Quick facts

Hoedspruit, South Africa

from 1 week

fr. £800

Open all year

Minimum 1 and maximum 8 riders

Stationary chalets

Riding level: 3 – 5

Max weight: 85 kg

Hoedspruit Airport

Quick facts

Hoedspruit, South Africa

from 1 week

fr. £800

Open all year

Minimum 1 and maximum 8 riders

Stationary chalets

Riding level: 3 – 5

Max weight: 85 kg

Hoedspruit Airport

Quick facts

Hoedspruit, South Africa

from 1 week

fr. £800

Open all year

Minimum 1 and maximum 8 riders

Stationary chalets

Riding level: 3 – 5

Max weight: 85 kg

Hoedspruit Airport

Amenities

The lodge has a large swimming pool (15 × 7 meters) with a beautiful view of the mountains and the waterhole where animals gather. There are sun loungers, parasols, a braai area, and a thatched gazebo where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed together.

The lodge has free, unlimited Wi-Fi and there is also mobile coverage around the lodge.

Self-service laundry can be used once a week.

The facility is powered by solar energy and batteries, which means there is always electricity, even during load shedding.

Amenities

The lodge has a large swimming pool (15 × 7 meters) with a beautiful view of the mountains and the waterhole where animals gather. There are sun loungers, parasols, a braai area, and a thatched gazebo where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed together.

The lodge has free, unlimited Wi-Fi and there is also mobile coverage around the lodge.

Self-service laundry can be used once a week.

The facility is powered by solar energy and batteries, which means there is always electricity, even during load shedding.

Amenities

The lodge has a large swimming pool (15 × 7 meters) with a beautiful view of the mountains and the waterhole where animals gather. There are sun loungers, parasols, a braai area, and a thatched gazebo where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed together.

The lodge has free, unlimited Wi-Fi and there is also mobile coverage around the lodge.

Self-service laundry can be used once a week.

The facility is powered by solar energy and batteries, which means there is always electricity, even during load shedding.

About

At Bambelelas' horse working holidays, you volunteer with horses while also having the opportunity to experience horse safaris. In exchange for stable duties and taking care of the horses, you will get plenty of riding among giraffes and zebras, exciting trips to nearby reserves, and relaxing time by the pool. This is an excellent option for those who want to experience a horse safari without having to pay the full cost of a holiday.

The experience at Bambelela takes you through South Africa, literally between the ears, and offers fantastic encounters with wild animals – on the premises, you can find giraffes, zebras, gnus, ostriches, elands, sable antelopes, nyalas, and impalas. Riding also takes place in private nearby reserves where one can encounter kudus, crocodiles, hippos, warthogs, and more. There’s also a chance to spot leopards, jackals, and hyenas. The horses roam freely alongside the wildlife on the property, and in the open stables, saddles are prepared, and horses are made ready. Groups are kept small to provide each volunteer with a personal experience. The tasks consist of feeding the horses and other wild animals, careful handling of the horses before and after each ride, as well as treating them with tick repellent. Once a week, saddles and equipment are cleaned, and saddle pads are washed. The atmosphere at Bambelela is homely and welcoming. Besides riding and the horses at Bambelela, there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area: swim with the horses and spend the night at the beautiful Sunbird Oasis Lodge in the nearby reserve (one night included in the price), go on a big five game drive in Kruger or one of the smaller upper reserves, enjoy dinner at the restaurant with Dianne, Lucas, and other guests, or experience the magical Blyde Canyon River Cruise – a boat trip on Blyde Dam that takes you over the water, along high cliffs, and with a view of the famous Three Rondawels.

About

At Bambelelas' horse working holidays, you volunteer with horses while also having the opportunity to experience horse safaris. In exchange for stable duties and taking care of the horses, you will get plenty of riding among giraffes and zebras, exciting trips to nearby reserves, and relaxing time by the pool. This is an excellent option for those who want to experience a horse safari without having to pay the full cost of a holiday.

About

At Bambelelas' horse working holidays, you volunteer with horses while also having the opportunity to experience horse safaris. In exchange for stable duties and taking care of the horses, you will get plenty of riding among giraffes and zebras, exciting trips to nearby reserves, and relaxing time by the pool. This is an excellent option for those who want to experience a horse safari without having to pay the full cost of a holiday.

Galleri

Accommodation

The volunteers at Bambelela live two by two in chalets around the lodge – the same accommodation as the guests.

Chalets

Each chalet has two single beds, a bathroom with a shower and toilet, a wardrobe, a mini fridge, air conditioning, and a fan.

A day at Bambelela

At Bambelela Horse Safaris, there is no fixed schedule that is always followed. A typical day starts with breakfast, followed by a longer ride in the morning. After the ride, there is time to unwind, enjoy the pool, and have lunch. During periods when we ride twice a day, there will be another ride later in the afternoon. If the heat or other activities prevent a second ride from taking place, it is instead replaced by a game drive with sundowners. When the horses are taken care of for the evening, everyone gathers for dinner together at the lodge, after which there is time for relaxation or another game drive. A typical day includes feeding the horses – and in winter, also feeding the wild animals – followed by breakfast. The horses are then prepared for the morning ride, which usually lasts two to three hours. After lunch, there is free time before the horses are once again prepared for a shorter ride in the afternoon, typically lasting one to two hours. The day concludes with evening feeding, dinner, and free time. Monday serves as both an arrival and departure day, and the horses have one rest day per week. Riding generally takes place in the morning with longer rides and in the afternoon with slightly shorter sessions. Every other week, jumping is included in the riding arena at Equine House in Hoedspruit, combined with a ride in Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate. Equally often, we have a popular arrangement where we ride down to Klaserie Dam to swim with the horses, stay overnight at Sunbirds Oasis Lodge, and ride on the following morning to Pezulu Tree House Lodge in Guernsey Private Nature Reserve. In addition to riding, there is one game drive with sundowners per week (not the Big Five), as well as a communal dinner at a restaurant once a week (at your own expense). There is also the option to book extra excursions and tours for an additional cost, such as visits to Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, Blyde Canyon, or various elephant experiences. Please note that riding and activities may be adjusted depending on weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The rides take place at several different locations in the area surrounding the lodge. On the property's own land, there are good opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elands, ostriches, jackals, nyalas, impalas, duikers, and sable antelopes. The adjacent private areas, which stretch over 600–1200 hectares, also host kudu, warthogs, hippos, and crocodiles, as well as a rich and varied birdlife.

More information

Food and drinks
Food and drinks
Food and drinks
Horses and equipment
Horses and equipment
Horses and equipment
Riding, riding level and hours in the saddle
Riding, riding level and hours in the saddle
Riding, riding level and hours in the saddle
Climate
Climate
Climate
Health Recommendations
Health Recommendations
Health Recommendations
Laundry service
Laundry service
Laundry service
Passport and visa
Passport and visa
Passport and visa

Rates 2026

January to December

1 week

£800

January to December

1 week

£800

January to December

1 week

£800

Including

✔ Accommodation in a shared chalet ✔ Breakfast, lunch (self-catering) and dinner ✔ Water, coffee, and tea ✔ Fully equipped kitchen ✔ All riding activities (including swimming with the horses and overnight stays) ✔ K9 Conservation – Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage – half-day visit with our local veterinarian ✔ Transfer to and from Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) (approximately 45 minutes between the airport and the lodge) ✔ Unlimited Wi-Fi ✔ Laundry facilities (self-service) once a week per person ✔ Game drives in open safari vehicles in various private areas

Excluding

International flights to Johannesburg as well as domestic flights to Hoedspruit Visa Travel insurance Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (soft drinks, etc.) at the lodge Snacks Restaurant visits outside the lodge Additional excursions and activities Tips

Including

✔ Accommodation in a shared chalet ✔ Breakfast, lunch (self-catering) and dinner ✔ Water, coffee, and tea ✔ Fully equipped kitchen ✔ All riding activities (including swimming with the horses and overnight stays) ✔ K9 Conservation – Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage – half-day visit with our local veterinarian ✔ Transfer to and from Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) (approximately 45 minutes between the airport and the lodge) ✔ Unlimited Wi-Fi ✔ Laundry facilities (self-service) once a week per person ✔ Game drives in open safari vehicles in various private areas

Excluding

International flights to Johannesburg as well as domestic flights to Hoedspruit Visa Travel insurance Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (soft drinks, etc.) at the lodge Snacks Restaurant visits outside the lodge Additional excursions and activities Tips

Including

✔ Accommodation in a shared chalet ✔ Breakfast, lunch (self-catering) and dinner ✔ Water, coffee, and tea ✔ Fully equipped kitchen ✔ All riding activities (including swimming with the horses and overnight stays) ✔ K9 Conservation – Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage – half-day visit with our local veterinarian ✔ Transfer to and from Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) (approximately 45 minutes between the airport and the lodge) ✔ Unlimited Wi-Fi ✔ Laundry facilities (self-service) once a week per person ✔ Game drives in open safari vehicles in various private areas

Excluding

International flights to Johannesburg as well as domestic flights to Hoedspruit Visa Travel insurance Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (soft drinks, etc.) at the lodge Snacks Restaurant visits outside the lodge Additional excursions and activities Tips

Prices per person in shared double room

Prices per person in shared double room

Prices per person in shared double room

1 week • £800 2 weeks • £1500 3 weeks • £2,250 4 weeks • £3000 5 weeks • £3750 6 weeks • £4500 7 weeks • £5250 8 weeks • £6000

Sign up for the newsletter

Follow along behind the scenes and get a first look at unique offers.

Sign up for the newsletter

Follow along behind the scenes and get a first look at unique offers.

Sign up for the newsletter

Follow along behind the scenes and get a first look at unique offers.