WILDLIFE IMMOBILISATION AND CONSERVATION COURSE

Day 1 – Monday 1 June 2026

Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, after collecting luggage and clearing customs, check in at Domestic Departures (Terminal B) for your flight to Richards Bay Airport.

Check in at the Domestic Departures (Terminal B) for your flight to Richards Bay Airport - Airlink 4Z 883 JNB (10h35) to RCB (11h45) to Richards Bay Airport.

On arrival at Richards Bay Airport, you will be met by a representative of Brothers Safaris and transferred to the St Lucia Eco Lodge, St Lucia – drive time approximately an hour and 15 minutes.

On arrival at Richards Bay Airport, LOOK FOR A SIGN WITH “Brothers Safaris Wildlife Immobilisation & Conservation Course”

On arrival at the lodge, you will be welcomed by your hosts and have time to settle you into your rooms.

Enjoy a light lunch pending arrival time, after which you will have time to freshen up and relax.

At 14h45 you will head to one of the largest estuaries in Africa for a boat cruise.  Embark on a 2-hour guided cruise in search of Nile crocodiles and hippos.

It is estimated that 800 hippos and 1200 Nile crocodiles reside in the area. The estuarine system, 85km from top to bottom and 25km wide at its widest, is regarded as the largest estuarine system in Africa. With an incredible abundance of Birdlife year-round you are assured of some magnificent sightings and photographic opportunities.

After the cruise, return to your lodge. Here Dr Alice Blue & Dr Peter Brothers will present a brief course overview and allow students some time to get to know each other better.

After a traditional dinner, enjoy a good night’s rest.

Your stay for the next 3 nights is on a twin sharing basis (2 students to a room), full board plus activities (accommodation, meals & activities).  In some cases it may be necessary to have 3 students per room to accommodate odd numbers and sex ratios. All drinks and extras are for your own account.

Day 2 – Tuesday 2 June 2026

After an early breakfast, you set off for a day (08h00) in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. You will be accompanied by a local guide and your African Vet Safaris wildlife vet (space permitting) as you spend the day exploring the terrestrial animals in the park and also visit the stunning Cape Vidal beach.

From St Lucia to Cape Vidal several loop roads lead to excellent natural features for bird-watching, game viewing and scenic lookout points. The Eastern Shores section hosts elephant, rhino, buffalo, crocodile, hippo, hyaena, leopard – and many species of smaller game.

Enjoy a swim (tide dependent) or a walk on the beach during your stop at Cape Vidal. Pending the weather, drive sightings and mood of the group, this may also serve as the lunch stop.

Enjoy a picnic style lunch in the park before being dropped back off at your accommodation at around 15h00.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the ideal beach and safari destination! The Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place.

The 332,000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700-year-old fishing traditions, most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25,000 year-old coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. Cape Vidal “resort” is situated in a marine reserve yet only a short drive away from game areas. Marine life includes humpback whales, dolphins, rare turtles, whale sharks, marlin and sailfish.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, back at your lodge, or take a walk into town to explore the quaint shops and craft market.

Dinner is back at the lodge at around 19h00. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 3 – Wednesday 3 June 2026

This morning will be a very early start (05h00) as you depart for the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park, where you will enjoy a full-day excursion, game viewing and learning more about Africa’s wildlife!  You will travel into the park in an open-game viewing vehicle, accompanied by a local guide and, of course, your African Vet Safaris vet (space permitting) . Drive time to the park gate is roughly 1 hour.

Spend the day driving in search of the many species of wildlife to be found in the park, with comfort breaks and a stop for a picnic breakfast and lunch. The average travel time in the park is slow, stopping to enjoy animals and birds en-route. 

Head for the wildlife bomas/holding facilities in the Imfolozi section of the park, arriving at the bomas around 14h15. Here you’ll enjoy a talk on the veterinary role in the park’s conservation and management efforts and be shown around the bomas, explaining the design, use and the reason for any animals you might see in the bomas.

After the boma tour you’ll have a chance to look around the local craft market (remember your cash/cards….) before making your way back to the lodge – time dependent.

After a busy day you’ll arrive back at your lodge late afternoon/early evening.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge and some time to relax before a good night’s sleep after the day’s excitement.

Formerly known as the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve now the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the park is claimed to be the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, officially opened in 1895. The Park is 97 000 hectares in extent and consists of two distinct areas namely northern Hluhluwe section and the southern iMfolozi section. (970 square kilometers, roughly the same size as Netherlands Antilles while Hong Kong is 1104 square kilometers in size). 

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is the only state run park in Kwazulu Natal province that is home to the African Big 5. The Park is world renowned for its conservation efforts and history. The Umfolozi was previously used as the Zulu King’s (King Shaka) private hunting grounds. The conservation efforts have contributed to this park having the largest population of White Rhino in the world.

Once in the Park which is home to 86 species including the African Big 5, there is ample opportunity to sight a variety of game species and birds.  Species include Black & White Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Nyala antelope, Nile Crocodile, Hippo, Giraffe, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Kudu, Impala, Bushpig, common Warthog, Hyena, Water Buck, Duiker, Blue Wildebeest, Jackal and much more.

The park is incredible should you be an avid birder with up to 340 species found within the area.

The Hluhluwe section is in the region of 40 000 hectares and is home to the highest concentration of Rhino in Africa while the Imfolozi offers a better chance of seeing Lion, especially on the Sontuli Loop road. Both areas boast breath-taking views from some of the higher areas.

Day 4 – Thursday 4 June 2026

After breakfast, you check out at 10h00 and head off, the next adventure awaits…..

Drive to the game lodge you’ll be based in for the next five nights, near the town of Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal province – approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.

On arrival at the lodge, you will be welcomed by your hosts, who will give you a brief orientation in camp and settle you into your rooms.

After lunch at 13h00, it’s time for your first lecture:

“An introduction to the wildlife of Southern Africa – a vet’s perspective”

At around 15h30, head out on a late afternoon game drive in an open game-viewing vehicle, with your local guide and African Vet Safaris wildlife vet. Another chance to see Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat and get those photos of a lifetime! This is a smaller reserve and a combination of a conservation reserve and smaller game ranch, providing a good learning opportunity and a chance to see some colour variations too…..

Back at camp, you’ll have some time to freshen up before enjoying a delicious dinner and time around the campfire.

This Game Lodge is located in the heart of Zululand just outside Hluhluwe, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The lodge is situated on roughly 3000 acres of land and has a large variety of plains game species on the property including giraffe, sable, kudu, zebra, nyala, wildebeest, impala and reedbuck.

Warthog, ostrich, jackal, mongoose, porcupine, aardvark and genet have also been spotted here and guests with a keen eye may even spot the elusive leopard, aardvark or hyena.

The main lodge has a wrap around verandah furnished with comfortable seating areas which overlook grass lawns and a sparkling swimming pool. The entertainment area includes a well- stocked bar, a TV snug, braai boma, fire pit, dining room and a spacious library lounge. Guests are encouraged make themselves at home and enjoy the beautiful space. 

Delicious meals are prepared in the Lodge kitchen and served al fresco or in the cozy dining room while drinks are available from the bar. The friendly staff will feed you, water you and see to any needs you may have.

The tastefully decorated, en-suite chalets nestle in the bush and are linked to the main lodge by walk- ways ensuring guests’ privacy and at the same time, convenient proximity to the facilities at the main lodge. Wifi and a coffee station ensure that guests can enjoy home comforts from their private patio whilst enjoying the peace that can only be found in these tranquil surroundings.

Your stay for the next 6 nights is on a twin sharing basis (2 students to a chalet), full board plus activities (accommodation, meals & activities). In some cases it may be necessary to have 3 students per room to accommodate odd numbers and sex ratios. All drinks and extras are for your own account.

Day 5 – Friday 5 June 2026

After breakfast, it’s time for the academic part of the program to start in earnest with some introductory lectures from 08h30.

The introductory lectures will be delivered by Dr Peter Brothers and aim to put wildlife into a veterinary perspective:

• “The principals of Wildlife Capture & Physical restraint”
• “So what do wildlife vets do in SA”
• “Surviving your job as a wildlife vet”

We’ll have comfort breaks in-between lectures before breaking for lunch at around 13h00.

Late afternoon you’ll head out on another game drive – every drive is different and offers you the chance to see a new species or witness new behaviour!

Or just stay at the lodge and enjoy some peace and quiet….

Return after sundowners to enjoy some leisure time before dinner at 19h00.

Day 6 – Saturday 6 June 2026

After breakfast at 07h00, it’s a long day of lectures ahead, starting at 08h00….

Today’s lectures, running into the next day, are crucial to understanding wildlife immobilisation and will focus on the following:

• The applied physiology and pharmacology of wildlife immobilisation
• Species specific considerations for immobilisation – drugs and techniques

You will break during the lectures for tea breaks, and lunch at 13h00.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge at 19h00, followed by leisure time.

Day 7 – Sunday 7 June 2026

Enjoy breakfast at 07h00, followed by any unfinished lectures. Today’s will cover the remainder of the above topics not yet completed.

You will break during the lectures for tea breaks, and lunch at 13h00.

In the afternoon, we’ll have a talk and practical session focusing on dart gun systems and darts.

Late afternoon, there is another opportunity to enjoy a late afternoon game drive – time permitting.

Return to the lodge after sundowners to discuss the practical veterinary procedures to be done tomorrow. This preparation will serve as a reminder on topics such as safety, the actual procedures and student roles, equipment, accurate record keeping, punctuality, etc.

For example, EVERY patient worked with during the course should have a patient monitoring sheet completed. This should be clear and legible, accurate and your comments/observations relevant. This is also crucial for legal record keeping on medicines, etc. These are then used after the procedures for discussion with your course veterinarians.

Dinner is served at 19h30 tonight.

Day 8 – Monday 8 June 2026

Today we will assist the reserve with some of their veterinary management requirements, immobilising some of the wildlife on the reserve. This may well be rhino work and/or high value antelope species being bred in smaller areas of the reserve. Species and numbers will be determined by the reserve’s needs closer to the time.

This is your first chance to get hands-on with Africa’s wildlife and apply some of the theory you have learnt, honing essential skills!

Each immobilisation offers course delegates the opportunity to get hands on assisting with patient monitoring, treatments and other necessary procedures.

Delegates are expected to rotate duties in order to get everyone involved and give everyone an equal opportunity during the course.

It is essential that students follow the lecturer/course leader instructions during these potentially dangerous sessions while immobilising animals!  While driving on vehicles following darted patients (especially the rhino work), PLEASE hold on and beware of bumps that lift you off your seat, or branches coming in from the sides, or equipment such as cameras getting damaged, etc. Things often happen at a fast pace and injuries are possible if you are not alert!

Depending on the day’s plans, we may have lunch in the field, otherwise we will return to the lodge for lunch and a discussion on the morning’s work (note that throughout the course some meals may in the form of a packed meal in the field, to facilitate the veterinary procedures).

This afternoon the goal will be to perform a post-mortem on an animal that will be culled on the reserve as part of their ongoing management strategy. This gives the opportunity to examine a wild ruminant internally and make comparisons, perhaps even find some pathology.

This evening we hope to dart and collar a spotted hyena on the reserve. This procedure is part of the reserve’s ongoing development and conservation needs to better understand predator numbers and behaviour. These are wild, shy nocturnal animals and the methodology will be adapted accordingly. This may mean several hours sitting quietly in the dark, waiting for the patient to show itself – an exercise in patience! While there are never any guarantees, we hope to be successful. Depending on camera trap observations, this exercise may begin the previous evening.

Dinner will be served at the lodge at an appropriate time to accommodate the veterinary procedures, but likely early evening.

Day 9 – Tuesday 9 June 2026

Today’s plans are subject to confirmation:

After a very early breakfast, head to a nearby Big Five reserve – a drive of  approximately 30 minutes. Embark on a morning game drive in the reserve, searching for the Big Five and other species to be found on this reserve.

After roughly 3 hours, head to the nearby rhino orphanage.

Here you join staff on a tour of the facility learning more about it and the work being done here to help conserve the endangered rhino.

After the visit, enjoy a packed lunch and a break, before embarking on another game drive early afternoon.

Late afternoon you head back to your lodge for the night.

Manyoni Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of Zululand, an area that is world renowned for its spectacular game viewing, rich cultural traditions, and conservation history. Initially formed as part of the WWF black rhino range expansion project, Manyoni has become one of the premier big five safari destinations in Kwa-Zulu Natal with a strong focus on endangered species conservation.

This 23,000-hectare Big FIve reserve is the product of 17 dedicated landowners who dropped their fences in 2004 to create one contiguous protected area for our wildlife. Since the establishment of the reserve lions, endangered cheetahs and African wild dogs and Black Rhino have been re-introduced. In addition to endangered species conservation, Manyoni Private Game Reserve has a strong focus on conserving biodiversity, this includes the landscapes, ecosystems and processes upon which this biodiversity depends.

Enjoy dinner back at the lodge and time around the fire before tomorrow’s departure.

Note: If there was no success darting hyena the night before, then there may be another attempt tonight.

Day 10 – Wednesday 10 June 2026

After a late breakfast it’s time to check out and head to our next venue.

You drive approximately one hour to your next venue. On arrival, you will be given a brief overview of the reserve and visit the elephant museum. 

After approximately an hour, transfer to nearby Bush Lodge where you’ll have time to check in before enjoying lunch in your new home.

Late afternoon, head out on a game drive on the reserve and try spot some new species. After sundowners in the bush, it's a time to head back to the lodge for the evening.

Pongola Game Reserve is host to four of the ‘Big 5’ species. Wildlife includes buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, 12 different antelope species, over 400 bird species and an interesting array of smaller mammal and insect life.

The reserve consists of a consolidation of privately owned land which totals 30 000 hectares including Lake Jozini. Beautiful views, glorious sunsets, therapeutic silence, land- and water based safari excursions, research projects and behind-the-scenes conservation operations ensure a rich, varied experience.

Return to the lodge early evening for dinner and a revision session in preparation for tomorrow. Subject to schedules, reserve staff will join you this evening to explain more about rhino conservation on the reserve.

Your stay for the next 2 nights is on a sharing basis (2 - 4 students to a chalet), full board plus activities (accommodation, meals & activities).  All drinks and extras are for your own account.

Day 11 – Thursday 11 June 2026

It’s an early start today!  Enjoy breakfast before heading to the rendezvous point for final preparations and safety briefings.

Today the plan is to work with two to three rhinos which need various management procedures performed. Work needs to start early to avoid the heat of the day, but it takes time to find the right animals in a reserve this size and in the thick bush….!

The work you participate in forms part of ongoing reserve management and is thus dictated by their needs but is likely to involve dehorning procedures to combat the ongoing rhino poaching scourge.

Your participation in this course covers the costs of these procedures and hence contributes directly to rhino conservation – thank you!

The moment of truth arrives when your African Vet Safari vet darts the rhino from the helicopter…... Once the rhino is safely immobilised, you will have the experience of your life while assisting with the various procedures – ear notching for positive identification and management reasons, blood sampling for DNA to help combat poaching, collaring, potentially de-horning, etc. - all the while monitoring the health status of the patient.

All being well, there will be plenty of photo opportunities as you get hands-on with one of Africa’s most endangered species….

Once the procedures are done, you’ll retreat to the safety of the nearby vehicle while the rhino recovers and walks off into the bush, often a little disgruntled!

Please remember: It is essential that students follow lecturer/course leader instructions during these potentially dangerous sessions while immobilising animals!  While on vehicles following patients (especially the rhino work), PLEASE hold on and beware of bumps that lift you off your seat, or branches coming in from the sides, or equipment such as cameras getting damaged, etc. Things often happen at a fast pace and injuries are possible if you are not alert!

Please note that due to rhino security any comments or photos shared or posted on social media should not be geo-tagged or indicate the name of the reserve, for security reasons!

Once all the procedures are done for the day, you return to the lodge to savour the day’s experiences and have a delicious lunch, or enjoy a packed lunch in the bush, depending on how many veterinary procedures are done today.

After lunch, there will be a discussion on the mornings work and some leisure time.

You’ll have some down time before we head to the Pongola Lake for a late afternoon boat cruise and sundowners on the water. Expect to see many crocodiles, hippo and birds and a variety of wildlife grazing the shores of the lake or coming down to drink water…..

Return to the lodge after dark for dinner and a good night’s rest after a busy and exciting day.

Day 12 – Friday 12 June 2026

Enjoy breakfast at 07h00, before checking out.

At 07h45 we depart for our next venue – a drive of roughly 5 hours.

Check in, enjoy lunch and some leisure time before heading out late afternoon on another game drive to explore this new reserve and its wildlife. Being a Big 5 reserve, this is a chance to search for those elusive species not yet seen….

Return to the lodge early evening for dinner, served at around 19h00.

Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Your stay for the next 2 nights is on a sharing basis (2 - 3 students to a chalet), full board plus activities (accommodation, meals & activities). All drinks and extras are for your own account.

Day 13 – Saturday 13 June 2026

After tea/coffee and a light snack, head out early morning to enjoy a game drive on this special reserve.

By now you know all about game drives, but remember every drive and every environment is different. You should not only be looking for new species, but also observing behaviours of species you are seeing again, learning more about them.

Return to the lodge after your drive to freshen up and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

After the talk, there will be some leisure time before lunch, followed by a mid to late afternoon game drive and sundowners in the bush once more - always a special moment to savour….

Enjoy dinner back in camp at around 19h30, and a good night’s rest.

Day 14 – Sunday 14  June 2026

Breakfast will be served at 07h00 and then it’s time to check out at 07H45 – it’s a very long day in the bus…. 650 km and roughly 8 hours driving…. But it will be worth it! Mattanu Game Reserve is situated to the north west of the diamond digging city of Kimberley.

Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, although there will also be snacks and drinks available to purchase at your pit stops.

After a brief welcome and orientation, check in to your accommodation.

Early evening our hosts will present a short talk on their reserve and ranching activities to put things into perspective for the next few days.

Enjoy dinner at around 19h30.

This Game Reserve began in 1991 when the owner, Dr JC Kriek, originally from Zimbabwe, imported 95 endangered roan antelope and 65 rare sable antelope species into South-Africa from Malawi. This is regarded by many as the most successful game capturing and importation operation ever.

Dr JC Kriek is regarded by many as the pioneer for the breeding of endangered antelope industry in Southern Africa. Ever since then more than 300 roan, sable and disease free buffalo have been bred at Mattanu.

Dr Kriek also wrote the protocol for the breeding of disease free buffalo and fittingly was the first private game rancher to receive permission for the breeding of these buffalo.

The profit from the Malawi operation was used to purchase Mattanu Private Game Reserve, which was then a cattle farm, in 1990, and since then, many millions have been spent in the development of the infrastructure and the reintroduction of numerous species. The reserve is not a “Big Five” reserve, but there are over 36 different animal species and approximately 700 animals on Mattanu.

The breeding of endangered and rare antelope species is the main industry at Mattanu, along with game capture and immobilisation by Dr JC Kriek, veterinarian and helicopter pilot, and his son Johann Kriek, commercial helicopter pilot.

Your stay for the next  5 nights is on a full board basis (2 - 3 students to a unit), full board plus activities (accommodation, meals & activities). In some cases, it may be necessary to have 3 students per room to accommodate odd numbers and sex ratios. All drinks and extras are for your own account.

Day 15 – Monday 15 June 2026

After early coffee and rusks/muffins, it’s time to head out onto the game reserve for an early morning game drive and join staff on feeding rounds of valuable species on the reserve.  Learn about species not yet seen and observe some management practices en-route.

We will also start with some antelope immobilisation procedures today – most likely young sable and roan bulls that need to be removed from the herd before the adult bull pushes them out, potentially killing them.

Nearer the time we will know what species and procedures will be involved, but we endeavour to expose students to as many species and different procedures as possible during the course.

However, please note that work is part of the reserve’s ongoing management needs and those of their clients, and species cannot be guaranteed. No immobilisation is ever the same and so even working with the same species on more than one occasion will offer valuable learning experiences.

Late morning/after lunch there will be a more detailed lecture on the veterinary aspects of game ranch management – roan, sable, buffalo – by Dr Johann Kriek.

This is followed by a lecture on “Wildlife Ranching and hunting – the contribution to conservation” by Jacques Kriek. Please review the two articles in your course notes before this presentation, which will provide some food for thought.

Enjoy some leisure time and then enjoy a short game drive in the evening to enjoy sundowners.

Dinner is served back at the lodge at 19h00, before enjoying another good night’s rest.

Day 16 – Tuesday 16 June 2026

After early coffee and rusks/muffins, it’s time to head out onto the game reserve for further antelope immobilisation procedures. By now course delegates should know what is expected and be fairly competent at the basics – remember safety at all times, for you and your patients!

We return to the lodge for lunch and a debrief session.

The following lectures will be presented late morning/in the afternoon:

• Helicopter use and safety in wildlife work
• Wildlife diseases and One Health
• African conservation, which will also highlight the scourge of poaching in Africa

Enjoy dinner at around 19h00.

Day 17 – Wednesday 17 June 2026

Enjoy breakfast in the chilly winter air, and then we head out to get hands-on again.

Today’s veterinary work is likely to again involve antelope immobilisation and relocation, and will be carried out on the reserve in all likelihood, or a nearby reserve.

Enjoy lunch back at the lodge at around 12h00, and then review the capture operation.

This is followed by a practical helicopter session, on the reserve, darting a target with a paintball gun/similar from the helicopter. This will give you an excellent idea of what is required when darting from the air, and it’s fun!

Please note that this exercise carries a weight restriction for safety reasons. Anyone weighing more than 100kg should please speak to the responsible Veterinarian in private before this exercise.

Enjoy some downtime back at the lodge after this adrenaline rush, before dinner at 19h00.

Day 18 – Thursday 18 June 2026

Breakfast is at 07h00, followed by another veterinary excursion. Today’s veterinary work is likely to again involve antelope immobilisation, most likely a different species, and will be carried out on the reserve, or nearby.

Return to the lodge to review the capture operation and enjoy lunch at around 12h30.

This afternoon there will be a written exam on the course material as a means of self-evaluation – the exam is typically out of 100 marks and written over a maximum of 1.5 hours, and covers both theory and practical aspects covered on the course. 

While all activities on the course are optional, course delegates are encouraged to participate in all of them, including the exam.

Enjoy a last game drive on Mattanu and sundowners in the bush – a chance to contemplate the many experiences you have had thus far……

Please be sure to pack tonight in preparation for an early departure tomorrow.

Day 19 – Friday 19 June 2026

Enjoy an early breakfast, after which you check out and transfer to Kimberley airport for your flight to Johannesburg International Airport. Airlink 4Z 724 Kimberley (10h55) to OR Tambo Airport (11h50), arriving in time for connecting flights home/to your next destination.  arriving in time for connecting flights home/to your next destination.  

Note: Flights for your own arrangement but Brothers Safaris can assist with these if needed, please contact us).
 

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