South Africa presents an unrivalled opportunity for students to study animal behaviour and natural processes, whilst developing their field and research skills in an exciting cultural setting.

Trace three million years of human evolution at the Cradle of Mankind, identify the differences between primates and ourselves, or get close at an animal sanctuary to consider the process of rehabilitating and releasing endangered species. Encountering the Africa's best known mammals in Kruger National Park, St Lucia Wetlands or Kwazulu-Natalwill be an unforgettable  experience. South Africa also presents an opportunity to experience science education and communication in new cultural contexts, visit Sci-Enza in Pretoria - an interactive science museum with a camera obscura and self-guided science lab or plunge into a coal or diamond mine to examine the geological processes that created this mineral resource country.

Add to your existing zoological knowledge by listening to talks by expert safari guides - ask key questions about species monitoring and conservation. Put new knowledge into practice as you study African wildlife in natural habitats, testing your theories through careful observation. Draw comparisons between science education in South Africa and the UK, and consider the career opportunities available to scientists in this country.

Our best value sample itinerary from £1585

11 Days to South Africa Eastern Highlights

Day 1:
Fly from London overnight to Johannesburg.

Day 2:
Arrive in Johannesburg, meet your guide and transfer by coach to Hazyview. On the way visit Dullstroom Bird of Prey Sanctuary dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating a wide range of species. Overnight stay in Hazyview.

Day 3:
The morning excursions will take you from Long Tom Pass to Lisbon Falls, onward to Gods Window, you can experience the breathtaking views of this 700m high clifftop popular vantage point. From here you will travel on to Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in Africa due to its subtropical foliage. Overnight stay in Hazyview.

Day 4:
Transfer to Kruger National. Spend the day game viewing in the largest National Park in Africa, It is almost the same size as Wales. All the Big Five game animals are found at Kruger National Park, boasting more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserve (at 147 species) including leopard, rhino, elephant, lion and cape buffalo. Overnight stay in Kruger Park area.

Day 5:
Spend the day game viewing in Kruger National Park.Overnight stay in Kruger Park area.

Day 6:
In the Morning transfer to the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park on the north coast of Kwazulu-Natal, a UNESCO world heritage site it is home to marine reserves, game reserves as well as a number of lakes and wilderness areas. Overnight in St Lucia area.

Day 7:
In the morning enjoy a boat tour around lake St. Lucia. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in St Lucia area.

Day 8:
Depart for Pretoria Overnight in Pretoria.

Day 9:
Depart for Pretoria. Visit the Voortrekker Monument a massive structure built to honour emigrants who left the Cape colony moving further into South Africa in the 1830's to 40's. Not far from here you will visit the Union Buildings which house the Presidents offices and visit the largest zoo in South Africa. Pretoria Zoo plays a vital part in the conservation of threatened species in Africa. Overnight in Pretoria.

Day 10:
Visit the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Rescue Centre (formerly De Wildt) which breeds and rescues rare and endangered species such as cheetahs and African Wild dog. Transfer to Johannesburg airport for your overnight return flight to London.

Day 11:
Arrive back in the UK.