Step into the wild and experience an unforgettable journey with a Wilde Tracks Curated Mission, in collaboration with Women In Wildlife, where hands-on learning meets real-world impact. Under the expert guidance of a seasoned wildlife and domestic veterinarian with over 25 years of experience, you’ll dive deep into the critical skills needed for wildlife management—starting with mastering darting techniques using a variety of dart guns.

This immersive program gives you the rare opportunity to actively participate in essential conservation efforts when needed. This may include rhino dehorning, emergency call outs or predator collaring—all vital to protecting endangered species.

See what it is like to join this conservation mission! --> VIDEO

Whether you’re a tourist passionate about conservation, a student studying or already an expert in the field, this is your chance to gain unparalleled, hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful wildlife protection.

Are you ready to take your passion for wildlife to the next level? Join us, learn from the best, and become part of a pioneering effort to protect Africa’s most vulnerable species.

You’ll get involved in a range of practical field experiences, including:

• Ground-based darting practice on stationary targets

• Aerial darting practice from a helicopter on moving targets

• Learn the art of net gunning, often the safest choice for some specific species and terrains

• Participation in both mass game captures and individual dartings, working alongside a professional game capture team

• Hands-on involvement with injections, monitoring vitals, drawing blood, DNA sampling, and ear notching as needed

• In-depth discussions and practical training covering anaesthetics, tranquilizers, opioids, species-specific drug protocols, safe injection sites, and monitoring techniques

Back at base, deepen your understanding through expert-led lectures on topics like wildlife veterinary medicine, ethical game capture, helicopter safety, and advanced darting strategies.

Touch down at Pietermaritzburg Airport, where your unforgettable African adventure begins. You’ll be warmly welcomed by your expert guide and transferred to Ladysmith, where your comfortable safari tent awaits amidst the stunning wilderness.

Experience the unique charm of safari tent accommodation surrounded by free-roaming wildlife right within the camp, offering an authentic bush experience like no other - from the sights and sounds of the wild to the peaceful nights under the stars.

As the sun dips below the horizon, prepare for your first sundowner experience - a timeless African tradition. Sip on your welcome drinks while being serenaded by the calls of wildlife and the soothing sounds of the bush, immersing yourself fully in the magic of the wild.

This is your gateway to a life-changing journey - welcome to the bush, where adventure and conservation come alive.

Over the next five days, you’ll fully immerse yourself in hands-on wildlife conservation like never before.

Under the expert guidance of a seasoned wildlife and domestic veterinarian with 25 years of experience, alongside a professional game capture team, you’ll master safe darting techniques and become familiar with various dart guns used in the field.

This foundation will prepare you for thrilling and impactful field operations, including rhino dehorning, DNA sampling, notching, mass herd captures, individual bull captures, and predator collaring - all crucial activities in protecting endangered species.

Each day also offers exciting game drives and, when possible, guided bush walks where you’ll track animal signs, identify tracks, and learn telemetry skills essential for wildlife monitoring. Between these adventures, you’ll enjoy comfortable safari tent accommodations with full-board meals, and the unique opportunity to observe plains game roaming nearby.

To deepen your understanding, expert-led lectures will cover topics such as veterinary medicine in wildlife, ethical game capture, helicopter safety, and species-specific conservation techniques.

Finally, feel the adrenaline rush as you dart moving targets from the helicopter - a hands-on experience that truly makes a real and lasting impact on wildlife preservation.

As the sun rises over the bush for the final time, savor a leisurely breakfast surrounded by your new friends - fellow explorers, conservation advocates, and future collaborators. Take a moment to look back on the incredible journey you’ve shared, the wildlife you’ve contributed to protecting, and the valuable skills you’ve developed.

When it’s time to leave, you’ll depart from Ladysmith carrying more than just memories - you’ll take with you meaningful connections and a renewed passion for conservation. Whether your path leads you toward a career in wildlife, veterinary science, or simply inspires a future visit to South Africa, this experience will stay with you long after you go.

Thank you for joining us on this important mission. Until we meet again, keep making a difference.

Accommodation is in comfortable twin-share glamping tents situatated in an unfenced camp within a private reserve = home to plains species including giraffe and free-roaming ostrich. With no predators on the reserve, the camp offers a safe setting to unwind around the communal fire pit beneath spectacular star-filled skies. As night falls, the distant roars of lions from the neighbouring Big Five reserve provide an unforgettable soundtrack to evenings in camp.

If “Book Now” is available:

• Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.

• A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment

• The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure

• If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking

• Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list

If “Book Now” is not available:

• This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available

• Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest

• A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email

• If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com

• No payment is required to register your interest

• Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you

Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.

Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.

From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.

⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised

Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.

Read our Tripadvisor reviews → HERE