| Costs | £1650 / $3,135 (US) / €2,145 |
| Group Size | 2 |
| Countries Visited | South Africa |
| Dates | 14 Sep to 07 Dec 2008 21 Sep to 14 Dec 2008 25 Jan to 19 Apr 2009 03 May to 26 Jul 2009 12 Jul to 04 Oct 2009 |
- 20 Sep to 15 Nov 2009
- 04 Oct to 27 Dec 2009
- 15 Nov 2009 to 06 Feb 2010
- 27 Dec 2009 to 20 Mar 2010
- 06 Feb to 01 May 2010
- 20 Mar to 12 Jun 2010
- 01 May to 24 Jul 2010
- 12 Jun to 04 Sep 2010
- 24 Jul to 16 Oct 2010
- 04 Sep to 27 Nov 2010
- 16 Oct 2010 to 01 Jan 2011
"The Wetlands Park must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world's biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share and ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world's biggest marine mammal (the whale)."
Nelson Mandela
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!
