Vets-in-the-Wild Expeditions

Join us for an unforgettable veterinary adventure in South Africa, where wildlife meets hands-on experience in the heart of conservation! The programs were originally structured at the University of Pretoria and is also a registered program of North-West University.

Program Focus

South African private wildlife reserves are responsible for the conservation and care of wildlife species on approximately 20 million hectares. This equates to roughly 49,4 million acres habitat teaming with wildlife. This is a main contributor to the succesful survival and protection of our African wildlife. It requires disease control, game capture operations, veterinary care and management adapted to African circumstances to keep the animals healthy and safe.

Our programs aim to expose veterinary students to all the specialized aspects of the care and conservation of the huge biodiversity of species in South Africa. You will meet various wildlife veterinarians working in different regions. This is literally a journey through the wildlife areas of the northern and eastern parts of the country. A stationary approach to wildlife veterinary aspects of conservation is limiting. We invite you to join us on our expeditions into the wild, led by our qualified guides.

Program Content

Our experiences and lectures include a variety of topics:

  • Animal Behaviour
  • Water Utilization
  • Wildlife Health and Condition Assessment
  • Wildlife Diseases
  • External Parasites
  • Wildlife Nutrition
  • Rural Community voluntary veterinary outreach
  • Wildlife Capture and Relocation procedures
  • Reptile Care
  • Captive Breeding of certain endangered species
  • Anti-poaching programs

Cost

  • 15 Day Expeditions - US$3 300
  • 22 Day Expeditions - US$4 980

A deposit of US$1 300 is required to secure your seat

What is included

  • Accommodation and transportation for the duration of the program
  • Airport transfers
  • Lectures and course material
  • Camping equipment when needed
  • Permits and entry fees
  • Three meals/day
  • Group activities

What is excluded

  • Airfare to South Africa
  • Personal Medical and Travel Insurance

Scheduled departures for 2024

Code Date Duration
VW01 26 May - 16 June 22 Days
VW02 09 - 30 June 22 Days
VW03 23 June - 14 July 22 Days
VW04 7 - 28 July 22 Days
VW05 21 July - 11 August 22 Days
VW06 24 November - 15 December 22 Days

Scheduled departures for 2025

Code Date Duration
VW01 25 May - 08 June 15 Days
VW02 16 - 30 June 15 Days
VW03 22 June - 13 July 22 Days
VW04 06 - 27 July 22 Days
VW05 20 July - 10 August 22 Days
VW06 23 November - 14 December 22 Days
Locations of visitors to this page SATSA