Equine and Wildlife Holiday

Click the following link for current availability https://africandreamhorsesafari.co.za/availability/

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A 75KG WEIGHT LIMIT

If you want to get away and have a South African adventure, African Dream offers you the opportunity to do just that by experiencing the wildlife in Big 5 Game Reserves, taking part in all our equine activities, helping out at various outreach programmes and enjoying the many sites and adventures the surrounding area has to offer on the various excursions.

The programme has been designed for 18-35 year olds, where you will find yourself taking the horses for a swim in the dam, galloping through the winding paths, taking a quiet stroll through the bush with impala and giraffe watching you pass by or receiving lessons and improving your riding skills in the arena.  You might be interested in learning jumping or dressage, playing games or acquiring the skills to work with horses in a comfortable and safe way.

You will have a unique nature experience, with an emphasis on conservation, including game drives in the natural environment learning the basic knowledge of ecosystems, identification, tracks and signs and animal behaviour.  Imagine driving through the bush with elephant crossing the road in front of you, buffalo wallowing in the water pans and viewing the wildlife in their natural environment. 

Whether it is a game drive in the bush, watching the sun set over the lowveld or star gazing at night the emphasis is placed on having an amazing adventure in a relaxed and fun filled environment!

Local excursions are offered, in order for you to maximise your African experience and your time with us. One can expect to visit the world famous Kruger National Park, swim under a waterfall, drive along the Panoramic Route with its breath taking views and get up close and personal with various animals at our local rehabilitation centre.

Other excursions we can take you on include hiking along courses of waterfalls and visiting local secret locations such as the Picnic Spot and Mariepskop Mountain. We are situated close enough to the town of Hoedspruit for those who like to get out and enjoy an evening at some of the local restaurants!

Finally, every week, we offer you an opportunity to give back, by making a difference in our local communities with both animals and people alike. Our outreach work takes place in the Sigagule village, where we provide much needed care to dogs and other animals, as well as assist and educate the residents on how to properly care for their animals.

Our mission at African Dream Horse Safari is to show all who join us a fun and exciting way to work and learn about horses and the wildlife of South Africa.

The programme welcomes holidaymakers from all around the globe, who would like to spend their time with us living their ultimate African Dream. From horse trails through the bush and gaining horse riding skills with jumping and flatwork lessons in the arena, to game drives in the nature reserves, to hiking through the mountains and swimming under waterfalls.

We strive to teach you patience, understanding and kindness with horses! These beautiful animals are filled with beauty, grace and a desire to please and we help riders learn to be true horsemen and appreciate the horse’s generosity and gentleness.

There is a lifetime of pleasure and discovery ahead, as there is for all who wish to learn.  Every horse you ride is an individual and will teach you something new.  As your confidence and knowledge increase, you will develop courage and skills within yourself and above all, you will discover the joy of riding!

We have been blessed with a beautiful stable yard and amazing people in our lives and our dream is to share our knowledge and passion and to give back to our community with our time and energy.

Typical Tasks

While you are with us you will go on open vehicle game drives/safari's in a Big 5 Nature Reserve, where you'll have the opportunity to view and learn more about our wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether it is the buffalo wallowing in a waterhole, elephant meandering along a well-worn bush path, a pride of lion resting in the shade or a group of giraffe browsing off some acacia trees there will always be something incredible for you to view. We hope you will leave us with a love for our country and go home as ambassadors of Africa!

When not on a game drive in the reserve, you'll be at the stable yard, which is located in a non-Big 5 reserve, with an opportunity to take part on one of the many equine activities we offer. These can include jumping and flatwork lessons, horse trails through the bush, natural horsemanship, dam swims, tack and horse care and basic stable management.

During the week, volunteers will also have an opportunity to go on an excursion, which will allow one to see more of the Lowveld and its surrounding area. These include the Blyde River Canyon (the largest green canyon in the world), the world-famous Kruger National Park, God’s Window in Graskop and many more. Other excursions include hiking along courses of waterfalls and visiting one of the many animal rehabilitation centres in the area.

Every Thursday, the volunteers will have an opportunity to join in on our outreach work in the Sigagule village, assisting the dogs and giving them medical care. An opportunity may come up to lend a helping hand to other non-profit charities in the Hoedspruit area, such as Nourish (Uplifting local communities, promoting social responsibility and encouraging environmental education) and Hoedspruit Paws (Taking in and re-homing abandoned, abused and stray dogs).

Sundays are generally rest days for both volunteers and the horses.

The day is spent relaxing at the accommodation, where one can catch up on social media or catch a sun tan around the swimming pool.

Volunteers can also go for walks or cycle around the estate, go to a restaurant in town or do some shopping.