14-DAY WILDLIFE VETERINARY PROGRAM • SOUTH AFRICA

Work Alongside Africa’s Wildlife Veterinarians

Join real wildlife veterinary cases in the field, learn directly from experienced professionals, and experience two unforgettable weeks of wildlife, conservation and African adventure.

14 DAYS • NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED • 2027: US$3,990

VIEW DATES & BOOK

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM BROCHURE

50% deposit secures your place • Final balance due 30 days before arrival

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED

All scheduled programs excursions included.

LIMITED SPACES

Small Groups for a more personal experience.

STAY & MEALS INCLUDED

Accommodation and three meals daily.

HDS TRANSFERS INCLUDED

Return Eastgate Airport transfers included.

THE VETERINARY EXPERIENCE.

Wildlife Veterinary Medicine in the Field

This 14-day wildlife veterinary program in South Africa is built around genuine veterinary cases that arise during your stay, which means each group experiences a different combination of fieldwork and learning.

Depending on the cases that arise, you may observe or assist with immobilisations, health assessments, treatments, relocations, monitoring, sample collection and other conservation procedures under the direction of the veterinary team.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

Hands-On Learning in the Field

Your experience combines genuine wildlife veterinary work, guided learning and specialist field activities.

Field Procedures & Monitoring

Learn about vital signs, injections, wound care, sample collection, treatments and animal monitoring under professional direction.

Capture, Relocation & Conservation

Gain insight into immobilisation protocols, wildlife capture, relocations, post-procedure monitoring and conservation work when suitable cases arise.

Helicopter Darting Experience

Take part in supervised moving-target darting training from a helicopter, subject to aviation, weather, safety and operational conditions.

PAST FIELD EXPERIENCE

Past Wildlife Cases Have Included

Every group experiences different cases depending on which animals require veterinary attention. Previous programs have worked across a wide range of species and procedures.

Examples shown are from previous programs. Specific species and veterinary procedures cannot be guaranteed.

Who Can Join the Program?

This program is designed for people who want meaningful exposure to wildlife medicine, conservation and animal care in South Africa.

Pre-vet & veterinary students
Veterinary nurses & technicians
Qualified veterinarians & graduates
Animal science students
Wildlife & conservation enthusiasts
Under-18 participants with a parent or guardian

You don’t need to arrive as an expert – you’re here to learn alongside experienced professionals.

YOUR 14-DAY EXPERIENCE

A Flexible Schedule Built Around Wildlife Work

There is no fixed day-by-day veterinary itinerary because wildlife cases can arise at short notice. Veterinary work is combined with included excursions, guided learning and time at the lodge throughout your stay.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

Explore More of South Africa

Your two weeks also include a selection of wildlife, conservation and adventure experiences, scheduled around veterinary work and operational conditions.

Kruger National Park

Full-day wildlife safari.

Panorama Route

Blyde River Canyon and Graskop Gorge – Ziplining.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Elephant Experience

Jessica the Hippo

Visit one of the region’s best-known wildlife attractions.

Kinyonga Reptile Centre

Guided reptile experience and education.

Cheetah Walk

Early morning guided walk with Duma the cheetah on a Big Five Reserve

Big Five Game Drive

Game drive in a Big Five wildlife area.

Excursion timing may change depending on veterinary cases, weather, operator availability, safety and operational conditions.

PROGRAM FEE & BOOKING

Secure Your Place

2027 PROGRAM FEE

US$3,990

per participant

50% deposit required to secure your booking

Final balance due 30 days before arrival

VIEW DATES & BOOK YOUR PLACE

How to book: View live dates → choose your program date → pay the 50% deposit → receive your booking confirmation.

Deposits are non-refundable. More than 90 days before arrival, you may transfer your booking to another available program date without a postponement fee. Within 90 days, a US$500 postponement fee applies. A replacement participant may also take over the booking with prior confirmation from Wildlife Adventure Africa.

Your Program Fee Includes

14-day Wildlife Veterinary Program
Shared accommodation on our private wildlife reserve
Three freshly prepared meals daily
Purified drinking water
Tea, coffee and juice with meals
Daily housekeeping and laundry
Wi-Fi at the lodge
Wildlife veterinary fieldwork and guided learning
All scheduled program excursions
Ground transport during the program
Return Eastgate Airport (HDS) transfers
Certificate of Completion
On-site guidance and support from the WAA team

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL

What Is Not Included

Mandatory comprehensive travel and medical insurance
International flights
Domestic flights
Airline fees and airport taxes
Visas and passport costs
Vaccinations and travel-health expenses

Personal spending
Optional activities not included in the program
Bar tabs and additional drinks/meals
Souvenirs/curios
Staff gratuities
Additional accommodation or transport outside the official program arrangements

Travel insurance requirement: All participants must have comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the full duration of their trip, including appropriate medical and emergency cover.

ACCOMMODATION

Your Home in the Bush

Stay on our private wildlife reserve in the Phalaborwa area, surrounded by the African bush while enjoying a comfortable and supported home base throughout your program.

Shared rooms for approximately 2–5 participants
En-suite bathrooms
Air-conditioning
Wi-Fi
Bedding and bath towels provided
Daily housekeeping
Laundry service
Communal dining and lounge areas
Outdoor firepit
Swimming pool

Meals During Your Stay

Breakfast

Early departures may include a lighter continental-style breakfast, while later mornings may include a cooked breakfast.

Lunch

Lunch may be served at the lodge or packed for field activities depending on the day’s schedule.

Dinner

Freshly prepared dinners are served at the lodge.

Dietary requirements: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and many allergy requirements can be catered for when provided in advance.

Purified drinking water is provided throughout the day, with tea, coffee and juice served with meals. A cash bar is available for additional soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

GETTING HERE

Fly to Eastgate Airport (HDS), Hoedspruit

Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit is the designated airport for the program. Return transfers between HDS and the lodge are included on your official arrival and departure dates.

ARRIVAL — DAY 1

Please book the latest suitable flight into Hoedspruit (HDS) on Day 1 where possible. We wait for all participants to arrive before the group departs for the lodge, so arriving earlier may mean some waiting time at the airport.

MEETING YOUR GUIDE

Eastgate Airport is a small regional airport and easy to navigate. Your guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals area holding a Wildlife Adventure Africa logo sign with participants’ names on it, so you’ll easily be able to identify them.

DEPARTURE — FINAL DAY

Where possible, please book the latest suitable flight departing from Hoedspruit (HDS) on the final day. Departure transfers are coordinated around the group.

AFTER YOU BOOK

We’ll Help You Prepare

Once your place is confirmed, you’ll receive your booking confirmation and the information you need to prepare for your trip.

Around one month before arrival, you’ll be added to your participant WhatsApp group. This is where our team will share final pre-arrival information, request your flight details, confirm airport transfer arrangements and keep everyone updated before the program begins.

VIEW TRIP PREPARATION

BEFORE YOU BOOK

A Few Final Questions

Can you guarantee which animals we will work with?

No two programs are exactly the same, which is part of what makes the experience unique. Cases depend on which animals require veterinary attention during your stay, so specific species cannot be guaranteed. Previous groups have worked with a wide variety of species and procedures.

How hands-on is the Wildlife Veterinary Program?

Very hands-on. Participants work alongside the veterinary team during real wildlife cases and, depending on the procedure, may assist with tasks such as monitoring vital signs, preparing equipment, administering injections under veterinary direction, wound care, sample collection, treatments and post-procedure monitoring.

For more specialised or high-risk procedures, your level of involvement will be guided by the veterinarian responsible for the case. The aim is for participants to be actively involved wherever it is safe, appropriate and beneficial to the animal.

Do I need previous veterinary experience?

No previous veterinary experience is required. The program is designed to give participants practical exposure to wildlife veterinary medicine, whether you are a veterinary student, nurse, technician, qualified professional, animal-science student or simply passionate about wildlife and conservation.

Is travel and medical insurance required?

Yes. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory for all participants for the full duration of their trip.

Can this count toward university practical hours or an externship?

Many students join to gain practical wildlife experience alongside their studies. We can assist with reasonable university forms, supporting documentation and confirmation of participation where required. Final acceptance toward practical hours, externships or academic credit is determined by your institution.

PARTICIPANT REVIEWS

Hear From Past Participants

See what participants from around the world have said about their Wildlife Adventure Africa experience.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 78 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   DB S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nina Rijnhout 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!🤎
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pauline Van Camp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 ♥️🫶🏻
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brenda Faneco 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Destinee Gutierrez-Rabe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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! 😊
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Caitlin Conway 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   taylor edwinson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Moore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.

READY FOR SOUTH AFRICA?

Ready to Join the Wildlife Veterinary Program?

Choose your preferred program date, secure your place with the 50% deposit and start planning your 14-day wildlife veterinary experience in South Africa.

VIEW DATES & BOOK YOUR PLACE

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