South Africa...

Re: South Africa...

samantha tully RVN MBVNA — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:17:51 GMT

Next week I am off to work with a vet for 16 days in Kruger National Park. I have done this through African Conservation Experience who have been great. We will work with lion, elephant, rhino and other exotics as well as in a clinic in a small town. The company said that you could either fund raise and get the money (which alot of people do) or pay yourself. I booked over a year ago and saved like mad (total cost £2000) but will need little or no money out there they provide everything including return flights.

Fund raising is hard but alot of people find it great fun and very satisfying. My advice is however you can pay don't get yourself into deep debt but if you can save or fund raise then go for it. It will be the opportunity of a lifetime and you won't regret it.

Re: South Africa...

Jenny Cook RVN — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:54:22 GMT

[quote user="Sue Cox RVN MBVNA"]

What is it that you would be doing out there? Its the price of flights that bump these things up!

[/quote]

As far as im aware, the first 5 days would be working with conservation projects and bush walks, etc, the last 5 days are more bush walks and game watching out in landrovers and stuff. The 1,700 includes flights, accomodation full board, some of travel expenses while there. Just need our own money for extra food and then to pay for our vaccs.

Re: South Africa...

Sue Cox — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:49:52 GMT

What is it that you would be doing out there? Its the price of flights that bump these things up!

Have you considered finding and doing something yourself? I went to Namibia to volunteer at a wildlife foundation for a month in 2007. It was the best thing ive ever done! Hands on (!) experience with cheetahs, lions, baboons, and loads of other amazing animals! I think these days its £350 per week (min stay of 2 weeks) which is accomadation, food and the experience itself! Then you have flight on top (about £600/£700), vaccs (a rabies one is about £150!! but the only one you pay for), you don't spend much while your there (except for drinks at the bar!) as its quite an isolated place. So that might work out cheaper for a longer (and biased opinion!) perhaps better experience?

Anyway if your curious check out www.harnas.org for all the details. Like i said it was the best thing ive ever done, i think about it every day, and its what made me realise i wanted to work with animals and start vet nursing! I am considering going back for a couple of weeks so we will see!

As for the money side, i had managed to save the money for this but if i didn't have the money i think i would still do it! Could you do South Africa (or Harnas )in a couple of years when you have saved the money? I remember booking it a year in advance and the time flew, and before i knew it i was boarding the plane!!

Anyway happy deciding and feel free to ask me anything!