain for spectacular views. On your descent take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay. Continue onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the very tip of Africa, where the

The next day visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Unit and visit their breeding and research station to see endangered species, including cheetahs and African wild dogs. In the afternoon continue to Moholoholo Rehab Centre for an afternoon of volunteering, sharing and learning from the local staff about the work they do. Make sure your camera batteries are charged for a day touring some of the most spectacular scenery on offer in South Africa as you drive to Hazyview via the Panorama Route. The mountainous escarpment of Mpumalanga provides stunning views of the Lowveld and your full day tour includes sights such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, with its extraordinary rock formations, the Blyde River Canyon, the famous Three Rondavels and the historic gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest. You will end the tour at your hotel, Hippo Hollow, which sits on the banks of a river inhabited by hippos. In the evening there will be a talk by Peter Buss followed by dinner at the hotel. Getting up close and personal at Elephant Whispers Photo courtesy of John Pumpa

Zimbabwe

Namibia Botswana

Kruger National Park

2 Hazy-

3 view 1 Pretoria

Swaziland

South Africa Cape Town

4

Indian Ocean

Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean, for wonderful views across False Bay. On the return to Cape Town stop at SANCOB, a penguin and sea life rehabilitation centre, for a tour of the facilities and learn about the work they do.

Cape Town coastline

The following day drive into the winelands, stopping off at the Drakenstein Veterinary Clinic, which caters for both small animals and horses. Stop at a wine estate for lunch before continuing onto another estate for wine and chocolate tasting, returning to Cape Town in the late afternoon. Your final day in Cape Town is at leisure to further explore the city and the waterfront or take the ferry to Robben Island and tour the infamous island with an ex political prisoner. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner at GOLD restaurant, a vibrant restaurant in the heart of the city.

“All visits were informative and well organised. Elephant Whispers was amazing. Would advise the trip to anyone who is looking to visit South Africa.” Rhian Matthews, Veterinary Study Tour to South Africa, May, 2016

Itinerary

11 – 22 May 2017

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch D = Dinner

2 nights Pretoria – 3 nights Timbavati Safari Lodge – 2 nights Hazyview – 4 nights Cape Town D

11 May (Thur) Johannesburg / Pretoria Am Pm Eve





Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to Pretoria*. Drive to the hotel through Pretoria, taking in South Africa’s capital city. Stop at the Paul Kruger House Museum, the Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings Afternoon at leisure Welcome dinner B D

12 May (Fri)

Pretoria

Am Pm

Visit the Pretoria Veterinary School and meet with staff Tour of a dairy farm located just outside the city



B D

13 May (Sat) Pretoria / Timbavati Safari Lodge Am Pm Eve



Depart Pretoria and head for safari country Arrive at the Timbavati Safari Lodge. Early evening sunset drive through the Lodge’s private reserve Dinner at the Lodge





14 May (Sun) Timbavati Safari Lodge Am Pm Eve



L D

Set out before sunrise in an open top safari vehicle with qualified game rangers to view the ‘big five’ on a game drive (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) along with zebras, giraffes and a host of other wildlife Bush lunch. Continue with the game drive Traditional Boma dinner under the stars



15 May (Mon) Timbavati Safari Lodge Am Pm

B





B

L D

Visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Unit and visit their breeding and research stations to see endangered species including cheetahs and African wild dogs Continue to Moholoholo Rehab Centre to meet with staff and learn about the work they do. Return to Timbavati in the afternoon

B D 16 May (Tues) Timbavati Safari Lodge / Hazyview

Am Pm Eve





Depart Timbavati and spend the day exploring the Panorama Route including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels and the historic gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest Drive to Hazyview and check into Hippo Hollow Hotel Talk by Peter Buss “Chemical Immobilisation and capture of African wildlife”

B

17 May (Wed) Hazyview Am Pm

Visit Elephant Whispers elephant sanctuary and get up close and personal with these giant beasts Afternoon at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or an optional afternoon safari into Kruger National Park B

18 May (Thur) Hazyview / Cape Town Am Pm



Transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and fly to Cape Town Transfer to the hotel and at leisure



B

19th May (Fri) Cape Town Am Pm



A full day’s tour of Cape Peninsula starting with a trip up Table Mountain for spectacular views. Drive past the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay en route to Hout Bay. Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve Return to Cape Town, stopping at SANCOB, a penguin and sea life rehabilitation centre



20 May (Sat) Cape Town Am





B D

At leisure to further explore the city or waterfront or take the ferry to Robben Island and tour the island with an ex political prisoner Farewell dinner at GOLD restaurant



22 May (Mon) Cape Town Am Pm

L

Visit the Drakenstein veterinary clinic, which caters for both small animals and horses. Continue to the winelands of Stellenbosch - stop at a vineyard for lunch and continue to another winery for wine and chocolate tasting. Return to Cape Town

21 May (Sun) Cape Town Am Eve

B



B

Morning at leisure If taking the group flight back to London transfer to the airport, arriving in London the next morning

* Please arrive into Johannesburg by 10.00am on 11th May so you can make the transfer to Pretoria. If you cannot arrive for that time, then we suggest you arrive the night before.

Timbavati Lodge

Hotels Courtyard Arcadia A lovingly restored early 20th century manor house situated on ‘Embassy Row’ is the ideal location for exploring Pretoria. In a peaceful yet central location with park-like gardens, you can explore the grounds, sit by the pool or relax in the bar. Timbavati Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park In the heart of the Kruger National Park, the Timbavati Lodge offers a selection of chalets and rondawels painted with vibrant Ndebele traditional art work, nestled among indigenous trees and all with private facilities and mosquito nets. There is also a lovely pool, lounge and bar for relaxation. Hippo Hollow, Hazyview Nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens overlooking the beautiful Sapi River, Hippo Hollow provides spacious rooms with river or garden views, two swimming pools set in the peaceful gardens, a bar and a restaurant. The President, Cape Town This oceanfront hotel is ideally situated a short taxi ride from the V&A waterfront. It is also possible to walk from the hotel to the city centre along the beach. The President Hotel has a lovely pool and the rooms have mountain views. Courtyard Arcadia, Pretoria; Hippo Hollow Hotel, Hazyview; Protea President Hotel Cape Town (above)















Ground only cost of the tour is USD $3,700 (excluding International flights and transfers) The cost includes:

Penguins at Boulders Beach

Tour Leader Dr Pieter Smit qualified at Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria in 1976. While doing his two-year compulsory army service he was in charge of the SADF horse breeding program. After the army he returned to Pretoria and took on a mixed practice looking after mainly horses and companion animals. In 1984 he built a hospital due to an interest in surgery, specifically orthopaedic and spinal. He started serving the veterinary profession on a broader basis in 1991 as chairman of the Ethic committee of the South African Veterinary Association and later as the director of Finances and is currently the acting MD.

“(The trip) exceeded my expectations.” Lisa Hayter, Veterinary Study Tour to South Africa, May, 2016

Flights The tour price does not include international flights. If you require help booking flights to South Africa please contact the London office on +44 (0) 207 223 9485 or the Melbourne office on +61 (0) 3 9343 6367

• 11 nights’ accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities in boutique hotels The single room supplement is USD $465 • Tour leader (Dr Pieter Smit) • Comprehensive briefing notes • Meals as per the itinerary • Internal flight and taxes • A full programme of cultural and professional visits as per the itinerary • Admission fees where applicable • Local English speaking guides • Tips

The cost excludes: • All personal extras such as porterage, laundry, inoculation fees and drinks not included with meals • All optional excursions, tours and visits • All airport taxes • Visa, if required (not required for UK or Australian citizens)

Victoria Falls Extension (Pre tour extension) USD $718pp. USD $345 single supplement. The cost includes • Two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the A’Zambezi River Lodge • Transfers to/from Victoria Falls extension • Victoria Falls guided tour and Zambezi sunset cruise

The cost excludes • Visa fee (if required); USD $30 Victoria Falls entrance fee (payable on arrival); USD $10 River fee (prior to cruise); meals and transfers not included • Flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls return Additional nights in Johannesburg and Cape Town Please contact us for additional nights before or after the tour. We can arrange additional nights for you in Johannesburg at the City Lodge Airport hotel (Double room USD $189. Single room USD $148). Or in Cape Town at the President Hotel (Double room USD $181. Single room USD $148).

About Us To travel with us is to dig below the surface, revealing the deeper destination. Of course, you will visit the great historical sites; marvel at the wonders of architecture and engineering; be moved by the riches of culture and art; and experience the most spectacular landscapes in the world. What we also do is make sure that you see the country as it is today, giving you privileged access that independent travel and other tour companies rarely get close to. We give you a variety of experiences, from the sublime to the humble, in the company of intelligent, curious, like-minded people. And while we can be worthy, we also make sure that you have a lot of fun.

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

Jon Baines Tours (London) Hyde Park House, 5 Manfred Road, London, SW15 2RS Tel: +44 (0) 207 223 9485 / 5618 Email: [email protected] www.jonbainestours.co.uk Jon Baines Tours (Melbourne) PO Box 68, South Brunswick, Victoria 3055 Tel: +61 (0) 3 9343 6367 Fax: +61 (0) 3 9012 4228 Email: [email protected] www.jonbainestours.com

Ndebele Women (top); A dog playing on the beach; Cape Point; Winelands, Cape Town (above)