Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: African Wildlife Conservation

Backed by sixteen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning, and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel, and cultural exchange to create extraordinary college-accredited expeditions. Each course includes an important community service component, and the themes of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth are interwoven in each AT experience.

Academic Treks students are fully immersed in an educational experience in a real world setting, gaining a global perspective and hands-on understanding of the topics studied. They also get a head start on college by earning college and/or community service credit and by building a host of skills they will use both in school and beyond. For students looking for an educational and exciting summer experience, Academic Treks may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

The wilds of South Africa are home to an astounding variety of magnificent animals, big and small. Join Academic Treks to study and assist with efforts to conserve, protect and increase African wildlife populations that are threatened by habitat destruction, development, poaching and hunting. Living at the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary, work and learn alongside conservationists, researchers and veterinarians as they strive to rescue, rehabilitate and provide sanctuary for Africa’s endangered creatures including giraffes, zebras, rhinos and elephants. Explore Kruger National Park — one of Africa’s oldest, largest and most renowned national parks — in search of impalas, lions, buffaloes and hippos. Teach local schoolchildren about the importance of wildlife conservation. Travelers take inflatable kayaks through the dramatic Blyde River Canyon, the site where the prehistoric Gondwanaland super-continent tore apart, creating Africa and Asia, as well as one of Africa's natural wonders.

Staff Overview

Academic Treks leaders bring a wealth of experience to every program. They share a love for working with young people, as well as a passion for experiential learning and teaching. The average age of AT staff members is typically around 26.

The Academic Treks course design requires the use of several instructors for each program. Two AT staff members lead the trip, providing focus and continuity to the program. In-country outfitters are used to provide the local knowledge and expertise for expedition phases. These additional teachers and outfitters provide a perspective, depth of knowledge and access to resources that could not be obtained otherwise. Formal instruction is given by professional educators with experience teaching young adults through experiential and project-based learning.

Setting & Accommodations

While hiking and exploring Blyde River Canyon, travelers do traditional camping in tents. While at Enkosini, the rustic camp consists of cabins with individual beds. Some rooms have shared bathrooms and other bathrooms are en suite, and all have hot water. Enkosini strives to maintain harmony with nature by using solar power, fire driven water heaters, and paraffin lanterns. There is no permanent electricity at the camp. Limited solar power can be provided to charge camera batteries if necessary.

Safety Standards

Academic Treks Course Lead Instructors complete intensive staff training before the program, which includes a focus on risk management, in-country logistics, emergency protocols, leadership training, and teaching students how to integrate experiences learned on program into their everyday lives when they return home. At least one of the course leaders is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of 80 hours of emergency medical training.

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