Equine All-Inclusive* Safari Event - 6 Days of Lectures, Practical Sessions & Amazing Wildlife
| Date: | Sun 29th Oct 2023 - Sat 4th Nov 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Venue: | Mongena & surrounding Game Lodges | ||||||||||||
| Location: | Dinokeng Game Reserve (Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport) | ||||||||||||
| Contact Hours: | 18 Hours | ||||||||||||
| Event Language: | English | ||||||||||||
Price:
|
|
||||||||||||
| Early Booking Deadline: | Sunday 13th August 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Registration Deadline: | Thursday 31st August 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Sponsors: | |||||||||||||
|
* VAT (= MWST/MOMS/SALES TAX) will only be added for certain UK vets attending events abroad and for all attendees when attending events in the UK. |
|||||||||||||
Sun 29. October - Sat 4. November, 2023– 6 Days of Lectures, Practical Sessions & Amazing Wildlife
EVENT DESCRIPTION
VetPD has combined an exhilarating week-long safari experience at the Mongena Game Lodge**** in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, near Johannesburg, South Africa, with a total of 25 hours of safaris, 24 hours of cutting-edge lectures / case discussions and 26 hours of practical sessions / wetlabs on live horses and specimens for attendees to choose from. The following internationally renowned speakers will be involved with this event and lectures/wetlabs will be aimed at experienced general and advanced practitioners: Dr. Paddy Dixon (Consultant, UK), Dr. Emmanuelle Van Erck (Equine Sports Medicine Practice, Belgium), Dr. Andy Fiske-Jackson (Royal Veterinary College, UK) and Dr. Carolin Gerdes (Tierklinik Hochmoor, Germany).
The Dinokeng Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve, 1 hours' drive from Johannesburg International Airport. There the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard & rhinoceros) roam wild and free in the 18,500-hectare game reserve. Bass fishing and the obligatory swimming pool will provide you with the ideal environment to relax with your friends and accompanying partner/guest. The lectures and wetlabs will be held at Mongena Game Lodge. Guests will be staying at one of the following stunning Lodges within the Dinokeng Game Reserve, a short scenic drive from Mongena Game Lodge: Chameleon Bush Lodge and Wild Ways Bush Camp.
From Mon – Thu there will be a total of 4-5 hrs per day of sunrise- and sunset safaris and the lectures and practical sessions will be held between 10.15am – 3.30pm. Every day attendees can choose from several streams of highly illustrated lectures (in English) or wetlabs on a wide range of current orthopaedic, medical and soft tissue topics. The evenings will be free for leisurely wining and dining, to meet up with old friends and to make new ones.
During the course open and frank discussions are encouraged and the speakers will share their personal experiences with attendees, be it successes or failures. There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss diagnostic/therapeutic strategies and cases with the speakers during the lectures or the dedicated case discussions.
The 26 hours of practical sessions will give attendees plenty of opportunity to put theory into practice on live horses in small groups, all under the supervision of the specialists.
Overview of topics:
LECTURES
- To be confirmed
WETLABS / PRACTICAL SESSIONS
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound – Pastern, Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath, Fetlock, MC/MT Region, Carpus, Shoulder, Tarsus, Stifle, Hip Joint, Neck, Back & Pelvis
- Orthopaedic Radiography
- Nerve & Joint Block (Incl. Ultrasound Guidance)
- Abdominal, Thoracic & Soft Tissue Ultrasound
- BAL/Trach Wash & Guttural Pouch Lavage
- Gastroscopy
- Dentistry - Diagnostic & Therpaeutic Techniques, Tooth Extractions etc.
On Friday there won’t be any lectures or practical sessions, which will allow attendees and their partners/guests to relax at the pool, go for a bush walk or go on a daytrip to explore this beautiful region.
Daytrips to 'Adventure with Elephants', Kevin Richardson, the lion whisperer, 'Rhino Save Haven' and the Diamond Mine in Cullinan to name but a few can be organised through our partner 'Dinokeng Events' (Subject to availability and surcharges (transfers & entrance at cost) apply).
With regards to the practical sessions, please note that spaces are limited. We will allocate spaces on a first come first serve basis so make sure you register early.
*The event fee includes airport transfers, accommodation, all meals (incl. tea/coffee and one soft drink per meal), transfers between lodges and the sunrise and sunset safaris from Monday to Thursday, all lectures and wetlabs as well as extensive course notes and a certificate of attendance. Attendees can choose to stay in a single room or can share a room with another attendee at a reduced price. Attendees are also welcome to attend the course with a partner/guest (special guest price available). The course fee does not include flights or alcoholic drinks. Rooms are allocated at the discretion of VetPD. Early course registration is recommended as there are only a limited number of places available.
Additional Terms & Conditions:
- VetPD Ltd, accepts liability for the course program only (lectures & practical sessions)
- Liability for airport transfer, accommodation, meals and all other pre-booked components (safari activities etc.) rest with the Mongena Game Lodge. Cancellation of these components of the course is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Mongena Game Lodge.
- Attendees are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to attendees falling ill or having to cancel their trip to South Africa.
-
Andy Fiske-Jackson
BVSc, MVetMed, FHEA, Dipl.ECVS, MRCVSUnited Kingdom
European Specialist in Equine Surgery
More InfoAndy qualified from the University of Liverpool, UK in 2004. He initially spent three months working for the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, a charity caring for working equids, in Morocco. He then spent two years working for a mixed practice doing predominantly farm and equine work. In July 2006 he undertook an eighteen month internship at the Liphook Equine Hospital after which he spent a further six months working as a first opinion equine ambulatory vet for the same practice. In July 2008 he started a residency in equine surgery at the Royal Veterinary College and went on to join the surgical team at the College where he currently works. He became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in February 2012. Andy has published several articles in peer reviewed publications and presented at various national and international meetings. His research interests include digital flexor tendon sheath pathology, mesenchymal stem cell application in superficial digital flexor tendonitis and the role of back pain in poor performance.
Full details -
Carolin Gerdes
VetMed(Hanover)Germany
More InfoCarolin qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2007 from the University Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover in Germany. Before moving to the UK, she worked in a busy sports horse practice in Bremen, Germany. In 2008 Carolin joined the team at Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket, UK. After completing the diagnostic imaging internship in 2009 she stayed on as an orthopaedic assistant. Until May 2018, she was working as a senior clinician at Rossdales Diagnostic Centre seeing referral cases from a wide variety of disciplines. Carolin is now heading up the orthopaedics department at the Tierklinik Hochmoor in Gescher-Hochmoor, Germany. Carolin has been invited to speak at a number of national and international meetings. Her special interests are orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging (particularly ultrasonography) and poor performance investigations.
Full details -
Emmanuelle van Erck
DVM, PhD, Dipl.ECEIMBelgium
European Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine
More InfoEmmanuelle van Erck graduated in 1996 from the French Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort. She trained in sports medicine at the University of Liège (Belgium) where she obtained her PhD on respiratory function testing in horses. She developped the equine sports medicine unit and consulted as senior clinician in the CIRALE in Normandy (France). In January 2010, she started her own ambulatory referral practice, the ‘Equine Sports Medicine Practice’, based in Belgium. Her practice offers specialized service in equine internal and sports medicine throughout Europe, following national teams and international riders.
Full details
Emmanuelle van Erck authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles and regularly lectures at international conferences. She is a member of the FEI expert committee on prohibited substances and doping. -
Padraic (Paddy) Dixon
MVB, PhD, Dipl.ECVD (Eq), FRCVSUnited Kingdom
European Specialist in Equine Dentistry
More InfoA graduate of University College Dublin, later obtaining a PhD in equine respiratory disorders at The University of Edinburgh, Professor Dixon has spent most of his professional life at the Dick Vet, where he has specialised in equine respiratory and dental disorders.
He is an internationally recognised expert in both these fields and our department is recognised as one of the foremost international centres for clinical work and clinical research in equine dental and upper respiratory surgery.
He is currently an editor of the standard international textbooks on equine respiratory and dental diseases and has over 200 publications and 3000 citations on these areas. He also lectures and gives practical workshops extensively around the world in these areas.
Full details
Venue
Mongena Game LodgeRust De Winter Road
D48 Dinokeng Game Reserve
Hammanskraal, Gauteng
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel to Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa
- Mongena Game lodge is located in the Dinokeng Game Reserve and one of the biggest lodges in the area. Dinokeng Game Reserve is in a malaria free area. Check your government advice on vaccination etc as it differs for country to country.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.
- The following link shows a list of countries exempt from requiring a VISA when traveling to South Africa: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries. This list may change without notice so check just before your trip.
- Traveling with children: At immigration, requires Unabridged Birth Certificate which shows the details of both parents https://www.flysaa.com/manage-fly/before-flying/travel-documentation - if father travels alone, then the birth certificate needs to be certificated
Money and tipping
The local currency is South African Rand (ZAR) (100R is approximately $7.40 / £5.60 / €6.50)
It is advisable to exchange money into local currency – either at the airport or in your country ahead of the event. However, there is a shop nearby, where the rangers or VetPD can take you to, which has an ATM.
There is no expectation of tipping at Mongena Game Lodge. The guideline is voluntary tipping of 10% on service fee/food/beverages
Voltage
Plugs are different and special adpaters need to be brought. Same applies to Voltage for vets traveling from the from US https://en-us.wikiconnections.org/power-supplies/continents/africa/what-can-i-connect-to-a-south-african-power-supply
Dress Code
The entire event is very casual. For wetlabs, shorts and t-shirt are perfectly fine. We recommend closed toes shoes when choosing wetlabs with live horses.
For dinner, the dress code is also very casual.
During the early morning and evening safaris a warm jumper, cardigan or coat is useful to have as it can get quite cold on the open plan jeeps.
Don’t forget to pack: Top tips
- Adaptor for South African wall plugs
- Sunscreen
- Insect spray
- Binoculars
Optional Excursions
While the game drives at Mongena lodge are part of the attraction, you can also choose to visit some attractions outside Dinokeng Game Reserve.
The area offers lots of interesting places, activities and exciting things to do! Within just one to two hour drives you´ll get to some spectacular destinations. Take a look below!
If you need any further information or like to pre-book, please get in touch. For many of these events prebooking is essential and spaces are limited!
The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre – Preservation & protection of cheetahs
Mystic Monkeys & Feathers Zoo –Playing with cubs
Quad Bike Safari – Guided safari also for non experienced
Diamond Mine Cullinan – Guided surface tour of a working diamond mine
Glen Afric Country Lodge – Home to the ‘Wild at Heart’ film place
Microlite Flight – Go up if you dare
If you would prefer to book 'Lectures & Practical sessions only' alternative lodgings are available and can be booked:
https://www.dinokengreserve.co.za/our-rooms/
Please get in touch with regards to special prices for Lectures & Practical sessions only.
“A once-in-a-lifetime experience combining continuing education with adventure - very professional and flexible organisers.”
Tore Malmei, Veterinærene Nyland & Malmei, Norway
“Very well-organized event with superb wetlabs supervised by highly-dedicated speakers. Great spouse program!”
Päivi Nussbaumer, Clinique du Vieux Château, Swizterland
“Well organised, small initmate course with great academic content.”
Angela Rogers, Blue Hills Veterinary Hospital, South Africa
“Super meeting with vets all over the world, real holiday atmosphere, a congress I would book again anytime, Super staff and service of your team and Mongena, we really enjoyed it and still do.”
Michael Saxer
“Very good quality conference with amazing outside activities, great accommodation & food which made it a very enjoyable week. It is easy to very nice to meet the other attendees.”
Mailys Giradoux