Personalized Veterinary Experience in South Africa

Before I set off on my five-week veterinary adventure with African Conservation Experience (ACE), I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had read about the Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience and knew it would be hands-on, but I couldn’t have imagined just how rewarding and eye-opening it would turn out to be. From the moment I landed in Johannesburg, I felt completely taken care of. An ACE representative was waiting to welcome me at the airport, and after a good meal and introductions, we set off on the five-hour drive north to Louis Trichardt. The journey flew by, our driver shared fascinating stories about South Africa’s history, culture, and wildlife along the way, giving us a glimpse into the country we were about to discover! When we arrived at the project, we were greeted warmly by the team before settling into our guesthouse. The accommodation was wonderful, surrounded by a peaceful garden and a swimming pool, and often visited by a few friendly dogs who quickly became part of our daily life. Our very first day set the tone for the entire experience. We were up at three in the morning to help with the tranquilisation and transport of a kudu. Watching these animals up close was something I’ll never forget. Over the next few weeks, we worked with a wide range of wildlife, including sable, tsessebe, blesbok, waterbuck, buffalo, and even lions. Being part of wildlife veterinary procedures like health checks, immobilisations, and administering medicines gave us a real sense of purpose and excitement each day. Working with rescued lions at the rehabilitation sanctuary was an unforgettable highlight. To be so close to these powerful creatures and assist in their care was both humbling and exhilarating! Alongside wildlife work, we also gained valuable experience with domesticated animals such as cattle, goats, and horses. It was a reminder of how veterinary medicine plays a crucial role not just in conservation, but in supporting local communities as well! The vets at the project were exceptional mentors. They were patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about teaching. Every day with them was an opportunity to learn something new, whether in the field or at the clinic. On weekends, we explored more of South Africa’s natural beauty. Visiting the infamous nearby Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Leshiba Wilderness Reserve gave us time to reflect on the importance of what we were learning. Horse riding and hiking on our time off also added even more adventure to an already incredible experience! Looking back, what made this journey so meaningful was how it offered a complete picture of conservation in practice! I came to understand that wildlife management, population control, and habitat balance are all essential parts of protecting nature, each connected and equally important. My time with ACE was truly unforgettable. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible, from the ACE staff who made everything run smoothly to the dedicated veterinarians who shared their knowledge so generously! This experience opened my eyes to the realities of conservation and veterinary work in Africa, and it strengthened my passion for wildlife medicine even more. See you next time!

I loved the unpredictability of this project. The day could start at 8 am (which was the usual) or it could be in the middle of the night, at 3 am, depending on what the vet is doing. Obviously you don’t have to get up in the middle of the night if you don’t want to, but for me, that was all part of the experience. I didn’t want to miss out on anything. You can ask the vet as many questions as you like which means you can gain as much knowledge as possible. I even asked the receptionists and nurses in the clinic questions to further my knowledge as much as I could. I found just being around the practice, interacting with the patients and seeing small animal and wildlife procedures eye-opening. The highlight for me in this project was being involved in resolving some human-wildlife conflict between a leopard, her three cubs and a local community. It was so interesting to see how the vet initially responded to the situation, by contacting the village representative. He was trying to gain an understanding of the situation before putting a plan into action. There were talks of euthanasia for the animals, and this would have been the easy alternative but it was admirable to see that the vet pushed for the best approach, which turned out to be rehoming the leopard and her cubs. It was amazing to be involved in this process. It was also fascinating to witness first hand some of the struggles that conservationists and vets face in South Africa, and how they worked through the situation to ultimately gain the best for the animals and their welfare. It’s not all hard work though - the social side of the projects is amazing too! From going to the pub to have a few pints in the evening, to having a day trip out in the Kruger National Park and even swimming under a waterfall! Those are just some of the sorts of excursions that I did which were absolutely fantastic. Besides the excursions being cool, the other volunteers at the projects with me were amazing. ACE throws you into a room of like-minded individuals who are also passionate about conservation and wildlife. So regardless of whether you are going on a bush walk or going to the pub, you are going to have such a fantastic time socialising with your fellow volunteers.

My favourite thing about the veterinary experience was getting involved in the fieldwork. We got to take part in so many different procedures like drawing blood from a buffalo to test it for notifiable diseases, and we monitored the vital signs of a rhino whilst its microchip was checked and its horn was trimmed. It was just amazing to be out there experiencing things you usually only see on TV! Also, the vet experience is fully tailored to your level of confidence and ability. If you want to get involved in drawing blood or helping hold a sedated animal and the vet deems it safe, you can get a really hands-on experience. During my trip I was also fortunate enough to get to visit the Kruger National Park. It was amazing. Even the drive there was beautiful and I can’t even explain how brilliant the Kruger is. Everything I experienced here, from the amazing guide who took us, to seeing the animals in their natural habitats, is something I’ll never forget! Planning this trip through ACE was great, too. I’m the type of person who likes to know what I’m doing, when I’m doing it, how I’m getting there, and I loved that as soon as I had booked my trip the ACE team sent over my itinerary. Then you get so much more information closer to your trip too. It's super useful and I think ACE would be great for younger travellers too, whose parents want to know what they are doing and where they are going. All of the ACE staff are so knowledgeable! From the drivers in South Africa that will answer any questions you have about the scenery, culture, town and wildlife, to the people on the end of the phone who will help you in any way they can! I know I had a few concerns before booking my trip as there is so much misinformation online and you don’t want to be giving your money to unethical projects, but as soon as I spoke with the ACE staff they eased my concerns. ACE also have a really great Instagram that I would recommend you look at as you can see that there are real people at these projects. You can see all of the amazing things that they have done and it just gives you that extra sense of security. I also know that it can be scary as you are investing a lot into this, financially, but you can really see where your money is going. On top of that, the project staff are so obviously grateful to you for coming and helping out. They even go the extra mile for you. My whole experience has just been brilliant.