The VETPAW Experience is back!
July will be an exciting month for VETPAW and wildlife lovers across the planet, as the VETPAW experience prepares to start again. This is a 10-day experience that will bring wildlife lovers in close touch with the treasure of Africa, give them a first-hand understanding of conservation efforts and methods, and immerse them in a holiday that will transform lives.
What will this adventure from VETPAW include?
-
Conservation activities
Monitoring of wildlife populations is an important part of conservation because it provides information about the status of threatened species and about the effectiveness of management strategies to conservation experts. Metrics commonly gathered during monitoring include population numbers, geographic distribution, and genetic diversity, although many other metrics may be used.
During the VETPAW Experience, participants will:
- be a part of a monitoring and tracking team dedicated to finding and documenting the black and white rhino, elephant, and cheetah populations within the reserve and create range maps within their territories;
- monitor the animals’ behavior and interactions to achieve an understanding of the population structure, seasonal movements, anti-poaching practices, and management planning through information collected;
- learn about the diversity of African nature – a variety of animals and vegetation in various regions; and
- get insight into the anti-poaching practices and military-grade tactics used by VETPAW team members.
- A dream vacation
Witnessing the grandeur of African wildlife, the open savannahs, and the dense jungles are on everyone’s bucket list. With the VETPAW team, the participants can not only contribute to and experience conservation efforts but also enjoy every aspect of this beautiful country.
a. Safari
Daily game drives around the reserve will allow the participants to capture the exquisite beauty of the African wildlife and landscapes. The veterans and ecologists on the ground will escort the visitors across the reserve not only during the day but also at night.
b. Sand dunes and beaches
Thirty minutes away from the reserve lies the Eastern Cape where the visitors will get to experience some of the largest sand dunes in the world. On the other side of the dunes, the beaches of South Africa will be another experience to remember.
Beach activities and a local boat ride are other engagements that visitors can enjoy.
c. An African Sundowner at the lodge
Experience an African Sundowner in the bush as the setting sun adorns the vast landscapes in an exquisite play of lights and shadows. The visitors will:
- enjoy dinners and braais surrounding the campfire under the star-lit skies;
- enjoy daily activities like reading and gardening and make friends with other co-habitants at the reserve and lodge; and
- have access to a vast array of amenities that will make the stay very comfortable.
-
Learning about sustainability and cultural heritage
The sustainable upliftment of communities surrounding the reserve is one of the pillars of the VETPAW mission. The team has been creating sustainability projects for the families living in nearby villages since 2019 and continues the implementation of such projects even now.
These initiatives educate/train and provide a reliable income for the local communities, which adds another layer of protection for the wildlife. The natives realize that wildlife is precious not just to the ecosystem but also to their sustenance.
With the VETPAW experience, participants can visit the nearby village and interact with the women who lead the sustainability initiative for the village;
- understand the daily lives of the native women and children and hear stories about their communities;
- get an exclusive chance to work with and/or purchase the crafts made by the community; and
- glimpse into the customs and heritage by visiting one of the many traditional villages and coastal towns nearby.
The takeaway
This adventure will highlight to the visitors:
- the significance of the work that conservationists across the globe are doing and the methods they use;
- the imminent threats to the survival of wildlife, especially the endangered species;
- the dynamics between the African communities and wildlife; and
- the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of South Africa.
VETPAW hopes that with these first-hand conservation experiences the visitors will support the conservation of wildlife by creating awareness and being conscientious in all their actions pertaining to wildlife.
VETPAW - Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife
Founded in 2013, VETPAW is a non-profit organization and a community of US war veterans dedicated to protecting African wildlife and training local African rangers in the war against poaching.
Visit VETPAW.org or call at (929) 269-5329 to make a reservation for the VETPAW Experience now.
