African Conservation Experience: Hanchi Conservation Project in South Africa - Go Horse Riding in The African Bush - African Conservation Experience

Hanchi, meaning 'Horse' in the local Shangaan language, is a unique programme aimed at all levels of rider. Set in a private Game Reserve not far from Kruger National Park, Hanchi gives students the opportunity to experience the beautiful African bushveld from the unique viewpoint of being on the back of a horse. One of the most ecologically friendly way in which a human can traverse the bush is on horseback and the speed at which a horse walks is perfect for looking for tracks of both animals and man. The sensitivity of horses also make them ideal partners when taking part in activities such as game counts as they alert the rider to the presence of game which would often otherwise be overlooked.

Horses in the Bushveld

Students will spend the majority of their time with the horses, getting fully involved in their care and maintenance, including;

• Maintenance of horse tack
• Grooming
• Bedding, feeding and watering of the horses
• Dipping for ticks.
• Stable yard routine and maintenance.
• Exercising and continual training of the horses.
• Horse Back trails

In addition, theoretical aspects of equine biology will be covered in informal lectures and discussions.

• Basic Equine Nutrition
• Hoof Care
• Equine Physiology and Pathology
• Basic veterinary skills
• Social Interaction with the Game
• Herd Behaviour

Conservation and Education at Hanchi

Apart from the programme directly related to the horses, students will be involved in many other conservation projects, involving the other Game on the reserve and the local community:

• Doing regular fence patrols, to insure the integrity of the fence line and to check for possible human movements (poachers) into or out of the reserve.
• Bush rides that systematically encompass the whole reserve with the purpose of ascertaining game movements and densities.
• Road clearance of over hanging trees.
• Soil erosion control.
• Alien plant identification and control.
• Students will also be part of the local nature education program, that is run at the rural schools.
• An introduction into the identification of animals, birds, insects & plants. Tracking skills and First Aid in the bush.
• Sleep outs in the African Bush - building shelters, food preparation, navigation by stars

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Duration:   2-12 weeks.

Cost:   From £2050 for 2 weeks up to £4390 for 12 weeks. Includes return international flights from London, transfers, all meals, accommodation, all project-related costs and back up and support.

Accommodation:   Tented camp. Twin tents, separate ablution blocks with flushing toilets and hot showers, separate living/dining tent and brick built kitchen.

Time of year:   From January to mid-December.