Equine Experience, Namibia

The equine experience is available for a minimum of two weeks and is suitable for experienced riders. Volunteers will stay at the wildlife sanctuary and spend their time here with the on-site horses. Mornings will be spent helping with cleaning and feeding, training young and new horses, as well as taming and raising foals. Training will involve the use of Natural Horsemanship and Parelli tactics. These training strategies involve playful work from the ground as well as longer training rides in the bush with the more experienced horses.

From time to time we also have foals, which will need halter training and introduction to human contact. Afternoons will be spent feeding the horses and riding, trotting and galloping in the veldt on the sanctuary’s reserve. Other activities may include herding and helping with fixing and building structures around the horse’s camps.

Location

Namibia is located in South West Africa, bordering on South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Zambia. Home to many contrasting environments the country is known for both desert and long stretches of coastline. Conservation is a national priority and Namibia has some of the largest and most well known national parks in the region.

Located only thirty minutes from Hosea Kutako International Airport amongst camel thorn trees, riverbeds, and a stone canyon, the Wildlife Sanctuary is perfectly situated to start or finish your trip to Namibia. This is where the head office is and the main volunteer activities take place. If you choose to combine with the other sites, Neuras is 2 hours away and Kanaan a further 2 hours drive.

Accommodation

For volunteers joining the equine experience there are two options for accommodation; ‘Bush Camp’ tents and ‘Farm Camp’, with either 2 or 3 people sharing. Some tents have an ensuite bathroom and some share communal shower and toilet facilities. Hot water is supplied by solar power it can sometimes be restricted. Electricity is available in communal areas.

Swimming pool at Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia

Volunteers are provided with 3 meals each day on a self serve basis. Breakfast includes toast and cereal; lunch includes pasta, wraps, burgers or stir-fry; and dinners include meat and vegetables with rice, potatoes or pasta. On weekends volunteers will often have a traditional braai (barbecue). Vegetarian options are available.

Project Dates

You may stay from 2 weeks to 3 months at any start or end date, however, we have set induction days on Tuesdays and Fridays and thus recommend that volunteers arrive on either a Monday or Thursday.

For more details on how the programme works, dates, costs and how to apply, please visit our detailed project page here.