GoAbroad

African Dream Equestrian Working Holiday in South Africa

by: African Horse Safaris

5 (2)Since 2016

During your stay, you'll enjoy unbeatable riding experiences and learn about South Africa’s wildlife in the bush. This program offers a taste of local life and unforgettable memories. You'll participate in trail rides alongside giraffes, zebras, and many different antelope, improve your riding through jumping and flatwork lessons, and gain skills in yard management, first aid, schooling, and natural horsemanship. You'll also experience incredible wildlife sightings during game drives, seeking elephants, rhinos, and big cats. Hosted by Traci Thomson, an accomplished rider and conservationist, and her team, you'll enjoy a fun-filled, enriching adventure, making lifelong friends and memories while exploring the best of South Africa. All riding abilities accepted.

Program Highlights

Riding alongside giraffe, zebra, and antelope in a beautiful reserve

Horse swims, show jumping and dressage lessons

Learning about the African bush through informative game drives in neighbouring Big 5 reserves

Making lots of life-long friends and meeting like minded people

Give back to the community through the local outreach programme

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Hoedspruit, South Africa
Starts At: $600-900
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Equestrian
  • Horseback Riding
  • Nature Tours
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Equestrian
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
  • Working Holiday
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

2

I can't recommend this experience enough

August 27, 2024by: Maya Berkovitch
5

Once in lifetime experience! Everything is absolutely perfect. Every week we got to do fun outrides- chilled ones and also canter outrides (and sometimes you even see giraffes and zebras on longer rides) and when the season is right- an amazing dam swim with the horses! we did jumping and pole work lessons, so I definitely got my riding fix We did lots of game drives where we saw so many cool animals and I learned so much and really got to know the African nature also wo got to go out on excursions and the team did above and beyond to accommodate to our requests, the work everyday is super fun and chill, no stress at all. Every week we also got to go to outreach and help dogs, so important and honestly I would do it every day. Everyone on the team is so nice and kind, and makes you feel at home. I can't recommend this experience enough. Truly an African dream!

Looking forward to finding our next adventure!

August 02, 2024by: Emily Huff
5

I’ve just come back from the most fantastic trip with my friend to the working holiday in South Africa. It was everything we hoped for and more, neither of us wanted to come home. Want to say a massive thank you to Isabel and the team on helping us decide on where to go and book the trip. Looking forward to finding our next adventure!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Hoedspruit, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Equestrian
  • Horseback Riding
  • Nature Tours
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Equestrian
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
  • Working Holiday

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Gap Year Timing:
  • During College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • After College
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Starts At

$600-900

Program Cost Includes

  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Wifi Costs
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • Required Equipment
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • In-Country Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the requirements to join this programme?

    You must be over 18 years of age and have a passion for horses. All riding abilities are welcome as you will be receiving flatwork and jumping lessons on the programme. Please note, our volunteers are usually around 18 - 30 years old.

    What kind of volunteer work will I be doing in this programme?

    You will assist in the daily care and management of an African stables. This will include feeding, grooming, tacking up and exercising the horses. You will also help on the community outreach project once per week, assisting with basic veterinary care of local animals.

    How much does the African Dream Equestrian Working Holiday cost?

    The cost of this programme varies depending on length of your stay. Please visit the African Horse Safaris website for more information on pricing and availability.

    How can I apply?

    Apply by filling out the form on the African Horse Safaris website, providing your riding experience, skills and motivation. A horse safari specialist will be in touch to provide you with all the necessary information.

    Related Programs

    Browse programs you might like