Learn on the Go with the College of Natural Sciences
Conservation Connections in Eswatini and South Africa
Experience the rich and wonderful sites, animals, and people of Africa. Join SUU trip directors Dr. Jon Smith, Professor Anne Smith, and CONS Dean Dr. Bill Heyborne as we focus on exploring conservation, public lands and wildlife and the connections to people and cultures.
Travel Information
Pack your bags to join SUU faculty in exploring the southern African countries of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and South Africa to learn about the people, activities, culture, and wildlife of southern Africa.
Travelers will be immersed in a personalized experience meeting conservation leaders, park managers and community leaders as we explore the intersection of conservation, wildlife and culture.
Jon and Anne lived in the tiny country of Eswatini and will introduce you to friends, colleagues, amazing locations and experiences that will provide you with a deep, rich travel learning experience. Bill will add to this deep learning with up-close wildlife encounters and interpretation. Together, they will share their knowledge and love of the landscape and experience and observe how Africans strive to conserve and protect wildlife and other resources in world-class game reserves.
Dates: May 3 - May 13, 2025
11 days, 10 nights
Cost: $3,499
Based on double occupancy (single supplement available for additional $400)
Cost includes all lodging-cabins, lodges, hotels, beehive huts, transportation in large vans, open safari vehicles with drivers and guides, most entrance fees, events, most activities (see itinerary), half meals. Includes donation to CONS scholarships.
- After February 1, 2025 the cost increases to $3,599
- A $500 deposit included in total-price--based on double occupancy.
Given the nature of this program, spots are limited. To secure your place as part of this Learn on the Go program, your deposit is due by February 1st, 2025
Additional Costs: Roundtrip airfare to Johannesburg, South Africa, passport, immunizations, malaria medication, some meals, tips.
Optional Costs: souvenirs, photography equipment, field appropriate clothing (insect repellent treated).
Add-on Optional Trips (inquire): South Africa/Cape Town, Durban, Botswana/Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Mozambique (whale watch/research, other), Johannesburg LDS Temple.
The Smiths are available and very willing to help travelers with their travel plans including possible optional trips before or after the Learn on the Go trip
Deadlines
- Deposit: $500 (due by February 1, 2025)
- Early Bird Registration: $3499 (before February 1, 2025)
- After February 1, price increases to $3,599
- Registration Deadline: March 1, 2025
- Final Payment Due: March 1, 2025
- Full Refund: Before, February 1, 2025
- 50% Refund: February 1 - March 1, 2025
Highlights of the Trip
- Wildlife immersion with more than six game drives, bushwalks and photo safaris searching for the "Big Five" (lion, rhino, Cape Buffalo, elephant and leopard), African landscapes and beautiful sunsets and colorful cultural icons. Great photo-ops!
- Meet with conservation leaders, park managers.
- Enjoy engaging discussions on conservation-based topics such as poaching, community -based conservation, endangered wildlife, big-game hunting
- Learn the importance of ecotourism to the landscape and local economies.
- Colorful local markets and artisans.
- Possible community-based project (Conservation or humanitarian-based)
- Enjoy kick dancers in traditional clothing, African voices and music and eat local - try traditional foods.
- A wide variety of accommodations from high-end hotels to safari tents in the bush.
- Optional canopy tour (zipline) through a canyon
If you're interested in expanding your understanding of worldwide conservation and its connection to communities, this is the trip for you. Bring a sense of adventure and return with a lifetime of memories!
Travel Guides
For additional information or questions, please feel free to contact one of our travel guides.
Eswatini and South Africa at a Glance
Terms and Conditions
Learn on the Go is pleased to facilitate trips for travelers. Learn on the Go trips are designed to offer cultural and immersive experiences led by SUU experts. Please familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions included on this page.
A $500 deposit is required upon registration to secure your spot. Remaining payment is due 60 days prior to departure date. (Please see specifics for your program). If registration for a program occurs at or within 90 days prior to the program start, the entire program cost is due. Program price is based on rates in effect at the time the website/brochure is printed and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges.
Refunds are available with terms specific to each program. Please see your program details for refund information.
The University and Learn on the Go recommend that you consider the purchase of optional travel accident and cancellation insurance. Terms of travel insurance can vary widely and policies should be reviewed with an insurance professional. Most travel insurance policies will not afford coverage due to government shutdowns caused by infectious disease or pandemic.
On international trips, Learn on the Go provides all registered travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy, CISI.
You must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention or that could create a hazard to you or other travelers must be reported in writing to the trip leaders at the time of final payment. Learn on the Go reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip, and to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others. You are responsible for becoming familiar with the activities of travel and consulting with medical personnel to be sure you are fit for travel.
It is your responsibility to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U.S. State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407-4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location/s of the trip, should The Traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveler assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this catalog are subject to modification and change by the College of Natural Sciences. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the travelers. You are encouraged to purchase refundable airline tickets in case of trip cancellation. Airfare and any other costs incurred by participants beyond money paid to Southern Utah University will not be refundable under any circumstance.
Other Terms and Conditions may apply to some expeditions and will be provided with pre-tour mailings. By registering for a Learn on the Go program, the participant agrees to the Terms and Conditions herein.