Free Rein Africa

Working Riding Holiday

Combine your love of equines and experience the rugged African bush from horseback. Feel the “hoofbeat” of Africa… you will be forever changed.

Explore a 650 hectares (1600 acre) reserve on horseback, home to an abundance of plains wildlife, including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and various different antelope species.

Due to the lack of more dangerous big game species on the reserve, this experience is suitable for all levels of rider, from beginner up.

Volunteers assist with the care of the herd of 20 plus safari horses, and get plenty of opportunity to explore the reserve on herseback. There is nothing quite like encountering African wildife from the saddle, with the feel of being at one with nature!

Canter through the rugged African landscape, or peacefully watch majestic giraffe. Track game through the bush, all the while learning and gaining valuable horse riding experience.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

Volunteers you can choose from one activity per week from the list below. The entrance fees are not included in the cost of your experience, but staff are more than happy to help you organize any of the below activities.

Cape Point Drive: Includes Chapman’s Peak Drive, Penguins at Boulders Beach, Simons Town, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg – everyone's favourite road trip. Available for volunteers staying 4 weeks or more.

Table Mountain Hike: A hike up to the top of table mountain, combined with a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – unforgettable.

Franschhoek Wine Tram: A visit to up to six wine farms in a day – for the tough hearted!

Beach Ride: The beach ride can also can be combined with a small safari ride. The beach ride is free of charge for volunteers staying 4 weeks or more.

Cape Town Day: Explore the city, and maybe even hike up the Lion’s Head mountain at sunset – the best views ever guaranteed.

Tour to the Aquila Safari Resort: (for stays of more than 4 weeks) – see the wildlife of South Africa in their natural habitat.

There are lots of other options, including Cape Canopy Zip Line Tour, Segway Tour in Stellenbosch, Cheetah Experience in Wellington and others.

One thing is for sure - you will never get bored or run out of things to do!

VOLUNTEER LIFE

Volunteers are part of the daily routine of caring for the herd of horses.

Volunteers help out from 7.30am - 10am, and again from 3pm - 5pm. 10am - 3pm is your own time to do as you please, whether this is joining in with riding, or exploring the area.

07:30: The day starts with bringing the horses in for their morning feed.

8:30 – 9:00: After the morning feed, volunteers start preparing horses for the rides, including grooming and tacking up. If time allows there is a coffee break before.

After 9:00 are the rides. There are different rides for guests: including 1- 3 hour rides, wine-tasting, and full day rides. Volunteers usually have a say in which rides they want to join. If you are confident enough, you can also lead some short rides once you have settled in and learned the routes.

10:00-15:00: Your free time. You are welcome to join outrides, work with the horses, or just do your own thing.

15:00: The afternoon routine includes bringing the horses in again for a second feed, grooming, and preparing feeds for the morning. There may also be some rides going out again in the afternoon.

17:00-18:00: End of the day - time to relax, socialize and try some Cape Town wine!

FREE TIME

A volunteer's work day is from 7:30 - 10:00 in the morning, and then 15:00-17:00 in the afternoon, leaving the middle of the day free, plus one full day off every week.

From the farm, you can easily catch an Uber to the best places around Cape Town. You can go and explore the city, or drive to one of the wine farms in the area. You will never be bored and will have a great balance between city life and farm life.

One day off a week is always reserved for an activity (from the list above). The team will help you organize excursions, offer support, and will provide transfers.

The team go out quite often for dinners, as there are lots of restaurants in the area, and volunteers are always welcome to join. There are also fires and braais (barbeques), which volunteers can join in the evenings.

For hot months the favorite spot is a plunge pool with a view of the sunset – the best way to relax after work. Swimming with the horses is always a possibility and a lot of fun!

You will have an opportunity to join at least one full day ride with winetasting and lunch at one of the best wine farms in the area. Doing a wine tour on horseback is unique, and is definitely the better way to experience this!

Volunteers swimming with horses at Cape Winelands Riding

Cape Winelands horse with a bottle of wine.

ACCOMMODATION

Volunteers have their own headquarters right next to the stables. You’ll share a twin room, will have a shared bathroom and kitchen, as well as a lounge area.

You will also have an outside “coffee shop” where you can sit and enjoy the view of the horses and mountains.

Meals: this experience is self catering. Staff will take you to the shops to get your groceries and supplies for the week.

Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, plus a washing machine for laundry, and a television. There is also a plunge pool to cool off in during the summer months.