Step into the world of wildlife veterinary care and join a hands-on conservation mission supporting the rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care of more than 120 cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
Working alongside experienced wildlife professionals, you’ll gain an immersive insight into the veterinary care, husbandry, nutrition, training and rehabilitation of these incredible cats, with opportunities to support both clinical and day-to-day care.
From assisting with preventative health checks and veterinary procedures to preparing meals, monitoring behaviour, supporting enrichment and helping maintain enclosures, every day offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of these remarkable animals.
Our October 2027 departure will be a particularly special veterinary mission, bringing together Wilde Tracks, the Dental Coalition for Conservation and a team of specialist professionals to deliver a comprehensive health assessment of the cheetahs in care.
The mission will include dental assessments and treatment for multiple cheetahs, alongside wider veterinary examinations and preventative health assessments. Working as part of this specialist team, participants will gain a unique insight into the comprehensive veterinary care required to support the long-term health of these extraordinary cats.
The experience also extends beyond cheetahs, with opportunities to work with species such as caracals and connect with the local community during a dedicated cultural experience.
Come behind the scenes of this extraordinary conservation project and be part of a specialist veterinary mission helping give these rescued cheetahs the healthiest future possible.
Somaliland is a fascinating destination known for its striking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and unique wildlife. From rugged mountains and vast open plains to dramatic coastlines and desert landscapes, the region offers an extraordinary setting for exploration and conservation. Home to diverse wildlife including antelope, gazelles, baboons, birds and other desert-adapted species, Somaliland provides a rare opportunity to experience ecosystems that remain largely unexplored by international travellers. With a rich history, strong cultural traditions and welcoming communities, Somaliland offers a unique combination of conservation, culture and adventure. From discovering its remarkable natural environments to connecting with local communities, there is something truly special to experience around every corner.
This mission offers an immersive introduction to the day-to-day realities of wildlife conservation, veterinary care and rehabilitation. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll contribute to the care of more than 120 rescued cheetahs while gaining practical insight into the many elements required to support their health and wellbeing.
Depending on the needs of the animals and the veterinary schedule, participants may assist with:
Routine medical checks and veterinary rounds
Blood collection and sample handling
Body condition scoring
Vaccinations and preventative healthcare
Administration of veterinary treatments
Diagnostic procedures and investigations
Supporting real emergency cases and rescues when they arise
Daily husbandry is a vital part of wildlife rehabilitation. Activities may include:
Preparing and distributing meals
Feeding and monitoring animals
Fecal collection and health observations
Enclosure cleaning and maintenance
Supporting cub care
Monitoring behaviour and overall wellbeing
Learn how positive training and enrichment can support the physical and psychological wellbeing of rescued wildlife. You may participate in cheetah-specific training, voluntary veterinary procedures, enrichment activities and cub development and socialisation.
Gain an understanding of the nutritional requirements of large carnivores through involvement in the preparation of meat for feeding. Participants may assist with carcass handling, meat preparation and organ checks as part of the centre's feeding programme.
Behind every successful rehabilitation programme is careful record keeping and monitoring. Participants may assist with sample preparation, storage and data entry into a cloud-based medical records system, helping maintain accurate health records for the animals in care.
The mission also provides an opportunity to understand the wider conservation challenges facing cheetahs and the importance of community engagement. A cultural excursion offers insight into the local community and the broader conservation landscape of Somaliland.
Activities are dependent on animal welfare, veterinary requirements and the operational needs of the centre. The priority throughout the mission is always the health, safety and wellbeing of the animals.
Your accommodation is part of the experience. Stay right alongside the cheetah conservation centre, where you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of wildlife from the moment you wake up.
Start your mornings with spectacular sunrises overlooking the cheetah centre, before heading out for another day of conservation and veterinary activities. The centre's friendly dogs are always nearby to keep you company, while wildlife can often be spotted moving through the surrounding landscape.
After a busy day working with cheetahs, return to a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can unwind, share stories with fellow participants and watch the African landscape come alive around you.
With wildlife on your doorstep and the conservation centre at the heart of your stay, this is far more than accommodation - it is your home in the heart of the mission.
Next Mission
23 October - 1 November 2027 - specialty dental mission in collaboration with the Dental Coalition for Conservation
Private Group missions available - contact for details!
Private room option available upon request, subject to availability
Who Can Join
Open to anyone 18 years and older with a passion for conservation, no qualifications required
Open to any gender
Also suitable for those studying or working in the veterinary and animal care industries
Accommodation on site at the CCF Cheetah Centre
All meals and non alcoholic drinks
Including airport pick-up and drop-off from Hargeisa Aiport (HGA)
Hands-on conservation work rescuing and caring for cheetahs, involving veterinary care, husbandry, training, and community engagement to support their survival and wellbeing.
Hands-on activities include veterinary care, medical training, sample handling, husbandry tasks, meal prep, enclosure maintenance, cub care, butchery, and data management for cheetah conservation.
Qualified English-speaking professionals
International flight to Hargeisa Airport
Mandatory
If applicable
Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.
A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment
The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure
If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list
This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available
Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest
A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email
If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com
No payment is required to register your interest
Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you
Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.
📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com
📸 See the experience in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.
💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.
From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.
⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised
Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.
Wilde Tracks is a conservation organisation with a different approach to funding wildlife protection: our conservation work is funded through travel.
We work alongside wildlife veterinarians, conservation organisations, reserves, researchers and local communities around the world, helping fund vital work including veterinary interventions, wildlife monitoring and tracking, anti-poaching initiatives, research, habitat protection and community-led conservation.
Rather than relying on donations or traditional fundraising, the people who travel with Wilde Tracks help make this work possible. The money generated through our trips directly contributes to the conservation projects our guests may be part of, while also supporting important work continuing behind the scenes.