Exclusive Discounts for Veterans and Their Families
Summary
A Personal Mission for Co-founder Kevin Garrad
At Wild Werx, we honor those who have served by offering exclusive discounts to veterans and their families, giving them the chance to experience Africa in a way that’s as meaningful as it is breathtaking. We go a step further for our wounded veterans and their families, offering outstanding rates and additional discounts as a way of giving back.
For Kevin Garrad, co-founder of Wild Werx and a 20-year combat veteran, this mission is personal. After his time as a Special Forces Green Beret, Kevin understands the challenges veterans face when they return home. One of the hardest losses can be that sense of wonder and awe—the feeling that something greater still lies ahead.
Reigniting a Sense of Wonder
Kevin believes that being in the wilds of Africa on safari can help reawaken that lost sense of wonder. “It’s here,” he says, “it just needs to be reignited.” He likens the experience to “shinrin-yoku,” a Japanese concept that means “nature bathing.” And that’s exactly what a safari is—time spent immersed in nature, letting the sights, sounds, and smells flow over your senses. There’s something profoundly healing about it, about being present in the moment and letting nature work its magic. Or, as Kevin jokes, “It’s free dopamine”—the kind of natural boost that can only come from spending time in the wild, especially in a place as awe-inspiring as Africa.
The Power of Camaraderie
For years, Kevin has brought veterans and veteran groups to South Africa and Thailand, offering them the chance to experience the culture, food, conservation efforts, and, of course, the wildlife. But beyond these experiences, what truly matters is the sense of camaraderie these trips foster. Kevin knows that what many veterans miss most after service is the tribe—the deep connection that comes from being part of a group. Whether it’s sitting around a campfire under the African sky, listening to the distant roar of lions, or working together on a conservation project, these shared moments are what bring veterans together.
Supporting Veteran Groups Through Group Bookings
At Wild Werx, we’re proud to support veteran groups and organizations with special group bookings, believing that so much of the experience comes from being with a good group of people. It’s all about the notion of the tribe—reuniting with those who truly get you. There’s something powerful about days spent searching for lions and rhinos and nights spent around the fire sharing stories. As adults, it’s often harder to make new connections and friendships, but these adventures provide a unique opportunity to reconnect with fellow veterans, forming new bonds through shared experiences in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Safari as a Path to Healing
We believe safaris offer more than just an adventure—they offer healing. The wilds of Africa have a way of reconnecting veterans not only with nature but with themselves and each other. It’s a chance to rediscover that sense of purpose and belonging that so many veterans long for.
An Invitation to Join Wild Werx
If you’re a veteran, or a family member of one, and you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, we invite you to join us. At Wild Werx, we’re not just offering a safari; we’re offering a way to reconnect, heal, and share unforgettable moments with those who understand you best.