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Treasures of South Africa
Veterinary Alumni Tour

July 21 — August 4, 2009

Download the full trip details and itinerary here [PDF].

For the last eight years, Mark Abdy (DVM ’92, PhD ’97), a veterinary medical officer in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, has led two-week safaris to southern Africa geared toward his friends, colleagues, and their families. Now he is inviting UGA veterinary alumni and faculty to join him on his next trip below the equator in June 2009.

"Thank you all for a truly memorable and absolutely awesome adventure to Africa!!!! Mark, this excursion went way beyond my vision of this ‘once in a lifetime experience’ and it has left me ready to plan a return visit..."
— Bernadette Dunham, DVM, PhD

The tour organizer is Eyes on Africa, based in Chicago, Ill. (Contact: Vanessa Hensley). In 2004, Eyes on Africa was selected the “Most Knowledgeable Regional Expert for Southern Africa” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Dr. Abdy will serve as the tour leader.

“Imagine yourself sitting around a campfire listening to the roar of lions, or watching a herd of thirsty elephants coming down to drink, or hearing the majestic call of the African Fish Eagle or following a leopard on the hunt,” Dr. Abdy says. “These scenes are all very real possibilities on this safari, and close encounters with African wildlife and fauna are guaranteed.”

While the tour will focus primarily on wildlife viewing, it will also include time in Cape Town, consistently ranked in the five most beautiful cities in the world. The game viewing will incorporate different habitats and include visits to three different national parks or exclusive private game reserves. Lodging will be 4- to 5-Star with most meals included. Since the tour will include stays at “high-end” private game reserves, you are ensured numerous close-up encounters with wildlife.

“During our stays at the private game reserves, we will have our own very knowledgeable trackers and rangers,” explains Dr. Abdy. “A typical day in the bush includes two major activities each day—these usually are an early morning and late afternoon/evening game drive in traditional safari vehicles.”

Trip Information

Cost: Based on 11 adult guests (all UGA CVM Alumni, faculty and/or family), cost is US$6,400 per person, sharing. This price excludes international air travel from Atlanta to South Africa and back.

Please note that the following flight costs are based on 2008 fares, since the applicable July/August 2009 fares have not yet been issued. You should budget between US$1,600-1,900 per person roundtrip for international airfare, although based on ever-increasing fuel costs, this cost may be higher. As soon as we have a more accurate cost we will update the itinerary.

"The tour with Mark was wonderful. As a native of South Africa, he was able to give us rich details of the parks, the animals and the country's history. All guests felt relaxed, safe, and superbly informed."
—Wayne Crowell, DVM, PhD

Group travel precludes the use of Frequent Flyer Miles.

Exchange rates: Please note that a large portion of these costs have been converted from South African Rands to US Dollars and are therefore subject to currency fluctuations. We use an average of recent historical exchange rates in creating our price quotes. If the exchange rate changes materially during the period from the initial quote to the final payment date, we will adjust your final balance amount due to us.

How do I sign up?

Space is available on a first-come, first serve basis with a deposit of US$1,650 per person.

Deadline to sign up: 28 November 2008 (NEW extended deadline!)

Final Payment due date: 1 April 2009

Please contact Vanessa Hensley at Eyes on Africa directly to obtain your sign-up forms and make your reservation – Vanessa@eyesonafrica.net - Tel: 866.312.2287.

Post-trip Extension

Customized extensions to this itinerary, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia (Victoria Falls), Mozambique and/or other destinations may be arranged through Eyes on Africa as desired. Ask us for further information.