2026 Kalahari Mass Dehorning - Invite Only

KALAHARI MASS dehorning mission

South Africa

Kalahari Desert, South Africa-Botswana

June 13 - 20, 2026

$6,930 USD

Approx. 80 rhinos. A 10-person team. A critical phase of work already in motion.

Join a frontline conservation mission in the wild and remote Kalahari Desert, working at the heart of one of the most significant rhino protection operations underway today.

This marks the second wave of dehorning at a site we first began working in two years ago – returning to complete a large-scale, coordinated intervention designed to dramatically reduce poaching risk.

Over a short, intensive period, you will be part of an operation involving approximately 80 rhinos, alongside satellite collaring and health assessments – a critical effort in one of the most challenging poaching landscapes in the region.

At the same time, the reserve is actively managed across multiple species. This mission will also include cheetah capture operations, with cheetahs located and moved into monitoring bomas as part of ongoing conservation management.

This is a small, highly focused team of just 10 participants, offering rare, behind-the-scenes access to real conservation operations. You will work alongside wildlife veterinarians, reserve managers and anti-poaching teams in one of South Africa’s most remote and visually striking ecosystems.

From tracking and field coordination to hands-on veterinary work on the ground, this is conservation at full scale – and a rare opportunity to step directly into it.

This phase of the project is time-critical, with only a small number of places available on this deployment.

Note: This mission is delivered at cost, prioritising conservation outcomes over profit.

MISSION FULLY BOOKED

$6,930 USD

Payment Variants

20% Non-Refundable Deposit
80% Outstanding Balance
Full Payment

Payment Variants

Places to book

Participation is subject to review to ensure experience, suitability, and alignment with the conservation objectives of the project.

* By booking a trip with The Global Protagonists, you confirm your acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in this document .

WHAT YOU'LL DO & WHY IT MATTERS

What You’ll Do

Participate hands-on in rhino dehorning and satellite collaring alongside wildlife vets and reserve teams.
Immobilize and assist in anesthesia monitoring and capture procedures under expert guidance
Work as part of a small, dedicated field team in truly remote wilderness surrounded by iconic African wildlife.

Why This Matters

Rhinos in southern Africa continue to face intense poaching threats – often with a rhino killed every day for its horn. Dehorning remains one of the most effective immediate interventions available to reduce poaching risk and buy time for longer-term protection measures.

By returning to this site, you’ll build on the pilot mission and help see the impact of sustained dehorning work, contribute to ongoing data gathering, and refine your skills alongside conservation professionals.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mass Rhino Dehorning: Play a hands-on role in one of the largest rhino dehorning operations ever conducted, assisting alongside experienced wildlife veterinarians and conservationists.

Exclusive Rhino Focus: Immerse yourself in rhino conservation like never before, with every activity centered on this iconic and endangered species.

Breathtaking Location: Set in a stunning reserve on the South African-Botswanan border, the backdrop for your mission is as extraordinary as the work itself.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Includes: All accommodation, meals, in-country transport and field activities

Excludes: International flights and personal travel insurance

TYPICAL DAILY EXPERIENCE

Field days begin early and are physically and mentally demanding, with delegates involved in every aspect of the operation:

Ground capture support and clinical work
Monitoring vital signs and assisting veterinarians
Recovery and safe release post-procedure
Shared reflection and debriefing with the team

This is conservation in action, where your contribution has real value.

GROUP SIZE

Capacity: Strictly limited to 10 participants due to the scale and operational nature of this mission.

ACCOMODATIONS & LOGISTICS

Arrival & Departure

Arrive in Johannesburg (JNB) anytime on Saturday 13 June. Early Sunday morning (14 June), we’ll hit the road together as a group and journey into the Kalahari, arriving that afternoon ready to begin the adventure.

On departure, you’re free to book any flight out of Johannesburg after 7 pm on Saturday 20 June. If no suitable flights are available, you’re welcome to stay with the group in Johannesburg that night (we can help arrange accommodation), and fly out on Sunday 21 June instead.

Accommodation & Logistics

You’ll be based at a private game reserve lodge that serves as our deployment base in the heart of the Kalahari – remote, wild, and unforgettable.

What’s included:

• Communal, comfortable accommodation

• All meals provided (with dietary requirements catered for)

• Airport transfers and all ground transport

• 24/7 on-site support from our experienced team leaders

Expect rustic field conditions – this is real, remote Africa, and that’s part of the magic.