Step beyond the classroom and into the full spectrum of veterinary medicine in South Africa with this Wilde Tracks Collaboration Mission. Designed to showcase veterinary medicine in all its variety, the experience brings together wildlife veterinary work, mixed practice, field medicine, emergency cases and everyday clinical care.

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

Across two different experiences, you can choose between an intensive two-week veterinary course or a flexible 2–4 week veterinary internship. Wildlife will be a major focus, but the experience extends far beyond wildlife alone. Depending on what is happening during your stay, you may encounter rhino and other wildlife, horses, cattle, dogs, cats and any other animals requiring veterinary attention.

Expect real cases, experienced veterinarians, unexpected opportunities and days that don't always go according to plan. You might begin the morning with a planned wildlife procedure and finish the day responding to an emergency, assisting with a domestic animal case or learning about an entirely different species.

This is veterinary medicine as it really happens: varied, unpredictable and constantly evolving. Be ready to adapt, embrace new experiences and think on your feet as you discover just how broad and diverse a career in veterinary medicine can be.

Designed as an immersive two-week course, this experience combines structured learning with real-world veterinary cases and field opportunities. 60% or more of the programme will focus on wildlife, with additional exposure to equine, cattle, dog, cat and other veterinary cases depending on what is happening during your stay.

You will learn alongside three veterinarians, with additional veterinary professionals joining throughout the course to share their specialist knowledge and experience. Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations and practical experiences, you will explore the many sides of veterinary medicine and conservation.

Planned Experiences May Include

• Wildlife veterinary cases and clinical work

• Helicopter dart-gunning operations

• Rhino conservation and veterinary work

• Visit with orphaned rhinos

• APU veterinary demonstration

• Veterinary lectures and case discussions

• Reproductive veterinary work

• Domestic animal spay campaigns

• Equine and livestock cases

• Dog and cat veterinary cases

• Wildlife health and conservation medicine

• Additional cases, procedures and field opportunities as they arise

No two days are guaranteed to look the same. This is real veterinary medicine, meaning cases, weather, animal welfare needs and operational requirements can change the schedule. Be prepared for unexpected opportunities, late-night emergencies, new species, changing plans and situations that require you to think on your feet.

For those looking to spend more time immersed in veterinary practice, the Veterinary Internship runs year-round for 2-4 weeks.

This experience is less structured than the course and focuses on shadowing the veterinary team and becoming part of their day-to-day work. Rather than following a set itinerary, you will experience veterinary medicine as it actually happens - following cases, observing procedures, joining discussions and seeing the decisions and challenges that come with working as a veterinarian in South Africa.

Your experience will depend on what is happening during your placement, with opportunities potentially spanning wildlife, equine, cattle, dogs, cats and other species.

You may experience routine clinical work one day and an unexpected emergency the next. You could find yourself observing a complex procedure, joining a field call-out or learning about a case you never expected to encounter.

This is veterinary shadowing at its most authentic: follow the day, learn from the cases in front of you and discover what life is really like as a veterinarian in South Africa.

Participants stay in African-style chalets surrounded by nature, offering a true wilderness feel while still providing the comforts needed after a busy day of veterinary work. The accommodation provides a peaceful base to relax, unwind and enjoy being immersed in the South African bush.

Two-Week Veterinary Course

Course participants stay in comfortable shared chalets with catered meals included throughout the programme. This allows participants to focus on learning and making the most of the experience without having to worry about preparing meals after a full day of veterinary activities.

Veterinary Shadowing

Shadowing participants stay in self-catering chalets, providing greater flexibility throughout their 2–4 week placement. The team will take the group into town regularly to purchase groceries, allowing participants to stock up on everything they need throughout their stay.

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