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Rescue Horse Ranch on the Wild Coast

Location South Africa
Start Date Project begins every Monday
Duration
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The Project

Volunteer with horses on this unique horse-rescue ranch on the coast. Horses that have have been abandoned, mistreated or neglected across the Eastern Cape are brought to this centre, currently home to over 40 horses. The project cares for and rehabilitated the animals, and those that regain their health and trust of humans are brought into the trekking centre, allowing the centre to raise funds by running up to two beach rides a day for local visitors.
Why the project needs you

With so many horses to care for, groom and feed, the project relies on the help of horse-lovers to volunteer with their day to day care.

Project Location

The Wild Coast is South Africa’s secret jewel. More remote and untouched than it’s ‘garden route’ neighbour, the scenery of lush mountains rushing to golden sands and blue seas are a breathtaking sight. Chintsa sits on an estuary, where kiteboarders enjoy the tranquil lagoon, meters from the surfers at the main beach. The area is popular with backpackers for it’s adventure sports and relaxed approach, and you can hire surfboards, kayaks and other equipment at preferential rates locally. The volunteer house has a sensational beach-view and plenty of space to relax in the evening, just a short walk from local cafes and bars.
Project Facts

• Duration: 2 - 26 weeks
• Cost: £1045 ($1829) for 2 weeks, £280 ($490) for every additional week
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Chintsa, South Africa
• Working hours: Monday to Friday 08.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.00
• Project availability: Project begins every Monday.
• Project closed during schools holidays: 24 Jun -17 Jul; 29 Sept -9 Oct; volunteers can get involved in care for the horses and PR support with sponsorship and admin activities however there will be no hands on equine therapy during this time. FULLY CLOSED 9 December to 11 January 2012.
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house
• Food: Cabin: 3 meals a day
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided.
• Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinators
• Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities (activity price may be extra). Trips include; visiting forests and waterfalls in “Little Switzerland”, and visiting beaches and a reserve famed for elephants on the Sunshine Coast. Volunteers also get free use of canoes and boogie boards.
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Your life outside the project

Volunteers often choose to hang out around Buccaneers the local backpackers in Chinsta. There’s plenty to keep you entertained here you can enjoy horse riding, surf school and mountain biking. Buccaneers offer volunteer free use of canoes and boogie boards to use on the stunning 17km beach. There are several small restaurants and bars in village that do specials for volunteers. Thursday night is “fun night out” as all our volunteers from the different projects usually meet up.
Ideas for Independent Travel

Kruger National Park

This is South Africa's largest game reserve and one of the oldest in Africa. The park is now part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The best time to go is during the dry season (May - September) when the plains are sparse and animals are easier to view.

Drakensburg Mountains

The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa, known as the barrier of spears is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous world heritage site. There are a number of adventure activities that you can do including rock or ice- climbing, abseiling, white water rafting or take a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.

Surfing in South Africa

South Africa is renowned around the world for it's many surfing hotspots due to the mix of beautiful coastal scenery and high quality surf. There is a strong surfing culture and way of life that is very contagious due to the friendly people and their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Whether you are a novice or more experienced you will love surfing in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride and for the renowned blue flag beaches.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.