Horse Riding Eco-Safari in Zimbabwe

What are the highlights of the Zimbabwe horseback eco-safari?

• Go swimming on horseback and ride into herds of plains game.
• Observe wild animals including elephants, giraffes and zebras while riding through the wilderness.
• Discover the significance of the unique baobab ‘upside down’ trees found in the area.
• Unwind by the fire under a sky full of stars on overnight horseback camp-outs.
• Meet the beloved family dogs.
• Explore ancient rocky hills and cave paintings.
• Watch and listen to the distinctive and majestic fish eagle.
• Be warmly welcomed into the heart of the homestead.

Am I a good fit for the horse-riding volunteer program?

Is this you:

• I love animals and want to spend time with and caring for horses.
• I want to reconnect with nature and slow down.
• I care about conservation and meaningful authentic travel experiences.
• I want to be part of a warm and welcoming community.
• I love adventure, but also want peace and purpose.

If so, we can almost guarantee you a life-changing experience.

What can I expect on a typical day?

0700: Enjoy a hearty, nutritious breakfast to start the day.
0800 – 1000: Horse care and grooming. Help with feeding, grooming and preparing the horses. Morning horseback outride – explore the reserve on horseback, spotting wildlife as you explore the ranch.
1200 – 1400: Lunch – relax and enjoy lunch with the rest of your group. 
1400 – 1700: Volunteer activities – this could include training horses, wildlife monitoring or game counts, or helping with general ranch and farm duties.
1900: Dinner – enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal after a hard day in the fresh air.
2000: Wind down, play games or enjoy stargazing around the fire.

Sometimes you may go on a night drive or camp out with the horses; no two days are the same!

Horse Riding Working Holiday in Africa – riding activities:

There is usually the option to ride every day except for Saturdays. Guided rides are usually between 2-4 hours long, and each riding group caters for different abilities.

• All horse riding volunteers get involved in caring for the more than 40 horses on the ranch.
• Depending on your riding experience, you could join outrides cantering through the bush on the hunt for animal sightings, or explore the trails at a slower pace.
• Everyone helps with bringing the horses in from the fields, feeding, grooming and general stable tasks as and when needed.

Your daily horse rides could include

• Swimming with the horses is a regular adventure, very popular and always lots of fun!
• Cattle herding. As part of your working holiday duties, you will help herd cattle across the ranch, learn traditional ranching techniques and get involved with daily farm life.
• Overnight camp-outs with the horses. Sleep under the stars with the horses nearby and cook dinner over the campfire. The perfect end to the day.
• Sunrise and sunset rides. Nothing beats an African sunset except one on horseback. 
• Conservation rides to check for snares, poaching and evidence of human incursion.
• Game counts and wildlife monitoring: check for new babies and health checks on specific animals.

Experienced riders can enjoy galloping and cantering along long open tracks. In addition, volunteers can help lead or assist with other activities such as horse safari rides, fitness training, schooling and game counts.

For those with less experience around horses, you will start with the basics of catching, tacking up and riding the calmer horses on a multitude of beautiful trails around the reserve.

Horsemanship and Horse Care activities:

• Horse Management tasks such as training and lunging.
• Feeding horses.
• Catching horses and tacking up.
• Grooming.
• Tack cleaning.
• Handling younger and less experienced horses.

Other activities:

• Bush walks where you will learn from experienced guides about plants, small animals, birds, tracks and animal identification.
• Bonfire evenings around the fire.
• Helping around the farm.
• Visiting local schools and other community outreach work.
• Game drives.
• Hikes of various lengths and difficulties. These include hikes to panoramic viewpoints and visits to cave paintings. 
• Birdwatching.
• Stargazing.
• Nature photography.
• Canoeing, swimming, fishing and boat cruises in the dam.

Community work and outreach projects

The project team work hand in hand with the neighbouring communities to foster an increased awareness and support for wildlife and conservation.

• Volunteers will support local development projects, have the option to visit local schools and engage in thoughtful cultural exchange activities.

Your stay at the ranch is an opportunity to give back. Volunteer participation in community activities both enhances local education and also strengthens the bond between the ranch, it’s wildlife and the communities which surround it.

Can I volunteer with my family?

This is the perfect volunteer holiday for families who love the outdoors. Each family member can choose their preferred activities, depending on whether you want to ride or want something slower-paced!

When can I join the horse riding eco-safari?

The project has start dates every Monday throughout the year. You can join for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 12 weeks. Most volunteers stay 2-4 weeks.

Project pricing

1 week: $1,250
2 weeks: $1,900
3 weeks: $2,850
4 weeks: $3,750
5 weeks: $4,700
6 weeks: $5,650
7 weeks: $6,600
Each additional week: $900 per week.

All prices are in USD.

What’s included in the cost?

• Project contribution: this goes directly to our project partner, and provides funding to ensure the programme can continue to meet its goals. For this project it will cover things like staff costs, equipment purchases, maintenance of buildings, equipment and vehicles, veterinary fees, horse feed, fencing, and funding for community projects
• Accommodation and three meals per day.
• Return airport transfers from Bulawayo (Mondays at set times).
• Laundry and housekeeping.
• Comprehensive orientation and 24 hour support from the on-site team.
• WiFi.

What’s not included?

• Flights or travel to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
• Visa fees (variable depending on nationality)
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Administration fee ($40)

Optional costs:

• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, curios and drinks from the bar.
• Pre and/or post programme accommodation (if required).
• Additional weekend excursions.

View our booking terms and conditions.

Zimbabwe volunteer packages

HORSE RIDING & CONSERVATION COMBO

Experience two very different projects and landscapes and get a feel for the ‘real’ Zimbabwe – combine our Horse Riding Eco Safari with Rhino & Elephant volunteering on horseback. 

Combination project pricing:

1 week Horse Riding Eco Safari / 1 week Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation: $2,740
2 weeks Horse Riding Eco Safari / 1 week Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation: $3,390 **RECOMMENDED**
2 weeks Horse Riding Eco Safari / 2 weeks Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation: from $4,880

Click for more details of the Horse Riding & Rhino Conservation Programme.

CONSERVANCY & SANCTUARY COMBO

We’ve also combined our Horse Riding Eco Safari with our popular Primate Conservation Programme. Both are based from Bulawayo and together you will work with two organisations dedicated to Zimbabwe’s animal welfare. As well as horse riding and living in the wilderness, you can also get to grips with caring for a range of smaller mammals and birds, based at Zimbabwe’s only dedicated primate rehabilitation centre. Click for more details of our Primate Conservation Program.

Combination project pricing:

1 week Horse Riding Eco Safari / 1 week Primate Conservation: $2,125
2 weeks Horse Riding Eco Safari / 1 week Primate Conservation: $2,775
2 weeks Horse Riding Eco Safari / 2 weeks Primate Conservation: from $3,650 **RECOMMENDED**

Click for more details of the Primate Conservation Programme.

The accommodation is family-run, where guests stay in a charming thatched cottage located within the main homestead. The cottage is within large grassy grounds on a dam, perfect for relaxing after a hard day in the saddle! There is also a swimming pool to cool down on hot, dusty days.

Rooms are simple and comfortable, with private rooms available for couples and dormitory accommodation for families and groups. Rooms are usually unisex. There is a housekeeper to clean your rooms and communal areas on a daily basis and do laundry. Each bathroom has hot and cold running water for showers. 

What’s included:

• Accommodation in authentic African-style rooms.
• Bedding and towels are included
• 3 home-cooked meals per day with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Airport pick up and transfer from Bulawayo (3.5 hour transfer time)
• Housekeeping and laundry service
• 24 hour support from on-site team
• Free WiFi

Meals

Three home cooked meals are provided each day on a self-serve basis. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but should you have any complicated dietary requirements or food allergies, it is important you let us know before you arrive. Because the project is very remote, it can be tricky to cater for very specific dietary needs (for example gluten, dairy or wheat intolerance), so you may be asked to bring any specialist foods with you. The chefs will be able to prepare these for you alongside other volunteer’s standard meals. Clean, safe drinking water is always available.

Bear in mind that electricity can be intermittent in Africa, especially during our rainy season. For backup, the project are prepared with basic solar powered lighting and a generator which will run for a short time in the morning and evening.

There is Wi-Fi at the project, but very limited cellphone signal. A local SIM card is not necessary.

RIDING FAQ

What riding skills do I need?

The Horse Riding Working Holiday is open to riders of all levels and experience. A basic level of comfort around horses is recommended, but no specific level of riding is required.  You will have a short ride on arrival to establish your comfort levels and then riders are sometimes grouped by experience for some rides or activities.

Non-riders are also welcome if accompanying riders, and a full program of activities is available to them.

There is a weight limit of 80-85kg for riders, in line with the size, wellbeing and safety of the horses. 

What special equipment do I need to bring?

For the saddle: please bring a riding helmet if you can (let us know if you don’t have space), riding boots (short or long with a small heel), riding trousers or jodphurs. Riding gloves are optional but great for longer rides. Saddles and tack are provided. We will give you a full packing list before you come! 

Who should volunteer on this project?

The program is open to anyone who has a love of nature and who wants to reconnect with the land and animals. You will experience real life on a working ranch and whether you choose to ride or relax, the experience is a deeply meaningful one. The riding is phenomenal whatever your skill level and it is a wonderful experience for volunteers of all ages. Come to Africa and live in a safe environment, and become part of a very special family.  

How many horses are there?

There are more than 40 horses and foals at the ranch. Every horse has it’s own unique story and personality, and you will spend time with Sindy, the ranch owner, connecting with her beloved horse family.

The horses are used for horse safaris and also for dressage, jumping and cross country. There are well behaved, experienced horses and young horses that need starting and schooling from the beginning.

PROGRAM FAQ

How old do I need to be to join the Horse Riding Working Holiday?

The minimum volunteering age for solo travellers is 18 years. There is no upper age limit. A reasonable level of mobility will make your time more comfortable as you will need to be comfortable getting onto the back of a high sided safari vehicle (using a ladder).

Can I volunteer with my family?

This is the perfect volunteer holiday for families who love the outdoors. There. is no minimum age requirement. Each family member can choose their preferred activities, depending on whether you want to ride or want something slower-paced! Children are welcome to ride, regardless of experience, as long as the parents are happy for them to do so.  who are under 18 are welcome, subject to being accompanied by a riding parent. Families are accommodated separately from the main volunteer group and are welcome year-round. Please enquire for more details of family-focused activities.

How many people will there be?

There is a maximum of 18 participants at one time. Riders are split into groups based on ability and interest, and the homestead is large enough that it never feels too crowded. 

What makes this more than a horse safari?

Our Horse Riding Working Holiday allows you to become part of the ranch family. More than just sight-seers, you will integrate into the team and have a unique and immersive experience.

There are so many activities on offer, that even non-riders will have an incredible time.

Besides horse riding, you can go canoeing, hiking, learn the tracks and signs of wildlife in the bush, track elephants, go on nature walks, and swim or fish in dams teeming with life.

For the early risers, enjoy sunrise hikes. For the night owls, you’ll witness unbeatable sunsets, and marvel at the vast night skies as you go stargazing and on night drives to explore the kingdom of the nocturnal creatures.

What will I learn?

• Go on game-tracking patrols and learn the tracks and signs of wildlife in the bush.
• Learn to fish, help to restore habitats, look for signs of human encroachment and collect and report snares and broken fences.
• Learn about anti-poaching from experienced guides and how to differentiate an elephant from an elephant shrew!

What animals will I encounter?

The ranch is set in 50,000 acres of unspoilt African bush, home to elephants, hippos, hyenas, giraffes, zebra, kudu, wildebeest, eland, bushbuck, warthog, crocodiles, lots of birds including birds of prey and, if you are very lucky, you may encounter leopards or their tracks! As there are no large carnivores, the reserve is able to conduct daily bush walks and there is a lot of freedom to explore on foot and on horseback.

When can I join?

Volunteers should aim to arrive and depart on a Monday. The inclusive transfer service is as follows:

Arrivals – Mondays
There is one collection from Bulawayo Airport every Monday afternoon. You should arriving before 2.30pm. Should your preferred flight arrive later than this, please aim to arrive into Bulawayo on the Sunday and arrange overnight accommodation in town. If you choose to arrive on Sunday, you should make your way to the airport at an agreed time on Monday.

Departures – Mondays
There is one transfer from the program which arrives at Bulawayo Airport at around midday on Monday morning. Onward flights should depart later than 3.00pm to allow ample time to check in. 

How long can I volunteer for?

The horse riding working holiday runs for a minimum of one week, up to 12 weeks. Most volunteers stay from 3-4 weeks. 

How much spending money should I bring?

We recommend bringing around $100 per week in USD to cover personal expenses such as your tourist visa, drinks, souvenirs, t-shirt, snacks, tips and internet usage.

ZIMBABWE FAQ

What will the weather be like?

The Zimbabwe summer runs from September/October through to late March. The higher temperatures, usually averaging 28 degrees, bring rain from mid November through to March, during which time the heat can regularly rise to 35 degrees. The rains usually finish by the end of February, with occasional rain showers into March.

Winter is from May – August where there are clear skies, golden grasslands and cold nights. The days average around 25 degrees, falling to 5-10 degrees at night. There is no rain over this time.

• Best for riding – April to September has cooler weather and firmer ground and is best for longer outrides and wildlife viewing.
• Best for wildlife – the rainy season brings new births and new life, plus magnificent thunderstorms and vibrant skies.

TRAVEL FAQ

Do I need a visa to enter Zimbabwe?

Most nationalities, including British, American, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens, should get a tourist/holiday Evisa prior to arriving into Zimbabwe. The process is straightforward and we will send more details upon booking. Fees are dependent on nationality and range from $30 – $75 (paid in USD cash). Extensions are available from the Department of Immigration in Bulawayo, up to a maximum stay of 6 months. It is your responsibility to check your visa eligibility prior to arrival.

What vaccinations do I need?

Please consult your GP or travel clinic for detailed medical advice. All volunteers should make sure their tetanus is up to date.
Malaria – the project is regarded as a low-risk malaria area, but please consult your GP for guidance.
Please visit this UK government website for more details.

About the project

The ranch is built on three things: a deep love of horses, a commitment to the land and its wildlife and a genuine connection to the local community, who make the ranch what it is. This is not a typical horse riding safari experience, it is an honest, authentic way to spend unhurried time on a piece of unspoilt Africa. 

The experience is rooted in connection, conservation and community.

Conservation Ethos:

Care of land – a commitment to sustainable farming practices, maintaining healthy soil, reducing waste and preserving natural water sources. The goal is to create a thriving, eco-friendly environment that supports the ranch and its wildlife.

Care of wildlife – wildlife conservation efforts and maintaining biodiversity are top priorities.

Care of people – without engaged people, wildlife cannot thrive. The ranch invests in local community projects, promoting environmental awareness and engaging the community in the volunteer program.