What inspired you to travel abroad?
I previously volunteered in schools in Ghana and India though GirlGuiding Uk in 2017 and 2018 which really created my love of traveling. I loved volunteering but wanted to do something completely different for my gap year from working. Luckily I found the perfect project at Antelope Park, Zimbabwe.
Why did you choose your specific program/organization?
After traveling to Ghana and falling in love with the country, I knew I wanted to see more of Africa, but I also wanted to combine it with my favorite thing in the world—horse riding!
When I found Volunteer Encounters Antelope Park horse project it was the perfect project mixing my favorite things: traveling, horses, and Africa!
Cross Country!
What was your favorite part about Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is the most beautiful country, the people are really friendly and the wildlife is so, so beautiful and plentiful!
I love the way of life in Zimbabwe. The project is based in Gweru but we had so many excursion opportunities! I also visited Harare and Bulawayo, as well as the beautiful Victoria Falls!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience extraordinary was my fellow volunteers! I loved meeting new people every week and learning about their different countries and cultures.
I have made friendships to last for a lifetime, many of which I’ve spent time with as much as possible since being home—they are like family now!
Safari Ride
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff at Antelope Park were incredibly supportive and they are second to none! Every staff member is so helpful, kind, and enthusiastic!
The stables manager and volunteer manager were just indescribably amazing and seriously passionate about their work. I don’t think the staff could get any better!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Honestly, the only thing I would have done differently is I wished I had stayed longer!! Seven weeks on this project just did not feel at all long enough, I didn’t want to leave! I loved it so very much that I returned to the project only eight months later because I had such an incredible first trip!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day on a project starts at 7:00 AM feeding, grooming, and watering the horses for an hour before breakfast at 8:00 AM! Sometimes we would start at 4:30 AM for an incredible Sunrise Ride.
After breakfast, we would then head back to the stables for the mid-morning session—9:15 AM -12:45 PM—of general stable duties.
After lunch we could do anything from polocrosse, crosscountry, sunset rides, or horse swims! Followed by dinner and spending time chatting or playing cards with fellow volunteers!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I loved the on-site coffee shop—it had amazing deck seating which overlooks a beautiful dam and it had brilliant snacks and the best milkshakes.
But best of all, it was a great social spot for all the volunteers to spend time together! I also loved relaxing by the pool on weekends off from the project and spent a lot of time topping up my tan!
Victoria Falls
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
There are two accommodation blocks called stables and textiles. Stables rooms are en-suite with a maximum of three people sharing a room. Textiles rooms are four rooms with a maximum of four people sharing a room with shared bathrooms, a communal area with sofas, and a fridge. Both accommodations are comfortable, light, and airy!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Be open minded, flexible, and willing to learn! How you look after your horse isn’t always how they do it in Africa, but the horses are happy and healthy nonetheless. You can learn a lot from the people here and they are also always happy to learn from you too!
Also, flexibility is key especially when horses are involved—sometimes activities have to be changed last minute if a storm hits or a horse has an injury. Go with the flow TIA—this is Africa!
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Antelope Park has had volunteers for many years and still hold themselves to very high standards ensuring that every volunteer has the best experience possible. As well as quickly and efficiently solving any issues that may arise. I truly cannot fault them as a project provider in any way, shape, or form!
Horse Swims
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
One of the biggest benefits is definitely self growth. I learned so much about myself and went home with a refreshed and much healthier mindset.
I learned so much more about horses —something I didn’t think I had much more to learn about—than I ever thought possible! I’ve made the most incredible friendships all over the world and I am so grateful for that!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
The impact this trip had on my life is monumental. I will never be the same person I was before this adventure and I’m really quite glad of that. I am so much more outgoing and I have a much better attitude towards life.
Traveling abroad really built my confidence and I adored absolutely every second of it!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I think meaningful travel is different for everyone. For me it’s a trip that changes the way you think and the trips where the countries you stay in become pieces of you.
Volunteering in Ghana, India, and, now, Zimbabwe has changed my life for the better and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. Zimbabwe, and specifically Antelope Park, will have a huge piece of my heart, forever.
