Info
At Wait A Little (WAL), there are always two volunteers present simultaneously, and the duration of stay is consistently three months. Each volunteer has a private room with a shared bathroom. Meals are enjoyed alongside the guests. Unfortunately, if you adhere to a specific dietary style (such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, frutarian, etc.) or have food intolerances (excluding lactose intolerance), a successful application may not be possible. This is because our partner lacks the capacity to accommodate meals according to these dietary preferences.
Program
This exclusive program caters to passionate riders of the English style who seek the unique opportunity to accompany Wait A Little’s horse safaris as backup riders and horse caretakers.
Requirements To qualify, you should:
- Be a highly proficient and experienced rider,
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English riding style,
- Have a weight not exceeding 75 kg,
- Be physically and equestrianly fit, given the potentially long days,
- Be a minimum of 20 years old,
- Possess at least 8 years of continuous riding experience,
- Ride daily for six months before your stay to maintain fitness,
- Ideally, speak a European language.
Your riding skills are of utmost importance and will be assessed before your first ride as a backup rider. If your skills are insufficient for accompanying a safari, Wait A Little reserves the right to exclude you from riding.
Duties
Wait A Little’s safaris are tailored for small groups of exclusively experienced riders. As this safari is often a lifelong dream for guests, all staff at WAL strive to make it a reality. Daily interaction with guests underscores the importance of being communicative and presenting a well-groomed appearance. A friendly, open demeanor and adept interpersonal skills will contribute to making the guests’ stay unforgettable. Whether eating, sleeping, or having fun together at WAL, you play a crucial role. As a backup rider, you assist Philip and Jo, the guides, in ensuring the group’s safety. Confidence in controlling a horse in any situation is vital, as the horses at WAL trust their riders completely, even in the presence of abundant wildlife. The well-being of the horses takes precedence. On non-riding days, your responsibilities include caring for and attending to the horses’ needs, providing medical care, and assisting in the stable (excluding mucking out). With around 40 horses of various ages, there’s usually plenty to keep you occupied.
Additional Opportunities
In addition to horse-related experiences, you’ll gain insights into the African ecosystem. With several qualified rangers on the farm, you’ll have free access to diverse educational materials and books. Visits to the local animal sanctuary, reptile park, and breeding centers for endangered species are possible. You can also engage in various activities in the surrounding area, such as rafting, balloon rides, hikes through the Blyde River Canyon, or walks with lion cubs during quieter farm periods. Additionally, Philip can provide basic shooting instruction, and you’ll learn extensively about conservation efforts in Africa.
The Reserve Nestled in the heart of the South African bush, Wait A Little resides in the private wildlife reserve Karongwe, encompassing 8,500 hectares of pristine wilderness inhabited by a myriad of wildlife and diverse flora and fauna. As a Big 5 reserve, encounters with elephants, rhinos, lions, or leopards near the farm are not uncommon.
Arrival
Travel from your home airport to Johannesburg, followed by a domestic flight to either Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa. A transfer will then transport you to the farm, as other modes of transportation in South Africa are deemed unreliable.
Visa/Entry Requirements For German citizens with a valid passport, entry to South Africa for up to 90 days is possible with a “visitor’s visa,” issued at the border/airport. Ensure your travel documents are machine-readable, valid for at least 30 days beyond your travel period, and have a minimum of two free pages for visa stamps upon exit. Additionally, have a valid return ticket.
