This is a chance to join the front lines of conservation. Elephants, white rhinos, and the critically endangered black rhino are just some of the millions of incredible species protected on this stunning reserve. On the ground with VETPAW (Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife) you'll also see giraffe, wildebeest, antelope, warthogs, zebra and so many more of the African highlight species. But just like with all Tamandua trips, the center focus here is meaningful support to crucial conservation. VETPAW allows these large, threatened pachyderm species to remain safe. You joining this trip will allow their work to continue. By joining this trip, you are literally helping to keep elephants and rhinos safe. We'll be joining the VETPAW team on patrols, camera trapping missions, anti-poaching walks, and potentially even getting to get hands on with one of the largest elephants on the reserve: Dingane.

Dingane is a huge elephant despite being only 20 years old. He is special because he carries the Large Tusker gene, a trait that has been almost hunted out on the eastern cape. Today because of human hunting so many elephants have smaller tusks, some have no tusks, and this is due to the constant human culling of elephants over the last few centuries. But now we have a chance to remove Dingane's collar, help expert veterinarians check his vitals, and release him into the wild to go spread his big tusk genes. This is perhaps the most exciting thing we've ever offered.

*This is dependent on a number of things including Dingane's health, the availability of vets, and just like everything in the wild, is subject to change. We NEED to get to 8 guests to be able to make this operation financially viable! 

Join Paul Rosolie and the VETPAW organization for an incredible expedition to South Africa. VETPAW’s goal is to help end the African poaching crisis and conserve endangered species. Take part in the conservation efforts at their beautiful sanctuary in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. 

Your immersive safari will leave you with a true appreciation for the magnificent beauty of African wildlife, and the realizations of the imminent threats to their survival. Most importantly, you will head back home with a sense of confidence in these animals’ continued safety and a sense of achievement for taking part in such a crucial task.

The reserve you will be visiting is a scenic 20,000+ hectare wildlife area diverse with flora, fauna, and ecology. This protected region is in the beautiful Eastern Cape of South Africa, with panoramic views of one of the most beautiful ecosystems in the country. It is home to many iconic animal species, including Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, and a wide range of exotic antelope.

You will have a trip of a lifetime while getting hands-on conservation experience with some of the most critically endangered species in the world.

The deposit to secure your spot on the trip is non-refundable for any reason. 

The balance of payment is due no later than January 7, 2023. The balance of payment is non-refundable for any reason on this date. 

The meeting point for this trip is Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa. Please book the earliest arriving flight that is available when flying to Port Elizabeth. When departing Port Elizabeth, book a flight that is later in the day. Please wait until you hear from us before you book your flight. 

Depending on your flight details, you may need to book a hotel during your layovers in Johannesburg. This is NOT covered in the cost of the trip.  We recommend: City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport. Please book your own accommodations if needed. 

You would need to book this the night before arriving in Port Elizabeth and the day of departing Port Elizabeth.