An amazing opportunity for serious riders!

Our equestrian working holiday experience is targeted at GAP year students and adult riders looking to work with horses for an extended time, develop their riding skills and discover the culture of Zambia.

At Chundukwa, horses aren’t just part of the experience — they’re part of the family! With around 50 well-loved horses, our vibrant stable yard is at the heart of lodge life. Participants become a vital part of our horse-loving team, gaining real-world experience in horsemanship and equine care.

January to June: Livingstone-basedEquestrian Experience

During the first half of the year (January to the end of May) participants on our equestrian working holiday experience will be based exclusively here at Chundukwa River Lodge where we run an active stable yard with approximately 51 horses. Under the guidance of Doug and Fred, your time will be split between round-pen training, schooling and bush outrides; helping to gentle and condition the horses in preparation for safari season.

Your days will be full and spent mostly in the saddle, immersed in the daily operations of our working yard.

Equestrian Working Holiday Experience Fee from 01 January to 31 May - USD 140 per day. A minimum 2 week stay is requested!

Location - Chundukwa River Lodge only.

June to December: It’s safari season in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy!

During the second half of the year (June through to December), we offer a slightly different programme.

Participants will be invited to join our seasonal Horse Safari Camp, located in the heart of the Simalaha Community and Wildlife Conservancy — a truly unique wilderness experience. This phase of the program offers a deeper immersion into bush life and the logistics of running a remote safari camp — a rare opportunity for those eager to experience the rhythm of deep and remote Africa from the saddle. During this period, our horse safari operations are in full swing. Participants will assist behind the scenes with camp operations and all horse-related activities. If a safari is booked during that time, participants may ride out with guests and assist with hosting / representing Zambian Horseback Safaris on some rides. Per each month stay, participants will spend at least seven days up at camp - either on safari with guests or exercising horses when there are no guests in camp. The remainder of the time will be spent at Chundukwa River Lodge as above.

Equestrian Working Holiday Experience Fee from 01 June to 31 December - USD 180 per day. A minimum 2 week stay is requested!

Location - Chundukwa River Lodge and Zambian Horseback Safaris

Sara, participant in May 2025

“Time working with Chundukwa’s horses and their team is a privilege. Never have I been somewhere, where I have had such opportunities for a wide ranging, all-encompassing and enhancing horsemanship experience including invaluable learning outside of the saddle. I am blessed I was lucky enough to have been told about this place.”

Learn more about our Equestrian Working Holiday in Zambia!

EQUESTRIAN WORKING HOLIDAY - FEES

01 January to 31 May - USD 140 per day

During these months, we offer hands-on equestrian experience at Chundukwa River Lodge

01 June to 31 December - USD 180 per day

During these months, we offer hands-on equestrian experience at Chundukwa River Lodge and Zambian Horseback Safaris

CRITERIA

Mature riders who want to develop their horsemanship skills

• Must enjoy their own company and be self-motivated

• Work and character references

• Please provide a short video showing your riding / or horse working skills

• Medical insurance with medivac added to it

If you’d like to chat to Fred, our Stables Manager - please be in touch here!