This intimate and relaxed programme invites volunteers to be part of the on-going rehabilitation and re-schooling of abused and neglected horses from throughout South Africa. Volunteers help with all aspects of equine rehabilitation and regular riding is a intregal part of the project and the rides are an experience in themselves as you ride through a 4,200 hectare Game Reserve. Volunteers who are not competent at riding can recieve lessons from the volunteer manager and all necessary training will be provided whilst on the placement. This is a very worthwhile and practical volunteer project that is a fantastic opportunity for horse lovers to make a difference whilst gaining experience with horses.
Most of the horses at this programme were at some stage exposed to either neglect or abuse, the latter of which has resulted in nervous character traits. The project founders believe that with preservance and patience even the most "broken" horse can show improvement over a period of time - they are extremeley forgiving and willing to please.
Volunteer responsibilities might include: lunging, backing of young horses (depending on the ability of the volunteer), assisting or observing any veterinary activities and post operative care that may occur during their stay, feeding, grooming, tack maintenance and general care of the horses and yard.
This project accepts approximately 6 volunteers at a time and there are between 10 - 40 horses at the sanctuary at any time.
South Africa
Why visit South Africa?
Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the hippos in the Limpopo River to the penguins waddling on the Cape, takes some beating. There’s the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers, iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point, Africa’s biggest game reserve - Kruger National Park - boasting the most mammal species of any game reserve, and the magnificent peaks and plunging valleys of the escarpment of Drakensberg.
Cape Town is widely described as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Some of its more famous landmarks include Table Mountain, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades), Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak, Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A combination of historical coastal charm and urbane sophistication, Cape Town has some of the finest beaches and is also the gateway to the lush Cape Winelands, famous for world-renowned wines. From here, it is an easy journey to the Whale Route, where Southern Right whales can be seen (June - November) and humpback whales, Bryde's whales, Minke whales and bottlenose dolpins can be viewed year round.
The Garden Route is renowned for its beaches, indigenous forests, nature reserves, lakes, mountain ranges, adventure opportunities and hiking trails. Plettenberg Bay is a relaxed beach paradise with spectacular walks and hikes where one can watch dolphins and whales on eco-marine cruises. With some of the world's finest beaches, the Eastern Cape's untouched and pristine coastline also has a rich social, cultural and political history. Port Elizabeth is the gateway to the Eastern Cape, and the perfect complement to the Garden Route. Cape St Francis is situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, in and around Africa's largest man made web of canals and waterways, and is renowned for its long, sandy beaches, surfing, rock fishing and tranquil lifestyle.
Kruger National Park is the flagship of South Africa's game reserves, offering an unrivalled wildlife experience over two million-hectares. Private concessions operating within and alongside Kruger National Park feature luxurious, exclusive game lodges with many exciting safari activities. Some of these lodges are unfenced, allowing for the free movement of wildlife. Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North West province, is one of South Africa's largest private Big Five game reserves and features numerous lodges and camps. The Waterberg area in the northwest is also malaria-free and is aptly named for its strong streams that flow even in dry seasons, making for excellent game viewing. Both reserves are great for those seeking an accessible malaria-free wilderness experience.
Durban is a sub-tropical city and the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal. It offers a unique mix of Zulu, Indian and colonial cultures. Visit the Anglo-Zulu battlefields, take a fascinating glimpse into Zulu culture, hike in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains, dive the reefs, marine and coastal reserves of Maputaland, as well as experience Big Five game reserves. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is renowned for saving the white rhino from the brink of extinction, and Phinda Private Game Reserve is well known for its award-winning lodges and conservation initiatives.
Johannesburg meaning "Place of Gold", is South Africa's economic powerhouse. This vibrant and cosmopolitan city is home to many attractions including the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, and also offers shopping from world-class to atmospheric curio markets. Known as the "Jacaranda City", the state capital of Pretoria features beautiful blossoming trees, significant old buildings and fascinating museums, including the Transvaal Museum, home of Mrs Ples, the australopithecine fossil found at the Cradle of Humankind.
Highlights of South Africa
- Breathtaking scenery, quaint coastal villages, cosmopolitan cities, wine routes and exclusive bush lodges.
- Exciting Big Five safaris in unspoilt wilderness areas.
- Malaria-free game viewing and sunshine all year round.
- See Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held in prison for 27 years.
- Go up Table Mountain by cable car for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful Cape Town.
- Whale watching and great white shark cage diving.
- Beautiful, pristine beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- The Cradle of Humankind: Sterkfontein is one of the world's most productive and important palaeoanthropological sites.
Climate
For Johannesburg:
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (September - April) |
25 °C |
10 °C |
| Winter (May - August) |
19 °C |
4 °C |
| Rainfall: October to March, with November to January heaviest |
South Africa has typical seasons of weather for the southern hemisphere, with the coldest days in July-August. The Benguela Current, a cold motion that moves from the lower South Atlantic Ocean, causes moderate temperatures on the West Coast. On the central plateau, which includes Free State and Gauteng provinces, the altitude keeps the average temperatures below 30 °C.
In winter, also due to altitude, temperatures drop to freezing point, and in some places, even lower. Heavy snows have fallen recently for the first time in decades in Johannesburg. During winter, it is warmest in the coastal regions, especially on the Eastern Indian Ocean coast and Garden Route, where it has year round mild weather with occasional rain. As winter is cooler and drier, it is more suitable for hiking and outdoor pursuits, and is also a good time for game viewing as vegetation is less dense and thirsty animals congregate around rivers and other permanent water sources.
In summer, South Africa experiences the hottest temperatures and this is generally when most rain falls, October – March. However, there is one exception - the Western Cape, which is a winter-rain area that enjoys a Mediterranean climate (average 26°C).
Christmas to mid-January, and Easter are the height of the peak season for visitors.
Autumn (April/May) and Spring (mid-Sept to November) are ideal almost everywhere.
Key Facts
Population – 50 million
Capital – Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
Currency – Rand (ZAR)
Official Language(s) – Afrikaans, English (South African English), Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Time difference – GMT +2 hours
Telephone – country code 27, international access code 00
Friendly people with good knowledge of the physical and mental health of their horses. Very nice accommodation! The programme was better than I expected. I was expecting a lot of cleaning up after the horses etc... but as that was not the case and we spent a lot of time with the horses I felt I learnt a lot and became more confident around horses and understood their behaviour more. To future Volunteers: If you like horses and want to increase your knowledge, confidence and riding skills in beautiful surroundings - then come to this project!
Katy, UK, aged 20 (Horse Rehabilitation Volunteer)
I've come away from this project with a greater understanding for the care and maintenance required when looking after horses and also the passion and love involved with running a rehabilitation centre. I got the opportunity to work with horses, each with their own personality and with people who have a lot of experience. A big plus is that there is no mucking out! The knowledge and experiences that I have gained are priceless and more than anything I met some really lovely people. The riding lessons are just an added bonus. This project is definitely something I won't be forgetting for a long time. This project offers any volunteer the chance to enjoy the beauty of South Africa in a breath-taking location along with its amazing wildlife, so for anyone who has a true love for animals this is a definite must. Just remember the more you put in, the more you'll get out of the experience.
Shweta, USA, aged 19 (Horse Rehabilitation Volunteer)
So friendly makes you feel part of the place immediately. The most amazing setting with the mountains as a backdrop. It was really nice to get hands-on experience.
Claire, UK, aged 20 (Horse Rehabilitation Volunteer)
Kate really made me feel at home as soon as I arrived. All the horses were happy and healthy but in need of back treatments, so I got stuck in straight away. Kate was over the moon with the results, all the horses improved dramatically and were much happier in their work. It was very rewarding and at the same time it was a true holiday, very relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kate’s aim was simply to give the horses that she has long and happy lives rather than to try to ‘save’ every horse in South Africa, and in this, she has really succeeded.
Chloe, UK, aged 30 (Horse Rehabilitation Volunteer)