Highlights

  • Experience the raw beauty of Africa with free roaming wildlife assisting local wildlife conservationists
  • Help teach anti-poaching team members how to horse ride
  • Visit local villages to educate the residents on animal husbandry and take the children for pony rides
  • Take part in eco-friendly, recyclable local community projects
  • Visit the bucket list World Natural Wonder, Victoria Falls, for a few days after your project

Overview

Welcome to the Wildlife with Horses volunteer project—where your adventure merges with noble purpose in the heart of Zimbabwe. Nestled along the sprawling borders of Hwange National Park, this unique initiative offers an opportunity for you to make a significant impact while forming unforgettable connections with nature and its most majestic creatures.

Your days will be filled with the rhythmic beat of horse hooves against the earth as you help care for the hardy steeds that accompany nature enthusiasts on thrilling bush outrides. Picture yourself saddling up, brushing the thick mane of a horse under the warm African sun, while anticipating the great journey ahead. You'll have the chance to share unforgettable experiences with guests riding through the sprawling savanna, navigating through a pool of wildlife sightings—from elephants wandering majestically to zebra grazing peacefully.

But your role extends far beyond the thrill of impact adventures. Together with dedicated local teams and expert rangers, you will embark on regular snare sweep patrols—a proactive commitment in the continued fight against poaching. Equip yourself with knowledge and insight as you uncover the harsh realities that wildlife face, documenting snares that threaten these vital ecosystems, ensuring that every patrol contributes to safeguarding this rich biodiversity.

Your journey won’t stop there. Take a day to immerse yourself in the efforts at the Painted Dog research unit—the heart of learning about one of the most critically endangered species in Africa. Listen intently to discussions about the heartbreaking challenges these incredible animals face—from habitat loss to human-wildlife conflict. Gain hands-on experiences as you assist in the collection of data vital for their survival and conservation planning.

You’ll also take part in lion monitoring initiatives, diving deep into how these apex predators are tracked and studied via satellite technology. Discover how the relationship between man and wildlife is being redefined through innovative methods and how foot soldiers in this conservation giant prepare to tackle the ongoing threats.

Join a community driven by passion, unite for a cause bigger than yourself, and find lasting friendships—all while basking in the breathtaking expanse of nature that is Hwange National Park. This volunteer project isn’t just about lending a hand; it’s about harmonizing with a landscape that has no bounds while championing endangered species towards a brighter tomorrow. Step onto this vibrant stage and be part of a dedicated army striving for change amidst the thundering wildlife and boundless sky of Africa.

Are you ready to make your hoofprint on conservation? Join us.

  • Food and meals, shared volunteer accommodation, meeting you at the Victoria Falls airport, Victoria Falls airport transfers, pre-departure administration and support, in-country staff on the ground, a weekly shopping trip to the local town, weekly housekeeping service, 24- emergency help and so much more
  • Flights, visas, travel insurance, spending money, Wi-Fi (available to purchase on site) and additional excursions e.g. to Show Jumping/Polocrosse competitions or day trips to other attractions like Victoria Falls excursions

Important Information

Join an unforgettable wildlife conservation project alongside horses in the stunning landscapes of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. Experience exceptional riding opportunities through one of Africa's premier wildlife regions, from lush teak forests to the beautiful Miombo woodlands.

Volunteer duties on horseback may be:
· Trail and wildlife rides
· Animal tracking
· Exercise rides combined with litter clean ups
· Riding lessons and schooling sessions- this is key too for the anti-poaching rangers to make them proficient on horseback
· Anti-poaching patrols whether for wildlife or wood poachers with an armed professional ranger
· Litter clean-up rides
· Snare sweeps
· Boundary patrols
· Assisting with guest riders
· Local village visits to educate the residents on animal husbandry

Volunteer duties on foot may be:
· Animal tracking on foot
· Bush craft classes
· Eco-friendly, sustainable, recycling and educational community projects
· Vehicle wildlife drives
· Sunrise drives and sundowner trips
· Assistance with the local African Wild dog centre
· Lion research opportunities
· Anti-poaching assistance for example snare sweeps with an armed ranger
· Snare wire art workshops
· Vehicle patrols
· Horse care
· Daily yard duties like feeding the horses and washing numnahs
· Lunging and schooling horses

There are currently 17 horses on the project and various breeds from thoroughbreds, quarter horse mixes, warmbloods, Arabians, Boerperds to Percherons. They come from various backgrounds so have different abilities as some are ex-racehorses, dressage, polocrosse or showjumping. There is a horse to suit all abilities and levels of riding.

The rides are primarily with trail or English style saddles, but a few Western saddles are available.

Estimated daily schedule- although working with wildlife and animals is always unpredictable!
07:30- In the stables, feed the horses and help turn them out
08:30- Self-service breakfast
09:30- morning volunteer duties and activities which could be trail rides with guests, teaching anti-poaching rangers how to ride, cleaning feed mangers, grooming horses, wash numnahs, assisting with guest rides, lunging new horses, exercise rides combined with litter clean up rides, visiting local visits to educate on animals care and human wildlife conflict resolution, snare sweeps, boundary patrols, schooling sessions, polocrosse lessons, horses swims, show jumping practice, snare art workshops, bush craft classes, on foot animal tracking and walks
12:00 -lunch
13:00- afternoon volunteer duties or activities
17:00- put horses away, help feed and prepare horses for the evening. Once a week there may be a sunset ride and sundowners. Friday is braai (BBQ) night

Project is closed from the 19th of September to the 31st of October 2024 due to the heat and the horses having their AHS Vaccination.

Availability
31st October to 14th November - 2 spaces available
31st October to 21st November - 2 spaces available
14th November to 28th November - 3 spaces available
14th November to 19th December - 4 spaces available
19th December to 26th December - 1 space available
26th December to January - 6 spaces available

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