The group of four BSc Animal Behaviour students and six BSc Canine Therapy and Rehabilitation students camped in the park for 11 days - immersing themselves in the South African landscape through expert lectures, game drives and bush walks. 

The large game reserve is home to animals including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhino and more than 300 species of birds. 

During their visit, the students, who were also joined by six students from Merrist Wood College in Guildford, were taught about local ecology, habitat management, animal health, tracking and protection by experienced field guides from Limpopo Field Guiding Academy. 

The students also took part in an intensive course in learning how to identify and track an animal through measuring the stride length, movement, and gait of a footprint, and how to spot signs of animal activity through assessing vegetation and dung.

At the end of the course, the students all successfully completed either level one or two of the CATHSSETA Cyber Tracking certificate, an internationally-recognised wildlife tracking qualification.  

During the visit, they also immersed themselves in the cultural landscape of South Africa, visiting the local communities of Soweto, eating local delicacies and learning more about the country’s history. 

Sophie Hands, 20 from Redditch who studies Animal Behaviour and Training, said: “From learning how to track animals to seeing rhinos, giraffes, and wildebeests in the wild, the trip was such a rewarding and enrichening experience.  

“The tutors and field guides supported me throughout the trip including the intensive track and sign course, in which I earned my Level 2 qualification. 

“The trip has really opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in conservation, and the skills developed in South Africa will support me in my course at WCUC.”

The students are completing their course with Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) – the higher education arm of WCG.

Helen Coleman, subject lead, said: “The students all thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa. 

“They gained confidence exploring the environment, worked successfully as a team and enhanced their existing academic and practical skills in animal husbandry, habitat management and welfare developed during their studies. 

“The days were enriched by the incredible environment, animals, and the incredibly welcoming people.

“It was also a fantastic opportunity for the students to achieve a unique, internationally-recognised qualification.”

For more information about WCUC courses, visit https://wcuc.ac.uk/