Horse Safari Work Experience, Zululand

  South Africa

ZuluLand

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Every Sunday throughout the year.

Description: Experience equine work experience like no other whilst volunteering on this horse safari adventure in a South African Game Park! Volunteers have the chance to go on breathtaking rides in the 'big game' area of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gaining hands-on experience managing a herd of magnificent horses that are trained specifically to go on safaris into the stunning wilderness of Africa.

Ever fancied working with stunning and majestic horses in South Africa? Ever wanted to gain equine work experience in a place unlike anywhere else on the planet? Ever dreamt of volunteering in South Africa and going on horse safaris to see breathtaking wildlife? Whether you are in search of an amazing way to spend a career break, want to spend your gap year working with horses, or just want to volunteer in South Africa on a trip with a difference; this Yomps Horse Safari Work Experience in Zululand is for you!

The horse safari is based in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and an area of exceptional beauty and natural heritage. Spreading over 600,000 acres of stunning South African scenery, the area boasts 220km of pristine coastline and beaches, three major lake systems, sub-tropical forests, grassy plains, papyrus marshes and a variety of other spectacular landscapes. Such an area of diverse ecosystems is the home to a huge biodiversity, including 526 bird species, five marine turtle species, two whale species, 110 butterfly species and more than 2,000 species of flowering plants...not to mention the leopards, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, white rhino, hippo, warthogs, and other creatures of the African Bush!

iSimangaliso's variety of wildlife also includes the world's highest black rhino population a great achievement for this critically endangered species. Indeed, going on horse safari in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park will make you realise why it means 'a marvel' in Zulu.

The horse safari work also takes you on daily rides along the beach and through the bush in St Lucia. The horse safari work will give you amazing equine work experience, allowing you to learn and practice many of the skills you need to manage a herd of horses on safaris and short daily rides in Africa. This includes general stable management; the horses' schooling, grooming, feeding and health; and interaction with the other staff and guests.

Open to candidates of experienced equine backgrounds, this horse safari work experience will open up a new dimension to the equine world and allow you to progress your skills and knowledge extensively. Working with experienced guides, you will regularly ride as a back-up rider on horse safaris that have up to six guests. The horse safaris are always thrilling yet safe, and take you to see the wide range of fantastic African wildlife the park is home to. Your guide will also teach you the tricks to hacking across open plains and teach you about the nature of the 'bush' and its inhabitants. When you are not out on horse safari, you will be based where the horses are schooled, rested and rotated. From here you can go out on short 'hacking' excursions from the hamlet of St Lucia in the bush or along the beaches where you might have the chance to see a pod of dolphins or whales swimming out in the Indian Ocean!

Qualifications:
- Having a valid driving license and the ability to drive a utility is necessary
- Volunteers must be experienced horse riders to a classic English standard, for the varied extent of riding, from schooling to exercising and riding in a 'big game' area
- The position of a back-up rider on horse safaris is an extremely responsible position.
- The owners of the horse safari reserve the rights to assess your ability upon arrival as to whether it is possible for you to be a back-up rider on safari and at Iphiva. A detailed CV of your ability is therefore an essential requirement, yet the owners of the horse safari lodge still reserve the right to assess you upon arrival
- At least eight years of continuous riding experience
- Volunteers must be riding fit (ridden daily for at least six months prior)
- The days are long and hard work but extremely rewarding, and many hours are spent in the saddle. Volunteers must be prepared for this.
- Volunteers must be generally fit and not exceed a weight of 80kg.

Cost in US$: 3900

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Year Founded: 2006