
Equestrian Working Holidays in Zambia
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.
A fantastic opportunity to develop your horsemanship, gain hands-on experience with safari horses, and be part of a passionate, horse-loving team in the heart of Zambia.
January to June: Livingstone-based equestrian 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 - this is 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.
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 - and 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.
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!
-
7:00 – 7:30 AM
Morning feed
Veterinary checks
Groom horses
First ride of the day
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Exercise and train horses
8:30 – 10:00 AM
Move horses to grazing land
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Continue horse work
Yard duties and maintenance tasks
12:00 – 2:00 PM
Lunch break and rest
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Bring horses back from grazing
Continue yard work
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Afternoon horse training and rides
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Evening feed
Final vet checks
Night-time stabling and preparations
-
At Chundukwa River Lodge, participants will stay in a comfortable ensuite room within a shared 2-bedroom house, complete with a communal lounge and kitchen area.
Depending on availability, participants may be asked to share your room with one other person.
Chundukwa River Lodge will provide participants with one main meal daily - participants will be provided provisions in order to self-cater at breakfast and dinner. Tea, coffee and mineral drinking water are freely available.
Included Amenities:
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Housekeeping and laundry services every second day
All riding activities on site
Access to our meaningful community projects, including the Donkey Project, local school initiatives, and Zambezi Animal Welfare Services
-
Participants will be busy 6 days a week, with one day off to explore the wonders of Livingstone, Victoria Falls, and the surrounding areas. You will have the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls with our guide and driver for a day – explore Livingstone town and meet the locals. There’s a lot to do and see in our area - and Livingstone has a thriving community, with many events and experiences on offer.
During the winter months, don’t be surprised to see elephants wandering through the property - a magical and unforgettable experience!
-
Please note that the following items are not included in the experience and participants should arrange this at their own expense:
All items of a personal nature
Medical insurance, including emergency evacuation by road and air
Airline tickets and visas required.*
Excursions beyond Chundukwa River Lodge - you may also want to visit Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls Town, or pop across to Chobe National Park to see the big five or do a Walking Safari in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park to see the magnificent white rhinos
Soft drinks and any additional beverages or items not specified above
-
Let us know whether you plan to stay for a month or less - or up to 3 months!
We will help advise the best way forward with regards to your entrance visa for Zambia.
-
Support duties: Assisting with horse care, stable maintenance and general camp operations while guests are present
Shared accommodation in our guide tent - this is very basic but comfortable - complete with well-appointed shared bathroom facilities!
Self-sufficiency: when there no guests are at our horse camp and the chef is offsite, participants need to be comfortable preparing their own meals of which food will be provided…We have a quaint little container kitchen that will be available for use at this time.
You’ll always be accompanied by either Doug or Fred, ensuring guidance and safety throughout your stay
EQUESTRIAN WORKING HOLIDAY - FEES
01 January to 31 May - USD 90 per day
During these months, we offer hands-on equestrian experience at Chundukwa River Lodge
01 June to 31 December - USD 130 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!