The Safari Stables
Working Holiday
One of the best horse projects in Southern Africa.
Safari Stables Working Holiday
It doesn’t get much better than this!
Where else can you stare deep into a rhino’s eyes as she munches placidly, ride a horse alongside curious giraffe and walk through the wilderness with the gorgeous elephants all in one day?
Safari Stables Working Holiday promises to be an experience you will never forget. With the iconic African wilderness as your backdrop and a wide variety of incredible Horse & Wildlife activities on offer, this is a truly unmatched adventure. A unique horse-back adventure awaits you!
Whether you are on a gap year, career break, school or family holiday or just looking for something extraordinary to do, why not embark on the adventure of a lifetime?
Information
Pricing & Duration
Project Starting Times
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
Project Includes
The project includes accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
Overview of Safari Stables
In Africa the sky is big! And the drama of colours on the horizon is heightened from horseback. Impala frisking during the dawn chorus, wildebeest mingling with zebra in the sunshine, magnificent kudu in the shade of Mopane trees or the silhouetted giraffe at sunset – every day is a safari!
Horses take you into the heart of the wilderness, up close and personal where you get to know individual animals and habits. You are often eyes and ears for the wildlife managers as you monitor animal health, wilderness issues and even snares.
Project Highlights
Of The Safari Stables Working Holiday
- Ride through the African bush alongside giraffes, zebra, and antelope.
- Join the safari stables team and gain hands-on experience in horse care and training.
- Enjoy sunrise and sunset rides when the bush is at its most alive.
- Take on exciting cross-country rides across open savannah and natural terrain.
- Experience unforgettable horse swims.
- Develop your riding skills and try polocrosse.
- Support conservation efforts from horseback, including game counts and bush patrols.
- Get up close to Africa’s iconic wildlife — all from the saddle.
- Upgrade to an overnight horse safari under the stars (additional cost).
- Live the ultimate horseback safari lifestyle in Zimbabwe.
Example of your Weekly Schedule
Monday
Arrival & Welcome
AFTERNOON (From ~4:00pm)
Your Antelope Park journey begins on Monday afternoon with a warm welcome from our volunteer coordinator. After settling in, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the camp, meet fellow volunteers, and get your bearings as you begin to feel at home. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to unpack, relax, and soak in your new surroundings.
DINNER – 6:30pm
At 6:30pm, everyone gathers for dinner for their first taste of Antelope Park’s community spirit. Meals here are as much about conversation and laughter as they are about food.
EVENING
This first evening is low-key, giving you the space to unwind after your journey and start getting to know your new “volunteer family.” Expect friendly faces, plenty of stories, and the excitement of knowing that tomorrow, your adventure truly begins.
Tuesday
8:00am – Breakfast
8:45am – Morning meeting
9:00am – Induction begins, covering camp rules and etiquette, a community and conservation overview, and an introduction to the ALERT programme with wildlife presentations.
Mid-Morning – Hands-on wildlife experiences including the snake room (python handling), elephant interaction, lion enclosure tour, and rhino visit.
1:00pm – Lunch
Early Afternoon – Free time to rest and recharge.
3:00pm – First horseback safari followed by stables induction, where you will meet your horse and learn how to untack and feed.
6:30pm – Dinner
Evening – Optional quiz night at the bar.
Wednesday
7:00am – Horse feeding and grooming.
8:00am – Breakfast
8:45am – Morning meeting
9:00am onwards – Stable work including mucking out, cleaning tack, and assisting with maintenance and basic veterinary care.
1:00pm – Lunch
Afternoon Break – Time to rest.
3:00pm – Polocrosse session with practice and matches, followed by untacking and feeding the horses.
6:30pm – Dinner
Evening – Optional stalk game.
Thursday
7:00am – Feeding and grooming.
8:00am – Breakfast
8:45am – Morning meeting
9:00am – Morning stable duties.
1:00pm – Lunch
Afternoon Break – Time to relax.
~3:00pm – Cross-country riding session and jump training, followed by untacking, feeding, and turning out the horses.
6:30pm – Dinner
Evening – Movie night.
Friday
7:00am – Feeding and grooming.
8:00am – Breakfast
8:45am – Morning meeting
Morning – Stable work and skills development.
1:00pm – Lunch
~3:00pm – Horseback safari to the dam followed by a bareback horse swim.
6:30pm – Dinner
Evening – Fig Tree Party with fire, music, and social time.
Saturday
8:00am – Breakfast
9:15am – Town trip to Gweru for shopping, markets, and cafés.
10:30am (Optional) – Lion feeding preparation for those remaining in camp.
1:00pm – Lunch
3:30pm – Group games such as rounders or baseball, followed by sundowners.
6:30pm – Dinner
Evening – Social time at the bar.
Sunday
8:00am – Breakfast
10:30am – Release lion feeding with the Ngamo Pride.
Afternoon – Free time to relax by the pool, enjoy coffee, or unwind.
3:00pm (Optional) – Social horse ride.
6:30pm – Dinner
Evening – Farewells and reflections on the week.
Please note: This schedule is provided as a guideline to give an idea of a typical week. Activities, times, and locations may vary depending on weather, community needs, and other factors. Participants should remain flexible, and the project team will provide updates as needed.
About the Location
Antelope Park is 3500 acres of Private Game Reserve next to the town of Gweru in the the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. Perfectly situated roughly half way between the two major cities, Harare and Bulawayo, it is easily accessible. The park itself nestles in a striking setting – Savannah grasslands, Woodland and Riverine areas, big sky horizons – the natural beauty of Zimbabwe. The camp is situated on a beautiful watercourse area which draws the game and gorgeous waterbirds up close as they frolic and refresh themselves. You will be sharing the location with a gorgeous variety of antelope, zebra, giraffe, elephant, rhino, lions in their own area and hundreds of marvellous African birds.
Accommodation
Antelope Park offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Our standard option features charming thatched-style rooms, comfortably housing 2-4 guests per room. These rooms are set around a communal living space and shared bathrooms, creating a warm, social atmosphere that’s perfect for meeting new people and sharing experiences. With stunning views and a prime location at the heart of the park, it’s the ideal base to kick off your project or adventure. Whether you’re winding down after a day of activities or connecting with fellow travelers, the vibrant energy here is unmatched!
Pricing & Start Dates
Starts at GBP £1219
Starts Every Monday
1 weeks – 12 weeks
Focus: Horses
Information
Pricing & Duration
Project Starting Times
We can’t wait to meet you! All volunteers are required to arrive on a Monday to begin their projects.
Please verify specific dates with your sales agent.
Additionally, ensure you check with your sales agent regarding the recommended airport for your transfers.
Project Includes
The project includes accommodation and full meals provided 7 days a week.
Airport transfers are available from a specific airport (please confirm with your sales agent).
All project-related transport, equipment, WIFI, and resources are included, along with support from our experienced 24-hour team.
Project Excludes
The project package does not cover the following items: flights to the designated location, expenses related to obtaining a visa, insurance costs, optional additional excursions, and any personal expenses you may incur during your participation.
And There’s More…
Be a part of contributing and making a significance difference in Africa. Indulge in the chance to experience many excursions and see some of Zimbabwe’s most breathtaking landscape
Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Zimbabwe.
Have the ability to make friends for life with connections and friendships all over the world!
Your weekends are free for relaxing and exploring. Why not head to the Great Zimbabwe and immerse yourself in the history.