Volunteer with Horses in Zimbabwe
Join Wild Bhiza Stables for an unforgettable horse riding volunteer programme in Zimbabwe, just 25 km from Victoria Falls. Live in a traditional village homestead, care for our calm, bitless-trained horses, support community animal welfare initiatives and experience authentic rural Zimbabwe while making a meaningful contribution.
Our flexible volunteer programmes are ideal for gap year travellers, career breakers, horse enthusiasts and anyone looking for an ethical, community-based experience in Africa. Choose from one to four-week programmes and become part of our small team working alongside experienced local horse leaders and the Chisuma Village community.
Ride, Care & Connect: Volunteer with Horses in Zimbabwe
Join Wild Bhiza Stables’ Horse Riding Volunteer Programme in Zimbabwe for an unforgettable opportunity to work with horses while making a meaningful contribution to a rural community. Located in Chisuma Village, just 25 km from Victoria Falls, our programme combines ethical horse care, community development and authentic village life for a truly immersive African experience.
Whether you’re an experienced rider, a horse enthusiast or simply looking for a rewarding volunteer experience, our horse volunteer programme near Victoria Falls offers daily horse care, riding opportunities, natural horsemanship training and the chance to support animal welfare, youth education and sustainable community projects.
Live in a traditional village homestead, work alongside experienced local horse leaders and become part of a small team dedicated to responsible tourism, ethical horsemanship and positive community impact. If you’re looking for a gap year adventure, career break or purposeful travel experience, Wild Bhiza Stables offers one of the most authentic horse volunteering experiences in Africa.
Learn more about our Village Homestay, explore our Victoria Falls Travel Guide, or contact us to apply for our volunteer programme.
Embark on a Horse Riding Volunteering adventure at Wild Bhiza—help care for horses and support local communities in Zimbabwe
HORSE RIDING VOLUNTEERINGWhat Makes Our Horse Riding Volunteer Programme in Zimbabwe Unique?
Make a Genuine Community Impact
At Wild Bhiza Stables, volunteering is about creating lasting relationships and supporting sustainable community development. We work alongside local animal health and welfare organisations, education-focused initiatives and community projects that improve opportunities for both people and animals in Chisuma Village, near Victoria Falls.
Small Groups, Meaningful Experiences
Unlike many volunteer programmes, we welcome a maximum of four volunteers at any one time. This allows for personalised mentoring, hands-on learning and meaningful cultural exchange. You’ll quickly become part of the Wild Bhiza family, working closely with our team and the local community.
Ethical Horse Care & Natural Horsemanship
Our horses are at the heart of everything we do. Using welfare-first principles, natural horsemanship and bitless riding, we focus on building trust, confidence and partnership. Volunteers gain practical experience in daily horse care, stable management, groundwork and riding while learning about ethical equine management in Africa.
During your stay, you’ll get to know each horse individually, understanding their personalities, routines and care requirements while helping maintain the high welfare standards that define Wild Bhiza Stables.
Learn from an Experienced Local Team
Work alongside knowledgeable horse leaders with years of experience in horse care, riding instruction, community engagement and responsible tourism. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll receive guidance in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.
Experience Authentic Rural Zimbabwe
Live in a traditional village homestead and experience everyday life in rural Zimbabwe. Enjoy home-cooked meals, meet local families, learn about Zimbabwean culture and traditions, and take part in community activities that few visitors have the opportunity to experience. It’s an authentic cultural immersion that goes far beyond a typical holiday or volunteer placement.
Discover more about our Village Homestay, explore our Victoria Falls Travel Guide, or learn about our Rural Community Horse Ride for another unique way to experience Zimbabwe.
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH HORSES AFRICA Horse Riding Volunteer Programme FAQs
Do I need horse riding experience to volunteer?
Some riding experience is required! Our horse riding volunteer program welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced equestrians.
What is the best time to volunteer at Wild Bhiza?
You can volunteer year-round, but the peak tourist season (June-September) offers the driest weather and most comfortable temperatures. We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak season.
Is it safe to volunteer in rural Zimbabwe?
Yes! Wild Bhiza prioritises volunteer safety. We provide public liability insurance, have emergency medical protocols in place, and maintain close relationships with Victoria Falls medical facilities. Our team is available 24/7 for support, and we have access to ACE ambulance services if needed. We do recommend taking out their emergency cover $40
Can I extend my volunteer program once I arrive?
Subject to availability, you may be able to extend your stay. Contact us as early as possible if you’d like to stay longer, as we limit volunteers to 4 at a time and spaces fill quickly during peak season.
What happens if I get sick or injured during my volunteer program?
We have emergency protocols and access to Victoria Falls medical facilities. This is why comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory for all volunteers. Our team will assist with medical care coordination if needed. Ace is worth considering as an additional medi vac option
How do I get to Wild Bhiza from Victoria Falls Airport?
Airport transfers are included in your volunteer program fee. We’ll pick you up from Victoria Falls International Airport and transport you to our homestead in Chisuma Village (25 km from town). Just provide your flight details when booking.
Can I volunteer if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes! We accommodate vegetarian diets and other dietary requirements. Please inform us of any restrictions or allergies when booking so we can prepare appropriate meals. Zimbabwe has a limited choice.
How do I apply?
Ready to volunteer with horses in Africa? Here’s how to apply for the Wild Bhiza volunteer program:
- Contact us via WhatsApp (+263 77 965 0131 or +263 789 278 119) or email (hello@wildbhizastables.com)
- Share your preferred dates and program duration (2, 3, or 4 weeks)
- Receive program details and booking confirmation
- Complete payment in full (USD) to secure your spot
- Submit required documents (passport copy, insurance proof, signed indemnity)
- Receive pre-arrival information, including packing list and travel tips
- Arrive in Victoria Falls and begin your volunteer adventure!
Your Daily Experience as a Horse Riding Volunteer in ZimbabweYour Daily Experience as a Horse Riding Volunteer in Zimbabwe
Horse Care & Riding
- Ride through the beautiful landscapes and rural villages surrounding Victoria Falls.
- Groom, feed and care for our calm, bitless-trained horses.
- Learn natural horsemanship and welfare-first horse management techniques.
- Assist with daily stable management alongside our experienced horse leaders.
- Help monitor horse health and support routine veterinary care when required.
- Develop your confidence and riding skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Community & Animal Welfare
- Support youth horse education and riding sessions.
- Assist with community animal welfare initiatives.
- Promote responsible horse ownership and equine welfare.
- Take part in environmental and village improvement projects.
- Experience genuine cultural exchange with local families in Chisuma Village.
- Contribute to sustainable tourism that benefits both people and animals.
A Typical Day
While every day is shaped by the needs of the horses and the community, a typical schedule may include:
- 05:00 – Morning horse feeding, grooming and stable care
- 06:00 – Sunrise horse ride through the village and surrounding countryside
- 08:00 – Traditional Zimbabwean breakfast at the village homestead
- 10:00 – Horse care, community projects or animal welfare activities
- 13:00 – Lunch and time to relax
- 15:00 – Youth horse education, riding sessions or village outreach
- 18:00 – Evening horse care followed by a home-cooked dinner around the fire pit
Every volunteer experience is unique, providing opportunities to develop horsemanship skills, build lasting friendships and gain a genuine insight into rural life in Zimbabwe. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories, practical experience and the satisfaction of making a positive contribution to the local community.
A Day in the Stirrups of a Horse Riding Volunteer
Our commitment extends to the well-being of not just the children but also the animals that share their world.
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View project reviews of Wild Bhiza Stables on Volunteer World
Authentic African Homestay Near Victoria Falls
Living alongside our team and local families allows you to experience everyday village life while supporting ethical tourism and community-based conservation initiatives.
Your Village Homestay Includes
- Comfortable shared accommodation with a maximum of four volunteers
- Three shared bedrooms with two single beds per room
- Private outdoor bathrooms with hot-water showers and toilet facilities
- A traditional communal kitchen and dining area
- Outdoor seating, fire pit and peaceful countryside views
- Wi-Fi available in designated areas (where network coverage permits)
Traditional Home-Cooked Meals
Enjoy freshly prepared Zimbabwean meals made using locally sourced ingredients. Sharing meals is an important part of village life and offers the perfect opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions.
- Traditional favourites including sadza, nyama, leafy vegetables and seasonal produce
- Fresh breakfasts and hearty brunches
- Home-cooked evening meals enjoyed together
- Tea, coffee and drinking water provided daily
- Vegetarian and most dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice
Days Off in Victoria Falls
During your volunteer programme you’ll enjoy scheduled days off to explore Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Stay at a local backpackers’ lodge and spend your free time discovering the region’s famous attractions, wildlife safaris, adventure activities, restaurants and markets.
For ideas on how to make the most of your free time, browse our Victoria Falls Travel Guide, discover the best things to do in Victoria Falls, or learn more about our Village Homestay Experience.
Volunteer Programme Fees & What's Included
2-Week Volunteer Programme – US$2,190
Perfect for travellers looking for a meaningful introduction to rural Zimbabwe and ethical horse care.
- Traditional village homestay accommodation
- Daily home-cooked meals
- Horse riding and natural horsemanship training
- Community and animal welfare projects
- Airport transfers from Victoria Falls International Airport
- Volunteer support throughout your stay
3-Week Volunteer Programme – US$2,680
Enjoy everything included in the two-week programme, plus additional time to deepen your horsemanship skills, experience village life and build stronger connections within the local community.
4-Week Volunteer Programme – US$3,395
Our most immersive experience, providing extended opportunities to contribute to community projects, develop leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of rural Zimbabwean culture and ethical horse management.
What’s Included
- Airport transfers to and from Victoria Falls International Airport
- Accommodation in our traditional village homestead
- Breakfast, lunch and home-cooked evening meals
- Daily horse care, riding and natural horsemanship training
- Guidance from experienced local horse leaders
- Participation in community, education and animal welfare projects
- Scheduled days off to explore Victoria Falls
- 24/7 support from the Wild Bhiza Stables team
- Public liability insurance during programme activities
What’s Not Included
- International flights to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe visa fees (where applicable)
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (required)
- Personal spending, shopping and souvenirs
- Meals and personal expenses during scheduled days off
- Optional activities such as wildlife safaris, helicopter flights, white-water rafting and bungee jumping
Volunteer Requirements for Our Horse Riding Programme in Zimbabwe
Who Can Volunteer?
- Age: Volunteers aged 18 years and over are welcome.
- Fitness: A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as daily activities include horse care, riding and community projects.
- Horse Riding Experience: No previous riding experience is required. Our programme is suitable for complete beginners through to experienced riders.
- Weight Limit: For the welfare and comfort of our horses, the maximum rider weight is 90 kg (196 lbs).
Travel & Entry Requirements
Before travelling to Zimbabwe, please ensure you have the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining.
- A Zimbabwe tourist visa, where required, available online or on arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport for many nationalities.
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering the full duration of your stay.
- A completed booking form and signed indemnity waiver (provided after your reservation is confirmed).
Health & Vaccinations
We recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic before travelling to Zimbabwe.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if travelling from, or transiting through, a country where it is required.
- Recommended vaccinations may include Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus, depending on your personal medical advice.
What to Pack
To make the most of your volunteer experience, we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable riding trousers or jeans
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or riding boots
- Lightweight clothing for warm days and warmer layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Personal toiletries and prescription medications
- A reusable water bottle
- A camera or smartphone for capturing your experience
- A small personal first aid kit
- Insect repellent suitable for tropical climates
Ready to Volunteer with Horses in Zimbabwe?
How to Apply
- Contact Us
Get in touch via our contact page, WhatsApp or email to discuss your preferred travel dates and ask any questions about the programme. - Choose Your Programme
Select the volunteer programme that best suits your schedule—2, 3 or 4 weeks—and we’ll confirm availability. - Receive Your Booking Pack
We’ll send you full programme information, accommodation details, payment instructions and your booking confirmation. - Secure Your Place
Complete payment in USD to reserve your place on the programme. - Submit Your Travel Documents
Provide a copy of your passport, proof of travel insurance and your completed volunteer registration and indemnity forms. - Prepare for Your Journey
Before you travel, you’ll receive a comprehensive pre-arrival guide with packing recommendations, travel advice and information about life in Chisuma Village. - Arrive in Victoria Falls
We’ll meet you at Victoria Falls International Airport and transfer you to Wild Bhiza Stables, where your Zimbabwe volunteer experience begins.
Book Early
We intentionally limit our Horse Riding Volunteer Programme in Zimbabwe to a maximum of four volunteers at any one time, ensuring a personalised and meaningful experience. Our peak season, from June to September, fills quickly, so we recommend booking at least two to three months in advance.
Before applying, you may also wish to read our Frequently Asked Questions, explore our Victoria Falls Travel Guide, or learn more about our Village Homestay.
Ready to begin? Contact Wild Bhiza Stables today and take the first step towards an unforgettable horse riding and community volunteering experience in Zimbabwe.
THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERSWhy Visit Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe?
Experience the Majestic Victoria Falls
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch millions of litres of water cascade into the Batoka Gorge, explore the rainforest trails and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints that showcase one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls.
Adventure Activities for Every Traveller
Victoria Falls is widely recognised as Africa’s adventure capital. Thrill-seekers can enjoy white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, helicopter flights, bungee jumping, zip-lining, gorge swings, sunset cruises and canoeing. For a slower pace, discover the surrounding countryside on one of Wild Bhiza Stables’ authentic horse riding experiences through rural Zimbabwe.
Unforgettable Wildlife Safaris
The national parks surrounding Victoria Falls are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Join a guided safari to see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species in their natural habitat. Whether on a game drive, walking safari or river cruise, every wildlife encounter offers a memorable glimpse into Africa’s remarkable ecosystems.
Listen to your horse with your heart, communicate with your soul, and dance with the rhythm of trust NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP
HOW WE HELP A Journey of Education and Empowerment
Imagine a world where volunteers share their expertise to educate children in Africa. This initiative unites those passionate about both teaching and horses, offering academic knowledge alongside transformative equestrian skills.
Unlocking Joy, Empowering Futures Children Through Horse Riding
Our initiative aims to provide children in African communities with the opportunity to learn horse riding. This program not only teaches essential riding skills but also fosters confidence, discipline, and a connection to nature.
Horticultural Teaching Cultivating Knowledge and Nourishment
We engage communities in horticultural learning—cultivating land that feeds and serves as a living classroom for children and adults alike.
Join-up to Horse Psychology Mastering the Language of Horses
Step into the world of Natural Intelligent Horsemanship—a hands-on journey of collaboration with horses. More than a course, it turns mistakes into lessons and builds understanding through practice. From join-up to horse psychology.
HOW WE HELP Healthy Animals, Stronger Communities
We are deeply committed to assisting and contributing to animal care within the African community. Our focus on animal welfare aims to make a positive impact, not only enhancing the well-being of the animals but also contributing to the overall health and resilience of the community. We believe that initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership, raising awareness about veterinary care, and encouraging sustainable animal husbandry practices are essential.
HOW WE HELP Life Skills through Horse Care Volunteering
Volunteers in horse care and stable management experience self-empowerment through developing leadership skills and fostering effective teamwork. This immersive experience imparts practical knowledge and instils a sense of responsibility and empathy, empowering individuals to lead and collaborate effectively in various aspects of life.
