The most authentic, ethical and exciting hands-on vet experience available!
Discover the ultimate wildlife vet programme, crafted for aspiring veterinarians seeking unparalleled hands-on experience. Embrace authenticity, ethics, and excitement as you delve into real-world scenarios unlike any other. Our exclusive package prioritizes affordability and excellence, ensuring top-notch training without compromising quality. Immerse yourself in collaborative projects, connect with renowned experts, and unwind in game lodge accommodation accompanied by traditional cuisine amidst the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. Unlock the door to your veterinary dreams with us.
A collaboration of projects and vets
The Expedition Project works with a number of wildlife vets, endangered species centres, rehabilitation programmes, and community projects to provide an ethical, realistic, holistic and varied opportunity to experience the real world of wildlife veterinary medicine in South Africa.
The Wildlife Vet Experience is designed to give students a realistic learning opportunity of what it is like to be a wildlife vet in South Africa. We do this by including the following:
- Multiple vets with one lead vet
- Multiple reserves and placement environments
- Multiple species and procedure circumstances
- Controlled and uncontrolled environments (eg: reserves and rehabilitation centres)
- Community engagement interaction and understanding (to reduce human wildlife conflict)
Further highlights include:
- Wildlife Vet Online discounts (up to 100% dependent on group size)
Discover more highlights by reading WVE blogs here
What you will be doing
Wildlife Vet Shadow and Reserve Management
Focus – Shadow experienced wildlife vets
Summary – Observe/participate in clinical procedures, observe darting/capture techniques and helicopter darting (optional add-on). We aim to include the following – Assist with rehabilitation, Human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching, and conservation techniques, Husbandry skills – handling and observation. When possible – Husbandry skills – physical exam, reproduction, and routine health care.
Conservation in the Community
Focus – Wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife orphanage, community education and more.
Summary – Monitoring and care of Cheetah, Wild Dogs, White Rhino, Lion, African Wild Cats, Ground Hornbills, Sable Antelope and more, feeding and assisting with or observing veterinary activities, learning about cheetah breeding, learning about hospital equipment, feeding rhinos, lions and leopard. When possible – Checks of cheetahs, Vaccination of cheetahs, Lime Sulphur treatment of cheetahs, Treatment of antelope for internal and external parasites.
Learn more by reading WVE blogs here!
Topics
Clinical EMS:
- Observe/participate in clinical procedures
- Observe darting/capture techniques
- Helicopter darting (optional add-on)
Husbandry skills:
- Wildlife handling
- Wildlife observation
- Wildlife physical exam
- Wildlife and/or captive routine healthcare
Wildlife conservation:
- Assist with wildlife rehabilitation
- Human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching, and conservation techniques
Conservation in the community:
- Wildlife education
- Environmental conservation
Register here | Prep here
Contact
Register here.
Book an interview here.
A deposit request to secure your spot will be sent to you.
Personalised support then follows – this includes payment plans and trip planning. Online planning is available here
DATES
- 23 February – 8 March 2025
- 6 – 19 July 2025
- 3 – 16 August 2025
- February – March 2026
- June – August 2026
(Enquire for availability)
Group tailor-made bookings are available on request (4 to 14 ppl) – private group info pack download here.
ARRIVAL
Sunday arrival at Hoedspruit Airport where you will be collected by our team (please arrive by 13:00 pm on your arrival day in order to meet our transfer time), and a Friday or Saturday departure (depending on the programme).
Hoedspruit Airport is reached via a 1-hour connecting flight from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport.
Contact us for details and help coordinating flight arrivals and departures.
Please confirm all flights with us before booking!
COSTS
Starting at £220 GBP (subject to change) per day for 12/13 days Sunday to Friday/Saturday.