Everything you need to know about the Wildheart program:

This is not just a volunteer program.
It’s a way of stepping out of your routine and into a completely different rhythm of life.

At Thandile Wildheart, you become part of daily life on a horse ranch in South Africa : working with horses, living in nature, and experiencing something real.

Who is this volunteer program for?

This horse volunteer program in South Africa is for you if:

– You love horses or want to learn how to work with them
– You’re open to personal growth and new experiences
– You don’t mind physical work and being outdoors
– You’re looking for a meaningful travel experience
– You want to slow down and reconnect with nature

This is NOT for you if:

– You’re looking for a luxury holiday
– You don’t like early mornings or hands-on work
– You only want to ride horses without helping
– You expect everything to be easy or structured

 

What you’ll do as a volunteer

As part of the Thandile Wildheart Program, you will:

– Take care of the horses (feeding, grooming, basic health checks, tick treatment and supporting when a horse needs extra care)
– Learn groundwork and horse training techniques
– Join horse riding experiences on the ranch and in nature
– Help with daily tasks around the property
– Be part of a small, international volunteer group

Because we are also a guest lodge, you’ll sometimes be involved when we have guests or events.

This can include:
– Assisting during activities
– Joining rides with guests
– Supporting the overall experience

If you stay longer and show confidence and responsibility, you may even guide rides yourself,  once we feel you’re ready.

 

You won’t just learn about horses.
You’ll learn how your energy, behavior and presence influence them.

Most people join the Thandile Wildheart Program for the experience…
and leave with something much bigger.

Weeks Price
3 weeks € 1500
5 weeks € 2100
8 weeks € 2600
12 weeks € 3000

All stays include:

  • Comfortable shared accommodation
    Prefer a little more privacy? Private accommodation may also be available for an additional fee. We’re happy to discuss the options with you during your intake call.

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Weekly lodge-based activities (see below)

To ensure a meaningful experience for both you and the animals, we require a minimum stay of 3 weeks

Upcoming Group Intakes

Start your Wildheart journey together.

We believe the Wildheart experience is even better when it’s shared. That’s why we work with Group Intake Dates throughout the year.

Approximately every five weeks, a new group of volunteers starts their journey at Thandile together. You’ll arrive around the same time, meet the other new volunteers, get introduced to life at the lodge and start your experience as a group.

Starting on a Group Intake Date also makes it easier to settle in, make connections and experience daily life together from the very beginning.

Start date Availability
2 December 2026 3 spots left!
6 January 2027 3 spots left!
10 February 2027 3 spots left!
17 March 2027 4 spots available
21 April 2027 4 spots available
26 May 2027 4 spots available

Recommended stay: 5 weeks

Our intake dates are approximately five weeks apart because five weeks is also the length of stay we recommend. It gives you enough time to settle in, build a connection with the horses and the people around you, become part of daily life at Thandile and truly experience everything the program has to offer.

You are, of course, welcome to stay for a shorter or longer period.

What if these dates don’t work for me?

We’re flexible!

Our Group Intake Dates are recommended, but not mandatory. We understand that flights, work, studies and travel plans don’t always fit perfectly around a set date.

If you would like to arrive between two Group Intakes, just let us know during your WhatsApp call. We’ll look at the possibilities together and find an arrival date that works for both you and us.

Ready to find your intake?

Schedule a relaxed WhatsApp call with us. We’ll get to know each other, talk about what you’re looking for and help you choose the best time to join.

When is the best time to join?

There is no “best” season to join the Thandile Wildheart Program, it all depends on the kind of experience you are looking for.

Winter Season | May – August
If you’re looking for a slower pace, space to breathe and time to reconnect with yourself, the horses and nature, winter might be your perfect season. The days are usually sunny and mild, while mornings and evenings are cooler. The bush becomes quieter and more open, creating a peaceful atmosphere for long rides, working with the horses and simply enjoying life away from the rush of everyday life.

Winter is generally a quieter time at the lodge, which means there may be fewer volunteers and guests around. It’s a beautiful season if you enjoy more personal space, a close connection with the horses and the team, and don’t mind slowing down a little.

Summer Season | September – April
If you love being part of the action, meeting new people and getting involved in daily lodge life, summer is a great time to join. This is our warmer, greener and generally busier season, with more guests, activities and volunteers coming and going.

You can expect a more social atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to get hands-on — from helping with the horses and joining rides to being involved in the day-to-day activities around the lodge. The summer rains also transform the bush into a completely different landscape: green, lush and full of life.

Whichever season you choose, the heart of the Wildheart Program stays the same: horses, nature, adventure, meaningful connections and the opportunity to experience life in the South African bush from the inside.

What does a day look like?

No two days are exactly the same and that’s exactly what makes this experience special!

A typical day might look like this:

08:00 – Feeding the horses
08:30 – Saddling up and heading out into the mountains to find the free-roaming horses
10:30 – Feeding them and checking their condition
11:00 – Working with the horses
(this can be riding, maintaining their training, or assisting with young or more challenging horses)

13:00 – Lunch and free time

After lunch, the rhythm of the day can shift.

Some days are slower… giving you time to relax, enjoy nature, or focus on your own things.
Other days, you might:

– Assist with a horse trail
– Help prepare rides for guests
– Join a ride
– Support during events or important tasks that need to be finished

Because we are also a guest lodge, not everything happens within fixed hours.
Sometimes things run a little longer and other days you’ll have more free time.

We always make sure there’s a healthy balance.

You’ll have time to rest, explore, join activities, or even do remote work if needed (in consultation with us).

This is not about working non-stop.
It’s about being part of real life on the ranch.

Included Ranch Activities

During your stay, you’ll also be part of a variety of experiences on the ranch, including:

– Sunset horse trails
– Swimming with horses
– Camping trips in nature
– Braai evenings under the stars

These moments are a natural part of life on the ranch —
giving you the chance to slow down, connect and truly experience South Africa.

Optional experiences during your stay

Besides the daily program, you’ll have the opportunity to join unique experiences in the area.

 

4-Day Ranch Experience at John’s Place – €300

A truly unique and exclusive experience. Only available to our volunteers.

Spend 4 days on a different ranch in Perdekop, where you’ll experience another side of ranch life.

Here, it’s all about:
– Herding cattle and horses
– Assisting with rescued horses
– Learning how horses are rehabilitated and prepared for sale
– Long rides through open, flat land (yes… this is where the galloping happens)

Includes:
– Transport
– Accommodation
– All meals
– Full experience at the ranch

Note: Only for experienced riders!

.

2-Day Safari Experience – €200

Experience the African bush in a Big 5 reserve.

Includes:
– Transport
– Thandile guide
– Accommodation
– 3 meals per day
– Sunset game drive

Note:
Predators are kept in a separate enclosure within the reserve.
Optional predator tour available for €15 extra.

Elephant Interaction – €100

A close and unforgettable experience with elephants.

Zipline adventure - €45

A fun and active day out, flying over the landscape with incredible views.

Local outings (optional)

From time to time, we organize relaxed outings to local spots such as:

– A café (sometimes on horseback)
– A crocodile farm
– A nearby bar or restaurant (sometimes on horseback)
– Local farms

You’re always welcome to join 
food and drinks are at your own expense.