Ride&Work The Horse Safari Company

8 days from €340

Embark on a week-long or extended volunteer program in South Africa. Immerse yourself in diverse environments, actively contributing to daily horse activities and experiencing the richness of African wildlife. Join us for a meaningful journey!

South Africa, Mpumalanga
Flexible arrivals
8 days or more
4-8 hours of riding per day
OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

We operate a volunteer program providing an opportunity for horse enthusiasts and experienced riders, who have a passion for nature and a desire to explore Africa, to assist us in our daily activities with horses within the reserve. Stays are possible for as short as 1 week!

The Horse Safari Company stands as an emerging equestrian safari organisation with two camps situated in distinct reserves. An extended stay allows you to acquaint yourself with two entirely different environments.

Shikondo is home to what we refer to as general wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeests, nyala, and more. Even elephants freely roam the 2000-hectare reserve, providing a spectacular landscape. Within Shikondo lies the Eco Rangers Academy, dedicated to training individuals for the wildlife industry, and soon it will host a three-star camp.

Nkomazi, located south of Nelspruit, offers a dramatic, open landscape with breathtaking views. Here, you can encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, elands, antelopes, and more!

At present, The Horse Safari Company extends day rides to external visitors, accompanied by volunteers. During periods without guests, our focus is on keeping the horses in top condition and acclimating them to the surrounding wildlife. Experienced riders with a minimum of 5 years of riding experience can contribute on the farm after a successful application for a duration ranging from at least 1 week to a maximum of 3 months.

In summary:

Experienced riders
Riding in a large game reserve
Engaging in daily activities with horses and attending to vacationing guests
Self-catering

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time.

What to Expect

There isn’t a fixed schedule for task allocation; instead, we approach everything collaboratively as a team, tackling the challenges of each day as they arise. Typically, we engage in morning and afternoon rides, with exceptions for full-day excursions featuring picnics or overnight adventures.

Your daily responsibilities may encompass:

Riding and training horses
Grooming and maintaining horse care
Saddling up and preparing horses for rides
Groundwork with horses (if you feel qualified)
Assisting with guest services and lodge responsibilities
Serving as a backup rider during outings
Checking fences from horseback
Showering the horse herd with love and attention
Trips to town every 3-4 days for grocery shopping

Your experience with us will be an adventure that requires getting your hands dirty – an integral aspect of working with horses. However, it’s important to note that mucking out will not be included in your daily tasks ;-)!

Expectations for You

Given that we ride in an area inhabited by big game, we exclusively accept riders with intermediate to advanced skills.

Before confirming your booking, you’ll receive a questionnaire to complete. Having at least 5 years of riding experience in the English style will be advantageous for both you and us. If you don’t identify as an “English rider,” it’s essential to comprehend the concept of contact while riding.

Proficiency in understanding and speaking English is necessary.

As you represent The Horse Safari Company during your stay, adherence to a few simple rules in daily life is expected, especially when interacting with paying guests:

Maintain politeness with all guests, fellow volunteers, and staff.
Dress appropriately for both guest interactions and work; consider the setting of a horse safari – think khaki and button-down shirts. Refrain from wearing short shorts and low-cut tops when working with horses.

Age isn’t a significant factor, as long as you possess the fitness required for riding. If you’re under 16 years old, a guardian must accompany you.

Weight Limit

The maximum weight allowed is 80 kilograms.

Requirements

To participate, you need at least 5 years of riding experience and must feel comfortable around horses. English is the sole language spoken on-site, so proficiency is necessary. Before confirming your booking, you must complete an application questionnaire and await a positive response.

Guidelines

Always maintain a friendly demeanor with fellow guests, the team, and other volunteers. Additionally, appropriate attire such as khakis and blouses is required; shorts and low-cut T-shirts are not permitted when working with the horses.

Age Recommendation

Age is not a barrier, but if you’re under 16, a supervising companion is required.

Environment

Situated in the Shikondo Wildlife Reserve, the camp is accessible only by car. Shopping trips to the nearby town occur every 3-4 days.

Terrain/Landscape/Animals

The reserve, located south of Kruger National Park, is home to diverse wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeests, nyala, and even elephants. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, it adds to the adventure. Shikondo, not a Big Five reserve, offers riders an affordable glimpse into horse safaris and an immersion into African life and nature.

Climate

Expect hot, rainy summers and warm, dry winters. During the dry season, large animals congregate around rivers and waterholes. The rainy season, often exceeding 40°C, runs from November to March, with the least rain between July and August. Nights can be chilly in the dry season, sometimes dropping below 0°C.

Arrival/Departure

Daily arrivals and departures are possible. Fly to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport, then either take a domestic flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) or use the JSL Shuttle Service to Hectorspruit or Malelane. The transfer by The Horse Safari Company costs approximately 550 ZAR per trip.

Visa/Entry Requirements

German citizens can enter South Africa for up to 90 days 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 journey, and have two free pages for visa stamps. A valid return ticket is also necessary.

PRICES

INCLUDED

Daily horseback riding
Accommodation in a shared room
Use of washing machine once a week
Use of the kitchen
Cleaning service once a week

NOT INCLUDED

Arrival
Transfer
Meals
Dining out
Additional activities (spa, excursions, gasoline)
Trips to Kruger National Park or similar
Insurance
Please note that there is no Wi-Fi and no reliable mobile network coverage on-site!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Airport transfer 2023 per person €60.00 from/to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Airport transfer 2024 per person €75.00 from/to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

NEAREST AIRPORT

Johannesburg.

ENQUIRE NOW

The accommodation

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Shikondo Game Reserve:

You’ll stay at our rustic yet comfortable bush camp nestled in the heart of the reserve. The camp features three rooms, each accommodating up to three people (typically shared by two), and four “bush showers” along with outdoor toilets (an integral part of the experience, we must say :-)). We operate on single-phase electricity, meaning conventional electrical devices with plugs are not supported. However, the camp provides lighting, a refrigerator, and a charging station for phones, and more.

A fully equipped kitchen is at your disposal for self-cooking (and cleaning up afterward)! It includes a gas stove, oven, refrigerator, and freezer. Notably, there’s no microwave or toaster. We venture into town every 3-4 days for grocery shopping, often taking the opportunity to dine out in the city (typically more budget-friendly than in Europe ;-)).

A washing machine is available for use once a week. Additionally, a small pool offers a refreshing retreat on hot days, and there’s limited Wi-Fi access.

Nkomazi Game Reserve:

Your overnight stay will be in the management area of the reserve, within a fully fenced camp conveniently close to the horses. The accommodations feature two rooms, each equipped with two beds and a bathroom. A kitchen is also provided, along with three-phase electricity, allowing the use of regular electrical devices. A washing machine is available for use once a week.