A Horse And Wildlife Adventure Like No Other

Horse riding has drawn the attention of people around the world for centuries, allowing you to really, truly interact with the great outdoors. Nothing offers this more than horse riding through the African bush, surrounded by nature whilst being based at a Private Safari Park and Game Reserve in Victoria Falls. One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, and considered the adventure capital of Africa, with incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery, it’s an iconic destination in itself.

Prices 2022/2023

Duration Cost GBP Cost USD
1 Week £ 839 $ 1,217
2 Weeks £ 1,199 $ 1,739
3 Weeks £ 1,785 $ 2,588
4 Weeks £ 2,184 $ 3,167
5 Weeks £ 2,415 $ 3,502
6 Weeks £ 2,688 $ 3,898
7 Weeks £ 2,891 $ 4,192
8 Weeks £ 3,192 $ 4,628
9 Weeks £ 3,528 $ 5,116
10 Weeks £ 3,850 $ 5,583
11 Weeks £ 4,235 $ 6,141
12 Weeks £ 4,620 $ 6,699

Volunteer FAQ’s

While riding is the best part of working in the stables, horse and stable maintenance are vitally important and the top priority of the horse project. You will be riding most days of the week; whether it's schooling, going on a horseback safari, playing polocrosse, show-jumping, a sunrise ride, or a boundary patrol, there is always a reason to get into the saddle. There are plenty of opportunities on a project to develop your skills and experience some incredible riding activities in the African bush!
AThere is no typical day at the stables. Every day is different with fresh demands or challenges. We ask you to be as flexible as possible on a day-to-day basis. The morning usually consists of some horse and stables maintenance with some kind of horse ride in the mid-morning or afternoon. The rest of the day will be moulded around any pressing duties that need to be done at the lion wildlife encounter
The horses are perfectly safe to ride, and we have different horses for different riding abilities. All our staff have understanding natural horsemanship. We do ask you to be totally honest with us about your previous riding experience. It is vitally important that we put you on a horse that is suitable for your level.
There is no such thing as a typical day when you work with wildlife. Due to the nature of the project, your days will be varied, and activities may change depending on the present needs of the projects, the weather and the behaviour of the animals. This type of work requires someone flexible, adaptable, understanding and adventurous! You can expect to get involved in a variety of different activities that include the following: Find yourself at the forefront of wildlife care and conservation initiatives on a private game reserve in Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World. Enjoy unique and unforgettable close encounters with magnificent African animals such as lion, hyena, ostrich, a variety of birds of prey to name a few. Assist in their daily care and upkeep through feeding, cleaning, behavior enrichment and more. Expand your knowledge and passion for these animals and get to know and love their individual personalities and characters. Get involved with the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals that come into our care. Spend time with them to settle into their new environment and closely monitor their condition and wellbeing. This may include working with vets for any medical attention required. Join our dedicated team within our private reserve working tirelessly on anti-poaching initiatives, game management tasks and developing and maintaining an environment for ecosystems to thrive. This includes gathering and submitting essential, first-of-its-kind data to several Global Data banks such as INaturalistand SABAP2 accessed by many scientists for use in global conservation initiatives. Spend time camping and exploring the surrounding Zambezi National Park, home to 4 of the Big 5. Assisting in-game monitoring and being a constant positive presence for the Park. Assist with outreach initiatives in the local communities by delivering conservation education lessons in local schools and getting a handle on issues to develop methods to try and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Spend your free time in Africa’s adventure capital, Victoria Falls, whether it’s adrenaline activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting, or day safaris to the iconic Chobe National Park and scenic boat cruises on the mighty Zambezi.
To gain a better understanding of the species present within the land we manage and to identify which species are utilising which areas. To add to our species list of animals present in the forest, we manage and map where different species are being seen and in what quantity.
To gain a better understanding of the species present within Fuller Forest and to identify which species are utilising which areas. To add to our species list of animals present in Fuller Forest and to map where different species are being seen and in what quantity. To gain an understanding of family groups of animals and begin to identify individuals/groups where possible.
To ensure that game species within Fuller Forest have a sufficient supply of food to survive the dry season. To supplement feed these species with an appropriate feed.
To gain a better understanding of the species present within the land we manage and to identify which species are utilising which areas. To add to our species list of animals in the forest, we manage and map where different species are being seen and in what quantity. To contribute data to the South African Birds Atlas 2 project.
To determine the quality of grass available for grazing animals and grass composition in order to understand the most appropriate course of management. To conduct an appropriate number of grass surveys throughout Fuller Forest and complete a veld condition assessment. To contribute data to the INaturalist project
To ensure that Fuller Forest has not been entered by unwanted persons. To patrol the border of Fuller Forest, looking out for any evidence of unauthorized personnel entering the land.
To create maps determining the locations of animal sightings, snares found, species of interest tracks and other points of interest in order to determine land use by animals and poaching attempts in order to put in place the appropriate park management efforts. To regularly drive/walk the forest and waypoint animal sightings, snares found, species of interest tracks and other points of interest using a GPS and to upload these to QGIS. To make monthly maps logging this information as a visual guide to help with management procedures.
To provide our lions with a clean and healthy living environment. To remove all foreign items that may have found their way into the enclosure and all old bones, feeding leftovers and excrement. To clean all water pans and water troughs and refill them with clean water.
To ensure that our lion enclosures are clean and secure, providing our lions with a safe living environment. To fix any broken equipment within the enclosures, such as lion platforms, or build new structures. To make sure all fencing is secure and in order.
To provide our animals with the most suitable nutritional diet and to ensure all animals are hydrated at all times. Food is measured and distributed to each animal depending on their size, weight and other factors of the individual animals to ensure each is receiving the correct amount. Every lion is monitored, and their food intake is regularly assessed. For extra nutrients; “Carnivore Mix” – a pre-mixed bag of crushed vitamins and minerals is added to the meat.
To further our conservation efforts by educating the local community on the importance of wildlife conservation practices, methods and activities. To engage with local schools with the aim of changing people’s perception of conservation as a whole. Volunteers conduct regular conservation lessons, to expand the pupils’ understanding of conservation and to encourage pupils to become passionate about saving wildlife and getting involved with our conservation initiatives.

 

VISA REQUIRMENTS FOR ZIMBABWE

Upon arrival in Zimbabwe, you need to present your invitation letter (which will be sent to you before arrival), your passport and funds to cover your visa, which should be a 30-day Business Visa.

The stamp in your passport will say “BV30D”. If it says ‘HV’, you may have been given a holiday visa mistakenly and should ensure that you ask that immigration amends this accordingly.

Your visa payment needs to be made in cash to the immigration officer processing your visa.

Please see below current pricing on Visas for Zimbabwe:

Nationality Single Entry Double Entry
American US$30 US$45
Canadian US$75 Not an option
British and Irish US$55 US$70
EU Countries US$30 US$45
Australian /New   Zealand US$30 US$45

Double Entry visas are not issued for Canadian passport holders, so please ensure you buy an additional single-entry visa if you plan on going on an excursion across the border into Zambia or Botswana. These activities are offered in both countries and are very common.

We suggest a multiple entry visa if you intend on taking part in optional trips that involve leaving Zimbabwe during your initial 30 days.

If you are staying longer than four weeks, you will be required to apply for a TEP (Temporary Employment Permit) before your visa expires, the TEP is valid for either six months or a year.

You will be assisted by our staff in applying and the cost of a TEP is US$500.

To apply for the TEP, please ensure that you have the following documentation with you (already printed out, or readily available on a USB or hard drive):

  • 6 passport size photographs (35mm x 45mm)
  • 3 copies of your passport
  • 3 copies of your resume/CV
  • 3 copies of your qualification certificates
  • 3 copies of your police background check

Additional paperwork that is required will be supplied by Wildlife Encounter/Antelope Park as the operators of the projects.

These documents will need to be presented to immigration as well as an application letter from yourself.

We know this may seem daunting, but you will have the support and assistance from the team on the ground to fill in all paperwork requirements. Don’t worry!

Please also note that you will be required to pay an additional US$70 – US$100 to have a consultation and chest X-ray carried out at a local clinic as part of the procedure.

This is necessary for a Tuberculosis check up and you will be accompanied by a team member.  If you would prefer the X-ray done in your home country before you travel to Zimbabwe please ensure you bring it with you and that it is clear for Tuberculosis screening.

Zimbabwe Volunteer Packing List

  • Riding Boots with a suitable sole for walking
  • Riding Helmet, this is a must.
  • Riding Clothing, long sleeve shirt and suitable riding trousers.
  • Passport, insurance certificates and personal documentation. Consider also taking pictures of such documents to store them in your smartphone.
  • Spending money in US$– small denomination notes.
  • Culturally appropriate clothing including long shorts and skirts, and long trousers for work in the communities.
  • Travel adapters (we have British square 3-pin sockets in Zimbabwe)
  • First aid kit and some basic supplies such as plasters, headache pills,antihistamine/hay fever tablets if you suffer from it.
  • Sunscreen, lip salve, sun screen, sun hat and sunglasses are a must.
  • Trainers and sandals.
  • Wellington boots (optional but recommended for rainy season).
  • Personal flashlight, preferably headlamp, spare bulb and batteries.
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket for the wet season (November – April).
  • Warm clothing: jacket, jumpers, gloves, woolly hat, scarf for winter (May – August, temperatures can reach 0°C at night!).
  • Swimwear and towel.
  • Mosquito & insect repellent.
  • Water bottle.
  • Daypack to carry: fleece, personal medical kit, camera, sunscreen, and water bottle.
    A positive attitude!