GoAbroad.com

Description

On this programme you will see your passion and hard work materialise and contribute towards a vital and long-term development scheme to rehabilitate horses in the Wild Coast area of South Africa.

Upon arrival at the Wild Coast you will spend your first few days at a fantastic backpackers lodge with your fellow volunteers, getting to know each other and settling in to the local area and programme. Here you will be given a thorough orientation to enable you to develop your understanding of the new (and at times challenging) environment that you will be working in. The orientation is great fun and allows you, the co-ordinating team and the other volunteers working alongside you, the chance to bond and develop a good working relationship.

During the orientation you will be provided with an active and informative programme. This will be presented by the co-ordinators and specialists in a variety of fields through information documents and videos etc. The week will cover the topics below and includes a number of inter-active excursions:

* History of South Africa and understanding Apartheid and the dawn of a new democracy
* Socio-political developments in SA
* Introduction to your volunteer programme: Expectations and understanding
* Introduction to basic Xhosa language and understanding local customs and norms
* The fragile eco-systems of estuaries, rocky shores marine life and coastal systems
* Floral diversity of the Eastern Cape
* Various excursions, which include a 4x4 adventure, which ends in a rural Xhosa village where you will spend one night, coastal hike, estuarine exploration, bush walks and ocean excursion on a motorised boat

Highlights

As a volunteer you will work as an integral part of the team on a range of activities; you will be involved in the rehabilitation of abused horses and their everyday care. You will be rewarded for your support with enjoyable trail rides along the spectacular Wild Coast.

A typical day on the project will vary considerably and involve some hard work, but also fantastic opportunities.

The work will include:

* Feeding farm and trail horses
* Mixing feed for farm and trail horses
* Grooming, lunging, exercising and schooling work with the horses
* Checking the horses, ensuring that there are no problems
* Checking water troughs, ensuring that they are clean and full Go to see the beautiful scenery of the Kei Cuttings and meet some of the emerging farmers
* Beach riding trails

Travel Types

• Horseback Riding

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from 1,489

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Cost Include Description:

* Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as building materials, equipment, supplies, foodstuffs, etc
* All airport transfers to and from East London Airport
* Arrival orientation in South Africa
* Excursions listed in your orientation
* Work experience at the rehabilitation centre
* Horse trail rides, including 2 Day Wild Coast Horse Trail
* Accommodation and meals during your orientation
* All meals during your placement
* All accommodation during your stay
* Full support and assistance from your coordinator throughout your time on your placement

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

Minimum 18 years, maximum dependent on participant's health.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

Real Gap offer over 350 projects and travel options in over 35 countries over 6 continents. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap.

Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we are pretty keen on making sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisors have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005