WildeHorse
Ride With Purpose
WildeHorse is an immersive collaborative conservation mission in a 50,000-acre wilderness in Zimbabwe, where a family-owned landscape is in the process of being rewilded into a thriving Big 5 reserve. This is an opportunity to experience African conservation from the saddle, combining horseback safaris, hands-on horse care, wildlife experiences and life in a remote wilderness environment.
See what it is like to join this conservation mission! --> VIDEO
At the heart of the programme is a herd of more than 40 horses, giving participants the chance to explore the reserve in a way that feels natural and connected to the landscape. Ride through open plains, ancient valleys and wild bush, often alongside free-ranging giraffe, elephant, buffalo, hippo and plains game. Swim with the horses in natural waterways, head out for sunrise and sunset rides, and experience the changing conditions of the African bush from horseback.
The experience goes far beyond riding. Participants can become involved in the daily care and training of the horses, including groundwork, lunging and learning about horse behaviour, communication and natural horsemanship. Days may also take you away from the saddle, with opportunities to explore the reserve on foot, kayak or fish on the dam, assist with sustainable farming activities and experience the rhythms of life on a working wilderness reserve.
Conservation is woven throughout the experience. Depending on wildlife movements and conditions, participants may take part in wildlife monitoring, camera trap surveys, species data collection and ecological observations, as well as guided wildlife tracking, predator call-ups and game drives. There are also opportunities to learn about and support anti-poaching and habitat restoration work, gaining an insight into how conservation takes place on the ground and how real-time observations help shape the management of the reserve.
There is no fixed itinerary - each day is shaped by the wildlife, weather and opportunities unfolding across the reserve. One day may be spent riding alongside a herd of giraffe, while the next could involve tracking wildlife on foot, caring for the horses, joining a conservation activity or simply exploring the wilderness. Evenings can be spent around the rhythms of camp life, with opportunities for guided stargazing beneath some of Africa's darkest skies.
With a 2 week recommended minimum stay but no maximum, you are able to really immerse in this magical destination. Select curated mission dates will also have a focus of hands on veterinary work with predators to increase data collection of the reserves species.
WildeHorse is designed to be enjoyed by all ages from 4+, with activities adapted to suit different ages and experience levels.
Location
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a country of extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, from vast savannahs and ancient granite formations to winding rivers and remote wilderness. Home to the iconic Big Five, as well as wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos and an incredible diversity of birdlife, Zimbabwe offers some of Africa's most authentic wildlife experiences. With the mighty Zambezi River, Victoria Falls and vast protected areas such as Hwange National Park, the country is deeply connected to its wild landscapes and conservation heritage. Rich in traditional cultures and communities, Zimbabwe offers a unique combination of wildlife, conservation, adventure and wilderness, with incredible experiences waiting around every corner.
Conservation Activities
Get involved in conservation on the ground and experience what it takes to protect and restore a large African wilderness. Throughout the programme, participants may have the opportunity to take part in practical conservation activities, wildlife monitoring and ecological work, gaining insight into how the reserve is managed and how field observations contribute to conservation decisions.
Activities may include:
Wildlife monitoring and observation
Camera trap surveys
Wildlife tracking and interpreting tracks and signs
Species data collection and ecological surveys
Predator call-ups and monitoring
Guided game drives focused on conservation
Supporting anti-poaching initiatives
Habitat restoration activities
Learning about reserve management and rewilding
Observing wildlife movements and behaviour
Assisting with sustainable farming activities
Learning about the relationship between livestock management and conservation
Optional Excursions
Extend your WildeHorse experience and explore more of Zimbabwe’s incredible landscapes and wildlife with an optional post-programme adventure.
Victoria Falls
Continue your journey to one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. This extension includes shared accommodation in Victoria Falls, transfers from the WildeHorse programme to Bulawayo Airport, a flight to Victoria Falls, and airport transfers on arrival. Enjoy the freedom to explore the Falls and surrounding attractions at your own pace, with the option to upgrade to luxury accommodation.
Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park
Combine the magic of Victoria Falls with a safari experience in Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park. This flexible extension includes accommodation for your chosen length of stay, transfers from the WildeHorse programme to Bulawayo Airport, and a Chobe day trip featuring a river cruise, game drive, and lunch. Luxury accommodation upgrades are also available.
Victoria Falls & Hwange National Park
Experience two of Zimbabwe’s greatest wildlife destinations with an extension combining Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls. Travel from the WildeHorse programme to Hwange for a full-day game drive before continuing onwards to Victoria Falls. This option includes accommodation for your chosen length of stay, transfers between locations, and the opportunity to upgrade to luxury accommodation.
your african home
Accommodation
During your WildeHorse experience, you will stay in one of the property's unique accommodation options, with the exact location and style depending on availability and your programme arrangements. From traditional African-style rondavels to luxury safari tented camps, each offers an authentic and comfortable base from which to experience the wilderness.
Whichever accommodation you stay in, expect incredible hospitality, dedicated staff and a setting that keeps you connected to the wild. With open spaces and wildlife moving freely around the property, you may wake to the sounds of the bush, watch the sunset over the dam as hippos emerge for their evening meal, or spend time in the water with the horses before they are turned in for the night.
As darkness falls, settle in beneath spectacular star-filled skies, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. This is a stay where the wild is never far from your door.
Available Missions
We Can't Wait To Welcome You
Next Mission
Available year round with a 1 week minimum stay, beginning and ending on Mondays
Private Group missions available - contact for details!
Who Can Join
Open to anyone 18 years and older
Open to children 4 years and older when accompanied by a guardian - this mission is family friendly!
No riding experienced needed, there are game viewers for transport as well as many non riding activites such as game viewing, kayaking, swimming, boating, hiking, sundowners, fishing, relaxing, cave paintings, farm animal care, community involvement and more
Suitable for advanced riders
Inclusions + exclusions
What's included
Accommodation
Shared accommodation in stunning African inspired on site lodgings
Full Board
All meals and non alcoholic drinks
Transfers
Including airport pick-up and drop-off from Bulawayo Airport (BUQ)
Conservation Work
Active habitat restoration, anti-poaching support, wildlife monitoring, species tracking, and community projects that directly rebuild ecosystems and support people in the region
All Activities
Horseback safari, horse training, swimming with horses, game drives, tracking wildlife, camera traps, stargazing, hiking, farming activities, cultural visits, and wilderness exploration
Guides
Qualified English-speaking professionals
What's not included
Flights
International flight to Bulawayo Airport
Health/Travel Insurance
Mandatory
Tour Visa
If applicable
Alcohol & Souvenirs
ACE Insurance
Specific insurance for helicopter retrieval recommended for Zimbabwe
Conservation Contribution
Ready to Join Us?
If “Book Now” is available:
Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.
A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment
The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure
If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list
If “Book Now” is not available:
This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available
Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest
A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email
If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com
No payment is required to register your interest
Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you
Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.
Find Out More
Want to learn more before booking your Wilde Tracks mission?
📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com
📸 See the experience in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.
💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.
Real Experiences. Real Travellers. Real Reviews.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.
From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.
⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised
Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.
Photo gallery
Wilde Tracks
Wilde Tracks is a conservation organisation with a different approach to funding wildlife protection: our conservation work is funded through travel.
We work alongside wildlife veterinarians, conservation organisations, reserves, researchers and local communities around the world, helping fund vital work including veterinary interventions, wildlife monitoring and tracking, anti-poaching initiatives, research, habitat protection and community-led conservation.
Rather than relying on donations or traditional fundraising, the people who travel with Wilde Tracks help make this work possible. The money generated through our trips directly contributes to the conservation projects our guests may be part of, while also supporting important work continuing behind the scenes.