Work Hands-On With Africa’s Wildlife Veterinarians
Join immersive wildlife, veterinary, conservation, and outreach experiences in South Africa. Work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and create unforgettable memories while exploring the African bush. No two weeks are ever the same.
Join a truly immersive wildlife, veterinary, conservation, and outreach experience in the heart of South Africa. Work alongside passionate professionals, support meaningful conservation efforts, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Hands-On Experience
Work directly alongside professional wildlife veterinarians on real cases — from rhino horn trimmings and wound treatments to translocations. You’ll gain field experience no classroom can offer.
All-Inclusive & Stress-Free
From airport pickup and drop-off to accommodation, meals, and excursions — every detail is taken care of so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Stay on a Private Wildlife Reserve
You’ll stay on our private wildlife reserve where our family also lives. With 24/7 guidance and support, you’ll be part of a close-knit team in a safe, welcoming environment.
Conservation With Purpose
Contribute to community outreach, assist local animal rescue centers, and support ongoing conservation initiatives that protect South Africa’s wildlife for future generations.
Choose Your Adventure
Choose from our unique wildlife, veterinary, conservation, outreach, and safari experiences in South Africa. Whether you’re looking for hands-on veterinary work, meaningful community outreach, or unforgettable wildlife encounters, there’s an experience for you.
14-Day Wildlife Veterinary Program
Work hands-on with Africa’s iconic wildlife alongside our expert veterinarians. Learn about wildlife management, conservation medicine, immobilisation, and relocation of species such as rhino, giraffe, buffalo, and antelope. Every day brings something new — all veterinary work is based on real-life cases and the animals requiring attention during your stay. While we can’t guarantee specific species, you’ll be involved in genuine, unpredictable, and exciting wildlife work guided by professionals. Gain practical skills, confidence, and lifelong memories while contributing to real conservation efforts.
Program Inclusions:
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Immersive hands-on experience with African wildlife
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Accommodation, daily meals, and all ground transport
Experience a unique combination of community outreach, domestic animal care, equine experiences, and veterinary fieldwork in South Africa. Work alongside experienced veterinarians while assisting with rural outreach projects, animal health initiatives, livestock care, horse management, and occasional wildlife cases. Participants may also enjoy horse-related activities and safari experiences as part of the program. Gain practical hands-on experience, make a meaningful impact in local communities, and develop a deeper understanding of veterinary care and conservation in an African setting.
Program Inclusions:
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Work with domestic animals, farm livestock, horses & occasional wildlife
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Accommodation, daily meals, and all ground transport
All activities and fieldwork depend on real cases, conservation projects, outreach activities, and seasonal opportunities at the time of your visit — no two weeks are ever the same.
Daily Game Drives
Experience the African bush on guided morning and afternoon game drives on a private wildlife reserve near Phalaborwa. Enjoy close wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, bush breakfasts, sundowner stops, and unforgettable moments in nature. Perfect for visitors looking to experience South Africa’s wildlife without joining a full veterinary program.
Program Inclusions:
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Guided Morning or Afternoon Game Drive
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Bush Breakfast or 3-course Dinner Experience
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Wildlife Viewing Opportunities (Meet Bruno & Bella our resident hippos)
Join participants from around the world who have experienced hands-on wildlife, conservation, veterinary, and outreach programs in South Africa. Read real reviews from past participants and discover why so many describe Wildlife Adventure Africa as a life-changing experience.
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DB S
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I recently completed a 14-day program with Wildlife Adventure Africa, and the experience was nothing short of life-changing. From the very beginning, it felt like more than just a program—it felt like joining a warm, passionate family that truly loves wildlife. The organization is run by a wonderful family, and being welcomed by their three lovely dogs made the place instantly feel like home. Throughout the program, I had the incredible opportunity to work closely with a professional wildlife vet and be hands-on with amazing wild animals such as cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Every day brought new learning, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of conservation and animal care. Our guide VANESSA was outstanding—knowledgeable, supportive, and full of energy. She made every moment engaging, whether we were working in the field or exploring during our free time. Even though the program was work-focused, it balanced adventure and fun perfectly. During our breaks, we went on incredible game drives, observed Africa’s breathtaking wildlife in their natural habitat, and even got to feed hippos and elephants—an unforgettable experience. Visiting one of the oldest trees in the world was another magical highlight that made us feel connected to the deep history of the land. What made the entire journey even more special was sharing it with best nine companions I could ask for. Together, we worked hard, laughed often, and created unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever(In the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight. Overall, my time with Wildlife Adventure Africa was an amazing blend of learning, teamwork, adventure, and joy. I left with unforgettable memories, new skills, lifelong friendships, and a strong appreciation for wildlife conservation. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is passionate about animals, nature, and real-life adventure.
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Nina Rijnhout
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The experience of a lifetime!🇿🇦🦓🦒🐘 I joined this wildlife program in September and it was an unforgettable experience! For two weeks, we worked alongside a wildlife vet and learned so much about animal care and conservation. It was my first solo trip, but I felt incredibly welcome thanks to the warm and friendly family and my amazing group members. We saw incredible wildlife, did fun tourist activities, and stayed in a beautiful lodge where everything was perfectly organized. A huge thank you to Vanessa, Riaan, Michelle, Jamie, Chris, and Wendy for making this trip truly special!🫶🏼 These are memories I often think back to and will cherish for the rest of my life. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in wildlife, veterinary medicine, or animal care — and I truly hope to come back one day!🤎
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Pauline Van Camp
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My time with Wildlife Adventure Africa was honestly life-changing. From the moment I arrived, Vanessa, Jamie and their family made me feel so welcome, like part of their family. Every single day was filled with learning, laughter, adventure and the kind of experiences that stay with you forever. Seeing their genuine love and dedication to wildlife and conservation was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me exactly why I chose this path. I left with new knowledge, new friends, and a heart completely full. I’ll 100% be back someday. Highly, highly recommend ♥️🫶🏻
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Brenda Faneco
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I really enjoyed the whole experience, I met animals that were my dream to meet! For the extremely high amount I paid, I just hoped that breakfasts and especially lunch would be better! For lunch it was just small snacks that didn't satisfy anyone because of the work we were having, spending a lot of energy! So I ended up spending more going to restaurants and markets! About veterinary follow-up, I thought they were extremely simple things like just applying injections, I would have liked to have had something more in-depth but I was satisfied because I remembered things from my studies and learned too
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Destinee Gutierrez-Rabe
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South Africa 🇿🇦 made my dreams come true 💛 The past month in South Africa I got to make my dreams a reality! Working along side a wonderful wildlife veterinarian and other like minded people on South Africa's amazing Wildlife. Gaining hands-on experience in the care and management directly with wildlife species such as Impalas, Cape Buffalo, Sable Antelope and White Rhinoceros. Obtaining more confidence all while internationally traveling solo for the first time and making lifelong friends along the way. South Africa has my heart 🧡 and I can't wait to go back! 😊
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Caitlin Conway
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I have no words to describe how amazing the 2 weeks I spent with Wildlife Adventure Africa was! Each day was something new and full of excitement! You get the chance to be up close and personal with a huge range of the wildlife of South Africa. This is a trip I will never forget, and I can't thank Wildlife Adventure Africa enough for giving me this opportunity!
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taylor edwinson
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I don’t even know where to begin. This program, the family running it, and the overall experience with them was life changing. They welcome you with open arms. The family dinners, and early morning breakfasts were some of my favorite times. The lodges were beautiful, clean, and homey, I felt instantly comfortable. I loved how much hands on I was able to get, and they make sure everyone is included and gets to do tasks. My only complaint is that the program isn’t longer, I already miss this place and the people I met along the way. If you’re trying to figure out whether or not to book this trip and program, I have your answer: book it!!!!! This was a once in a lifetime experience, not only with the animals we were able to help and see, but the good balance of work and play that comes along with it. I will never forget this place.
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Amy Moore
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Here is the corrected version of the text: Way more than I expected! Yes, I expected tranquilizing and assisting veterinarians with pets and wildlife. But I was pleasantly surprised that they are family-owned and make you feel a part of that family from the day you are picked up. I was provided free water, free breakfast, a packed lunch, and an amazing dinner EACH day (for 2 weeks), not to mention my laundry was washed every day. I highly recommend this group over any “Safari” tour. You are learning and making a difference daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I arrive at?
You should arrive at Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit, South Africa. Our team will meet you on arrival and transport you directly to the program site. Your adventure begins on Day 1 and concludes on the final day of the program.
What time should I arrive at the airport?
We recommend booking the latest available arrival flight on the first day of your program and the latest available departure flight on the final day. This helps avoid long waiting times at the airport and allows our team to coordinate airport transfers as smoothly as possible.
Are vaccinations required?
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations required to enter South Africa for most international travelers. However, if you are travelling from or through a country where Yellow Fever is present, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination may be required.
We recommend consulting your local healthcare provider or travel clinic before your trip for the latest vaccination and travel health advice.
Not at all. Our programs are open to veterinary students, veterinary professionals, animal science students, conservation enthusiasts, gap-year travelers, and anyone passionate about wildlife, animals, and conservation.
Whether you’re looking to gain practical experience, explore a future career path, or simply enjoy a meaningful hands-on adventure in South Africa, you’re welcome to join.
Horseback Adventure Africa is a separately owned and operated business based on the Wildlife Adventure Africa property. Wildlife Adventure Africa partners with Horseback Adventure Africa and facilitates bookings & payments for the Saddle Up for Conservation volunteer program.
Experience the African Bush from Horseback
Horseback Adventure Africa offers a completely different way to experience the African bush. Based on a private wildlife property near Kruger National Park in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, guests can explore the bush on horseback while enjoying close encounters with Africa’s wildlife in a quiet and natural environment.
Our guided horseback safaris take you through natural bushveld, past dams and waterways, with the opportunity to encounter wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, kudu, nyala, impala, sable, waterbuck, hippos and many other species along the way.
Riding quietly through the bush offers a slower and more immersive wildlife experience, while experienced guides focus on the safety and wellbeing of riders, horses and wildlife.
