Nkomazi & Mauricedale Working Holiday
Quick facts
About
Amenities
Mpumalanga & Southern Kruger
1-12 weeks
fr R 16 107
Open all year
Max 6 people
Common house
Riding level: 4-5
Maximum weight: 80 kg
Krüger Mpumalanga International Airport
Quick facts
About
Amenities
Mpumalanga & Southern Kruger
1-12 weeks
fr R 16 107
Open all year
Max 6 people
Common house
Riding level: 4-5
Maximum weight: 80 kg
Krüger Mpumalanga International Airport
Quick facts
About
Amenities
Mpumalanga & Southern Kruger
1-12 weeks
fr R 16 107
Open all year
Max 6 people
Common house
Riding level: 4-5
Maximum weight: 80 kg
Krüger Mpumalanga International Airport
Accommodation
During your stay, you will live in two different houses, one in each reserve, which provides variety in your accommodation. They are simple yet comfortable houses in the middle of nature, equipped for self-catering and with a relaxed, social atmosphere among other volunteers. The focus is not on luxury but on the location, the experience, and the closeness to nature.
Boulders House (Nkomazi)
Zebra House (Mauricedale)
At Nkomazi, you stay in Boulders House, a renovated farmhouse with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and several common areas. There is a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, pool, wifi, and several outdoor spaces, making it a comfortable base between rides. The location is more secluded, enhancing the feeling of truly being in the wilderness. • 2 dining areas • 2 braai areas (barbecue areas) • Pool • Fans in the rooms • Laundry room • Wifi • Basic cleaning service
Boulders House (Nkomazi)
Zebra House (Mauricedale)
At Nkomazi, you stay in Boulders House, a renovated farmhouse with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and several common areas. There is a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, pool, wifi, and several outdoor spaces, making it a comfortable base between rides. The location is more secluded, enhancing the feeling of truly being in the wilderness. • 2 dining areas • 2 braai areas (barbecue areas) • Pool • Fans in the rooms • Laundry room • Wifi • Basic cleaning service
Boulders House (Nkomazi)
Zebra House (Mauricedale)
At Nkomazi, you stay in Boulders House, a renovated farmhouse with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and several common areas. There is a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, pool, wifi, and several outdoor spaces, making it a comfortable base between rides. The location is more secluded, enhancing the feeling of truly being in the wilderness. • 2 dining areas • 2 braai areas (barbecue areas) • Pool • Fans in the rooms • Laundry room • Wifi • Basic cleaning service
Boulders House (Nkomazi)
Zebra House (Mauricedale)
A day in Nkomazi & Mauricedale
At Nkomazi & Mauricedale, there is no fixed schedule during your stay; instead, each day is planned according to the weather, the horses, and what is needed that day. In general, you ride in the morning and again in the afternoon, but some days may also include longer rides, picnics, or overnight rides (riding does not take place in extreme temperatures above 38 degrees). The aim is to keep the horses working, fit, and accustomed to wildlife, and on some days you also work with younger or new horses. During the rides, you will often share the experience with other volunteers from different accommodations. At Nkomazi, there is a chance to see animals such as lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, eland, wildebeest, and hartebeest, while leopard is seen more rarely. At Mauricedale, giraffe is a common sight from horseback, along with buffalo and other plains game, and the area also offers the opportunity to experience more species in the region where all of the Big Five are present. In addition to riding, you are expected to take part in the daily work around the horses. This includes saddling, grooming, helping with equipment, checking fences from horseback, and sometimes assisting with guest rides. It is not heavy stable work, but you are expected to be involved and contribute where needed. The accommodation is self-catering, and you shop for food on arrival and cook together with the other volunteers. People usually go out to eat once a week, and in Mauricedale there are several restaurants nearby, while Nkomazi is more secluded. Between activities, there is plenty of time for rest and recovery. You live together with other volunteers and share everyday life, with a focus on combining riding, nature experiences, and life around the horses. Mauricedale is also strategically located for exploring the southern Kruger region, and during your stay there is an opportunity to visit places such as Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, or Eswatini independently, with recommendations from the on-site team.
A day in Nkomazi & Mauricedale
At Nkomazi & Mauricedale, there is no fixed schedule during your stay; instead, each day is planned according to the weather, the horses, and what is needed that day. In general, you ride in the morning and again in the afternoon, but some days may also include longer rides, picnics, or overnight rides (riding does not take place in extreme temperatures above 38 degrees). The aim is to keep the horses working, fit, and accustomed to wildlife, and on some days you also work with younger or new horses. During the rides, you will often share the experience with other volunteers from different accommodations. At Nkomazi, there is a chance to see animals such as lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, eland, wildebeest, and hartebeest, while leopard is seen more rarely. At Mauricedale, giraffe is a common sight from horseback, along with buffalo and other plains game, and the area also offers the opportunity to experience more species in the region where all of the Big Five are present. In addition to riding, you are expected to take part in the daily work around the horses. This includes saddling, grooming, helping with equipment, checking fences from horseback, and sometimes assisting with guest rides. It is not heavy stable work, but you are expected to be involved and contribute where needed. The accommodation is self-catering, and you shop for food on arrival and cook together with the other volunteers. People usually go out to eat once a week, and in Mauricedale there are several restaurants nearby, while Nkomazi is more secluded. Between activities, there is plenty of time for rest and recovery. You live together with other volunteers and share everyday life, with a focus on combining riding, nature experiences, and life around the horses. Mauricedale is also strategically located for exploring the southern Kruger region, and during your stay there is an opportunity to visit places such as Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, or Eswatini independently, with recommendations from the on-site team.
A day in Nkomazi & Mauricedale
At Nkomazi & Mauricedale, there is no fixed schedule during your stay; instead, each day is planned according to the weather, the horses, and what is needed that day. In general, you ride in the morning and again in the afternoon, but some days may also include longer rides, picnics, or overnight rides (riding does not take place in extreme temperatures above 38 degrees). The aim is to keep the horses working, fit, and accustomed to wildlife, and on some days you also work with younger or new horses. During the rides, you will often share the experience with other volunteers from different accommodations. At Nkomazi, there is a chance to see animals such as lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, eland, wildebeest, and hartebeest, while leopard is seen more rarely. At Mauricedale, giraffe is a common sight from horseback, along with buffalo and other plains game, and the area also offers the opportunity to experience more species in the region where all of the Big Five are present. In addition to riding, you are expected to take part in the daily work around the horses. This includes saddling, grooming, helping with equipment, checking fences from horseback, and sometimes assisting with guest rides. It is not heavy stable work, but you are expected to be involved and contribute where needed. The accommodation is self-catering, and you shop for food on arrival and cook together with the other volunteers. People usually go out to eat once a week, and in Mauricedale there are several restaurants nearby, while Nkomazi is more secluded. Between activities, there is plenty of time for rest and recovery. You live together with other volunteers and share everyday life, with a focus on combining riding, nature experiences, and life around the horses. Mauricedale is also strategically located for exploring the southern Kruger region, and during your stay there is an opportunity to visit places such as Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, or Eswatini independently, with recommendations from the on-site team.
More information
Food and drinks
Food and drinks
Horses and equipment
Horses and equipment
Riding, riding level and hours in the saddle
Riding, riding level and hours in the saddle
Laundry service
Laundry service
Climate
Climate
Passport and visa
Passport and visa
Health Recommendations
Health Recommendations
Practical information
Practical information
About Mauricedale & Nkomazi
Mauricedale and Nkomazi are located just south of Kruger National Park and just north and north-east of Eswatini respectively. The area belongs to what is known as the Lowveld region – a landscape famous for its warm climate, vast savannahs and rich wildlife. At the same time, the reserves differ clearly in both character and nature, creating great variety on safari. Nkomazi Game Reserve covers around 15,000 hectares and lies where South Africa’s Lowveld meets the Highveld. The landscape here is dramatic and expansive, with open plains, mountain formations and far-reaching views over the surrounding hills. The reserve is also part of a UNESCO-protected World Heritage area and feels significantly more remote and untouched than many other safari areas in the region. The nature is wild and varied, and the area is particularly well known for its good chances of spotting cheetah, but there are also lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard, eland, wildebeest and several other species. Mauricedale is a smaller and more intimate reserve of around 7,000 hectares, situated in the subtropical part of the Lowveld near southern Kruger. Here, the landscape is characterised by classic South African savannah with acacia trees, bushveld and open grasslands where wildlife moves freely between vegetation and waterholes. The region is known for its pleasant winter climate and the slower pace that has earned it the nickname “Slowveld”. The nature here feels warm, soft and alive – especially in the early mornings and late evenings, when the bush fills with the sounds of hornbills, bushbabies, hyenas and other nocturnal animals. Mauricedale is only a 10-minute drive from Kruger Park’s Malelane Gate, making it possible to go on several different excursions. The wildlife in the area is rich and varied, with the chance to see giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, eland and several different antelope species. Predators are also present in the region, and especially around the Kruger area there are good opportunities to experience parts of the classic African Big Five wildlife.
About Mauricedale & Nkomazi
Mauricedale and Nkomazi are located just south of Kruger National Park and just north and north-east of Eswatini respectively. The area belongs to what is known as the Lowveld region – a landscape famous for its warm climate, vast savannahs and rich wildlife. At the same time, the reserves differ clearly in both character and nature, creating great variety on safari. Nkomazi Game Reserve covers around 15,000 hectares and lies where South Africa’s Lowveld meets the Highveld. The landscape here is dramatic and expansive, with open plains, mountain formations and far-reaching views over the surrounding hills. The reserve is also part of a UNESCO-protected World Heritage area and feels significantly more remote and untouched than many other safari areas in the region. The nature is wild and varied, and the area is particularly well known for its good chances of spotting cheetah, but there are also lions, elephants, buffalo, leopard, eland, wildebeest and several other species. Mauricedale is a smaller and more intimate reserve of around 7,000 hectares, situated in the subtropical part of the Lowveld near southern Kruger. Here, the landscape is characterised by classic South African savannah with acacia trees, bushveld and open grasslands where wildlife moves freely between vegetation and waterholes. The region is known for its pleasant winter climate and the slower pace that has earned it the nickname “Slowveld”. The nature here feels warm, soft and alive – especially in the early mornings and late evenings, when the bush fills with the sounds of hornbills, bushbabies, hyenas and other nocturnal animals. Mauricedale is only a 10-minute drive from Kruger Park’s Malelane Gate, making it possible to go on several different excursions. The wildlife in the area is rich and varied, with the chance to see giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, eland and several different antelope species. Predators are also present in the region, and especially around the Kruger area there are good opportunities to experience parts of the classic African Big Five wildlife.
Rates
2026
Season
Length
Price
All season
1 week Mauricedale
R16 107
All season
1 week Nkomazi
R23 660
All season
2 weeks (1 week on each)
R39 767
Including
Price per person in shared accommodation, self-catering, sundowners and other African touches, all riding (generally 1–2 times per day), "game viewing" from horseback and by vehicle.
Excluding
Food and drinks, valid travel insurance (mandatory), flight tickets, flight transfer, and visa.
Transfers
Return transfer per person, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
ZAR 1955
It is important that your flight is booked as follows: • arrival Thursday around 11-12 (absolutely no later than 14:00) • departure Thursday no earlier than 13:00
Rates
2026
Season
Length
Price
All season
1 week Mauricedale
R16 107
All season
1 week Nkomazi
R23 660
All season
2 weeks (1 week on each)
R39 767
Including
Price per person in shared accommodation, self-catering, sundowners and other African touches, all riding (generally 1–2 times per day), "game viewing" from horseback and by vehicle.
Excluding
Food and drinks, valid travel insurance (mandatory), flight tickets, flight transfer, and visa.
Transfers
Return transfer per person, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
ZAR 1955
It is important that your flight is booked as follows: • arrival Thursday around 11-12 (absolutely no later than 14:00) • departure Thursday no earlier than 13:00
Rates
2026
Season
Length
Price
All season
1 week Mauricedale
R16 107
All season
1 week Nkomazi
R23 660
All season
2 weeks (1 week on each)
R39 767
Including
Price per person in shared accommodation, self-catering, sundowners and other African touches, all riding (generally 1–2 times per day), "game viewing" from horseback and by vehicle.
Excluding
Food and drinks, valid travel insurance (mandatory), flight tickets, flight transfer, and visa.
Transfers
Return transfer per person, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
ZAR 1955
It is important that your flight is booked as follows: • arrival Thursday around 11-12 (absolutely no later than 14:00) • departure Thursday no earlier than 13:00
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