Horse and Community Upliftment

location
4 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Take part in riding lessons, schooling sessions, endless hacks on the wonderful estate as well as natural horsemanship sessions
  • Not only will you be privileged to work with these beautiful horses, but your accommodation is also situated in the middle of the project and surrounded by all the amazing animals.
  • Improve on your horsemanship skills as well as general stable management and basic first aid/veterinary care of the horses and other animals on the farm.

Highlights

  • Take part in riding lessons, schooling sessions, endless hacks on the wonderful estate as well as natural horsemanship sessions
  • Not only will you be privileged to work with these beautiful horses, but your accommodation is also situated in the middle of the project and surrounded by all the amazing animals.
  • Improve on your horsemanship skills as well as general stable management and basic first aid/veterinary care of the horses and other animals on the farm.
  • Part take in different community upliftment initiatives to better the lives of the youth and their beloved animals in our local community.
  • Enjoy an incredible 3 day panoramic excursion with visits to the elephant sanctuary and a full day Kruger National Park Safari.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups

    About the program

    Experience a equine adventure in the pristine countryside of the South African Highlands where you will have the opportunity to work with horses and the local community.

    Our main aim of this project is to allow volunteers to experience the countryside on horseback, learn about general horse care and welfare, develop their horsemanship and riding skills as well as experience a true African adventure in the Kruger National Park  – in return we ask that the ...

    About the program

    Our main aim of this project is to allow volunteers to experience the countryside on horseback, learn about general horse care and welfare, develop their horsemanship and riding skills as well as experience a true African adventure in the Kruger National Park  – in return we ask that the volunteers take this knowledge and passion for horses/animals and give back to the local community by educating the children about the welfare of their beloved animals at home, partaking in mass sterilization and education drives as well as forming a part of our local development riding program.

    We also give our time to the local Learning Centre where the volunteers spend time with the children by helping them with their homework, tutoring in basic subjects as well as bringing out their creative side in the arts and crafts sessions.

    This all contributes to bettering the lives of the animals and the children who hold them so dear within our local community. 




    Typical day

    The average working day commences as 7h30 starting with the daily stable yard routine followed by a quick coffee and rusks break.

    Volunteers are advised to have breakfast before the work day commences.

    After the coffee break, volunteers will commence with ridden work, horsemanship sessions and ...

    Typical day

    The average working day commences as 7h30 starting with the daily stable yard routine followed by a quick coffee and rusks break.

    Volunteers are advised to have breakfast before the work day commences.

    After the coffee break, volunteers will commence with ridden work, horsemanship sessions and general lessons at the yard. 


    Mornings will be spent feeding, grooming turning out horses at one of the two stable yards, followed by breakfast. Most days will be filled with lessons and schooling of horses, outrides and various other horse related activities. Lunch will be followed by an hour of leisure time, and your afternoons will be filled with more horse related activities, adventure activities and community upliftment. There will be a few allocated days where you will spend some time with other departments of the farm learning about the specific department and perhaps even lending a hand (not compulsory). This will vary from agricultural work (e.g. herding sheep, goats and cattle) to assisting at the entertainment centre (e.g. maintaining trails, assisting with adventure activities and the wool project) and even resort work (e.g. fence patrol, assisting at events such as horse shows and doing trail rides with resort guests) 


    Free-time activities

    Free time / off day:

    We will drive to a supermarket in town Anyone is welcome to join to buy groceries for the coming week.

    Other options for this day are extra activities you can arrange with the project. These activities will be for your own account. Please request the price from the project leader ...

    Free-time activities

    Free time / off day:

    We will drive to a supermarket in town Anyone is welcome to join to buy groceries for the coming week.

    Other options for this day are extra activities you can arrange with the project. These activities will be for your own account. Please request the price from the project leader when you decide to book:

    Activities: (Please note these are subject to availability and can change at anytime)

    On the estate : High ropes course , ziplining, abseiling, rock climbing, paintball, archery, quad biking, mountain biking, adventure running, hiking, putt-putt, tennis, table tennis, pool, indoor and outdoor pool and of course Fly fishing ( For which Dullstroom is very popular for)

    Off the estate: Included in the program is a trip to the local birds of prey rehabilitation centre. Excluded but can be arranged is clay pigeon shooting, whiskey bar tastings, local brewery tastings, serenity spa packages , toboggan mountain slide, white water rafting, sky way trails *Please talk to staff if you wish to book an excursion or transport.

    When staff need to go into town for shopping you are welcome to join them for free or give them a shopping list. Please sign up one day in advance if you wish to do so or want to go on an excursion.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Completed Application form and Copy of return flight itinerary

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Medium level of fitness

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 07:30 - 17:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by SAVE Foundation

    Included:

    PAirport pick up and drop off

    P2 Day Johannesburg Orientation
    PAccommodation
    PPanoramic excursion with elephant interaction and KNP safari
    PThree meals a day
    PLaundry service once a week
    PAll activities on the estate

    PWeekly transport to town for shopping

    PTransport to and from the project

    P24 hour support and supervision

    PDonation to community upliftment initiatives
    PWI-FI
    PCertificate of appreciation

    Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

    Airport pick up and drop off is included

    Accommodation

    Accommodation

    2 nights will be spent in the Sabie valley. The rest of the nights will be at the estate
    Volunteers will stay in a volunteers house (1 - 8 people per room) including its own kitchen facilities, bathroom, and bedroom.
    All linen will be provided.
    Nights will be spent in accommodation in the Sabie Valley during the panoramic excursion and the rest of the nights at Country and Equestrian Estate in a fully furnished house.
    You will be sharing your unit with the rest of your group, max 8 people, and will be responsible for the housekeeping of that unit for the duration of your stay. The unit has a communal indoor lounge area and outdoor deck with a braai and a fireplace where you can all gather as a group.
    The program leaders and resort management stay in close proximity of the unit and will be on hand if you need them.
    No visitors are permitted to enter the property unless permitted by the project leader

    Laundry:

    There will be a laundry service available once a week at no extra cost, any laundry done additionally will be at own cost.

    Food & Beverages

    NOTES:

    ● Tea and coffee will be available, all other drinks will be at own expense

    ● A generous amount of food will always be served. If snacks are desired there are several grocery stores nearby.

    ● There are refrigerators available for volunteers’ personal food and soft drinks

    Important reminder: Participants must advise SAVE of their dietary needs (e.g. if they are

    vegetarian or have any allergies) prior to their arrival. Participants with very specific dietary

    needs may be required to supplement their meals at their own expense.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrival Day: Monday

    Time: Your flight can land anytime on Monday

    Airport: O R Tambo (JNB) International Airport

    Orientation: Monday - Tuesday

    Project Starts: Wednesday

    Departure Day: Wednesday

    Departure time: You MUST take a evening flight out of JNB.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 2,843€
    5 weeks 3,367€
    6 weeks (max. stay) 3,890€
    Average fees 679€/week

    Program fees

    679€ per week 4 - 6 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 6 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with SAVE Foundation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    SAVE Foundation

    Perfect 4.6 rating (60 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2007

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Shona

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    SAVE Foundation works to enrich, educate, and empower various township and settlement communities, as well as protect and rehabilitate wildlife in areas of Africa.

    Meet your organization

    SAVE Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation. We are NOT a booking agent; we run, manage, and fund all of our humanitarian projects with the help of volunteers. We believe in transparent and sustainable programs that positively impact our local community.

    SAVE Foundation is a registered and 18A tax-exempt, non-­profit organisation (NPO) that assists communities in Africa. Our work involves setting up and facilitating sustainable community and conservation development projects in South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya as well as assisting other non-­profit organisations that are actively involved in the local communities.

    Volunteers pay a fee that covers the costs of their stay such as accommodation, transport and meals as well as a donation that assists to finance the projects. In return, volunteers get to experience African culture, see our beautiful countries, learn some new skills and make a difference to those in need. As well as making many new friends, the memories made are sure to last a lifetime!

    Our volunteer packages include teaching children to (kite) surf and swim, building schools and homes, assisting at local schools, teaching business skills to adults, working with sharks, cheetahs and other wild animals.

    Every little bit helps and one can come and volunteer for anything from two weeks to two years!

    SAVE Foundation Vision

    The vision of SAVE Foundation is to provide local communities with education, youth development, sports development, and skills that will enable them to help themselves rise above the vicious cycle of poverty, and to provide conscientious and responsible wildlife conservation. Through the assistance of enthusiastic volunteers, generous sponsors, and dedicated staff, SAVE Foundation has broadened its reach from a small community-based South African outreach project, to 6 different countries with 35 humanitarian and wildlife projects over the past 9 years. SAVE Foundation hosts like-minded, dedicated volunteers from all over the world; in 2015 the organization amassed 2, 050, 200 total volunteer hours.

    SAVE Foundation is committed to providing ethical volunteering opportunities with African wildlife. Our wildlife projects focus on conservation and rehabilitation of endangered, injured, and abandoned animals.

    RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEERING

    Humanitarian Projects

    SAVE Foundation is committed to providing responsible and sustainable volunteering opportunities. We believe that responsible volunteer practices are paramount to any high quality international volunteer organization. SAVE differs from other non-profit organizations because of the way that we work to create self-sufficient and thriving communities. Each project goes through a rigorous assessment-in conjunction with local authorities on the matter-to identify the needs of the particular community and/or school and how SAVE can best assist them to achieve their goals. SAVE aims to do more than provide Band-Aid solutions to larger issues, but instead work alongside locals to assist with development that will continue to positively impact the community throughout generations.

    SAVE Foundation provides responsible volunteering opportunities by ensuring that:

    • Volunteers do not replace paid employment opportunities for local people
    • Volunteers work alongside local staff to assist them with day-to-day operation and the implementation of improvements
    • The goal of each project is to create a self-sufficient and locally run program
      • Ex. We assist schools achieve a high level of education and operation to obtain official school registration.
      • Once a program/school is successfully up and running, we identify a new program in need of our assistance, and leave the local staff to run the operation on their own
    • Volunteers receive training upon their arrival to provide the best assistance possible within their specific placement
    • SAVE regularly collects feedback from volunteers and local project staff
    • SAVE evaluates programs on an ongoing basis
      • Assess both needs for improvement/assistance and areas of growth
    • SAVE does not use “stereotypical” aid images in our marketing campaigns to garner attitudes of pity or victimization amongst the individuals that we work with
      • The images and film that SAVE disseminates simply depicts the activities and projects in which volunteers participate
    • We encourage the dissemination of resources and education, rather than simply donating funds and goods
      • Our aim is to contribute to the self-sufficiency of struggling communities by teaching valuable skills and educating the citizens to empower themselves
      • We do not promote the idea that these individuals are simply beneficiaries of charity.

    Furthermore, SAVE takes a developmental approach to poverty reduction by working with communities in need at all stages of life, from education and care in preschools to empowerment through business and skills development for adults. We believe that it is not enough to simply work with a single sector of the community; it must be a holistic approach that will promote a change in the cycle of poverty.

    Wildlife Projects

    SAVE Foundation is committed to providing ethical volunteering opportunities with African wildlife. Our wildlife projects focus on conservation and rehabilitation of endangered, injured, and abandoned animals. SAVE also strives to educate volunteers about the various species that we support. All interactions with the animals are in a safe and respectful manner with constant supervision from a professional.

    SAVE provides responsible volunteering opportunities with wildlife by ensuring that:

    • We do not treat animals as a tourist attraction; no animals are trained to perform in front of an audience
    • We only support breeding at projects that are specifically designed for re-population purposes of endangered species
    • The animals at our projects receive professional and attentive veterinary and handling care
    • SAVE aims to release all animals back into the wild that are capable of doing so
    • The projects act as a safe haven for orphaned, injured, and traumatized animals
    • Each enclosure provides adequate space for the animals to roam freely
    • Volunteers work closely with researchers and project staff to enhance their knowledge about the wildlife
    • We provide a Pre-Vet project that is geared towards individuals with an interest in the professional fields of veterinary science, animal welfare, and animal management; thus, contributing to the future of animal conservation and protection through the addition of further professionals

    60 reviews · rating4.6

    Elena Picozzi rating5

    2024 at Sport and development

    The experience at SAVE was amazing, all the people from the working team was great and they gave me a lot of support, for every question they were ready to help and assist me. Meeting a new culture and getting to know different ways of living was enriching from all points of view. I feel blessed for ...
    sylvaine neyret rating5

    2017 at Educare & School Assistant

    Hi, I loved that experience, sharing the work of the teachers and watching the children learning. Each day was a different one, sometimes with the babies, another day with the olders, untill 6. the staff from save was very nice and a wellcoming I recommand this place! Many ...
    Paul Schepers rating3.8

    2017 at Swimming & Surfing Instructor

    In the beginning there we´re not a lot of volunteers, but after a few days a lot of them arrived an we we´re about 30-50 volunteers. In my opinion we were too much volunteers. So they should organize better, how much volunteers they need at what time. BUT the work was very important and I think ...
    Nina Rotcajg rating3.2

    2017 at Animal Sanctuaries

    Animal Sanctuary was globally a good project, I really liked it. But, you need to know that we need a lot of money there, for example the WiFi is not free and the activities like the safari is at 4500 R. I didn't know, and because of that, I haven't been able to do one. Also, it is some hard work, ...
    Jeanne Bassinet Sae rating3

    2017 at Animal Sanctuaries

    It was not was I expected, a lot of stuff were false on the website who hasn't been uploted since 4 years. I had a great time but I would have known more informations. We were on a residence, we had to pay a bad wifi (i didn't knew when I entered the password they force me to pay 2 weeks the time of ...
    Hanna Rian Heggtveit rating5

    2016 at Swimming & Surfing Instructor

    I really enjoyed learning how to surf and skate. I liked to see how the kids live and to compare knowledge. I think that the balance was nice (School in the morning and activities in the afternoon). Learning how the kids live daily in Dunoon was difficult for me and really heartfelt, but the kids ...

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