Wildlife veterinary trip to africa for universities - Veterinary Field Trip - Group of students caring sedated leopard

Veterinary Field Trips

Wildlife veterinary trips

Shadow expert vets. Encounter iconic species. Discover new procedures.

From rhino horn trimming in support of anti-poaching efforts to managing disease transmission in buffalo, our veterinary field trips give students the chance to work hands-on with iconic African species such as giraffe, lion, antelope and many more.

Throughout your field trip, students will work alongside experienced wildlife vets and conservation experts on real day-to-day casework, both in the field and the clinic. They’ll receive detailed briefings before each procedure and share opportunities to assist and observe with diagnosis, immobilisation, transportation, treatment and monitoring of animals’ vital signs across a range of environments.

Nothing is for show and all the work supports vital conservation efforts, bringing greater depth and meaning to every veterinary procedure and the learning opportunities they present.

Enquire now

Wildlife veterinary trip to africa for universities - Veterinary Field Trip - Students part of rhino horn trimming

Wildlife veterinary trip to africa for universities - Veterinary Field Trip - Students posing

Why choose these experiences?

The top reasons teachers and students love these veterinary field trips.

Real veterinary work

No unnecessary procedures. Just vital work for animal welfare and conservation.

Immersive and practice-driven

Learn husbandry techniques and assist with clinical veterinary procedures.

Set students apart from their peers

Gain professional skills in the treatment, care, and rehabilitation of African species.

Assist expert wildlife vets in the field

Encounter diseases, drugs and treatments specific to African species.

Small group size

Gain more exposure to diverse cases and insights tailored to your students.

Treat iconic African species

Work hands-on with species you wouldn’t get close to anywhere else.

Learn African wildlife veterinary skills

From using a dart gun to taking samples from sedated game in the bush.

Reference letters and EMS requirements

If required, students can get expert references and tracked hours following their trip.

24/7 in-country support

Your students look after the animals. Our team in Africa looks after you.

Support global goals

Join leading projects aligned with WWF, EWT and UN SDGs.

Choose your field trip

Explore our veterinary field trips.

Field trip

Expand your students’ experience by supporting real wildlife vets in the field

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Make it yours

Every experience is customised to be just right for you.

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Traveller Stories

Three giraffe at Phinda — Delaney Sweeney

One of the things that made this experience so exceptional was the incredible diversity of veterinary work I was exposed to. Every day brought a fresh challenge and a new opportunity to learn.

Read Delaney’s Story

Two zebras — Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Although many of the students on my trips are biology majors, I have had several education majors and they have commented to me how much they learned with little background in the sciences.

Read Edinboro’s Story

Wildlife veterinary trip to africa for universities - Veterinary Field Trip - School group assisting veterinary professionals with a sedated rhino — School group assisting veterinary professionals with a sedated rhino

Real-world field and clinic experiences

Inspire your veterinary students and support conservation efforts in Africa

A wildlife veterinary trip to Africa for universities and colleges offers far more than an educational travel experience. It's an academic and professional stepping stone that immerses students in the complex realities of wildlife medicine and conservation. Working side-by-side with experienced African wildlife vets, students assist in the clinical care, treatment, and rehabilitation of species such as lion, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, and antelope. Every procedure has a purpose, whether it’s supporting anti-poaching efforts, treating injuries sustained in the wild, or supporting leading wildlife rehabilitation centres.

These trips give students a unique opportunity to understand how veterinary medicine intersects with broader conservation and land management strategies. From disease control in buffalo to darting and immobilising injured rhinos for relocation or care, students gain practical exposure to the very real and evolving challenges faced by African wildlife populations. Alongside the clinical learning, students will also witness the vital role sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres play in the long-term conservation and ethical treatment of wildlife, from first response to successful reintegration into the wild.

Designed to provide maximum learning impact, our wildlife vet field trips prioritise small group sizes. This ensures students get more time in the field, closer access to veterinary professionals, and the confidence to ask questions during every stage of a case - from diagnosis to aftercare. They’ll leave with new skills and a greater understanding of the role of vets in shaping the future of conservation. It’s an unforgettable opportunity for students to build their experience, enhance their CVs, and meaningfully contribute to the care of Africa’s most iconic species.

FAQs

What support do you offer to help the wildlife veterinary trip get off the ground?

After our initial meeting, we will put together a detailed slide deck of your custom itinerary that you are welcome to use to present to your college or university leadership team, parents and guardians, and students. We would also be delighted to host information evenings to meet with parents, guardians and students to discuss and answer any questions about the trip!

What are your safeguarding procedures?

Safeguarding is paramount throughout the trip. On each day, students will always be in the presence of at least one teacher or school chaperone. We will never split the group into more vehicles than there are teachers or school chaperones. Students will share accommodation with other students of the same gender, while the teacher and school chaperone accommodation will be separate but nearby.

How do you assess risk on your field trips Africa?

We use certified Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) practitioners to regularly assess every location, activity, and transfer. We are also very happy to provide a copy of our internal risk assessment for you to look through and assess for yourselves.

What is the procedure for dealing with medical emergencies for students?

A member of our in-country team will be with you at every step of your journey - from the moment you land to when you check in for your flight home. They will be on hand to deal with any emergencies, should they arise. In over two decades of running school, college and university field trips to Africa, there has never been an emergency that we have not been able to solve comprehensively.

Will I have access to the internet to keep in touch with parents, guardians, and my institution?

Yes! All of our sites provide internet access. However, everyone is encouraged to disconnect and fully engage in life in the bush.

We also carry our own private router for your use in case of emergencies.

What if parents and guardians are still worried about travel to Africa?

It's natural. To put them at ease, we are one of the most trusted names in school, college and university travel to Africa. The health and safety of everyone present on our field trips is our top priority. With the expertise of our team and our comprehensive safety protocols, we’ve enabled hundreds to take part in field trips to Africa with confidence and peace of mind.

We're ABTA-accredited, ATOL-bonded, and follow strict UK and international travel standards. That means complete protection, legally and financially, for your booking. We also have our own on-the-ground support team, available 24/7. You can find more information on how people travel with confidence at the dedicated page.

We’re also happy to chat with parents and guardians directly, answer their questions, and give them peace of mind.

How will students support wildlife conservation efforts?

Depending on your itinerary, you may assist with diagnosis, immobilisation, transportation, treatment and monitoring of various species.

We only partner with wildlife research projects in Africa that either support fully self-sustaining animal populations or follow an "assisted sustainable" model, where minimal human intervention supports long-term viability. All our partner animal rehabilitation centres strictly follow the animal welfare standards set by SATSA and ABTA, ensuring that animals live as naturally as possible while receiving the highest standards of care, ethical treatment, and conservation value. Both types of work align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we are also proud to be affiliated with leading global organisations like WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), so you know your contribution will be delivering high conservation value.

How do I start planning a veterinary field trip to Africa?

Take the first step by simply submitting an enquiry form. Our education experts will then be in touch to discuss the various opportunities we have available, tailoring the trip to your learning outcomes.

We can't wait to speak with you about the best veterinary trips abroad!