Ecology course
SOUTH AFRICA
THE DISCOVER EDEN SOUTH AFRICA ecology course
2024 ECOLOGY COURSE DATES:
14 June to 02 July
12 July to 30 July
02 August to 20 August
ECOLOGY COURSE COST: $3 490 – US Dollar / €3 200 – Euro
Please note: We use the US Dollar as our base currency as such the EUR price may change at any time due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Only 8 spaces are available in each group, to give you the best experience possible! We work on a first come first served basis, so book early to avoid disappointment! Complete the application form to register your interest for the Discover Eden Ecology Course.
The Discover Eden South Africa Ecology course is specifically designed for those who are either studying or working in the ecological sciences, including zoology, botany, environmental science, animal science, or biological sciences.
This activity-packed program addresses topics such as ecology, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, game reserve management, ornithology, marine biology, herpetology, and botany amongst others. Meet professionals out in the field and learn from their vast experience. Food, accommodation, and ground transport are all included in this package.
Please note: Due to the unpredictability of nature and the weather, the days and activities stated below may be switched around or substituted to give you the best experience possible.
SOUTH AFRICA Ecology COURSE OUTLINE
PDF DOWNLOAD’S
ECOLOGY COURSE ITINERARY
ECOLOGY COURSE INFORMATION
Day 1
ARRIVE
Your friendly Discover Eden Guide will pick you up at Cape Town Airport in the Western Cape Province. We will then make our way to our overnight accommodation, at a guest house in a quiet residential suburb not too far from the airport. You will be able to freshen up before dinner and a chat, getting to know your fellow students that are on the tour with you.
Day 2
ORIENTATION & TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM
Today you will partake in an orientation where we will explain everything that lies ahead. After the orientation you will go to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town where you will be taken on a special ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the aquarium by one of the aquarium biologists after which you will have time to explore the aquarium at your own pace. You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of South Africa’s most visited cultural and historical attractions.
Day 3
KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANIST & BOTANICAL GARDENS
You will spend a full day with a botanist in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, also known as the most beautiful gardens in South Africa and acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. You will get a full tour of the gardens and receive lectures on different aspects of botany and the special vegetation found in the Cape area.
Day 4
NPO DAY
You will spend the day with staff from two impressive conservation non-profit organizations, learning about some of the programs they run, engaging with some of the country’s top conservation professionals, and being exposed to the importance of NGO’s roles in the conservation sector. The day will include some lectures on existing projects, but also some field work to help make a difference at a local scale.
Day 5
WITH MARINE BIOLOGISTS
Get to know the ins and outs of the special southern cape oceans by spending a day immersed in marine learning. Expect some introductory lectures and some hands-on in the water field work! The team of marine biologists will get you up to speed on some of the long-term projects they run, before kitting you out and getting you nice and wet!
Day 6
CAPE NATURE PENGUIN COLONY
Today you will make your way to Gansbaai. On the way you will stop over at a coastal nature reserve where you will be given a talk by a marine specialist about marine conservation relating to endangered seabirds. The site is also a natural penguin colony! Afterwards you will spend the afternoon partaking in your first activity with the marine biologists in Gansbaai.
Day 7
GANSBAAI & SHARKS!
The next 2 days will be spent with marine biologists who work for an organisation that is heavily involved with marine conservation in their area. You could take part in activities such as a marine Big 5 boat trip, shark tagging from shore, a snorkelling survey or a dissection, an estuary survey or other relevant conservation-based activities. Apart from these activities, you will also be receiving lectures from the biologists. (Please note these activities are dependent on weather, tides, and availability).
Day 8
PENGUIN & SEABIRD SANCTUARY & SOME MORE MARINE BIOLOGY
In the morning you will be visiting an African penguin & seabird sanctuary. You will be given a tour of the centre and a talk by one of the conservationists about the endangered African penguin and other sea birds that they care for. You will assist in the morning routine and watch the penguin feeding. In the afternoon you will once again be spending your time with the marine biologists.
Day 9
TRAVEL DAY WITH A STOP IN KNYSNA
Spend the day travelling along the scenic Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay. Stop over for lunch in the famous coastal town of Knysna, home to the Knysna Heads, a pair of majestic sandstone cliffs that separate the Knysna Lagoon from the sea. There should also be time for a walk on the beach after you arrive at your overnight accommodation.
Day 10
REPTILE SANCTUARY & ROBBERG HIKE
A half-day well-spent learning about the various reptile species in this part of the world at a renowned snake park. Learn how to handle and examine specimens from the region’s top snake experts. After lunch, hike Robberg Peninsula and learn about its unique geology, history and ecology. Spot Great White Sharks from land and see the seal colony you will visit soon from a completely different perspective. Run down some rolling dunes, get dive-bombed by Kelp Gulls, and finish with an optional sundowner watching the sun set over the bay.
Day 11
PLETTENBERG BAY
Spend the day with Discover Eden researchers exploring local projects in and around the region. Survey secluded coastlines, learn about issues facing beach breeding birds and collect marine debris data. Canoe up the Keurbooms river in the afternoon collecting bird distribution data.
Day 12
RAPTORS & SEALS
Spend the morning at a bird of prey centre where you will be given a guided tour and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of these incredible creatures. In the afternoon we go to sea again, this time for a close encounter with the charismatic and playful Cape Fur Seals. Visit these playful creatures at a large breeding colony and possibly enter their world for a snorkel with them.
Day 13
BIRD RINGING & CAREERS IN CONSERVATION CHAT
In the morning you will take part in a bird ringing exercise. Set up the nets early, get to grips with the local feathered specials and learn how to handle birds correctly. After lunch, sit and chat about careers in conservation with Dr Mark Brown, as he shares his experiences of mentoring ecology students for over 20 years.
Day 14
FIRST DAY ON THE GAME RESERVE
After a relaxed breakfast you will be making your way to a game reserve where you will be spending the next few days learning all about the conservation efforts it takes to successfully run and maintain a game reserve.
Day's 15 to 18
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ON A GAME RESERVE
You will spend the next few days living on the game reserve learning about and helping out in conservation efforts on the reserve. These efforts could include aspects such as the monitoring of certain species, checking of camera traps, bird identification and ringing, vegetation management, habitat utilization and identification of animal tracks to mention a few. Track dangerous game on foot and learn about cutting edge conservation efforts taking place.
Day 19
DEPARTURE
Today is a sad day as we have to say goodbye. After breakfast, we will take you to George Airport where you will start to make your way back home. We are sure this experience will benefit you throughout your career and will never be forgotten.