A Typical Day at Wild Bhiza – Example Itinerary
Embark on a truly enriching horse riding adventure in Zimbabwe, where each day is a blend of hands-on activity, breathtaking scenery, and genuine connection. As a volunteer at Wild Bhiza, you’ll find yourself immersed in the untamed beauty of Banko Farm—set atop the escarpment of the mighty Zambezi River in Chisuma village, just 25 km from Victoria Falls. Here, the vibrant rhythms of rural life offer a window into timeless traditions and close-knit community living.
Your home is a rustic, traditional homestead—three twin rooms with single beds, shared kitchen and bathrooms—serving as the heart of daily life and camaraderie. Volunteers and staff come together to share chores, stories, and laughter, with every day shaped by the needs of the horses, the land, and the community.
From the moment the sun rises, your day is filled with purpose and variety. The early hours bring everyone to the stables to greet the horses, check their wellbeing, and lend a hand with feeding and grooming—a chance to build trust and learn the rhythms of horse care. Morning chores might include mucking out, cleaning tack, and prepping for the day’s rides, with volunteers also pitching in on general maintenance around the farm.
Afternoons are ever-changing: you might be working with horses in training, assisting with veterinary care, or joining outreach efforts in the village—reading with children, supporting local schools, or helping with conservation and sustainability projects. As the day winds down, everyone returns to the stables to ensure the horses are comfortable and ready for the night.
Evenings are for connection—sharing a home-cooked dinner, relaxing by the fire, and reflecting on the day’s adventures with fellow volunteers. Meals are a mix of self-catered breakfasts and lunches, with groceries provided (meat, dairy, vegetables, fruit, and dry goods), and hearty dinners enjoyed together in the homestead. Special treats and ingredients can be picked up during the weekly town trip.
5:00 AM – Rise and Shine
- Start your day before dawn, joining the team to fill hay nets, prep morning feed, and check water for horses and goats.
- Groom and check each horse, getting them ready for the morning.
6:00 AM – First Morning Ride
- Saddle up for a magical sunrise ride through the bushveld.
7:30 AM – Second Morning Ride & Stable Tasks
- Prepare for the second ride—some volunteers ride, others help with tacking up, grooming, or supporting riders.
- Those not riding assist with mucking out stables, cleaning tack, or tending to other animals.
9:00 AM – Post-Ride Care & Paddock Time
- Return from rides, untack and hose down horses, fit fly sheets and masks, and walk them out to the paddock.
- Take hay bales out as needed and ensure all animals are settled.
10:30 – 11:00 AM – Tea/Coffee & Breakfast Break
- Enjoy a well-earned break with tea, coffee, and breakfast.
11:00 AM – Stable & Community Projects
- Clean out stables, repack hay nets, and tidy the yard.
- Join community outreach: reading with children, helping at local schools, or supporting animal welfare clinics.
1:00 – 2:00 PM – Lunch
- Gather for a hearty, self-catered lunch or a communal meal in the homestead kitchen.
2:00 – 4:00 PM – Afternoon Activities
- Participate in natural horsemanship, polocrosse, or extra animal care.
- Get involved in horticulture, conservation, or community projects.
4:30 PM – Evening Horse Care
- Prepare evening feeds, set up beds in the stables, and refill water buckets.
- Bring horses in from the paddock, remove fly sheets and masks, and feed each horse and the goats.
5:30 PM – Day’s End
- Wind down, relax, and help prepare a home-cooked dinner.
- Gather around the fire to reflect, connect, and enjoy the peace of rural Zimbabwe.
8:30 PM – Final Horse Check
- Head to the stables for one last check—fill hay nets, top up water, and ensure all horses are safe and settled for the night.
