Animals in Africa postal P O Box 2149, Hazyvew, 1242, South Africa

Transcription

1 Animals in Africa postal P O Box 2149, Hazyvew, 1242, South Africa . marina@animalsinafrica.co.za web. phone. 084

2 HISTORY Voluntourism vacation with a purpose has considerably grown since the mid 1980s. A study discovered the motivational push factors that drive some leisure tourists to seek volunteer experience during their leisure trip; is the perceived benefits that vacation tourists derive from participating in volunteering activities at the destination; and the highlights of the vacation experience with a volunteering component. Animals in Africa, is a volunteer program for anyone who has a passion for working with animals, either in the field of Animal Science or in a more general animal care-oriented role. The program is an ideal way to gain knowledge and experience or putting skills into practice, while contributing to the well-being and future of our horses at Horse Whispers and contributing to our rural livestock community project around Kruger National Park. Animals in Africa's were established to support activities that can contribute towards a livestock community project around Kruger National Park. Animals in Africa are based in Hazyview and operates from Horse Whispers. Mission Our purpose is to provide an experiential learning program to enable individuals in the animal science field. We facilitate participatory community based, self reliant and sustainable action programs in order to reduce isolation, connecting people and knowledge and by offering technical and planning assistance. We continually strive to provide high standards, professional guidelines and practices in the animal industry by providing the highest quality care of our clients and the animals with respect for each individual and the highest levels of safety and ethics.

3 General Information Animals in Africa volunteer program is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has a passion for working with animals, either in the field of Animal Science or in a more general animal care-oriented role. Our volunteer program is an ideal way for you to gain some knowledge and experience or put your skills into practice, while contributing to the well-being of our Horse Whispers as well as our rural livestock community program. You can volunteer whether you are on a gap year from your education, on a career break, or as part of an extended holiday. No matter what your qualification or experience! The minimum age required is 17 years with parental consent, and maximum decided on potential participant s health and fitness. Throughout our programs you will have the support and guidance of the program coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. During the volunteer project, near the reserve you will be housed in a volunteer lodge with shared, single sex, on suite bedrooms. The lodge is fully furnished and has a kitchen, lounge area, entertainment area with a pool. There are various programs, lasting from 1 week up to 6 months, the longer you stay the more you will get to do. The Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with various animals, from horses, cattle and donkeys to trained African elephants, Rhinoceros and other wildlife. Volunteers can also get the chance to complete a Field guiding course (FGASA 1), South African Equestrian Federation Level 1 (Module 1 & 2) and a Wildlife photography introduction course. You are welcome to contact us if you have any special request. We will create a program that will suit your interest. The program's primary focus is to provide the learner with practical experiential learning. Minimum age Minimum 17 years with parental consent, maximum decided on potential participant s health and fitness. Volunteer need to be 18 years of age to do a South African driver's license and 21 years of age to do a Public Drivers Permit.

4 Accommodation During the volunteer projects, the volunteer will be housed in Loerie Guest farm lodge with shared, single sex bedrooms ( The accommodation is fully furnished and has a kitchen, lounge area, entertainment area with a pool. During Kruger National Park activities, the volunteer will be sleeping in a tent. Meals Full kitchen is available for self catering. Weekly trips to the local groceries store will be arranged. A chef is available on request at extra cost. Vegetarians can be catered for on request. Drinks are at own expense. Volunteers will be taken into town weekly for shopping; Advice & Safety Throughout our programs volunteers will have the support and guidance of the program coordinator and team. The volunteer will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice the volunteer may need during her/ his stay. Travelling in Africa requires a tourist to constantly be alert. Do not accept assistance from locals trying to help and be assertive. Keep all valuables out of sight and on your person when travelling. Do not make use of taxis own ANY public transport other than what is suggested in Travel. If you experience any problems please contact +27(0) OR marina@animalsinafrica.co.za What to bring The volunteer needs to bear in mind the climate of Hazyview, Mpumalanga. Bring clothes for horse riding, cattle working ranch, walking trail, relaxation and swimming. Horse riding shoes, walking shoes, sandals. Bring clothing for at least 7 days. Neutral colours for field work and dress in layers for cool mornings/evenings and hot days. (Only one washing trip in 13 days)

5 Warm jacket for mornings/evenings. A good sun hat, sunglasses, sun screen, water bottle, raincoat, mosquito repellent, camera, torch and malaria prophylaxis. Appropriate footwear (closed shoes) for field work. Personal items such as toiletries, personal medication, alarm clock, insect repellent, a day pack when going out, camera, binoculars, note book and pen, flash light. Converter for electrical supplies (SA 220 V). Participants may bring their own laptops, but please note that each participant is responsible for his/her own belongings and the safety of said belongings. Banking The currency is South African Rand and credit cards are accepted. Banks are open from 08:30 am 15:30 pm. All banks have ATMs. Change money at the airport. Master and Visa cards are accepted in South Africa. Health The volunteer do not have to bring any personal medications; there are pharmacies and general practitioners in Hazyview. Please consult your doctor. Insurance Please consult your travel agent. Travel Your final destination is Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, 300 km east of Johannesburg. Flying to Nelspruit is the most convenient option, but the City Bug bus ( ) offers a reliable 4 hour shuttle from Johannesburg International Airport to Nelspruit. You will be collected at either Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), (Internationalcode MQP), on the Sunday, at the start of your week, or from the City Bug bus stop.

6 Terms and conditions No previous experience is necessary. Volunteers must submit curriculum vitae, and a motivation and reference letter which must be ed to Marina marina@animalsinafrica.co.za Applicants must have a high level of mental and physical fitness; Pages available in passport for visas should we need to work in Mozambique; Medical and evacuation insurance; Must be prepared to stay in basic accommodation in the field if needs be; Animals in Africa has the right to refuse access to the lodge and program based on inadequate payment or inappropriate behaviour. Cancellation Should you need to cancel, please inform us immediately via . Please note that the deposit to secure your seat is not refundable. Refunds are considered only in the event of natural disasters, participant serious illness or injury, or immediate family death. The transfer costs for refunds are carried by the participant, and will be deducted from the amount being refunded.

7 The Volunteer Programs PROGRAM INCLUDES PRICE per person per day Equine Nottinghill stables Equine Horse Whispers Pick up and drop of at Kruger Mpumalanga International airport. Self catering Nottinghill stables, White river. Use of Academy horses and equipment and text book usage Pick up and drop of at Kruger Mpumalanga International airport. Self catering Loerie Guest Farm, Hazyview. 30 minutes interaction with 6 tamed African elephants Transportation to and from stables Wildlife program Pick up and drop of at Kruger Mpumalanga International airport. Self catering Loerie Guest Farm, Hazyview. Wildlife interaction and interpretation in the Kruger National Park. Possible veterinary wildlife activities. Transportation to and from excursions Livestock program Pick up and drop of at Kruger Mpumalanga International airport. Self catering Guest Farm, Lydenburg. Working experience with livestock Transportation to and from excursions African elephant program Pick up and drop of at Kruger Mpumalanga International airport. Self catering Loerie Guest Farm, Hazyview. Interaction with 6 tamed African elephants from 07:00 am to 16:00 Transportation to and from stables $ US pp/pd x 8.73 = R $ US pp/pd x 8.73 = R $ pp/pd x 8.73 = R $ US pp/pd x 8.73 = R $ US pp/pd x 8.73 = R916.65

8 Fees do not include: Airfares: Volunteers will need to fly to Johannesburg International Airport (OR Tambo), and then either take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), or a shuttle bus to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. Participants will be transported to Terra Luna Lodge either from KMIA or the bus stop in Nelspruit, on the specified arrival and departure days of courses. Meals & Drinks Telephone calls will be charged for Internet access: Facilities are provided but will be charged for. PAYMENT POLICY Please note that the following payment procedures will be followed. Within 14 days, after confirming the booking, a 50% deposit is required. On the day of arrival the outstanding amount must be settled in full. Any extras during the day must be settled at the end of the day. Once you have completed and submitted the application form, you will receive an accepting you into the program. Banking details will be provided and your seat will only be confirmed once the deposit reflects in our account. Remember to CLEARLY STATE YOUR NAME AS THE REFERENCE. Please us with the date of your transfer.

9 Equine Program at Nottinghill stables with Kraai Kamffer. RATE: $ pp/pd x 8.73 = R The program will be based on the SANEF (South African Equestrian Federation) curriculum. During a six months stay, the volunteer can choose to successfully complete two exams and will achieve the following National Qualifications: SANEF Certificate of Stable Yard Skills Stage 1 and SANEF Certificate of Stable Yard Skills Stage 2. The Fees will include all of the following: Accommodation, 3 meals per day, use of Academy horses and equipment and text book usage. All course work and notes, First Aid course and drivers licence as well as the registration fees & the cost of the actual SANEF exam itself is at own expense. Equine Program at Horse Whispers with Marina du Preez RATE: $ pp/pd x 8.73 = R The volunteer will assist in the stable management, the caring and riding of the Horses. Fees will include all of the following: Self-catering accommodation, transfers to and from Horse Whispers, daily 30 minute interaction with 6 tamed trained African Elephants, riding of horses, use of equipment and text book usage. Drinks and meals, First Aid course and drivers licence fees is at own expense. The fees will contribute to the well-being and future of the horses of Horse Whispers. Horse Whispers is a company that offers a wide variety of horse trails. Most of our horses were field horses fairly familiar to human interaction, some did not trust humans at all

10 and others had no understanding of personal space. We aimed to teach these inexperienced horses to trust humans and have a positive image about humans. The well-being and future of these horses is dependent on the income from trails, but the income from Animals in Africa is a great contribution. Horse Whispers is located on a 2000 hectare Bushveld property, owned by the Sandford community trust. The relationship between the community and Horse Whispers is one of a few successful land reformed cases. After the land was transferred to the Sandford community, they agreed on a 20 year lease with Horse Whispers in Marina du Preez volunteered at Horse Whispers in 2010 and were employed as the manager in Under her management she improved the image of the business, with the well-being of the horses as the major priority. Under her guidance the physical condition of the horses improved, more horses were recruited to increase the number of horse trails per day, she build grazing paddocks and horse stables for the comfort of the horses. Horse Whispers were eventually granted to Marina. Horse trails suit all riding abilities even if you are a non-rider. From exhilarating crosscountry jumping, to meandering rambles alongside the mountain river, from cattle drives on horse back, to romantic picnic rides. Our ultimate activity, is the Elephant Encounter Trail, an amazing opportunity to ride out into the Bush on horseback to meet six African Elephant. Horse rides set off from the homestead, where experienced guides extend a warm welcome and assist you to saddle up in preparation for your excursion. Trails pass through open fields into woodland forests, river valleys and rolling hills with breathtaking views and our experienced guides will adjust the trail according to your riding skill. The diversity of indigenous trees includes Wild Teaks, Mabola Plums, Transvaal beech, and Matumi trees, which attract a wonderful array of birds and wildlife, ideal for keen bird watchers. Horse Whispers host one to three day pony camps, where heaps of fun and learning go hand in hand. Beginner to intermediate horse riding lessons is also offered for children and adults. If you consider proposing by horseback or round off a perfect wedding with horses, call us first and let our experienced staff match the perfect day with your dream. Horse

11 Whispers takes great delight and pride in choosing a superb setting for a surprise marriage proposal and romantic picnic to celebrate your engagement. For newly weds, the stunning scenery provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photos with a difference. Join Horse whispers on a horseback riding team building experience you will never forget! The program will include horse grooming, saddling, lessons, riding hard for half a day and driving cattle. Our well-schooled, responsive horses include a variety of Thoroughbreds, Basotho pony crosses and Boerperd. Most of our horses were field horses fairly familiar to human interaction, some did not trust humans at all and others had no understanding of personal space. We aimed to teach these inexperienced horses to trust humans and have a positive image about humans. The training consist of halter work, trusting and respecting humans, desensitization exercises, groundwork, preparing for a rider, backing and riding away with a safe, nice horse! d crosses ranging in size from hands. They are stabled at night and roams freely as a herd in enclosures during the day. Child Policy The minimum age for the children s pony ride is 2 years of age. Children must be age 8 years or older to go on a trail ride, unless they participate in horse riding lessons on a regular basis. Weight Limit Our horses are 14 to 16 hands and are able to carry a maximum weight of 90 kg; this is to ensure the horses do not suffer any back injuries. Clothing and What to Bring Riding Jodhpurs are the best option; however, denim jeans or long trousers are also suitable.

12 Safe footwear is important; closed flat-soled shoes are best. Sandals and shoes with buckles are not recommended as they do not protect rider s feet and may catch in the stirrups. Light comfortable clothing for day tours, especially during the summer A jersey or jacket for the early morning and late afternoon winter programs. For the early morning and late afternoon programs in the summertime, it is wise to apply mosquito repellent Sun Screen Safety Precautions Guests will be given a safety briefing and will be required to sign an indemnity before departing on the horse ride. Guests are required to wear helmets which will be provided by Horse Whispers. Before mounting these must be securely fastened. We offer riding activities for all riding abilities; beginners, novice, intermediate and experienced Riders. Guest s riding abilities will be evaluated before allowing them to canter. Activities of Horse Whispers volunteers will help with stable management and the caring and riding of the horses. Applicable 01 January 2012 to 31 December 2013 Excursion Duration Rate Skill Times Children s Pony Ride on the farm min R per child Beginners Morning and Afternoon Rides An ideal introduction to horse riding for children. Parents welcome to join in and walk with their children. R Suitable for all One Hour Bush trail One hour Morning and Afternoon Rides per person levels of Rides Enjoy a tranquil ramble on well schooled horses. A lovely horse riding experience for novice and advanced horse riders. R Suitable for all Two Hour Bush trail Two hours Morning and Afternoon Rides per person levels of Riders An outride for the more adventurous and experienced horse riders. Join us in exploring paths and following trails through the Lowveld countryside.

13 Picnic Ride Two and a half hours R per person Suitable for all levels of Riders 11h00 A breathtaking ride alongside the river and through the hills leads to an idyllic picnic site in a secluded valley. Enjoy your lunch in the shaded canopy provided by the indigenous Matumi trees. R Suitable for all Sundowner Ride Two hours 16h00 per person levels of Riders Meet in the late afternoon for a sundowner ride to a tranquil setting to toast the setting sun. A scenic ride home completes your magical experience. Cattle drive on horse R Suitable for all Two hours Morning and Afternoon Rides back per person levels of Riders A cattle round up on the Sandford Farm, where a small number of cattle are located and gathered and moved to the nearest water source. The cattle are moved at a walk, any faster than a walk and you run the fat off them, most unwelcomed by any farmer. There is some faster work occasionally to retrieve runaways. R Suitable for all Elephant encounter Three hours Morning and Afternoon Rides per person levels of Riders Join us for an unforgettable horse riding experience through the Hazyview bushveld with an en-route stop to meet 6 majestic African Elephants. Min 2 pax, max 6 pax. Intermediate and Cross-country horse R Two hours Experienced Morning and Afternoon Rides riding per person Riders Challenging two hour trail for the intermediate and experienced riders. A fast ride into the mountainous subtropical bush, cantering through natural spring water and jumping over cm obstacles. Shangana Village Horse Please Suitable for all Three hours Hourly rides and Lunch rides Trail contact us levels of Riders The residents of the traditional villages of Shangana invite guests to share in the way of life of the Shangaan people. The picturesque villages are set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland, and are open every day.a bustling African market village forms the centre of Shangana, where local craftspeople make and trade their craft. From here, trained guides lead guests down to villages on daytime tours, midday tours with lunch, and the famed Festival in the Chief's Kraal. Horse riding lessons One hour R200 per person Suitable for all levels of Riders Morning and Afternoon Rides Perfect opportunity for someone who always wanted to learn how to ride a horse properly. During a lesson a number of exercises are done on horseback, following a program specifically developed according to each riders needs. The instructor focuses on developing certain areas while the rider is having fun on the horse One to Three Please Suitable for all Pony camps Please contact us days contact us levels of Riders Learn everything about horse care. We start in the morning in the stables interacting with our horses, and continue the day teaching you how to handle a horse, groom them, saddle them, ride them and understand them! An educational experience while becoming acquainted with our horses. We have 21 horses, each with unique characters and qualities. Special Rides on Please contact Please Suitable for all Please contact us request us contact us levels of Riders If you are considering proposing by horseback or round off a perfect wedding with horses, call us first and let our experienced staff match the perfect day with your dream. Join Horse whispers on a horseback riding teambuilding experience you will never forget! The program will include horse grooming,

14 saddling, lessons, riding hard for half a day and driving cattle Wildlife Program RATE: $ pp/pd x 8.73 = R You can play a vital role to ensure the protection, conservation and management of African wildlife. The program will be based on the FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) curriculum. During a six months stay, the volunteer can choose to successfully complete one exam and will achieve a National Qualification: FGASA level 1. The majority of the program is in the Kruger National Park - South Africa's most well known National Park. To expand the experience we may visit several projects that are complimentary to Conservation, such as disease free buffalo breeding projects, rhinoceros breeding farms, game capture activities, a cheetah breeding centre and a wildlife rehabilitation centre. The Fees will include all of the following: Self-catering accommodation, transfers to and from excursions, fees to the Kruger National Park. Drinks and meals, First Aid course and drivers licence fees is at own expense. 1. Animal studies 2. Plant studies 3. Behavioural studies on Rhinoceros in a breeding facility 4. Measuring foraging impact of six trained Elephants on vegetation 5. Measuring the behavioural effect of tourism on six trained African elephants

15 6. The candelabra tree (Euphorbia ingens): a source of water for black rhinoceros 7. Animal observations at water-holes. 8. Monitoring sex and age ratios in ungulates populations 9. Herbivore dung deposit count around drinking water troughs and lakes. 10. Studying the impact of large herbivores on woody vegetation 11. Bird surveys 12. Monitoring of invertebrates 13. A Floristic analysis 14. Geology 15. Fresh-water management 16. Veld Condition Assessments: 17. General reserve projects 18. Gain Wildlife knowledge and bush skills. Livestock Program RATE: $ pp/pd x 8.73 = R Animals in Africa's were established to support activities that can contribute towards a livestock community project around Kruger National Park. We've found that small-scale livestock entrepreneurs need information regarding livestock production, especially information on the well-being of their livestock. We've realized that rural livestock producers have limited access to stock remedies to implement preventative disease measurements or to treat basic animal health problems. Our aim is to take information and stock remedies directly to them in their communities. We've obtained a central vet franchise and the income from Animals in Africa will enable us to buy stock remedies to offer to the livestock entrepreneurs. This program focuses on a hands-on experience in raising livestock. Volunteers will get opportunities to work on cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, chicken and small animals, in rural areas with now facilities as well as on stud farms with the latest technology.

16 The Fees will include all of the following: Self-catering accommodation, work experience, transfers to and from excursions, use equipment and text book usage. Drinks and meals, First Aid course and drivers licence fees is at own expense. FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS The financial projections set out in Annexure A are based on the following assumptions: Capacity: There are 5 programs per day a equine program at Nottinghill stables, an equine program at horse whispers, a livestock program, a wildlife program and a African elephant program A maximum number of 10 volunteers can be taken on a program. This gives a total capacity of 50 volunteers per day. Each month is assumed to consist of 28 working days. This gives a total capacity of a maximum of 1400 volunteers that can be taken on programs per month, and 16,800 per year. Capacity utilisation: Peak season is June to mid December, during which capacity utilisation is projected to be 90%. From the second half of December to March, capacity utilisation is projected at 30%. Due to April holidays, projected capacity utilisation increases to 65%. This gives a projected total of more than 1260 tourists per month in the peak months, dropping to less than 420 in the off-season. Projected capacity utilisation for the year as a whole is 56%. The total number of tourists per year is projected to be more than 9,400. Rack rate: The rack rate is $ pp/pd x 8.73 = R per person, projected to be increased by

17 5% per year. Revenue: Based on the above assumptions, monthly revenue is projected to amount more than R1 million in the peak months, dropping to just over R380,000 in the off-season, giving a total of almost R6,5 million for the year. Capital equipment and start-up costs: One vehicle (GWM 2.2 Steed bakkie) at a cost of R160,000 each. The vehicle has been financed, and monthly instalments are projected to amount to R3,000 per month over 5 years. A first-aid kits at R1,000 each. Uniforms for 4 staff at R2,000. Office equipment, including a fax, copier, and telephone at R5,000. Initial marketing material consisting of a website, brochures and flyers at R15,000. Company formation and set-up costs at R10,000. This gives a total initial investment requirement of R405,000. Training of staff at R10,000. With the vehicles being financed, this is reduced to an initial capital requirement of less than R100,000, with an ongoing monthly commitment of R8,000. Operating costs: Basic salary for manager: R10,000 per month.

18 Five personnel with basic monthly salaries of R2,500 each Accommodation for three personnel at R2,000 per month each. Horse food and care at R16,000 per month. Fuel and oil at R300 per day per vehicle, calculated as follows: 8 km per litre and 250 km per day give: 32 litres per day times: R per litre equals: R per day. Vehicle maintenance (servicing, tyres, etc) R2,000 every Third month. Telephone, internet, and radio communication R4,000 per month. Office expenses at R1,000 per quarter. Insurance cover for general public liability for R50 million: monthly premium of R5,000; insurance of vehicle and equipment: monthly premium of R2,000. Marketing expenses at R3,000 per quarter. Commission of 20% on all bookings made through agents; it is assumed that 60% of all bookings are commissionable. Tax: Tax is calculated at 35% of pre-tax income. For purposes of the tax and income statement calculations it is assumed that

19 depreciation is equal to the monthly instalments on the vehicles. Inflation: All revenue and cost items are projected to increase by 5% pa over the budget period. PROJECT FEASIBILITY The inherent feasibility of the project is demonstrated by the following break-even analysis: Revenue per Volunteer: Rack rate Less: Commission (20%) Net revenue per tourist Minimum number of volunteers day 2 Minimum net revenue per day 1466,64 Less: Direct costs per day: Fuel and oil 300 Accommodation 400 Minimum net revenue per day after direct costs Fixed monthly overhead costs: Basic salaries: five personnel 7,500 Horse food and care 15,000 Vehicle maintenance 500 Telephone, internet, radio communication 3,000 Office expenses 333 Insurance 6,000 Marketing expenses 500 Vehicle 3,000

20 Total fixed monthly overhead cost 35,833 Break-even number of volunteers per month volunteers per month with two volunteers per day are required to cover all fixed operating and financing costs for the month. Capacity is approximately 1400 volunteers per month (28 days per month x 5 programs per day x 10 volunteers). With less than a third of capacity utilised (46 / 1400 = 3.3%) and at the minimum number of 2 volunteers per day, the venture breaks even. With 10 volunteers per day per program, each program generates R6, of net revenue after direct costs, which means that only 5 program days per month are required to achieve break-even. The conservatism of these results is further underlined by the fact that the 20% sales commission is applied to all revenue, which is not expected to be the case. The financial projections confirm the feasibility of the project: a positive cashflow from the first month of operations, with even the initial set-up costs covered by the revenue of the first month (due to the commencement of operations in the peak season);

21 People Involved Marina du Preez Animals in Africa is a initiative launched by Marina du Preez. Marina is the owner of Horse Whispers ( and Walking Trails Kruger National Park ( and has recently obtained a Central Vet Franchise in Hazyview. She completed her National Diploma in Nature Conservation in 2001, her FGASA level 3, SKS in 2003, and has extensive experience of conducting walking safaris in the Kruger National Park. She recently completed her Baccalaureus Technologiae in Animal Health and is in the process to publish her two year research on the stress levels of six trained African elephants. She is currently, part of a white rhinoceros translocation exercise, and will do her Masters in Science to gather scientific evidence that will address the well-being of farming rhinoceros. She also has knowledge and experience in livestock husbandry, works in liaison with veterinarians, and has started a community project in Lilydale (close to Paul Kruger Gate), advising the local farmers on the wellbeing of their livestock. Kraai Kamffer Kraai Kamffer is a SANDF top qualified instructor. FEI Coach Level I and II. Chief instructor at SANDF Equestrian Center for 13 yrs. Instructing experience of more than 30 years. Competed successfully for more than 28 years on national and international level. She has Provincial colours 22 times in Show jumping, Dressage, Showing and Eventing. Kraai is

22 the instructor of the Equine Program at Nottinghill stables. Dr Marietjie Malan Marietjie qualified in 2001 at Onderstepoort Veterinary University of Pretoria (BVSc). She worked at mixed species practice for eight years in Lydenburg. She is currently the State veterinarian for the last three years. Her main interest is Equine and Bovine production and diseases. She is also a cattle farmer. She serves as a veterinarian during horse endurance rides. She is one of the founders of the Tonteldoos community donkey project. Marietjie is the veterinarian for the livestock program in Lydenburg. Shaun Lotter Shaun is a Field Guide for almost 3 years in the Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves. He acquired his National Qualification level 2 en 4, tracker level 1, VPDA (Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals) lead guide level 4 at at the Nature college. He is also qualified in game farm management and able to manage alien plant control, collect filed specimens, monitor wildlife, assist in game capture techniques. Shaun is the field guide and instructor for the wildlife program. Marketing Strategy The target market for Animals in Africa consists mostly of foreign and local tourists to the KNP area, for anyone who has a passion for working with animals, either in the field of Animal Science or in a more general animal care-oriented role. A study discovered the motivational push factors that drive some leisure tourists to seek volunteer experience during their leisure trip; is the perceived benefits that vacation tourists derive from participating in volunteering activities at the destination; and the highlights of the vacation experience with a volunteering component

23 A range of marketing instruments will be used to communicate to this market: 1. A visually appealing website ( has been developed with information about the programs offered and a facility for on-line booking 2. Colour brochures are produced for distribution in the area and for marketing to tour operators and at exhibitions. 3. To promote the activity for inclusion as an optional component to tour operators, the company has been to the annual Indaba in Durban 4. Advertisements at Animals Science educational institutions all over the world will be distributed. 5. Two vehicles are branded and generates exposure for the activity as they move through the area and stop at hotels, Park gates, and other areas where tourists gather. 6. Marina has good long-standing relationships with tour guides working for the major tour operators; this is expected to generate many bookings as these operators would like to be able to offer their clients the option one or more of the programs, and would earn commission on bookings sold to their clients. 7. The company will register and comply to all the relevant Tourism governing bodies like FGASA, DEAT etc. Social Responsibility - Developing people. In the course of Marina's work in the tourism industry in the area, she has identified young black guides with potential to develop in the industry. Animals in Africa will give

24 these individuals the opportunity to develop their skills and enhance their qualifications Contact us Animals in Africa postal P O Box 2149, Hazyvew, 1242, South Africa . marina@animalsinafrica.co.za web. phone