Please fill out this registration form to attend SAEVA 2024. You will receive an automated email with your invoice immediately – payable upon registration or within 30 days For enquiries contact: Conferences@vetlink.co.za 

Late Registration Rates

Keynote Speakers

Dr Bruce Bladon
BVM&S, Cert EP, DESTS, Dipl ECVS, FRCVS, RCVS & European Specialist in Equine Surgery

Bruce graduated from Edinburgh University in 1988. He joined O’Gorman Slater and Main (as it was then) in 1992. From 1995 to 1998 he undertook a Residency in Equine Surgery at Bristol University and then re-joined Donnington Grove Veterinary Group as principle equine surgeon. Bruce’s interest is equine surgery, including arthroscopy, fracture repair, colic and airway surgery. He was equine surgeon for the Rio Olympic Games. He was awarded a fellowship of the RCVS in 2016 for meritous contributions to clinical practice. He also involves himself in imaging including MRI, scintigraphy and radiology. He enjoys skiing and, similar to his skiing ability, is a low level rugby referee. He’s also been able to run the odd marathon. His wife and daughter have innumerable horses, while his son is an aspiring athlete.

Dr Richard Hepburn
BVSc MS(Hons) CertEM(IntMed) DipACVIM FRCVS

After graduating form Liverpool Vet School in 1997 Dicky worked in equine hospitals in the UK and New Zealand for 4 years doing a combination of sport horse and racehorse work. He then completed a 3 year combined internal medicine residency and Masters program at The Marion duPont Equine Medical Center in Virginia, USA.

Dicky was the first diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine to go into private equine practice in the UK and is recognised by the RCVS as a specialist in equine internal medicine. Since 2004 he has worked at the B&W Equine Hospital, a 40 vet equine practice in southwest England, which has been part of the CVS Group since 2017.

Dicky is a member of the ECEIM EGUS consensus committee, has been chair of the ACIVM specialty exam committee, advanced continuing education committee and a member of the ACVIM Board of Regents. He is also a contributing author to the textbook of Equine Neurology and the textbook of Equine Back and Neck Pathology.

Dicky has been a FEI treating vet at 5* Badminton Horse Trials for over 10 years and at the London International Horse Show, Olympia, Royal Windsor Horse Show, and was an onsite medicine specialist at the 2012 London Olympic Games. In 2018 he was awarded Fellowship of the RCVS for meritorious contribution to clinical practice.

SAEVA Program by Vetlink Support

SKUKUZA REST CAMP

(All accommodation rates are inclusive of VAT, exclusive of Daily conservation levy SANParks payable upon entry – see below)

A 50% deposit will be required by 30 October to hold Accommodation.  Full payments for accommodation at Skukuza Restcamp MUST BE MADE BEFORE 15 DECEMBER.   After this date all the accommodation bookings will be released and delegates will have to book on their own or book hotel accommodation at the Safari Lodge Hotel (see next tab)  Don’t delay booking your accommodation as the Skukuza Restcamp is popular year round and accommodation may be sold out at any time after the group accommodation are released.

Contact person for enquiries:  Jackey Deacon, (Jacqueline’s Conferences and Event Planners), dot@mpu.co.za

Detailed information about the different types of accommodation can be found here – please check carefully what is included. https://staging.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/skukuza/tourism/availability.php

Accommodation Options:

SKUKUZA SAFARI LODGE 

Managed by AHA hotels: https://skukuzalodge.com/

 

(All accommodation rates are inclusive of VAT, exclusive of Daily conservation levy SANParks payable upon entry – see below)

 

Please fill in the form below to request accommodation at SKUKUZA SAFARI LODGE, National Kruger Park.  You will be supplied with an invoice that is payable before accommodation is confirmed.  To book: Please send email as block booking has been released (Conferences@vetlink.co.za)

Room type: Single or Sharing, bed and breakfast

Standard Single | R2 790. Standard Double | R3 710

TRAVELING BY AIR

There are daily flights to the Kruger Park operating from Johannesburg to the Skukuza Airport. Daily flights also operate to Skukuza from Cape Town.  Transfers is available from the Airport to the camp: Please book here:  https://skukuzaairport.com/facilities/

Go to airlink’s website to book your flight: https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/

Visit www.skukuzaairport.com for more information.

Airlink’s scheduled services to/from Skukuza Airport below:

TRAVELING BY ROAD

1. Paul Kruger Gate
   Take the N4 to Nelspruit. Then take the R40 to Hazyview via White River. From Hazyview, take the R536 to the gate. Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the trip to the gate. Skukuza Rest Camp is 12km away from the gate. Allow about 30 minutes for the drive to the camp.

2. Phabeni Gate
   Take the N4 to Nelspruit. Then take the R40 to Hazyview via White River. From Hazyview, take the R536 to the gate. Phabeni Gate is approximately 10 km from Hazyview. Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the trip to the gate. Skukuza Rest Camp is 39km from the gate. Allow about 1 and ¾ of an hour for the drive to the camp.

Map of Skukuza

Google maps location

Looking forward to meet you at the congress

Please click here to read updated info:

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMME

• The scientific conference will start on Thursday, 20 February 2025, at 7:30.

• The conference will end on Sunday, 23 February 2025 after lunch.

• The trade exhibition will run from Thursday, 20 February 2025, to Saturday, 22 February 2025, after the afternoon tea.

• Set-up for trade stands starts on Wednesday at 2 pm. Stands must be ready by 7:30 am on Thursday. We are requesting earlier access on Wednesday and will inform you once we receive permission.  Delivery arrangement: to Skukuza Safari Lodge and contact person: Felicia Mhlongo | Contact No 072 517 0086 https://skukuzalodge.com/

• Check in for accommodation and registration will be at the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre on Wednesday 19th February from 14h00 – 18h00. Subsequent check-ins will be at Hotel or camp reception. 

• Important information on the social programme under point 7

1. Programme
   The updated programme is available on https://vetlink.co.za/saeva-congress-2025/

2. Registration
   Registration will take place at the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre on Thursday, 20 February between 8:00-9:00 am. The registration desk will be open half an hour before the start of lectures each day

3. Entrance Permit
   All delegates registered for the trade and scientific programme and accompanying persons must pay the conservation fees (at the gate or alternatively at the camp as instructed when you arrive)  The conservation fees are not included in the registration fees or accommodation and are for your own account.  

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT:  The conservation fees receipt serves as permit and this receipt must be kept with you when driving in the park and has to be handed in at the gate/exit when you depart from the ParkDelegates can enter through any gate or Skukuza Airport (Numbi gate is not recommended). 

The official SAEVA Congress Group Reservation Number is under the name Vetlink. Please bring your accommodation confirmation with you. 

Reservation 698434 for the HOTEL accommodation  and Res 9292908 for the CAMP accommodation.

Gate Closing Times and Late Permits
Plan your trip to adhere to gate closing times. The southern part of the Kruger National Park is approximately 5 to 6 hour’s drive from Gauteng. Remember to plan your trip to make sure you are in the camp by these times.

• Entrance gates open – 5:30am

• All gates close – 18:30pm
  The Paul Kruger gate and Skukuza Camp gate both close at 18:30. Delegates not staying in the Skukuza rest camp will need to leave Skukuza rest camp by 17:00 to reach the Paul Kruger Gate by closing time. Please keep to the Park speed limit when traveling in the park. When planning your trip to Kruger please keep the gate times as well as any possible road works along your route in mind. In case of an emergency causing you to be late please contact the Skukuza Duty Manager to arrange an escort from the Paul Kruger Gate. These emergency escorts can be arranged until 20:00 at a cost of R650.00 per vehicle. The Skukuza Duty Manager can be contacted on 082 802 1204 should an emergency arise.

4. Transfers from Skukuza Airport
   Delegates can fly to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit) or directly into Skukuza Airport from Johannesburg or Cape Town. Please arrange your transfer with Avis rent-a-car at the Avis desk at the airport. (pre-bookings not taken)  Alternatively you can book with a private transfer company:

AIRPORT TRANSFER: Shadrack: Whats app  +27 79 144 5347 (R300 per transfer)

Jaqueline Mabuza | Inkosi Destination Management Company | office@inkosidmc.co.za |+27 82 356 4383 | www.inkosidmc.co.za   R600 per transfer Skukuza Airport – hotel

5. Accommodation
   All accommodation has been booked from check-in Wednesday 19 February until check-out Sunday morning 23 February 2020 (4 nights), unless alternative bookings have been made and confirmed. Please check your invoice for the accuracy of your booking. All changes must be in writing and reflected on your invoice. Check-in time is 14h00 and check-out time is 10h00.

Check in for accommodation and registration will be at the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre on Wednesday 19th February from 14h00 – 18h00. Subsequent check-ins will be at Hotel or camp reception. 

BREAKFAST:  Remember that all the chalets are self catering (no coffee/tea etc) and you can either self cater or have breakfast at the Cattle Baron restaurant. Breakfast is not included in the Park accommodation.  There is a shop with some basic supplies.

6. Game Drives:  You have to book gamedrives at the camp on arrival (you have to fill in indemnity form)  Sunrise drive: R428.24.  leave camp ½ hour before gates open (4:45am at reception/open vehicle parking area) Gates open at 5:30am  Sunset drive: R428.24.  Leave camp at 16:15

7. Social Programme

There is no organised function on Wednesday – Cattle Barron restaurant or Kruger station restaurants can be considered within the camp.  All the functions have to be pre-booked and no late bookings will be accepted

• THURSDAY

18:00 Happy hour Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre Foyer SPONSORED BY MSD

19:00 Cocktail dinner with Exhibitors at Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre Foyer (Casual)

• FRIDAY

18:00 Happy hour Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre Foyer SPONSORED BY Arco 360

19:00 Braai at Boma next to Cattle Baron restaurant: (Casual)  Wine on tables sponsored by Vetscripts

• SATURDAY

18:00 Happy hour SPONSORED by Xenia just outside Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre Foyer

Robin Rous Gala dinner at the  Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre Foyer (FORMAL)

8. Internet
   Connecting to the internet may be intermittent. The Skukuza Conference Centre provides limited WiFi access. WiFi is also available at the Cattle Barron restaurant. Remember, it is better to enjoy the interesting lectures and serenity of the Kruger than to be captured by gadgets.

ATTENTION SPEAKERS

Presentations
Speakers – Please remember to bring an electronic copy of your presentation with you to registration on Thursday. Please refer to the Programme section for the detailed program. To accommodate delegate movement between parallel sessions, it is imperative that presenters strictly keep to the allocated time slots. 

To stimulate vibrant scientific exchange, 5 minutes questions/discussion time will be strictly reserved after each presentation in addition to the allocated times.

A standard data projector (with VGA connector) and a Microsoft Windows laptop with Office and Adobe Reader are available for presentations. Presenters are requested to upload their PowerPoint presentations to the laptop (via USB) during the break preceding their talk. Should presenters wish to use their own equipment for a presentation, it is their responsibility to provide the correct converters and cables to ensure compatibility. All the keynote lectures will be in the Ndlopfu room, with parallel sessions to take place in the Ndlopfu and Ndau/Nari rooms.

Things to bring along

• Mosquito repellent and malaria medication

• Head Lamp or Torch (Very little light in the camp during night)

• A hat, Sunscreen lotion.

• International plug if you are traveling from abroad

• Warm jacket, especially if you are planning on going on an early morning/evening game drive

• And…
  o Binoculars
  o Camera
  o Phone/Camera charger
  o Bird and wildlife reference books

Malaria
Skukuza (Kruger National Park) is situated in a malaria area. Please take the necessary precautions. More information can be found on this link – http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/malaria-prevention-treatment-advice Although there is a risk of Malaria in The Kruger National park it is usually low. Anti-malaria prophylactics are recommended by visitors to Kruger. The highest risk period is between December and April (end of the rainy season). A 24-hour malaria hotline is available on +27 (0) 82 234 1800 to give a detailed explanation on risk and advice on precautionary measures. Visitors wishing to make use of prophylactics should consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner or recognized travel clinic about recommended medication, as certain products cause nausea, hallucinations or other negative side effects with certain people.

Warnings: Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of warnings at the camp. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusual creatures, Bats, Spiders, Snakes, Scorpions but without knowledge, some of them could be dangerous! As previously mentioned, the camp is also in a Malaria Zone.

If you must walk around at night please do not do so without a torch.
Remember: By feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive.

General information on Skukuza Camp

Climate Kruger is in a summer rainfall area. Such precipitation is usually convectional and can result in heavy downpours. The summer months (October to April) are hot and often balmy. Winters are warm and mild, although visitors going on night-drives will require warm clothing.

Activities

• Spa next to Skukuza lodge hotel

• Game Drives (Night and Morning)  

• Golf

• Spa information – https://skukuzalodge.com/conferencing

• Guided Bush Walks

• Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library

• Wilderness Trail (Metsi Metsi)

There are 3 Swimming pools, two of these are in camp and for overnight residents only. The third is in a separate new day visitor’s area, located downstream from the main camp.

These activities will ensure an exciting bush experience. All bookings as well as further details of these activities are available from the Skukuza reception.

Facilities

• Information at Reception 08h00 – 18h00

• Public telephone – All hours

• Post Office – 09h00 – 15h00

• Bank – 09h00-15h00

• Basic First Aid

• Restaurant hours: Breakfast: 07h00-09h00 Lunch: 12h00-14h00 Dinner: 18h00-21h00

• Cafeteria

• Shop

• Spa – (www.skukuzalodge.co.za)

• Emergency Road Services

• Garage with Workshop

• Petrol Station

• Laundromat

• 9 Hole Golf Course – 013 735 5543

• Car Wash

• Limited DSTV Available in Luxury Units

• Avis Car rental – 013 735 5651

The Parks Shops
Skukuza has a relatively large shop were a variety of items can be purchased including:

• Curios

• Safari and Ethnic clothing

• Binoculars, books, camera films and Videos on wildlife

• Magazines

• Meat, groceries, fresh milk, vegetables and bread daily.

• Beverages: Spirits, Beer, Wine Cold Drinks, Fruit Juices and Mineral water

• Hardware (limited stock)

• Sweets and snacks

• Medicines (non-prescription)

• Stationary and stamp

• Braai wood and other accessories

Handy Hints and Tips

• All accommodation, ablution and kitchen facilities are serviced by cleaning staff on a daily basis.

• Vehicle fuel is available near the reception at the main gate.

• Currently bedding is supplied in all accommodation except for self camping.

• Cooking utensils and refrigeration are provided in most accommodation units, exceptions will be indicated while booking.

• Adults are 12 years and above.  Child (2-11 years), under 2 years – free.

• Additional Person Supplements are applicable to those units where the number of beds exceeds the base occupancy, if these beds are occupied.

• No animals may be brought into a National Park.

• Plan your trip – do not try and cover too great a distance. The Kruger National Park is a massive tract of land and frequently visitors try to cover too much ground. Slow travel and regular stopping produces much more action than covering a lot of ground.

• Early mornings and evening time are usually the most productive game viewing periods.

• Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, and a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along medicine such as anti- histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites.

• Do not leave any food unattended, as thieving monkeys and baboons are a constant threat.

NO LOUD MUSIC/ACTIVITIES ALLOWED AFTER 10 PM