About Us
Our wildlife programs was created with the aim to create awareness on wildlife conservation and to contribute to conservation through medicine.
Our Mission & Vision
At VetX, our mission is simple: to provide hands- on training that equips you with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to thrive in the field of wildlife veterinary medicine. We believe that real-world experience is the best teacher, which is why our approach is all about learning by doing - from capturing and caring for wildlife to managing the unexpected challenges of the wild.
Our vision is to inspire and train the next generation of wildlife vets and conservationists who share our commitment to ethical care and conservation. By equipping future professionals with the skills and knowledge they need, we aim to protect as many animals as possible and ensure that wildlife conservation efforts continue to thrive for years to come.
But we’re more than just a training facility. We’re passionate about an ethical approach to working with animals, ensuring that every action we take is done with their well-being in mind. You won’t find us darting animals unnecessarily—every procedure we perform has a purpose, and we’re committed to making sure that purpose is always in the best interest of the wildlife we work with.
Meet the Team
Meet Hein, the founder and owner of VetX and Director of Legacy Wildlife Services. He’s been immersed in the wildlife industry since 2004 and even spent a decade managing a Big Five Game Reserve – so you could say he knows his way around the wild!
In 2013, Hein launched the VetX program and has since worked alongside some of the top wildlife vets. He’s led the charge in raising and rehabilitating everything from elephants and cheetahs to giraffes, baboons, African wildcats, and even some more elusive species like black- footed cats, bat-eared foxes, birds of prey, and reptiles.
What really sets Hein apart is his exceptional knack for training and his deep passion for wildlife conservation. It’s this combination that makes the VetX course truly one of a kind!
Veterinarian
Josephine’s African adventure kicked off in 2011 when she volunteered at an animal sanctuary in Namibia, and from that moment, her dream of living and working in the African bush was set in stone. She pursued veterinary medicine with the goal of giving back to African wildlife and playing a key role in conservation.
In January 2022, Josephine completed the VetX course herself and hasn’t looked back – she’s been a permanent part of the VetX team ever since. With her passion, dedication, and unwavering love for animals, she continues to inspire the next generation of wildlife veterinarians and conservationists.
Working partners
We work with various wildlife professionals as well as helicopter and capture teams.
Together with our various partners and close collaborators we work together to reach our conservation goals.
About the farm
The Location
Welcome to our farmhouse, nestled in the heart of the Mossel Bay area along the famous Garden Route in the Western Cape.
With the stunning Langeberg Mountain range on one side and the shimmering Indian Ocean on the other, this place is pure magic. Oh, and did we mention? You’ll be surrounded by seven game reserves – so you can literally spot wildlife at your doorstep!
Our farmhouse, built in 1890, is one of the four oldest in the Mossel Bay area, steeped in history and charm. It’s our hope that it becomes your cozy home away from home – a warm, relaxing retreat where you can unwind after a day of adventure.
The farmhouse features shared rooms and bathrooms and you will stay in one of our four spacious rooms.
It’s our home base, but depending on the season, we might hit the road! Sometimes our work takes us across the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape. During the winter months, when captures are in full swing, we’ll be chasing wildlife across South Africa, staying in a mix of comfortable farmhouses, guesthouses, tents, and lodges.
Some places run on solar power or electricity, and while Wi-Fi isn’t always a given, rest assured we’ll hotspot our phones if needed.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in Africa!
Meals
Meals: We take great pride in offering the best food experience throughout your time with us, ensuring that each meal feels like home. Expect warm, hearty dishes that nourish and comfort you after a day in the field. You’ll be treated to three delicious meals daily, carefully prepared to cater to every need. If you have any dietary preferences or requirements, just let us know in advance – we’ve got you covered!
Breakfast: Start your day with a light and refreshing continental breakfast. Choose from toast, cereals, muesli, yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, and enjoy juice, tea, or coffee – all self-serve, so you can ease into your morning.
Lunch: Our lunches are a delightful mix of sandwiches, wraps, salads, quiches, pasta salads, and traditional favorites, perfect for refueling in between activities. Sometimes lunch will be “on the go”.
Dinner: Dinner is a special time here, with many of our meals cooked over an open fire, bringing a truly authentic South African experience to the table. You’ll enjoy traditional dishes like braai, bobotie with rice and vegetables, and potjiekos (a slow-cooked stew), alongside popular favorites such as lasagne, steak kebabs, stir-fry, and slow- roast specialties. It’s all about good food, good company, and making you feel right at home.
Accommodation
Bathrooms: Our cozy space includes an indoor bathroom with a bath, shower, basin, and toilet for your convenience. In addition, we have outdoor bathrooms, each equipped with toilets, basins, and hot-water showers. These are perfect for enjoying a refreshing shower while still feeling close to nature. As we rely on the river for our water supply, we kindly ask you to use water sparingly, especially when showering.
Livingroom: Make yourself at home in our living room, a welcoming space where you can relax, unwind with a good book, or snuggle up with our friendly pups or house cats. We’ve filled the bookshelf with a selection of books and board games, perfect for quiet moments or fun with new friends.
Outside area: We want you to make the most of your time here, so feel free to enjoy our outdoor facilities. Our peaceful garden is a great spot to relax with a book and soak up the sunshine. The Lapa area is the heart of our social gatherings, where we come together around the bonfire for a traditional braai, and have fun playing pool and darts. Our krall is our little piece of heaven, where we have a splash-pool for cool days and make s’mores over fire on cold evenings.
If you’re in the mood for some exercise, let us know – we’d be happy to show you a safe and scenic route for a walk or run. Who knows? You might spot some curious Zebra, some graceful Antelope, White Rhino and maybe even a Hippo!