Program Reviews

I had the best time of my life! It was such an amazing experience and it was a pleasure to work with everyone involved. The projects that we were part of are all so important and it’s so inspiring to meet these people, who has devoted their time and money to conservation.
We really got to learn from the basics on every subject, which gave me a bigger understanding of what our work contributed with.
I will never forget this incredible adventure, and I will just try to put all my new knowledge into use once I get back home. With love, Malin.

I'm beyond proud to be one of the first Kestrel Valley volunteers. This new project is a truly unique, hands-on land and sea experience, where volunteers enjoy a huge range of activities from coral planting to Hawksbill Turtle observation, Mauritius Kestrel and Fruit Bat monitoring, alien vegetation removal, reforestation and deer counts. I really enjoyed the very-informative presentations by researchers, ecologists and marine biologists too. The site is a spectacular blend of volcanic mountain and tropical vegetation, where hiking promises never-ending discoveries without dangers – no snakes! The accommodation in wood huts is frankly awesome: this is a place where you go to sleep to the sound of giant bats flying overhead and monkeys calling in the distance. Kestrel Valley is a very ambitious and exciting new project where everything remains to be done and volunteers can resolutely make a difference. The staff are friendly and welcoming and our coordinator was briliant. This is definitely a do-able project for mature volunteers with a good level of fitness. I'm delighted to have discovered this incredible new conservation experience after my placements in South Africa.

A unique experience to go behind the scenes of island conservation. The diversity of the island is translated across in to the diversity of the programme with a holistic approach to conservation. The focus of the programme is protecting biodiversity both in the local forests as well as marine wildlife. The programme not only gives you a unique opportunity to see birdlife, marine ecosystems and native woodland but to have a hands on impact on its preservation and restoration. No day is the same from working on the coral reef minutes from your jungle hideaway to trekking through the forests of Mauritius the programmes enthusiastic staff guide you through the whole process. Not only do you leave with a unique experience but you leave with knowledge of this environment and it’s many inhabitants.

My first time heading out on a volunteer project and what an authentic experience!
Had a fantastic time and returning to the UK with knowledge that I wouldn't have even gained from Google...!
Every moment of the week on the trip had a new experience to partake in. From visiting an island that showcases success in conservation to working with local Eco-Sud organisation to farm coral and monitor local turtles.
I felt the whole time I couldn't take my eyes off trees in the Valley, seeking the Mauritian Kestrels, Fruit Bats and various birds.
The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, hard working they go above and beyond to support volunteers.
Highly recommend!

My trip to Mauritius to help the biodiversity has been amazing. Prior to arriving, world wide experience were brilliant in making sure I had all the information I needed and making sure my arrival was perfect. Once arriving, they met us at the airport swiftly and took us to kestrel valley were we had a tour of the land and taken to our rooms. The rooms/bungalows were so beautiful and comfortable (the beds were perfect which meant I was able to have good night sleeps). The Activities planned were amazing. Some of my highlights included seeing a wild bat for the first time (and then seeing them every day while I ate meals on the decks), swimming with wild turtles during the monitoring sessions, and the top was going to Île Aux Aigrettes were I saw my first wild GIANT Aldabra tortoise and got to give it a chin and neck scratch which has always been a dream of mine (yes I did cry). This whole trip was amazing and I can’t wait to come back and see the development of the place. This trip really has made a lot of my dreams come true. Thank you so much world wide experience and Kestrel valley!

The 12 days I spent in Amakhala with the Vets Go Wild team were some of the best 12 days of my life. Before booking the course I was worried about not getting enough hands on experience and, because of the structured nature of the course, not getting to experience the life of a wildlife vet - I shouldn't have worried. From the vet first day we were involved in procedures giving injections and treatments to a wide range of species always supported by a vet there to help should we need it. My group worked with Emily and she was amazing at giving us an insight into her life as a wildlife vet, both the good and the bad. Yes the course is expensive but 100% worth it and I haven't met anyone who's regretted spending the money so beg, borrow and steal your way to South Africa!!

The Vets Go Wild trip was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life so far. I knew very little about wildlife medicine and I definitely left the program with so much knowledge and abilities. There's a lot of hands on experience and the veterinary staff is so knowledgeable that by the second or third day you would start thinking how to gather more funds to come back the following year. We work with a great variety of wildlife, learned how to perform multiple procedure, had lectures related to conservation, and were prepared by Dr. Fowlds the day before any procedure as well as discussing every procedure afterwards. It's an excellent experience and I would recommended to everyone. Furthermore, the food was great, we had 3 course meals every night, the lodge was exceptional, and the staff at the reserve was lovely.

This experience was a dream come true, and just the first day was worth every penny I spent. Throughout the two weeks, we worked on animals like elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, hartebeest, roan, and lions. Before each hands-on experience, we were given a lecture on the specific type of animal, what types of medications to use, and how to keep ourselves safe. We were also given the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at an aquarium in Port Elizabeth. There we learned about various marine creatures, and we did a necropsy on a whale that washed up to shore. Not only did I learn how to sedate and treat these animals, but I learned about the huge conservation role each of them plays. I also learned how important our role is. This experience changed my life, and it made me realize that we can truly make a difference.

Vets Go Wild was the best experience of my life! Working with lions, rhinos, giraffes, and multiple species of antelope was a dream come true. I value this experience more than anything so far as a veterinary student. It was the most hands on learning I have had and I learnt so much from the Ikhala veterinary team in only 2 weeks. I made friends from all over the world because we shared this emotional life changing thrill of our lives in South Africa. This experience made me realize how much is involved with conservation and the responsibility veterinarian’s have to contribute to endangered animals. Veterinarians are the key, a crucial role, for wildlife to be in our future. I think that is the most amazing role in life to lead. It was truely a once in a lifetime experience to meet and learn from Dr. William Fowlds and the Ikhala team who are on the front lines of conservation every single day. It has inspired me to hopefully take on that same role as a future veterinarian!
-Sarah

I had the most amazing time with vets go wild! The trip exceeded all expectations and the amount of hands on experience I got was next to none. All of the Ikhala veterinary team and lodge staff were so helpful and friendly it made me feel so much more at ease throughout the entire experience.
From lions to giraffe to rhino; it is without doubt the trip of a lifetime... totally unforgettable!
I would say to anyone considering this course to not let the opportunity pass you by... it is well worth the price and will give you so many transferable skills for working in veterinary even outside of wildlife.