IUP CLASSES IN AFRICA

WE ARE PLANNING OUR 2013 GROUP TRAVEL NOW! WE HOPE TO VISIT BOTH SOUTH AFRICA AND SWAZILAND IN JULY-AUGUST 2013 (SUMMER SESSION II).

Observation of wild animals in Kruger National Park in South Africa and Hlane Royal National Park in Swaziland

Kwa-Zulu Natal and the beautiful wildlife sanctuaries of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and iSimangaliso in the St. Lucia estuary

Cape Town (cultural activities), Cape Peninsula, optional whale-watching at Walker Bay or Betty's Bay

Travel to Southern Africa next summer with a group of IUP students and professors. There you will learn first-hand about the history, people, ecology and wildlife of this diverse region through a series of field trips, lectures and guided tours. To find out more about this unique educational experience, go to the following sections of the site.

The Department of Biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania plans to offer both undergraduate and graduate courses in Southern Africa during Summer, 2013. Courses will begin in mid to late July and end in early August-the best time for game viewing in the Southern Hemisphere's late winter season. Biology majors or those students with an interest in biology may enroll in BIOL 490 Field Studies in Biology, an upper-division class that counts as a free elective or as a major elective toward the BA, BS or minor in Biology at IUP. Students who are not Biology majors are eligible to enroll in BIOL 490, with permission of the instructor. With the Director's approval, this course may be applied to the Pan-African Studies minor at IUP as well. Graduate students may enroll in BIOL 590, which is the Masters-level equivalent of BIOL 490. Students who do not wish credit toward the Biology major or minor at IUP may enroll in BIOL 281 Special Topics:The Diversity of Southern Africa. This course counts as a free elective and it has also been approved to count as a Liberal Studies non-lab science course under Option II of the IUP Liberal Studies graduation requirements. There are no pre-requisites for BIOL 281. Students may elect an audit grade option for this course. Although all the courses have Biology titles and emphasize the plants and animals in various parts of Southern Africa, they are entirely appropriate for students in other disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, political science or history.

All students who enroll in the course will spend about 3 weeks travelling primarily in the Republic of South Africa, although the class may visit other nations as well. Students will interact with many of the people of Southern Africa-individuals of European, Indian or African descent-in a variety of settings from urban, cosmopolitan Cape Town to a working safari lodge in the bush country of Limpopo Province. Students will observe the dynamic multicultural society of Southern Africa and gain an appreciation for its history and politics as the region moves through a period of significant transition. There will be multiple opportunities for observation of wildlife in national parks or in other settings, and if we are lucky, we'll see each of Africa's famed Big Five animals. Students can expect an up-close and personal encounter with the amazing diversity of Southern Africa in all its dimensions.

Cape Town Area Cape Peninsula tour and Cape of Good Hope National Park Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Hermanus coastal area for whale-watching (if they cooperate!) Cape Town V&A Waterfront and cultural sites such as Robben Island Photo at right: The 2005 group prepares for the trek up to the Cape Point lighthouse
KwaZulu-Natal Province iSimangaliso Wetlands UNESCO World Heritage Site Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park-game reserve of Zulu kings Cape Vidal reserve-Indian Ocean beachfront Photo at right: Up close with hippos at St. Lucia in 2003.
Limpopo Province Visit to reptile center Wild animal rehabilitation center Panorama Route Blyde River Canyon Photo at right: Limpopo River 2005-elephants always come to water at dusk.
Kruger Park Area Morning or evening game drive-escorted by park ranger Daily opportunities for viewing large and small game Park museums at rest camps Mingle with visitors from many countries Photo at right: As students observe hippo trails in 2005 the animals call out warnings from the reeds.

Since the intinerary for the next trip is not 100% finalized, and because expenses differ from person to person, we cannot provide an exact dollar figure for 2013 expenses. However, the lists and tables below contain the group's current working figures.

Malaria prophylaxis tablets are a must! Mefloquine is the preferred medicine. LARIUM is the brand name available in the U.S. A physician must prescribe them. Students should update their tetanus shot. The CDC recommends Hepatitis A vaccine. Hospital and dental care are excellent in South Africa. At Marula Lodge we will be about one hour’s drive from a hospital; there is a doctor in Alldays (ten minutes from Marula Lodge). You should consult your physician about health precautions for your travel to South Africa several months prior to the departure date.

If you are interested in Biology classes in Southern Africa and wish further information, send an email to:

Tammy Adams, John Eck, Gerrie Fourie, Alena Kupchella, Carl Luciano, Steve Luciano, Krista McAuliffe

Course Descriptions	Planned Activities for Future Classes	2003, 2004, 2005 Photo Gallery
Projected Expenses	Health Precautions	Contact Information