WHITE RHINO IMMOBILISATION SAFARI - 2008 Brothers Safaris offers various Immobilisation Safaris as part of our specialist African Vet Safaris portfolio. This particular safari co-operates with one of Africa’s leading eco-tourism companies to facilitate ongoing management procedures within their rhino population, while giving guests a once-in-a-lifetime hands on experience! This safari affords clients the opportunity to be involved in a white rhino immobilisation, carried out by Dr Peter Brothers (Wildlife Veterinarian and registered tourist guide, and your host throughout the safari), and the subsequent management procedures which form a part of ongoing rhino management in the reserve. The days preceding the immobilisation allow time for traditional game drives and learning more about the white rhino and its management/conservation, as well as preparing you for the immobilisation. Guests are given the opportunity to participate in the procedure being carried out, once the animal is immobilised, and it is thus safe to move closer. Guests have the option of a hands-on approach, or, if they prefer, simply observing from up close and getting those pictures of a lifetime! Come join us for the experience of a lifetime and do something for wildlife conservation!
The safari starts with an early morning transfer from Johannesburg to Phinda Game Reserve, northern Kwazulu-Natal Province (by road with Brothers Safaris from Johannesburg International Airport, or another pre-arranged venue – 5-6 hours drive time). Check in on arrival and enjoy a late lunch and some leisure time in the beautiful surroundings. Head out late afternoon on a traditional game drive with your dedicated local ranger and tracker, and Dr Peter Brothers, to enjoy the reserve and its various species of wildlife. After sundowners, return to camp for dinner and an overview of the programme for the next few days. Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputuland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 18 500 hectares (45 711 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Exquisite architectural design meets conservation in the luxurious hand-crafted suites of your lodge. Set deep in the heart of a rare Dry Sand Forest, the lodge comprises 16 private stilted suites, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, luxurious dining and sitting areas, and an expansive viewing deck with panoramic views of the game-filled plains. The suites are situated to ensure absolute privacy and each bathroom features twin hand basins, bath, separate shower and separate w.c. All suites have a personal bar on their private veranda Day 2 Enjoy an early morning game drive, focusing on rhino, before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast there will be some informative talks on “Darting’s role in conservation management” and “Rhino Tracking”, as well as the relevant Veterinary aspects. Enjoy lunch and some leisure time, before setting out on an afternoon of practical rhino tracking, which may include tracking on foot... Return to the lodge after sunset for dinner and to overnight. Day 3 Enjoy an early morning game drive with a “dart gun session” where guests fire darts loaded with water, at a target, to demonstrate and experience the darting equipment! Breakfast is back at the lodge, and is followed by some final talks to prepare for the impending immobilisation. The talks focus on various interactive aspects of the immobilisation, to ensure that everyone gets the most from the experience in a manner that is safe for the patient, and safe and enjoyable for the guests. After some leisure time, head out on an afternoon game drive to try locate a “suitable” patient for the immobilisation. Return to the lodge after sunset for dinner and to overnight. Day 4 After an early breakfast, the team heads out to locate the patient - the moment of truth arrives when we dart the rhino from a vehicle...(executed by wildlife veterinarian, Dr Peter Brothers). Once the rhino is safely immobilised, you will have the experience of your life while assisting with the various procedures – microchipping and ear notching for positive identification and management reasons, and to help combat poaching, and also blood sampling for research purposes - all the while monitoring the status of the patient. Once done, guests retreat to the safety of the vehicle while the rhino recovers and walks off into the bush, sometimes a little disgruntled! After the immobilisation and the rhino’s recovery, guests return to the lodge to rid themselves of some of the adrenalin that is sure to have flooded their bodies! Enjoy breakfast and lunch, and the rest of the day at leisure. Head out late afternoon on a game drive to locate and check up on the patient. Dinner and the day’s tales are relished back at the lodge after sunset. Day 5 Early morning
tea and coffee are followed by the final game drive,
or simply sleep in and wake to the sounds of the bush. Breakfast is enjoyed at the lodge, before checking out late morning. Transfer
back to Johannesburg with Brothers Safaris, approx
5-6 hours drive. *** END OF SERVICES*** Cost
per person sharing: This cost is based on a minimum of 6 persons participating in total, and allows for a maximum of 8 participants. Larger groups may be accommodated on request. This is inclusive of: All ground transfers; accommodation on a full board basis (including 3 meals daily, teas and coffees, and drinks: house wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water); all activities as laid out in the itinerary; the services of Dr Peter Brothers throughout; the services of local guides and staff, as indicated; tourism levies and Government VAT. Cost excludes: Additional optional activities; any drinks not included in the above (Premium brands); items of a personal nature; gratuities, and travel and medical (compulsory) insurance. Departure Dates:
Tailor made departures and alternate dates (April to September) are available on request. Phinda allows and supports this safari on the following basis:
Please note:
Please note the following regarding the darting/immobilisation procedures: While every endeavour is made to locate and dart the animal in question, factors such as severe weather conditions or illness involving the animal, unable to locate or approach the animal close enough due to bush conditions, failure of the animal to come to a bait, etc. which are all unpredictable, may prevent the darting from going ahead. Every effort will be made to ensure that the client participates in the darting procedure, or similar, as laid out in the itinerary, but the animal's welfare will not be compromised at any stage, and a procedure may have to be aborted and the animal revived in certain circumstances. This may shorten the procedure/down time and hence the close up experience for the client. Brothers Safaris, its staff, and appointed agents will not be held liable for any losses incurred by a client as a result of such situations, and accept no responsibility whatsoever. Every endeavour is made to ensure the health and safety of all our clients, but any procedure with a potentially dangerous wild animal and veterinary drug is of such a nature that certain circumstances may be beyond our control. Should any such situation arise which leads to death or injury due to any reason whatsoever, Brothers Safaris, its staff, and appointed agents, will not be held liable for any losses incurred as a direct, or indirect, result of such a situation, or our actions in such a situation. Terms and conditions for booking
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