Curriculum offered:

The Savannah Africa has established a working relationship with the Potchefstroom University and offers lectures from academics and experts attached to this University in the subjects listed below. Curriculums can be designed to accommodate your schools specific requirements - at a level that is linked to your present in class studies.

Anthropology:

The scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans. In conjunction with lectures on palaeo anthropology an off The Savannah site visit: (day trip) to the Sterkfontein caves is suggested. Sterkfontein is one of the world's most productive and important palaeoanthropological sites. It is the place where the very fist adult ape-man was found by Dr Robert Broom in 1936. This ancient cave system has over the years revealed a sequence of deposits with fossils dating from about 3.5 to 1.5 million years ago, a period of time which spans the early development of the family of man-the hominids. In addition to almost 500 skull, jaw, teeth and skeletal fossils of these early hominids, there are many thousands of other animal fossils, over 300 fragments of fossils wood, and over 9,000 stone tools which include some of the earliest manifestations of human culture on earth. Some of the youngest deposits in the cave also contain fossils and tools from the period just prior to the emergence of modern humans, the period ca. 100.000 to 250,000 years ago,most widespread of which are the dolomites of the Transvaal Supergroup.

Astronomy:

The scientific study of matter in outer space, especially the positions, dimensions, distribution, motion, composition, energy, and evolution of celestial bodies and phenomena.

There is a small planetarium about 10 miles from the Savannah Africa in the heart of the Vredefort Dome (meteor impact site) where the southern night sky can be observed through powerful telescopes. The Savannah Africa is situated in an area that is free of pollution and many of the southern celestial constellations are easily visible with the naked eye.

An enjoyable evening of star gazing in the bush is recommended after afternoon lectures on what students can expect to observe in the night sky.

Biology:

Flora (Plants considered as a group, especially the plants of a particular country, region,
or time.)

An expert on all forms of plant life that is to be found on The Savannah Africa will introduce students to a wide variety of grasses -trees - shrubs that occur naturally - as well as “unnaturally” on the preserve.

EXAMPLES:

Grasses: There are over twenty different types of veld grasses that appear naturally on the preserve. Some have a very high nutritional value for grazing, whilst others do not.

Identifying the good veld grasses from the bad - understanding the difference - and what can be done to improve the nutritional values of natural veld grasses - forms an entire department at the nearby Potchefstroom University. The Savannah Africa works closely with this University and an off site visit to the University laborites where experiments are conducted with hybrid grass sorts - may be of interest.

This is a very important aspect for the survival of both domestic animals (cattle sheep) and wild animals in Southern Africa as over grazing of land is prevalent and this leads to massive soil erosion and of course the animals cannot survive.

Similar studies are being conducted on trees and shrubs-

There are at least seven different types of thorn trees on The Savannah.

Zoology:

The branch of biology that deals with animals and animal life, including the study of the structure, physiology, development, and classification of animals. Game drives and walks will introduce students to over 31 different species of animals that have there homes on The Savannah Africa preserve. Their habits, their diets, their spoor, the sounds they make, and where they sleep. In this area The Savannah Africa has an excellent relationship with a wide range of professional experts on a large variety of aspects affecting wild animals. From the habitats and social structure of Meerkats to the food requirements of Giraffe. Studies and lectures can be given in any area of interest to visiting students. The flora found along the banks of the river-(which sustains a completely different variety of animal life) and is in itself completely different to that found in the hills or plains on The Savannah. To study and understand this bio-diversity -causes and effects -is a fascinating study!

Biodiversity:

The number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region. The study of the variability among living organisms on the earth, including the variability within and between species and within and between ecosystems. The Eastern boarder of the Savannah Africa is the Vaal river. The flora found along the banks of the river (which sustains a completely different variety of animal life and ecosystems) is in itself completely different to that found in the hills or plains on The Savannah. To study and understand this bio-diversity - causes and effects - is fascinating.

Entomology:

	The scientific study of insects. The amount and variety of insects found on The Savannah Africa are too numerous to document. Due to this large variety Professor John van Dyk of the Pothefstroom University spends many hours with his students studying the insects that live on The Savannah Africa. His knowledge is immense and his lectures are extremely well researched and interesting.

Geology:

The scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth.

As a result of the impact of a meteorite in the Vredefort Dome area -there is a large variety of geological outcrops on The Savannah Africa which can be studied.

There are 5 shallow mine shafts on the preserve where veins of Gold bearing ore can be
clearly seen.

A suggested off site visit:

Gold Reef City -a replica of a historic Gold mine with underground visits!

Ornithology:

The branch of zoology that deals with the study of birds.

There are 315 documented bird species to be seen and studied on the Savannah Africa.

A sector of these birds -as an example -water birds - could form the base of a study.

Or...bird spotting during the stay - with a prize going to the student that spots the highest number of different birds - can be fun!

Meteorology

The science that deals with the phenomena of the atmosphere, especially weather and weather conditions. As in other parts of the world Global warming is playing havoc with weather patterns in Southern Africa. There is an accredited weather station on the Savannah Africa which records all forms of data related to weather. Students may have an interest in taking daily readings and reporting these to the State weather centers!

Photography:

With the abundance of photographic opportunities that exist at The Savannah Africa and surrounding area's - a course in photography from a local expert is offered to help students visually record events as best they can.

Sociology:

The Savannah Africa is situated 15 miles from one of the most interesting Townships in the history of South Africa - Tumahole. This township and it’s people played a major role in bringing about political change in South Africa. A visit to this area and meeting and interviewing its residents is well worth while.

During the Anglo-Boer war in 1899 to 1902 The Savannah Africa played an important role - due to its location on the banks of the then border - the Vaal river. Broken down fortifications are to be found on the hill tops. It was from these vantage pints that the English could spot advancing troops. The main crossing from the then Transvaal to the Free State is located on the Eastern boundary of the preserve!