WILD INSIDE ADVENTURES
HORSE SAFARI
INTERNSHIP
Based in Mpumalanga, South Africa, the horse safari internship gives equestrian enthusiasts the opportunity to live life, for a few weeks, behind the scenes of a horse safari company, based at Mauricedale Game Reserve.
Take part on rides around the reserves, care for the herd of safari trail horses, discover wildlife, and make some everlasting memories! Develop your riding skills, discover South Africa, and witness some of the beautiful wildlife, from between the ears of a horse.
Care for highly trained trail horses, in return for riding. Discover a different world and way of life, and really get to one with nature.
Wildlife at Mauricedale Game Reserve includes leopard, large numbers of buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, zebra, warthog, many different species of antelope such as impala, bushbuck, and nyala.
The herd of trail horses need continued attention and care. Interns become part of the family, a valued member of the team, and establish deep bonds with each of the horses.
THE PROGRAMME
You will be volunteering with ‘The Horse Safari Company’, owned by Tamlyn Whitebread. The Horse Safari Company is based at Mauricedale Game Reserve.
Mauricedale is 6500 hectares, and hosts a variety of wildife species to view from the saddle, including buffalo, hippos, giraffe, kudu, impala, waterbuck, duiker, vervet monkeys and crocodiles.
Mauricedale is not a Big five reserve, so we do advise to not arrive expecting to see every single species of wildlife. The idea is to give riders a budget riding safari, at a much-reduced rate, and allow riders to immerse themselves in the African way of life and nature.
Visits to Kruger National Park nearby to take part on game drives can be arranged to fill in the gaps of species that are not on the property.
Due to the fact that you will be riding in open areas, and in the bush, this experience is only for experienced riders. You must be in balance and in full control at all times in all four paces, and able to handle a variety of different horses.
As you will be representing The Horse Safari Company, you will be expected to follow a few simple rules during your stay:
- Always be friendly, polite and professional to all co-interns, guests and staff.
- Dressing appropriately while riding and working with the safari horses.
ACTIVITIES
The following list is a guideline only and is not exhaustive.
Full-time grooms will also be assisting you with the workload.
Feeding, Grooming and Tacking Up:
Daily grooming and feeding of the horses before and after rides. This is a great way to form a bond with the horses in the herd. As part of the daily grooming, you will check the horses over for any sores or wounds, and help with keeping them in top condition. You will also need to help tack up your horse, and also the client’s horses for the rides, and untack at the end.
General Husbandry: Bringing horses in and turning them out again after rides. In South Africa, conditions are harsh, and horse need to be routinely treated for ticks and other parasites, plus the nasty diseases they can carry. The horses all live out, so there is no mucking out! But you may assist with any veterinary care the horses may be receiving.
Tack Care: Important for keeping the horses happy and healthy, interns assist with cleaning tack after rides, and checking tack over for wear and tear. You will also help to keep the tack room organised.
Riding: You will join the safari rides as a back-up rider. Rides are usually 1-3 hours long, and take place once or twice a day, roughly 4-5 days per week. You may need to assist clients to mount. Some basic riding fitness is needed before arrival so you do not end up too saddle-sore.
Other Duties: You may occasionally be asked to drive a vehicle on the reserve, to collect staff and take them from the horses to the house. You may also be asked to help set up ‘sundowners’ – don’t worry as you will be sent information on how to do this beforehand.
Days Off: You will of course get days off to explore and do your own thing. These usually occur when the safari gests are not riding and doing excursion days. You are free to relax, take part on the excursions too, or take part on any other excursions you want to do in the area. Excursions can all be booked on arrival.
As the riding establishment in South Africa is family run, your assistance and help are greatly valued. There is no 'set day', as the structure of the day varies depending on the weather, wildlife movements, and other factors. Every day is different, and usually contains some kind of adventure.
ACCOMMODATION
Intern accommodation is at 'Zebra House', in the heart of Mauricedale Game Reserve.
The house is basic but comfortable. With the added bonus of air-conditioning! There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a communal living area, and communal outdoor area.
You will have access to a fully equipped kitchen where you will be expected to do your own cooking and food preparation.
You will be taken on a weekly shopping trip in to town to buy groceries and other supplies.
While staying at Zebra House, you can at times hear the wildlife around you at night, and see various species of wildlife passing by during the day. No zebras actually living with your though...sorry!
Wi-fi is available at the accommodation.
PRICES + DATES
The project runs all year. Arrival and departure day is Monday.
Interns need to stay for a minimum of 4 weeks.
4 Weeks: £550
Subsequent Weeks: £137 per week
A 50% deposit is required to secure your place.
The remaining balance needs to be paid in full eight weeks before your arrival.
Included: All project activities, accommodation.
Not Included: Flights, insurance (mandatory), transfers, any required vaccination costs, excursions.
Transfers: A member of the team from the Horse Safari Company will collect you from the airport. They charge ZAR R650 each way for transfers, payable in cash to the driver on the day
Closet Airport: Nelspruit Airport (Kruger Mumalanga) KMIA