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Overview

WildeCaptureVet - 7 Day Game Capture & Veterinary Mission
Ladysmith, South Africa
Aug 16 - 22, 2026
Wilde Tracks image
Wilde Tracks
$3,390
Deposit: $1,695

About your trip

Embark on a Wildlife Conservation Adventure Like No Other!

Step into the wild and experience an unforgettable journey with a Wilde Tracks Curated Mission, where hands-on learning meets real-world impact. Under the expert guidance of a seasoned wildlife and domestic veterinarian with over 25 years of experience, you’ll dive deep into the critical skills needed for wildlife management—starting with mastering darting techniques using a variety of dart guns.

This immersive program gives you the rare opportunity to actively participate in essential conservation efforts when needed. This may include rhino dehorning, emergency call outs or predator collaring—all vital to protecting endangered species.

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

You’ll get involved in a range of practical field experiences, including:

  • Ground-based darting practice on stationary targets

  • Aerial darting practice from a helicopter on moving targets

  • Learn the art of net gunning, often the safest choice for some specific species and terrains

  • Participation in both mass game captures and individual dartings, working alongside a professional game capture team

  • Hands-on involvement with injections, monitoring vitals, drawing blood, DNA sampling, and ear notching as needed

  • In-depth discussions and practical training covering anaesthetics, tranquilizers, opioids, species-specific drug protocols, safe injection sites, and monitoring techniques

Back at base, deepen your understanding through expert-led lectures on topics like wildlife veterinary medicine, ethical game capture, helicopter safety, and advanced darting strategies.

You'll stay in comfortable safari-style tented accommodations, enjoying full-board meals and unforgettable views of free-roaming plains game in a stunning natural setting.

Whether you're a student, a wildlife professional, or simply passionate about conservation, this is your chance to gain unparalleled, hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful wildlife protection.

Are you ready to take your passion for wildlife to the next level? Join us, learn from the best, and become part of a pioneering effort to protect Africa’s most vulnerable species.

🐾 Open To

  • Open to anyone with a passion for conservation, with a focus for those studying or working in the veterinary and animal care industries​

🔍 Available Trips

Private group bookings available on request!

Private group bookings available on request!

🔥 Real experiences. Real travellers. Read their reviews here!
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g186338-d32706729-Reviews-Wilde_Tracks-London_England.html

What's included

Accommodation

6 nights, 7 days shared rooms

Full Board

All meals and non alcoholic drinks

Transfers

Including airport pick-up and drop-off from Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB)

Conservation Work

Funds veterinary interventions such as rhino de horning, predator collaring, snare and wound treament, game capture and translocation

All Activities

Shadowing game capture team and wildlife vet, interventions may include de horning, collaring, translocations, emergencies, telemtry lesson, darting lessons from helicopter

Guides

Qualified English-speaking field guides

What's not included

Flights

International flight to Pietermaritzburg Airport.

Health/Travel Insurance

Mandatory

Day 1

Day 1 image

Arrival in South Africa

Touch down at Pietermaritzburg Airport, where your unforgettable African adventure begins. You’ll be warmly welcomed by your expert guide and transferred to Ladysmith, where your comfortable safari tent awaits amidst the stunning wilderness.

Experience the unique charm of safari tent accommodation surrounded by free-roaming wildlife right within the camp, offering an authentic bush experience like no other — from the sights and sounds of the wild to the peaceful nights under the stars.

As the sun dips below the horizon, prepare for your first sundowner experience — a timeless African tradition. Sip on your welcome drinks while being serenaded by the calls of wildlife and the soothing sounds of the bush, immersing yourself fully in the magic of the wild.

This is your gateway to a life-changing journey — welcome to the bush, where adventure and conservation come alive.

Day 2 - 6

Day 2 - 6 image

Join the Frontlines of Wildlife Conservation with Expert Game Capture

Over the next five days, you’ll fully immerse yourself in hands-on wildlife conservation like never before.

Under the expert guidance of a seasoned wildlife and domestic veterinarian with 25 years of experience, alongside a professional game capture team, you’ll master safe darting techniques and become familiar with various dart guns used in the field.

This foundation will prepare you for thrilling and impactful field operations, including rhino dehorning, DNA sampling, notching, mass herd captures, individual bull captures, and predator collaring — all crucial activities in protecting endangered species.

Each day also offers exciting game drives and, when possible, guided bush walks where you’ll track animal signs, identify tracks, and learn telemetry skills essential for wildlife monitoring. Between these adventures, you’ll enjoy comfortable safari tent accommodations with full-board meals, and the unique opportunity to observe plains game roaming nearby.

To deepen your understanding, expert-led lectures will cover topics such as veterinary medicine in wildlife, ethical game capture, helicopter safety, and species-specific conservation techniques.

Finally, feel the adrenaline rush as you dart moving targets from the helicopter — a hands-on experience that truly makes a real and lasting impact on wildlife preservation.

Day 7

Day 7 image

Departure

As the sun rises over the bush for the final time, savor a leisurely breakfast surrounded by your new friends — fellow explorers, conservation advocates, and future collaborators. Take a moment to look back on the incredible journey you’ve shared, the wildlife you’ve contributed to protecting, and the valuable skills you’ve developed.

When it’s time to leave, you’ll depart from Ladysmith carrying more than just memories — you’ll take with you meaningful connections and a renewed passion for conservation. Whether your path leads you toward a career in wildlife, veterinary science, or simply inspires a future visit to South Africa, this experience will stay with you long after you go.

Thank you for joining us on this important mission. Until we meet again, keep making a difference.

About your organizer

Wilde Tracks is an organization dedicated to global ecosystem preservation through impactful, conservation-driven tourism and educational projects. Operating across Africa, South and Central America—with new destinations and missions added regularly—our initiatives represent true conservation in action. These include hands-on wildlife veterinary interventions, community outreach programs, and anti-poaching efforts. Our core objective is to provide sustained support to local communities, wildlife reserves, and fragile ecosystems.

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