What inspired you to work for Wild Bhiza?
The unique experience Wild Bhiza provides. It's the perfect combination of working with horses, livestock and local African communities. Its location and the type of community projects the company is involved in gives you a true African experience where you are able to make a real difference in peoples lives.
Describe a typical day at work.
Wake up at 5am, go to the stables at 6am, horse inspections and tacking, go for a 1.5-2 hour ride through the local villages and farmlands (if needed assist farmers and villagers with any animal issues, ride past the primary school and if we can we stop and allow the kids to interact with the horses), untack and inspect horses again, give horses a bath and rugs on, take horses out into the field, afternoons are for work around the farm and in the local communities.
Why do you do what you do?
I can spend most of my time around animals (helping them, learning about them) as well as the local communities (giving back and making a difference in peoples lives). In rural African villages their livestock is their whole livelihood, they have not many other means of making a living and supporting their family. Helping them and teaching them how to look after their animals (especially in such a challenging environment).
Trail ride through the local village
What is your favorite part of your job?
Riding horses every single day and being a part of the local community. Interacting with people from all over the world and learning about their culture as well as different horsemanship approaches. It's a great combination of working with people and animals in a meaningful way that positively impacts all involved.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have an educational background in hospitality management that helps a lot when dealing with different people from different countries (culture, language barrier etc). The same applies to my international background of living in other countries that aren't my own. It helps me communicate with people even if we do not share the same language or culture.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
We often face droughts here in our local area and this has a huge impact on the villages and their livestock. We raise awareness and funds to supply medical care and food for the farmers' livestock so that they don't starve to death. We also reach out to vets and work with charity organizations to help treat sick livestock as well which the local farmers can't afford.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We work hand in hand with Greenline and Jafuta foundation. Greenline Africa is involved in the local communities in need, educating and helping the less fortunate (especially in terms of food, water and waste management). Jafuta foundation is also very community based working with children and women, running projects that empower youth and women that come from challenging situations.
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
This is the best adventure you will ever embark on. Embrace every moment and be prepared to live and learn a life you are not used to. To enjoy every moment even when times are hard and challenging as they usually are in Africa. You will learn no matter how dire the situation may seem and how hopeless it feels, there is always a plan that can be made. Trust yourself and be brave!
The stables
What makes your organization special?
The work that is done with the horses is natural horsemanship which is a very gentle and compassionate way to handle horses. Our location is right in the heart of the local communities and villages - the work we do with the communities has a positive impact on their lives and their future generations. It is much more than just a horse volunteering programme - it's such a good combination of horses and people. Making meaningful differences for every animal and person involved.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Our volunteering programme is unique in the sense of its location. Being next to one of the world's natural wonders Victoria Falls and located in a local village called Chisuma. Volunteers are able to experience everything that is truly Africa, from wild life to incredibly beautiful and ever changing landscapes, wildlife and local communities living authentically. Working with horses, people, environment and livestock.
What hopes do you have for the future of your organization?
I hope that this organization will change so many people and animals' lives for the better. Through community development, education, sustainability and compassion - we can all play a part in living in harmony together and looking after our planet. Animals and people in Africa have struggled to live in balance with one another and I want our organisation to prove that it's not only possible but necessary for all to live together.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
We have started an intern programme in partnership with Jafuta Foundation that focuses on offering horse training and riding to children that want to develop their life skills and gain experience. We are also starting a communal garden that will teach people how to grow vegetables that are good for horses and people sustainably. We have a new horse that rides western which has expanded our horse teaching abilities to teach both styles of riding, english and western.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
We have a unique location, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe one of the world's seven natural wonders offers a built in appeal with adventure and exclusivity. Authentic natural horsemanship which teaches respectful and trust based methods - appealing to ethical travelers and horse lovers who are seeking deep connections with animals. Hands on purposeful experiences, ground work with young horses and community engagement offers meaningful involvement rather than passive tourism. Niche appeals with a broad reach - we cater to equestrians, gap year students, volunteers, ethical tourists, families and adventure travelers.
Batoka Gorge
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
At the core of our project is the passion to provide volunteers with an
offering riders the opportunity to unparalleled horseback experience within the local communities. Allow people to participate in hands-on experiences, contributing your horsemanship and riding skills, and engage in an authentic African
to horse-related activities. In return, we encourage our volunteers to share their knowledge and passion for horses and animals, becoming advocates for animal welfare as they educate local children about the well-being of animals at home.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants can take away all the knowledge and skills they learn via natural horsemanship training with us back to their home countries that might have a harsher way of working with horses. I hope they can also take back the experiences of helping communities and animals live in harmony together with them for the rest of their lives. A question to always ask yourself is how can I serve others to make this world a better one? We teach volunteers how to do this in part of the world that can be very challenging to do this in.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It allows them to broaden their perspective, strengthens their empathy and fosters personal growth. When you are immersed in different cultures it helps you see the world through their eyes and their perspective which helps break down stereotypes. You grow so much as a person when you have to navigate through unfamiliar places and experience challenges you wouldn't in your own environment.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when someone gains something they didn't have before traveling. Acquiring new knowledge, skills and a broader perspective of life. To experience different cultures, languages, foods and ways of living expands your mindset and approach to life. Also leaving behind something positive for the people whose country you traveled to.