VETERINARY SCIENCES
2 WEEK COURSE
VETERINARY SCIENCES, 2 WEEK COURSE DATE OPTIONS FOR 2027
WV1: 14 May to 27 May 2027
WV2: 28 May to 10 June 2027
WV10: 17 August to 30 August 2027
WV11: 24 August to 06 September 2027
COURSE COST: $3 450 – US Dollar / €2 998 – Euro
Please note: We use the US Dollar as our base currency, so the EUR price may change at any time due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Eight spaces are available per group (to give you the best experience possible!) We work on a first-come, first-served basis! Complete the application form to register your interest in the Live4Now Veterinary Sciences Course.
The W!LD VETS programme is specifically designed for those who are either studying or working in the veterinary sciences field. This programme provides you with the opportunity to gain practical experience in this field, under the supervision of a professional wildlife vet.
Food, accommodation, ground transport and activities are all included in this package. Please note: Due to the unpredictability of nature, the days stated below may be switched around to give you the best experience possible.
VETERINARY SCIENCES 2 WEEK COURSE OUTLINE
Day 1
ARRIVAL & KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be met by the Live4Now team before beginning your journey to your accommodation for the night. You will be staying just outside the park gate – ready to go into the park first thing in the morning. After settling into your accommodation, you’ll receive a programme orientation, where we’ll introduce you to the exciting wildlife veterinary adventure ahead, cover important health and safety information, and answer any questions you may have. Take some time to relax, chat to your fellow participants, and enjoy your very first African sunset—the perfect start to an unforgettable two-week wildlife veterinary adventure.
Days 2 and 3
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Spend the next two days learning from experienced wildlife veterinarians while immersed in one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas. Attend engaging lectures covering key wildlife veterinary and conservation topics, including wildlife disease control and epidemiology, conservation challenges, and management strategies. When you’re not attending lectures, you’ll explore the world-famous Kruger National Park on guided game drives with your Live4Now guide.
Day 4
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE
Today you will visit a leading wildlife rehabilitation and endangered species breeding centre, where you’ll gain valuable insight into the challenges and successes of wildlife conservation. During your visit, you will learn about:
The vital role wildlife rehabilitation plays in the rescue, treatment, and release of injured and orphaned animals.
Conservation breeding programmes designed to protect and increase populations of endangered species.
The complex process of reintroducing rehabilitated wildlife back into their natural habitats and the challenges involved in ensuring their long-term survival.
Days 5 and 6
AVIAN & SMALL MAMMAL COURSE
Take part in a two-day certified course led by an experienced wildlife veterinarian, designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the care and treatment of birds and small mammals. You will learn about: Husbandry and daily care of avian and small mammal species. / Safe handling and restraint techniques. / Biosecurity and hygiene protocols. / Preventative medicine and health management. / Common diseases, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options. / Wildlife first aid, anaesthesia, and basic surgical principles and techniques. Certificate Awarded: Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate recognising your participation and newly acquired skills.
Day 7, 8 and 12
WILDLIFE VET ASSISTANCE AND GAME CAPTURE
Spend 3 exciting days alongside experienced wildlife veterinarians and game capture specialists, gaining first-hand insight into the realities of wildlife veterinary medicine in the field. During these fieldwork days, you may have the opportunity to observe or assist with: Wildlife immobilisation (darting) and monitoring, Veterinary examinations and medical treatments, Game capture and wildlife translocations, Surgical and emergency veterinary procedures, where appropriate, Conservation interventions and ongoing wildlife health management. Please note: Wildlife veterinary work is unpredictable, and all activities are determined by the needs of the animals, reserve management priorities, and scheduled veterinary cases. As a result, the exact procedures and experiences will vary throughout the programme.
Day 9
COMMUNITY VETERINARY CLINIC (CVC)
Veterinary care for animals in underprivileged rural communities. During your visit, you will gain insight into the importance of community veterinary medicine while helping to deliver primary healthcare to domestic animals. You’ll also support educational initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and basic livestock health management among local pet owners and farmers. The afternoon is yours to relax and recharge. Enjoy some free time at the lodge – take a swim, have an afternoon nap, or simply unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the week before preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 10
ADVANCED VETERINARY REPTILE COURSE
Take part in a full-day certified course focused on reptile medicine, led by an experienced wildlife veterinarian. This comprehensive course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, providing valuable insight into the care and treatment of reptiles. During the course, you will learn about: Reptile husbandry and safe handling techniques; health assessments and routine clinical examinations; common reptile diseases; diagnosis and treatment; anaesthesia and veterinary first aid; emergency care and response for reptile patients. You will also gain practical, hands-on experience, including the opportunity to participate in a reptile necropsy (If available) to better understand reptile anatomy, pathology, and disease processes. Certificate Awarded: Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate recognising your participation and newly acquired skills.
Day 11
K9 ANTI-POACHING UNIT, DART GUN TRAINING & HELICOPTER FLIP
Spend the morning with a specialised K9 anti-poaching unit, learning how conservation dogs assist with wildlife protection, tracking, and anti-poaching operations. In the afternoon, take part in a dart gun lecture and practical covering dart equipment, tranquiliser preparation, wildlife immobilisation, and target practice. Weather and operational conditions permitting, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience darting from a helicopter, providing a unique insight into wildlife capture operations – a definite highlight of the programme. Please note: The helicopter experience is subject to weather conditions, operational requirements, and aircraft availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
Day 12
WILDLIFE VET FIELDWORK (As mentioned above)
Continue your wildlife veterinary fieldwork alongside experienced wildlife veterinarians and game capture specialists. Each day presents new opportunities to observe or assist with wildlife immobilisation, veterinary treatments, game capture, translocations, conservation interventions, and other field procedures, depending on the needs of the animals and scheduled veterinary cases. As with previous fieldwork days, activities are determined by operational priorities, making every experience unique and providing valuable insight into the dynamic world of wildlife veterinary medicine.
Day 13
ROAD TRIP!
Today you’ll begin the journey back to Johannesburg, travelling through some of South Africa’s beautiful and diverse landscapes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive while reflecting on the incredible experiences, knowledge, and memories you’ve gained throughout the programme. After today, you’ll have just one final day remaining before your adventure comes to an end!
Day 14 (Morning)
WILDLIFE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
On your final day, you will spend the morning accompanying a veterinarian at a dedicated wildlife veterinary hospital. This non-profit organisation specialises in the treatment, rehabilitation, and release of small to medium-sized wild animals, providing a second chance to injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife. Learn about the important role veterinary medicine and rehabilitation play in wildlife conservation, with the ultimate goal of returning animals to their natural environment.
Day 14 (Afternoon)
DEPARTURE
As your incredible wildlife veterinary adventure comes to an end, it is time to say goodbye. After an unforgettable 14 days of learning, conservation, and practical experience, we will take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for your onward journey home. We hope you leave with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and valuable knowledge and practical skills that will benefit you throughout your studies and future career.