"It would have to be one of the best experiences of my life!  It’s definitely a must do for anyone involved in the veterinary industry! " Maddie

One of Africa’s finest private game reserves, Shamwari is home to the coveted Big 5 and a wide range of other iconic African species.  What better location to learn veterinary related wildlife, reserve and conservation management during this 2 week specialist program, working alongside this award winning wildlife conservation and veterinary team.

3 small group experiences are offered in May/June each year, offering participants a combination of veterinary exposure and conservation activities.  Suitable for vets, vet nurses, vet techs, pre-vet and students studying vet science, vet nursing and other related disciplines such as animal sciences and animal management.

The specialist support team offers participants a balanced learning and upskilling experience, with a keen focus on hands-on participation through practical tasks as well as through observation.  Lectures and interactive talks are presented and hosted by members of the Veterinary, Conservation and Anti-Poaching teams.

Combine your 2 weeks veterinary program with a week or more of general wildlife volunteering on the reserve, either before or afterwards. ​Even better, extend your stay in Africa and join an amazing 8 day camping adventure from Johannesburg through Botswana to the mighty Victoria Falls, ticking off bucket-list item after item as you go

Snapshot

  • 2026 Dates: 
    • 10-23 May (7 spots available)​
    • 24 May - 06 June (6 spots available)
    • 21 June – 04 July (5 spots available)
  • Pricing 2026
    • Big 5 Vet Exp AUD $7,359 / £3,595 / €4,295 / US $4,665
    • Shamwari Conservation Exp per week AU $1,450 / £710 / €845 / US $920
    • Botswana & Vic Falls Camping Safari from AU $1,959 / £975 / €1,145 / US $1,245
  • Minimum Age : 18
  • What’s included: Return airport transfers, accommodation, all meals and activities
  • Accommodation: Simple twin / triple-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms
  • Food:  Three catered meals per day are provided (vegetarian/vegan options available)
Practical Experience
  • Wildlife drives on reserve
  • Assistance with immobilisations
  • Health-checks and translocations
  • Visits to Shamwari Rehab Centre and Born Free Sanctuary
  • Basic veterinary care and treatment of community animals
  • Mass capture and translocation of antelope
  • Target shooting with dart gun – both on foot and from helicopter
  • Necropsies

​Lectures & group discussions
  • Role of the veterinarian on game reserves
  • Wildlife management, monitoring and ecology
  • Species identification
  • Game capture techniques (mass capture, passive capture, chemical immobilisation)
  • Game translocation
  • Immobilising drugs, darting and translocation equipment
  • Husbandry of captured animals
  • Important infectious diseases of wildlife
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitation
  • Community work at disadvantaged communities
  • Poaching and veterinary implications of survivors of poaching incidents