WILD AFRICA: SAFARI TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK 2020 - University of ...

WILD AFRICA: SAFARI TO KRUGER
          NATIONAL PARK 2020

                     TENTATIVE ITINERARY and SCHEDULE

May 4-5    Classroom preparation – history, prehistory, natural history

Day 1      (about May 6) Leave IND airport for South Africa (exact date is tentative)

Day 2      Arrive JNB airport (Johannesburg)
           Overnight Oppi Stoep Guest House (https://www.oppistoep.mobi/home)

Day 3      Drive to the Kruger National Park (http://www.krugerpark.co.za/)

Days 3-4   Explore the southern end of the park; stay at Pretoriuskop Restcamp

Days 5-6   Satara Camp, KNP

Days 7-8   Letaba Rest Camp in center of park; Letaba
           Elephant Hall Museum
Day 9      Masorini Archaeological Site; stay at
           Elephant Walk Guesthouse
Day 10     Leave the park for Moholoholo Mountain
           View Bush Camp

Day 10 Baboon Sanctuary (https://www.primatecare.org/care-home)

Day 11 Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre (http://www.moholoholo.co.za/)
       River boat cruise

Day 12 Kinyonga Reptile Park; Echo Caves Tour; stay at Echo Caves Hostel

Day 13 Panorama route to Log Cabin & Settlers Village
https://www.graskopaccommodation.co.za

                                        Day 13 Visits to Three Rondavels, God’s Window, and
                                        Bourke’s Luck Potholes
                                        (https://www.portfoliocollection.com/travel-blog/a-quick-guide-
                                        to-mpumalanga-s-panorama-route)

Day 14 Rest day, including optional
events at student expense:
http://www.bigswing.co.za
       http://graskopgorgeliftcompany.co.za

Day 15 Return to Oppi Stoep Guest House
(https://www.oppistoep.mobi/home)

Day 16 Visit to Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg

Day 17 Visit to Maropeng Centre, Cradle of Humankind
(https://www.maropeng.co.za/)
Possible visit to Voortrekker Monument

Day 18 Departure; arrival in Indianapolis the next day (about May 24).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the course about?
The primary focus of the course is experiencing the animals and environment of a part of South
Africa that has experienced minimal human impact. We will observe animals in their natural
habitat by hiking and driving. In addition, we will visit rehabilitation centers and important natural
and historical sites in the country and stop in the Cradle of Humanity where a cluster of fossil sites
document some of the earliest periods of our history.

Who is teaching the course?
Dr. Shawn Hurst (shhurst@indiana.edu) is a primatologist and paleoanthropologist who has
studied wild chimpanzees and Uganda and baboons and hominin fossils in South Africa. He has
led students to South Africa four times in the past and is personally acquainted with the guides
for this trip. Dr. John Langdon (langdon@uindy.edu) is also a paleoanthropologist with a
background in anatomy and an interest in the environmental and ecological context of our
evolution. Dr. Doug Stemke (stemked@uindy.edu), a microbiologist with a strong interest in
wildlife and photography, will be accompanying the trip

Where will we be going?
We will fly as a group from Indianapolis to Johannesburg, South Africa. From there we will
tour the northwestern part of the country, visiting private game reserves, national parks, and
primate sanctuaries.

How much will the trip cost?
We are currently negotiating details of the itinerary and expect to keep the total cost to about
$4000 per student. This covers airfare, tuition, food, lodging, admissions, and other travel
expenses. We are unable to anticipate exact airfare and currency exchange rate this far in advance.
Current prices for the most comfortable flights are about $1700, which would put the cost at about
$4300; but we will keep our eyes out for cheaper alternatives. This estimate will include a reserve
budget for emergencies or unexpected increases in costs that can be returned if unspent. You will
want to bring some personal money for snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and gifts.

How many people get to go?
We are taking a maximum of 15 students. The limit is set by the size of the tour vehicles in the
park. If you are concerned about reserving your spot on the roster, make sure you submit your
deposit early.

How soon do I have to pay?
A non-refundable deposit is due in November to hold your spot for the trip. Spots are filled on
a first-come first-served basis, so we recommend sending in your deposit early. Full payments
will be made in installments over the next several months, but we will need to purchase airline
tickets early to get the best rate. At that time we will need passport numbers.

PLAN AHEAD – Do I need a Passport or an International Student I.D?
Yes, you will need both. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the time of
arrival in South Africa. New passports are good for 10 years. If you need to get a new passport,
obtaining one can sometimes take several weeks - please make sure you order your passport in

plenty of time. This can be done at the main post office branch of any city. You can apply for an
International Student I.D. card through the university International Travel Office.

PLAN AHEAD – Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
United States citizens do not need a visa. International students may need a visa depending on
country of citizenship. More information is available at https://www.southafrica-
newyork.net/homeaffairs/tourist_visa.htm .

How do I sign up? Will we have a meeting on campus before we go?
We will have informational and pre-departure orientation meetings during the fall and winter
semesters. During first part of Spring Term we will have classroom sessions to present a short
background on animal behavior and ecology, the history of South Africa, and
paleaoanthropology. If you are interested in the trip, contact one of the instructors listed above to
get your name on our contact list.

My parents have a lot of questions. Can they come to this meeting?
Yes, we encourage parents to come and participate.

PLAN AHEAD – Do I need any vaccinations or drugs to go?
We recommend that you consult your family doctor. We advise you to be up-to-date with your
DPT vaccination and to receive a vaccination for yellow fever. In addition, you should discuss
with your doctor options for anti-malarial medicines. We cannot require you to take any shots or
medications for the trip, but we highly recommend you make an appointment with your doctor or
a travel clinic before you go. You can also visit the Center for Disease Control’s South Africa
Page for more information.

Do I need health insurance?
When you order your International Student I.D. it will come with health insurance for the trip,
but you may already have some or your parents’ insurance may cover you. We will collect
information about your coverage before departure.

I’m not very physically fit. Can I still go?
That depends on you. Can you hike with a backpack? Can you spend the day walking? Do you
feel comfortable sleeping in a sleeping bag? Although we are not doing anything too strenuous,
if these activities sound too difficult for you it will negatively impact your enjoyment of the trip.

What kind of animals will we be seeing?
We will probably see baboons and other monkeys, lions, elephants, hippos, cheetahs,
giraffes, impalas and other antelope, wildebeest, and many, many different kinds of birds.

 Do they speak English in South Africa?
 South Africa was a former British colony, so English is one of the national languages and is
 spoken everywhere. (Yes, they drive on the left.) It was also settled by the Dutch; and the
 country has numerous indigenous Africa peoples.

 What are the people like?
 South Africa is made up of many cultures, so there is no single answer to this question. We

recommend reading a Lonely Planet guide (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/) to South Africa,
available for purchase online and at most bookstores, before you leave. This will greatly
increase your enjoyment of the trip. Some of its history will be reviewed before we leave.
Remember too that it is your duty to observe and form your own opinions about South Africa’s
culture, and you should incorporate these in your journal and final paper. Finally, please be
respectful of the culture, beliefs, and privacy of the South Africans whom you meet.
Remember that you are a guest in their country. Also remember that you would find it rude if
someone you didn’t know walked up to you and took pictures without asking. Extend them the
same courtesy you would expect.

What is the food like?
It will be very familiar, and South Africans eat a lot of meat. Most of the time we will be
preparing our own food; but you will have an opportunity to try something exotic, such as
ostrich or antelope. If you have special dietary needs, we will let our guides know that in
advance.

Will I get the chance to buy souvenirs?
Yes! South Africa provides many opportunities for souvenir buying. We highly recommend
bringing money specifically for souvenirs and snacks and make sure there is extra room in your
luggage. Just remember that if you buy a lot of souvenirs at the beginning of the trip, you will
have to haul it around for weeks, so we recommend buying most of your souvenirs near the
trip’s end.