The information below has been provided for you by the supported placement organisation running the placement. You can contact the company for more information using the links at the bottom of this page.
| | | |
| |
This placement would suit... Those who have dreamt of galloping across the plains of Africa in search of its great game. Think ‘Out of Africa” and you’re getting somewhere close!
 Horse safari across the plains of Africa
A childhood dream perhaps of galloping across the plains of Africa
scattering herds of impala, giraffe and wildebeest as you charge through the early morning mist a movie in the making, but reality for some who embark on one of the Leap’s 3 month voluntary work placements to help some the most exciting Horse riding safari operators in South Africa
The work varies from camp to camp but in each our volunteers will be involved in all aspects of camp
life, helping with the horses, acting as a back up guide, organizing the guests, complaining about the broken generators and where possible helping on local conservation and community projects, which can involve removing animal snares or teaching local children.
Below is a snap shot of the different camps who welcome volunteers from The Leap
Ant’s Nest, South Africa
Ant Nest specialise in riding amongst the wildlife across their beautiful ranch, abundant in gameincluding the black rhino, elephant and leopard. It is renowed as a bird watchers paradise. There are 2 unique and beautifully designed bush homes on the ranch, each with its own character between which
guests ride and stay, called Ants nest and Ants hill.
They can take 1 volunteer at a time possible two if there is space to help the local staff with all
aspects of this busy operation.
Highlights: camping out, walking safari’s
Fish River Horse Safari’s
Fish River Horse Safaris is run out of a unique, 1,200 hectare, privately owned game reserve called
Fort D’ Acre bordering pristine coastline (including 4km of beach) with rhino, buffalo, giraffe, gnu and general game; beautiful open grasslands, thick vegetated valleys and dune forest. It is situated 25km north of Port Alfred (between East London and Port Elizabeth) at the mouth of the Great Fish River.
The operation is open all year but high season is December to January and March to April. They can take 2 volunteers at a time to help with all aspects of the horse riding This is managed by a friendly South African couple Rory and Mel Gailey who are fantastic and entertaining characters. A very special place where the riding is hard to beat.
Highlights: horse beach rides, game drives and game walks.
Horizon Horseback adventures
Horizon Horseback Adventures lies at the heart of the Waterberg plateau, north of Joburg. It is a lodge on a private reserve/ranch that boasts a spectacular wilderness plateau with rolling vistas,rivers, plains and valleys.
 It is abundant in game including the black rhino, elephant and leopard. It is also a bird watchers paradise.
There is no low season as such but the quieter time is June, July, open all year round. They can take 1 volunteer aged 25+ at a time, either male or female.
Highlights: Walking and horse safari’s, game drives, swimming, tennis, 5 day mobile safaris
Every day I would go riding, either escorting guests or just with Nyaga the syce, and you knew you could just let the horses run and there was no danger of meeting anything, apart from the occasional zebra! Everything about Africa is intense: the smells, the sounds, the taste. Nothing is ever in half hearted or in tame measures out there: when it rains there is a monsoon-like downpour, if the sun’s shinning, then you literally won't have a cloud in the sky. I've never seen skies like the ones in Africa ...you suddenly get a sense of how small you are in the great scheme of things.”
Eleanor Stourton, Solo Leap, Kenya
 |
0845 344 7514 |
 | The Leap: Don't just walk through life... take the Leap. Voluntary placements in Africa, South America, Asia and Australia, combining work in some of the most authentic safari camps/eco-lodges in the World, with effective and life-changing conservation and community projects. We are the only company to offer this fascinating mix of conservation, community and eco-tourism projects.
Take the Leap on your own, with a friend or in a team. Flexible departure dates. 12-, 10- or six-week schemes including a Summer Team Leap. |
| | | | | | |
The information in the gapyear.com placement database is provided by each individual company. Gapyear.com claims no responsibility for inaccurate, misleading or libellious information. Please ensure that you check all details with the specific organisation before booking or accepting placement.
