Eco-volunteer horseback riding trip in a reserve in Zimbabwe

Upon arrival at the international airport (book a flight arriving before 1 p.m.), we will be met by a member of the team who will drive us to the reserve. The drive is 2 hours from Bulawayo airport compared to 4 hours from Harare airport.

We are greeted at the park by the stable manager and the marketing and reservations manager. We then have free time to explore our accommodation and settle in.

The end of the evening will allow us to get to know the rest of the team over a delicious meal.

To begin this first day, we meet at a restaurant for breakfast with the team. Afterwards, we head out to meet the elephants, an interaction that allows us to feed them and create our first bonds with them.

Back at camp, over lunch we discuss our expectations for this horseback riding trip with our guide. What type of horse are we used to riding? What is our skill level? Are there things we would like to explore further, or discover for the first time?

We then head to the stables to explore the facilities and meet the grooms, but most importantly, the horses. Our guide will introduce us to all the horses in the herd, whose personalities he knows intimately. Now's the time to let the magic happen and choose our companion.

We end the afternoon with a sunset ride to get better acquainted with our mount.

The day ends with dinner together.

After breakfast with the team, we met a guide from the reserve who would take us on the trail of the king of the savannah. It was a morning rich in discoveries and information, during which we realized the importance of lion conservation and our impact on this issue. We also had the opportunity for our first encounter with these felines.

This trip offers the opportunity to add lion and elephant conservation to our program. We can spend a few hours with these incredible animals during our stay. The big news for 2023 is the arrival of new residents: rhinoceroses.

After a hearty lunch, we have free time to recharge before our African adventure begins in earnest. Let's relax by the pool, read a book by the river, enjoy a coffee on our panoramic terrace...

The days begin at sunrise with the gathering of the horses, followed by feeding and daily care as needed. After breakfast, the morning tasks are divided according to skills and preferences: cleaning the stables, grooming the horses, riding lessons, mounted patrols in the reserve, or preparing the pastures.

Lunch provides a welcome break, ideal for rest or conversation. The afternoon is more free, allowing everyone to choose their activities: horseback safari, swimming with the horses, polo-cross, jumping or riding lessons, cross-country courses, carriage rides or sunrise/sunset rides, groundwork, horse retraining, or specialized care.

In the evening, the volunteers gather for a friendly dinner to share their experiences. The guesthouse offers relaxation areas and a few games to extend the evening in a simple and welcoming atmosphere.

Weekends are rest times for the local team: there is no horse riding, but other activities, outings in town, as well as sports or outdoor activities, etc.

Yes, we're already there, our stay flew by as fast as a galloping horse...

We can completely customize this last day as we wish! We can do the activities that have left the biggest impression on us, the ones we had the most fun with. Whether it's swimming with the horses, interacting with the elephants, feeding the lions, or taking a sunset stroll: anything is possible.

Let's make the most of our last moments in this African land.

We have free time in the late afternoon to pack our things and rest for the return journey.

A member of the team will drive us to Harare or Bulawayo airport in the morning so we can catch our international flight. Please plan for a flight departing after 1 p.m.

Arrival in Europe this morning. End of services