Day 1: Arrival and introduction to the rhino reserve

The mission begins with participants arriving at Windhoek airport by 9am. At 10 am we depart for the lodge. The road takes 4 hours (with a 1 hour lunch break). The setting is stunning—a sprawling landscape of rolling plains, steep mountains, acacia trees, and the distant silhouettes of wildlife, where the sounds of nature fill the air. Participants are greeted by project leaders, experienced wildlife veterinarians Ulf Tubbesing and Gemma Campling, along with a team of guides and local conservationists.

After settling into comfortable twin bed ensuite safari-style rooms, the group gathers for the official orientation. Here, the team will provide an overview of the program, camp safety and what can be expected in the week ahead, before we enjoy watching the bold African sunset and a welcome dinner under the stars, featuring traditional African cuisine called a Braai (BBQ) setting the tone for a deeper understanding of the cultural aspect of life in Africa.

Day 2: Introduction to Rhino Anatomy and Physiology

8-9 breakfast

9-1 pm Lecture Rhino neurology (60 min), respiratory (60 min), cardiovascular (30 mins), and digestive physiology (60 mins)..

1-2 pm Lunch

2-5 pm  Field practical Safari drive to spot wildlife, take photos and discuss methods of approaching wildlife in various terrain . A field discussion on the challenges of rhino management, and the horn trade during sundowners. (3 hours)

Pm- Sundowners in the bush and dinner

In the morning, the learning begins. Participants dive into a seminar on rhino anatomy and physiology focusing on cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological specifics. This is the perfect foundation for the course ahead. Explore the intricacies of the rhino’s unique skeletal structure, muscle composition, and cardiovascular system with a focus on how the rhino’s body responds to various stressors, including immobilisation for veterinary procedures. In the afternoon it’s time to take that learning out into the bush as we learn to track and spot wildlife, and discuss approaching the animals for work. The afternoon is rounded off with an in-field discussion on the challenges of rhino management and protection in the 21st century, emphasising the importance of dehorning as a conservation tool. The discussion covers the history of rhino poaching, the biology of rhino horn, discussion about horn trade, and how dehorning has successfully reduced poaching incidents in protected reserves.

As the golden sunsets and shadows lengthen, you will head back to camp to enjoy a delicious and hearty dinner.

Day 3: Drug delivery and pharmacology

8-9 breakfast

9-1pm Lecture Drug delivery systems and rangefinders (2 hours) Field practical:  Dart gun and pole syringe practical. Load dart, load dart gun, dart firing practice at non live targets. (2 hours).

1-2 Lunch

2-5 pm Lecture Wildlife drug pharmacology. (90 min). Drug accidents and first aid ( 60 min). Tranquillisers and sedatives in rhino, stressor effects on rhino biology (60 min).

Pm- Bonfire and nighttime stargazing

Today the focus shifts to immobilisation techniques. Immobilising a rhino is a delicate process that requires precision due to their complex and large body systems and the often challenging ecosystems and stressors presented during capture. It requires extensive knowledge and specific equipment like dart guns (projectors) and darts. Participants are taught how to use the 2 most regularly available projectors (Dani-inject and Pneudart), and the types of darts are covered and discussed to arm participants with the knowledge to select the right type in a range of situations. These concepts are then taken outside for a 2 hour practical handling of the projectors, loading darts, learning to manage the settings and environmental factors to hit targets.

After a delicious freshly prepared lunch, the veterinary team explains the pharmacology of the drugs used in sedation, immobilisation, and reversal, including dosages, administration techniques. We discuss potential side effects to safely immobilise a rhino, ensuring that the animal remains calm and stable throughout the procedure. The vets then teach wildlife work specific first aid for humans, so you are well prepared for any situation before starting your rhino work the following day.

Day 4 Rhino capture and dehorning work

8-9 breakfast

9-10 Lectures. Rhino capture and equipment (60 min).

10-1 Field Practical Rhino dehorning. 2 rhino

1-2 pm Lunch

2-5 pm Rhino infectious diseases including rabies and anthrax (40 mins) colic and impaction (40 mins). Discussion on medical intervention (40 mins).

Pm- Nighttime bush walk

Today we begin our rhino work with a final lecture emphasising capture techniques and equipment, giving delegates a chance to handle eye covers, ropes and ear plugs that we are about to use in the field. After this lecture, each delegate is given a role for the clinical work about to follow. This may include medicating, monitoring, oxygenation, stabilisation, cooling or data recording. Then we head out to dehorn our 1st rhinos. The head vet will fly in a helicopter with a pilot, to locate and dart the animal. The ground team of participants then race to the rhino in a truck, leap out when as close as the terrain allows, and assist with the dehorning. Being able to run at a good pace across uneven ground, possibly through thorny bushes, is key to getting most involvement in the procedures. Procedures are never delayed or paused for delegate benefit if it is going to cause risk to the rhino. Their welfare is our top priority.

Following the afternoon's work, participants reconvene for a debriefing session. The veterinary team encourages open discussion, allowing participants to reflect on the day’s events, share their experiences, and ask any questions. This reflective process allows for continuous learning and improvement, ready for tomorrow's rhino work.

We return to camp with a great sense of pride, having provided protection for these beautiful creatures. After a filling dinner, anyone who wants more exercise can enjoy a beautiful guided night time walk or drive in the bush to see nature by moonlight.

Day 5 Dehorning and disease management

8-9 Breakfast

9-1pm Practical. Rhino dehorning. 2 rhino.

1-2 pm Lunch

2-5 pm Lecture Body condition scoring rhino ( 30 min), Sand impaction (30 mins), Antibiotics and pain management (60 mins)

Pm- campfire under the stars

For the 2nd day we head out to dehorn rhino. You can expect more adrenaline packed work, getting up close and personal to these magnificent giants, getting familiar with monitoring, sampling, anatomy and physiology. It is very touching to be holding an oxygen tube to the soft wide nose of a rhino, feeling their breath on your hand, or looking deep into their human-like eyes, knowing you are keeping that animal safe for another year.

After another great lunch, we head to the lecture room for an in-depth exploration of rhino diseases and treatments. Participants learn about the various diseases that affect rhinos, including infectious and notifiable diseases, their treatment and prevention. The veterinary team explains how factors such as nutrition, stress, and environmental changes impact rhino health.

As the sun sets over the savanna, participants gather around a roaring campfire. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there is a palpable sense of camaraderie as stories are shared and friendships are formed.

Day 6

8-9 breakfast

9-1pm Practical. Rhino dehorning. 2 rhino.

1-2 pm Lunch

2-5 pm backup lecture time +/- sunset at the waterhole.

Evening: Sundowners and cultural dancers before a farewell dinner.

With two days of rhino work done, participants are ready for their last day of procedures. The team is now becoming swift, efficient and more able to coordinate their plans and work. Early in the morning, the group sets out in safari vehicles, driving through the savanna to locate the rhinos that have been scheduled for dehorning. The morning brings the same high energy fast paced work that has occurred over the last few days. With at least two  more rhinos safe from poaching, we head back to camp ready for a relaxing lunch break.

After lunch we have a session that is often filled with any lectures that were delayed due to timetable alterations. If it remains a free slot, time is spent relaxing by the pool, packing, and watching the last beautiful African sunset fall below the horizon over the waterhole as animals come to drink. As the sun sets on another successful day, the camp comes alive with the sounds of drums and traditional music. Local dancers showcase vibrant, energetic dances that celebrate the harmony between people and nature. The evening is a reminder that conservation is not just about science and medicine, but also about connecting with the local communities who share the land with wildlife.

As the milky way sparkles across the sky and there is a shared sense of pride and accomplishment as participants reflect on their journey. They have not only learned about rhino medicine but have also contributed directly to the protection of these incredible animals. The hosts offer one last farewell, and as the fire burns low, and the group prepares for departure the next morning.

Day 7

It is an early start today, as we hand out a fresh packed breakfast at 5.30 am, load suitcases and head to the airport at 6.30 am. It is a 4 hour drive with a 30 minute coffee break. Delegates arrive with their team at Windhoek airport at 11am and flights are booked  from 1.45pm and beyond.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment to Conservation

The Rhino Veterinary Dehorning Mission is more than just a veterinary training program—it is a transformative experience that deepens participants’ understanding of wildlife conservation and veterinary care. Through hands-on dehorning procedures, in-depth learning, and cultural immersion, participants leave with a renewed commitment to protecting rhinos and other endangered species.

We aim to dehorn at least 6 rhino per course. It can often be more! However it is important to remember that we are at the mercy of weather, big hills, wide canyons and live animals that are very grey, and very good at hiding.. It would be very rare for us to dehorn less than 6 rhinos in the week, but if it happens we ask for your understanding. We will be as frustrated as you are! On occasion rhino are darted and then run to areas that can’t be accessed by the ground team, in which case the head vet will exit the helicopter and carry out the procedure alone, or reverse and release the rhino without dehorning it, if the area is deemed dangerous. Worldwide Vets and our team members will never push the procedure to go ahead if it may endanger the welfare or comfort of the rhinos.