Eco-volunteer horseback riding trip in a reserve in Zimbabwe
In summary
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Sports
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Duration17 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAfrica / Zimbabwe
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions488.57 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
Are you passionate about horses and eager to deepen your skills while contributing to nature conservation ? This immersive stay in the heart of an African reserve will plunge you into an exceptional setting. Alongside the local team, you will learn natural care methods, participate in the retraining of former racehorses, and contribute to the management of a stable in the heart of the savannah. Each morning, horseback rides will allow you to forge a close connection with the environment, while 4x4 safaris and wildlife observation sessions will complete your immersion in reserve life. You will experience an authentic , enriching , and unforgettable adventure, where every moment brings you closer to nature and horses. Perfect for lovers of the equine world and wildlife, this project combines passion, action, and discovery in a magnificent African setting.
The highlights
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Total immersion within the center and cultural immersion in the country
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Discovering the wild fauna and flora of the reserve
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Daily equestrian activities (cross-country, swimming, polo, show jumping…)
Photos
Sport
Level
Horseback riding
The expert's opinion
The stay is suitable for all levels, and the horses can meet the needs of every rider. Experienced riders will have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of galloping on a former racehorse against the backdrop of the sunset. Or perhaps even soar above the cross-country course on the backs of our former competition horses.
Children are accepted from the age of 14 if accompanied by their parents, and from the age of 16 alone (only possible if the child has already travelled alone and upon presentation of parental authorization).
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
English
Willem is the manager of this structure and will be able to guide beginners in order to find the ideal companion to deepen their knowledge and learn new things.
You will be welcomed by a team of animal protection professionals. Willem is the manager of this facility; he will help you settle in and find the best activities for your level and skills. You will be supported by everyone working at the reserve.
Program
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Departure from Europe
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Overnight international flight to Harare or Bulawayo.
Day 1 -
Arrival at Harare or Bulawayo International Airport
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 165km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
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.
Day 2 -
Explore the reserve and meet your companion
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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.
Day 3 -
Discover the lion, elephant and rhinoceros conservation program
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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...
Day 4 -
Eco-volunteering and equestrian activities
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h30 per day
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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.
Days 5 to 14 -
Last day à la carte
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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.
Day 15 -
Return flight to Europe
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 165km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 16 -
Arrival in Europe
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Europe this morning. End of services
Day 17
Note
The itinerary of our programs is provided for informational purposes only. It may be subject to modifications or adjustments based on technical criteria, safety requirements, or prevailing weather conditions. In such cases, only the program leaders are authorized to make the necessary decisions.
Accommodation
The accommodation for volunteers is located in the heart of the reserve. You will be immersed in the traditions and cultures of the country and the reserve. It has four bedrooms, each with two sets of bunk beds, three showers, and three bathrooms.
Depending on availability and your project, you can also choose the option (at an additional cost) of a triple room with an en-suite bathroom. Room allocation is generally based on the length of your stay and your eco-volunteer project.
Access
Arrivals and departures take place only on Mondays.
Go to the starting point
For this stay, a criminal record check will be required. As volunteers, you will be in direct contact with protected species, children, and vulnerable adults. Therefore, the reserve requires a criminal record check dated less than six months prior to your departure.
Transfer information included
Arrivals and departures take place only on Mondays.
You can plan to arrive at the airport before 1 p.m.
You can book your return flight from 1pm onwards
2 hours drive from Bulawayo airport versus 4-5 hours from Harare airport
Price details
The price includes
• Regular transfers to/from Bulawayo Airport are available on Mondays only.
• The horseback safari and equestrian activities as described in the program
• Eco-volunteering for 15 days
• Interactions with lions and elephants
• English-speaking tour leaders/guides
• The logistics team
• Shared accommodation for the entire stay (gîte) - 4 people / room
• Full board, including water, tea and coffee
• Wi-Fi in the volunteer accommodation and in the main lodge
• The laundry service
• Our partner's processing fees
• Financial guarantee of funds deposited with our partner
The price does not include
• International flights to Harare or Bulawayo (included upon request)
• Special transfers, in addition to regular transfers (please contact us)
• Group transfers (according to the indicated schedule) to/from Harare airport to your accommodation: $100 per person round trip (to be paid directly on site)
• Business visa available on the website (or directly at the airport): https://www.evisa.gov.zw/services/2 - between $35 and $55
• Personal expenses
• Optional extensions and visits before, during or after the stay
• Individual travel insurance ( see our insurance options )
• Air evacuation insurance (mandatory): +$50/month payable locally
• Application fee: €15 per person (mandatory)
• FFE rider license: annual insurance: €50 / "Green" card valid for 30 days: €15 (to be requested when booking)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Helmets provided on site
Equipment to bring
• Helmet or riding helmet (available on site if needed)
• Hat or cap to protect from the sun
• Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with mini-chaps
• High SPF sunscreen
• Anti-malaria treatment
• Mosquito repellent products for tropical areas
• First aid kit: medications for everyday problems (cough, cold, digestive issues)
• First aid kit: disinfectant, plasters, bandages
• Flashlights with dynamo or solar power
• Plug adapter
Clothing to bring
- Riding clothes
- Change of clothes
The Phoebe, Audrey et Marjolaine team
Led by a team of five horse and adventure enthusiasts, our local expert specializes in ethical equestrian tourism. Committed to developing travel that respects local communities, he forges lasting relationships with partners worldwide. His on-the-ground expertise, equestrian know-how, and technical versatility allow him to offer immersive itineraries, meticulously designed with high standards and authenticity, in a friendly and committed atmosphere.
