Compare South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience by Discover Corps vs Extension: Victoria Falls by Road Scholar

Day 1:

Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by a member of our staff.  At 10 am we will depart the airport to the nearby countryside where you’ll have a chance to rest and refresh.  In the afternoon, enjoy a walk with young lions and learn about efforts to diversify the lion gene pool.  You’ll even have the chance to hold a baby lion cub! Enjoy a traditional South African barbecue, called a brai. Spend the night at a lodge in the Pretoria countryside.

Day 2:

Wake up to the sounds of singing birds and lions in the distance. Today we drive to the northeastern region of the country to our basecamp situated outside the town of Hoedspruit.  That afternoon, go on a game drive as an introduction to the bush in the Greater Kruger National Park region.  In the evening, dine with a researcher from the INGWE Leopard Foundation to learn about their work and how your hands-on support will benefit them.

Day 3:

This morning we’ll go on a bush walk to learn how to track leopards and hyenas by identifying scat and paw tracks.  Along the way, set up camera traps to gather data about animal movements in the region. In the afternoon, take a game drive through a Big Five reserve to try to spot some of these magnificent creatures.

Day 4:

Spend the day at the Hoedspruit Center for Endangered Species learning about their work breeding and rehabilitating vulnerable animals. Lend a hand with daily tasks and get up close and personal with cheetahs and orphaned baby rhinos. In the evening, learn about the difficult but inspiring recent history of South Africa and its unique cultural pageantry.

The Greater Kruger National Park Region

The Kruger National Park and the adjacent private nature reserves comprise the Greater Kruger region of more than 7,500 square miles of area under conservation.

This spectacular region has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.  It is home to over 500 species of birds, and contains more species of large mammals than any other African reserve.  

It is possible to spot all Big Five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) within the region.

Besides the park, the Blyde River Canyon can also be found nearby.  This is the third largest canyon in the world and is known for the stunning spirals of dolomite that rise from its walls.

Leopards are the last of the big five roaming free outside game reserves and national parks in South Africa. Because of this, they are under threat from farmers. These beasts are important as they are at the top of the food chain, and therefore a key indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

You will help the INGWE Leopard Research Center gather data on leopard density, behavior and population dynamics outside of formally protected areas. This will help improve local policymaking, and also allow conservationists to work with farmers to humanely move leopards to appropriate lands.  We use camera traps to gather this data.

Camera traps are digital cameras that are set out along game trails in remote locations within research areas. These camera traps are triggered by movement and operate continuously, secretly recording the movement of animals without need for human presence or disruption of nature.

Day 5:

Volunteer with Seeds of Light, a local non-profit that works with vulnerable children and orphans in townships – urban areas reserved for non-whites during Apartheid.  The children here need to practice English with native speakers.  Choose to read to the children or engage them in crafts while learning from them about life in contemporary South Africa.  

Day 6:

Moholoholo is a haven for the rehabilitation of abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Learn about the issues they’re tackling and get up close to some of the rare species they are caring for.  At lunch, sample cuisine from different South African cultures.  In the evening, take a night drive through the Greater Kruger region to see wildlife that comes out after dark.

Day 7:

The Panorama Route is a drive through the Blyde River Canyon, whose lush subtropical foliage makes it the world's largest 'green canyon'. Your senses will be overwhelmed as you walk through mist-covered forests teeming with birdlife.  Drive through majestic landmarks such as God’s Window, Wonder View and The Pinnacle to take in sights that you’ll never forget.  
Day 8: Head out to collect memory cards from the camera traps and compile data for the researchers. Enjoy a picnic lunch out in the bush and have the afternoon to relax and enjoy our final evening at the basecamp.

Day 9:

Today is a full-day epic game drive through the heart of the renowned Kruger National Park. The park contains 147 species of large mammals.  Along the way, meet with park staff to hear about conservation techniques they employ. Spend the night at in a wilderness lodge near the town of Nelspruit.

Day 10:

Spend the morning at an inspiring sanctuary for endangered rhinos. Have a chance to feed baby rhinos and witness first-hand how one organization is trying to save them. Fly to Johannesburg in the afternoon in time to catch your return flight home or continue your travels through the country.

Our South African Home Base  

Your home-away-from-home, the Discover Corps basecamp, is a deluxe tented camp on the banks of the Blyde River It features a common building with a dining area and panoramic private deck, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush. Rooms include crisp white linens, a plush bed, and full private bathroom with hot and cold water, hairdryer, lockbox, and fan. You’ll also be able to enjoy an infinity pool, wi-fi, hiking trails, and an assortment of South African beer and wine for sale.

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Johannesburg, Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Johannesburg D Courtyard Hotel Eastgate
Activity note: This extension is a pre-program option for Program 22424, The Best of Botswana: An In-depth Safari Experience. Hotel check-in from 2:00pm.

Afternoon: Check in at the hotel and relax before the welcome dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a buffet welcome dinner including a starter and entrée with side dish; a welcome drink, bottled water, coffee and tea are provided.

Evening: Orientation: Our Site Coordinator will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Our Group Leader for the extension and main programs will meet us at the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe airport tomorrow. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls airport tomorrow, all participants will need to obtain a single-entry visa for Zimbabwe. American citizens, please have US$30 per person cash in the exact change available for the visa; Canadian citizens need US$75 per person for the visa. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Day 3
To Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s Falls, Livingstone Class
Victoria Falls B,D A'Zambezi River Lodge
Activity note: Flight is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day at Victoria Falls on mostly flat, paved paths.

Breakfast: Taken at the hotel, breakfast is an expansive buffet featuring a variety of cold cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and hot items such as bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Omelettes, eggs and waffles are cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea and water provided.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel and transfer via motorcoach to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo airport to board our flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Lunch: In flight.

Afternoon: Arrive Victoria Falls where we will clear customs and immigration; please be advised that long lines at Victoria Falls airport can sometimes cause delays while obtaining a visa. We will then transfer via minibus to the lodge, where we will check-in and settle into our rooms before being driven a short distance to see the Falls on the Zimbabwean side. Upon our entrance to the park, we will walk along the path with commentary from the Group Leader about the formation of the falls, as well as the local flora and birdlife seen. Since the waterfall spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is visible from both countries, but the majority of the water falls on the Zimbabwean side. Viewing the Falls from this side provides numerous overlooks and truly gives us a feel for the full majesty of this natural wonder

Dinner: At the lodge, we will have a multi-course buffet including a choice of main dishes with meat and vegetarian options, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Tonight, we will hear a presentation from our Group Leader covering David Livingstone's exploration of the area and discovery of the Falls.

Day 4
Elephant Encounter, Free Time
Victoria Falls B,L,D A'Zambezi River Lodge
Activity note: Transfer to the elephants takes 30 minutes each way. Walk with the elephants for approximately 1 mile on uneven ground.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: By minibus, we will be driven to a nearby location for our elephant encounter. Here, we will have an opportunity to learn more about the past, present and future of elephant conservation from local experts. We will also gain insight into these gentle giants through up close, personal time with the elephants that reside here. In the company of our local experts, we will be escorted on a walk alongside the elephants through the pristine bush and valley of the Masui River. Upon conclusion of the encounter, we will be driven a short distance to our lunch venue.

Lunch: At a local café offering views of the Batoka Gorge, enjoy a set menu, plated, three-course meal, plus bottled water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in the town of Victoria Falls. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In the early evening, we will regroup at the lodge and be driven a short distance to our dinner location.

Dinner: Our dinner will be taken at a neighboring lodge and consist of a 3-course, set menu meal including bottled water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
To Chobe National Park, Pre-Program Option Concludes
Chobe National Park B,L
Activity note: Lodge check-out by 10:00 a.m. Transfer may take up to 4 hours depending on immigration at the border.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel and set out for our transfer via minibus across the border to Chobe National Park, Botswana to meet with the main scheduled program. At the end of our transfer, we will check into the lodge.

Lunch: At the lodge, enjoy a plentiful buffet featuring salads, a main entrée, and hot breakfast items such as sausage, bacons, and eggs cooked to order. Local non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included; premium alcohol is available for purchase.

Afternoon: After settling into our rooms, we will begin on the main program #22424 and follow the program accordingly.