Why You Should Go on a Working Horse-Riding Safari

What is a Working Horse Riding Holiday?

A working holiday in Africa is where riders not only get to explore the incredible landscapes but also dive into hands-on experiences to learn new skills. It’s not just about riding amazing horses; it’s about getting your hands dirty and gaining practical knowledge. Plus who doesn’t want to live with wildlife in their backyard? Whether you have been riding since you could walk or are seeking to improve your equestrian skills, we have several exciting programmes where you can live, ride, and repeat!
They are the perfect way to volunteer with horses, experience Africa and do something meaningful at the same time. Embrace an equestrian way of life and culture that is different from your own and soak up the magic of the African wilderness.

Discover the Magic of a Horse Safari Working Holiday in Africa

Picture waking up to the sound of wildlife right outside your door, whether you’ve been riding since childhood or are eager to elevate your equestrian abilities, we offer a range of programs tailored to your desires.

Our volunteer guests share a deep love for exploring the wilderness, getting their hands dirty, and experiencing what it truly means to work, live, and ride in this extraordinary part of the world. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the saddle, these bucket-list adventures offer something unique for every horse lover.

Choose from an array of exceptional experiences: train for endurance riding in South Africa, participate in wildlife working holidays, retrain racehorses in Zimbabwe, embark on a safari working holiday in Kenya, or learn all about natural horsemanship on an Appaloosa stud farm in Namibia. There’s something here for every type of rider, whether you’re seeking a challenging adventure or a serene escape.

Keep reading because you’re just a step away from the adventure of a lifetime…

Want to know that to expect on a working holiday?

See what a week in the life of an equestrian volunteer in Africa is like on our blog.

1. Working Holiday at African Dream

Your stay at African Dream offers unparalleled riding experiences paired with an immersion into South Africa’s vibrant wildlife, near Kruger National Park. You’ll enjoy trail rides alongside giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species, while honing your skills in jumping, flatwork, yard management, and natural horsemanship. Game drives will bring you face-to-face with elephants, rhinos, and even elusive big cats. This working holiday provides a more affordable option for those on a tighter budget, allowing you to assist in the daily care of the horses while gaining invaluable experience with our dedicated teams. It’s a win-win, soaking in the magic of the African wilderness while doing something meaningful.

2. Natural Horsemanship Working Holiday

Dive into an equine volunteer program that emphasizes natural horsemanship, liberty training, and building a profound connection between horse and rider in beautiful Namibia. Nestled in a modern volunteer house surrounded by nature, you’ll enjoy the freedom of long trail rides alongside herds of zebra, giraffe, and antelope. With a small group of only eight volunteers, you’ll gain new skills, forge lasting friendships, and discover the joy of liberty training. While the minimum stay is four weeks, we recommend staying six weeks or more to fully immerse yourself in this unparalleled experience.

3. Moolmanshoek Wildlife Working Holiday

As a volunteer at Moolmanshoek, you’ll be involved in the daily care of over 240 horses. From grooming and feeding to assisting guests and providing necessary veterinary care, your days will be filled with rewarding activities. Enjoy natural horsemanship, swimming on horseback, and participating in backing-up rides. Explore stunning landscapes on trail rides, journey alongside wildlife, and conquer steep mountain trails with breathtaking views. This adventure is perfect for enthusiastic, social young riders eager for an unforgettable experience.

4. Moolmanshoek Endurance Training

As an endurance volunteer at Moolmanshoek, you’ll train intensively across breathtaking landscapes alongside over 240 horses. Under the mentorship of internationally acclaimed endurance rider Wiesman Nel, you’ll learn feeding, vet care, and race preparation for exceptional Arab Endurance horses. Beyond training, enjoy trail rides through wildlife-rich reserves bordering the Witteberg Mountains. This four-week adventure culminates in a 40km endurance competition, making it perfect for experienced horse riders eager to test their skills and immerse themselves in South Africa’s endurance riding scene.

5. Polocrosse Internship in Zimbabwe

What could be more rewarding than helping retrain a racehorse into a polocrosse star, participating in chukkas and tournaments, and developing an unbreakable bond with your horse? Do all this in Zimbabwe, with wildlife at your doorstep. This program is perfect for those passionate about transforming the lives of ex-racehorses and eager to delve into the thrilling sport of polocrosse. With a limited number of four volunteers, a two-week minimum stay is required, though we recommend longer stays, especially during the polocrosse season – The competitive Polocrosse season is from March to August with 1 tournament per month.

6. Wild Ride Horse Safaris

As a volunteer at Wild Ride, you’ll live the ultimate safari adventure across 4,500 hectares of malaria-free wilderness in the Olifants River Valley. Your days will be filled with safari rides through sweeping savannahs and riverine forests, encountering free-roaming zebra, giraffe, and kudu along the way. Assist with horse and stable management while soaking in views from your private tented deck. Evenings mean glamping in style—en-suite safari tents, poolside relaxation. Perfect for intermediate plus and advanced riders craving Africa at its wildest.

7. Rocky Hollow Long Stay

As a guest at Rocky Hollow, you’ll settle into the relaxed rhythm of ranch life amid Laikipia’s dramatic granite kopjes, with sweeping views to Mount Kenya. Ride daily on responsive, well-schooled horses, from short outrides to sundowner rides at picnic spots. Beyond the saddle, walk with habituated baboons, swim in natural rock pools, and engage with local communities. This laid-back two-week programme is perfect for confident novice riders craving authentic Kenyan hospitality and immersive bush life.

8. Nkomazi & Mauricedale Working Holiday

Two reserves, one unforgettable fortnight. At Nkomazi Private Game Reserve and neighbouring Mauricedale Game Ranch, safari riding meets real conservation work, from schooling horses to joining active anti-poaching patrols. Expect phenomenal cheetah sightings, close encounters with hippo and rhino, and long days in the saddle across pristine bushveld. Evenings are self-catering and sociable, with a weekly trip into town for dinner. Ideal for intermediate plus and advanced riders wanting their African adventure with genuine purpose

9. Zambia Long Stay

Go behind the scenes of training safari horses at a luxury river lodge just an hour from Victoria Falls. At Chundukwa River Lodge, you’ll help train the horses for the safari season, join outrides with guests, and become part of an amazing family. From June to December, the adventure continues in the remote Simalaha Conservancy, where you’ll help run a seasonal camp and ride as a backup rider on unforgettable horse safaris on the Zambezi floodplains. Ideal for experienced riders with a love of hospitality and hands-on horsemanship.

10 . Wild Coast Equestrian Connection

There’s a different pace to life on the Wild Coast. Based in the seaside village of Kei Mouth, you’ll become part of the local riding team, caring for a herd of well-loved trail horses and welcoming guests from around the world. Days are spent cantering along wide beaches, doing groundwork, and keeping horses fit and happy, all against a backdrop of ocean breezes and rugged coastline. A place for independent, horse-loving travellers to slow down, reconnect, and settle into a warm, welcoming community.