Global Immersive Veterinary Experiences
in Kenya

June 27–July 4, 2026

8 Days Wildlife Conservation Experience

Prepare for the journey of a lifetime through Kenya!

Travel with us to one of the most stunning places on earth. Connect to the landscape and be a part of our work to support veterinarians caring for wildlife in some of the world's most fragile and beautiful ecosystems.

Dr. Dale Smith, a wildlife veterinarian and Professor Emeritus of the University of Guelph, will be guiding this journey as we explore wildlife conservation and VI’s revolutionary Kenya vet training program in partnership with the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Kenya Wildlife Services, Laikipia County Department of Veterinary Services, and Ol Pejeta and Loisaba Conservancies.

Close-up encounters with some of the world’s most iconic and endangered wildlife, spending time with our team of experts and learning how you can make a difference!

Trip Details

The VI Gives trip to Kenya supports an initiative by Veterinarians International to increase and enhance wildlife veterinary capacity in Kenya. Although Kenya is world-renowned for the diversity and numbers of its wildlife, the cadre of specially trained Kenyan veterinarians working in the field remains small. Kenya has two veterinary schools (University of Nairobi and Egerton University), with a total of approximately 120 students graduating each year.

Although many students have an interest in working with wildlife upon graduation, opportunities to explore the field are extremely limited. The VI supported initiative provides a series of lectures on wildlife conservation and medicine, presented by both Kenyan and international experts in the field, and funds a field program where students from both schools who excel in the lecture component spend time at Loisaba and Ol Pejeta Wildlife conservancies shadowing and assisting veterinarians with the Kenya Wildlife Service in their daily practice.

The response of the students has been overwhelming in terms of their appreciation of the experience and opportunities awarded through this VI supported initiative.

The VI Gives trip follows the path of the Kenyan veterinary students. On the first day after arrival we visit the veterinary faculty at the University of Nairobi. VI has provided equipment and other support to the veterinary faculties to enhance student education in general veterinary studies. We will meet some of the incredibly motivated Kenyan students enrolled in the VI supported program, as well as some faculty members who teach in the veterinary program. There will be an opportunity for informal discussions over luncheon. We will then visit the Nairobi Giraffe Centre for a close-up visit with these incredible animals.

The remainder of the trip is spent at the two locations where the veterinary students gain their field experience: Loisaba and Ol Pejeta Conservancies in Laikipia County. There we will appreciate the grandeur of a Kenyan wildlife experience with daily safaris, as well as have opportunities to meet veterinary and management staff and learn more about wildlife conservation in Kenya. Visits to local communities, the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, demonstrations by the anti-poaching dog team, and viewing the last two northern white rhino in the world may also be arranged.

The trip is facilitated by Dr. Grace Watene, a Kenyan veterinarian who coordinates the VI program in Kenya, and Dr. Dale Smith, a Canadian veterinarian with experience living and working in Africa and huge enthusiasm for sharing the experience with fellow travellers.

Please join us on the VI Gives trip to Kenya – you will have an amazing experience while supporting Kenyan veterinary students whose dreams are to have a positive impact on wildlife conservation and health in their own country.

$11,000/person

International airfare is not included

Above cost includes food, lodging, and local transportation. Physical Activity Rating is 3 (see physical activity rating page)

Apply Today

Contact info@vetsinternational.org

Reservations should be made well in advance as accommodations are limited, and sell out fast.

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit equal to 20% of your total tour cost is required to guarantee your reservation. If departure date is within 65 days, full payment is required to book your space.

Final Payment: Full payment is due 65 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Charges
a) 20% of total tour cost is forfeited for cancellation made for any reason 66 days or more before departure.
b) 100% of total tour cost is forfeited for cancellations made for any reason 65 or fewer days before departure.Should the tour be cancelled by Veterinarians International then these funds will be applied to a future trip.

Trip Begins

DAY 1 – DAY 2

Travel to Nairobi
Greeted by private driver at Jomo Kenyatta Airport
Check in to the private Hardy House In Karen, have dinner and rest
Day 2, breakfast, visit The University of Nairobi Veterinary School to meet our partners and the students!
After lunch visit the Giraffe Center, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), a Kenyan non-profit organization, experience close-up encounters with giraffes
Return to the Hardy House for dinner in Karen, rest for morning flight to Loisaba Conservancy, Laikipia County

Loisaba Conservancy

DAY 3 – DAY 6

Enjoy morning and evening game drives
Visit conservancy operations, understand infrastructure and current programs
Have discovery conversations with senior management regarding future needs of our wildlife veterinary training program
Enjoy breakfast before departing Loisaba via plane to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

DAY 6 – DAY 8

Enjoy morning and evening game drives
Visit conservancy operations, understand infrastructure and current programs
Have discovery conversations with senior management regarding future needs of our wildlife veterinary training program
Meet Fatu and Najin the world’s last 2 Northern White Rhinos, converse with Kenya wildlife veterinarians and rangers behind the scenes

Ol Pejeta to Nairobi

DAY 8

Enjoy breakfast on the final day before departing Ol Pejeta Conservancy via plane back to Nairobi
Check in to Hardy House, Karen
Afternoon tea with renowned Kenyan artist Solomon Wamisigo, opportunity for commissioning
Depart to airport for late night flight

Meet Loisaba

Our mission is to protect and enhance critical wildlife diversity, abundance and habitat in the Loisaba landscape while concurrently supporting sustainable livestock production and improving the lives of neighboring communities. With the goal of being self-sustainable, both tourism and livestock bring revenue to the land, along with offering over 300 jobs to local communities.