Horseback Adventure Africa is a separately owned and operated business based on the Wildlife Adventure Africa property. Wildlife Adventure Africa partners with Horseback Adventure Africa and facilitates bookings & payments for the Saddle Up for Conservation volunteer program.

Your Role as a Volunteer

As a Saddle Up for Conservation volunteer, you become part of the daily life at Horseback Adventure Africa.

This is a hands-on experience built around horses, riding, wildlife and conservation. Rather than simply following a fixed volunteer schedule, you will be involved in the day-to-day activities on the farm and in the bush, working alongside the team and becoming part of the rhythm of life here.

From Monday to Friday, mornings are primarily spent on horseback. Volunteers join bush rides to observe and monitor wildlife, assist with fence and property checks, help maintain and develop riding trails, and support the preparation and operation of horseback safaris.

Time with the horses is an equally important part of the experience. Volunteers assist with feeding, grooming and general horse care, help prepare and maintain tack and equipment, and may also have the opportunity to work with and assist in the development of young horses.

Depending on the day and the current needs of the property, volunteers may also support wildlife observation, conservation activities and general bush-related tasks.

What You May Be Involved In

• Daily horseback rides and wildlife monitoring
• Wildlife observation and tracking
• Fence and property checks
• Trail development and maintenance
• Supporting the preparation and operation of horseback safaris
• Horse feeding, grooming and general care
• Tack and equipment preparation and maintenance
• Assisting with the development and training of young horses
• Supporting general farm, bush and conservation activities
• Contributing to ongoing conservation and anti-poaching efforts through a regular presence in the bush

The exact activities are not fixed and may change depending on weather, season, wildlife movements and the current needs of the property. No two weeks are exactly the same.

This is not a heavy-labour or stable-cleaning program. The focus is on meaningful interaction with the horses, regular riding and practical conservation activities. At the same time, this is not a passive holiday – your attitude, willingness to learn and readiness to get involved are an important part of the experience.

A Typical Week

Your stay runs from Monday to Monday, allowing you to settle into life on the farm and become part of its daily rhythm.

Monday
Arrival at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, transfer to the farm, settling into your accommodation and introduction to the horses and program.

Tuesday–Friday
Days are structured around both horses and the bush. Mornings are primarily spent riding, monitoring wildlife and participating in bush activities. Afternoons may include horse care, tack preparation, trail work, conservation activities and other tasks depending on what is happening on the property.

Saturday & Sunday
Weekends are free. Volunteers can relax on the farm or arrange additional excursions and activities in the surrounding area at their own cost.

Monday
Departure and included transfer back to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.

Who Can Join?

This program is designed for riders with a genuine passion for horses, wildlife and meaningful outdoor experiences.

Riding level: Volunteers must be confident and experienced in all three gaits — walk, trot and canter.

Minimum age: 18+. Participants from 15 years old may join when accompanied by an adult, with the accompanying adult taking responsibility for the minor throughout the program.

Maximum rider weight: 90 kg

Language: Basic English skills are required for safe communication during riding and daily activities.

Riding assessment: A short riding video is required before participation can be approved.

How the booking process works: Choose an available program date and submit your booking request. Horseback Adventure Africa will review your riding experience before the booking is approved. Once approved, you will receive your payment request to secure your place.

Your Home in the Bush

Volunteers live directly on the farm alongside the horses and animals and become part of everyday farm life. The accommodation is comfortable and relaxed, with an authentic farm atmosphere rather than the feel of a traditional tourist lodge.

• Shared rooms with two volunteers per room
• Single beds
• Three bathrooms in total: two en-suite bathrooms and one separate shared bathroom
• Bed linen and towels provided
• Basic bathroom essentials supplied
• Indoor and outdoor kitchen
• Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, microwave, toaster, kettle, refrigerators and freezer space
• Indoor and outdoor living areas
• Large communal dining table
• Drinking water provided
• Laundry service twice a week
• Wi-Fi access

All groceries required for breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. Volunteers prepare and enjoy meals together, creating a relaxed and social home environment.

Vegetarian and vegan diets as well as food allergies can be accommodated. Volunteers can provide a shopping list so individual dietary requirements can be taken into account.

Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and personal extras can be purchased separately.

What’s Included

• 8 days / 7 nights accommodation
• Shared accommodation
• All meals and groceries
• Horseback riding activities during the Monday–Friday volunteer program
• Daily wildlife monitoring and bush rides
• Horse care
• Use of horse-related equipment
• Wildlife and conservation activities on the property
• Laundry service
• Wi-Fi
• Return airport transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)
• Contribution toward ongoing conservation and anti-poaching efforts

Not Included

• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa costs where applicable
• Additional weekend activities and excursions
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Transfers outside the standard HDS arrival/departure arrangement unless agreed beforehand

Getting Here

The volunteer program runs from Monday to Monday.

Volunteers should arrange flights to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) and send their complete arrival and departure flight details to horsebackadventureafrica@gmail.com once flights have been booked.

Horseback Adventure Africa will collect volunteers directly from HDS on arrival Monday and return them to the airport the following Monday.

The drive from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport to the property takes approximately 50 minutes.

Return HDS airport transfers are included in the program price.

Alternative pick-up or drop-off locations may be possible by prior arrangement, although additional transfer costs may apply.

Program Dates & Pricing

Programs operate on selected Monday-to-Monday intake dates throughout the year, with a maximum of four volunteers per intake.

1 Week: US$950 per person
8 days / 7 nights

Longer stays are available by booking consecutive weeks, subject to availability.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required once your booking request has been approved. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.

All volunteer bookings are subject to riding suitability approval.

Contact Us:

For questions about horseback safaris, riding requirements, rider suitability or the day-to-day operation of the volunteer program, please contact Horseback Adventure Africa directly.

Email: horsebackadventureafrica@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +27 71 750 8499

Ready to Saddle Up for Conservation?

Join Horseback Adventure Africa for an immersive week of horses, wildlife and conservation in the heart of the South African bush.

All booking requests are subject to riding suitability approval by Horseback Adventure Africa.

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Email: horsebackadventureafrica@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +27 71 750 8499