Our mission at African Dream Horse Safari is to show all who join us a fun and exciting way to work with and learn about both, horses and the wildlife of South Africa.
The programmes welcome holiday makers and interns who would like to spend their time with us living their ultimate African Dream. Whether it be horse trails through the bush, improving horse riding skills during jumping and flat work lessons in the arena, game drives in the Big 5 nature reserve, making a difference on outreach or exploring the surrounding area on one of the many excursions, African Dream is the place for you.
As a family run business, we pride ourselves in what we do and do our best to share our incredible passion for both horses and nature, in a fun-filled, happy environment with all who join us on this wonderful adventure.
Equine and Wildlife Holiday
For enthusiastic travelers wanting to have an incredible African holiday, by viewing our beautiful wildlife, taking part in a variety of equestrian activities, assisting with outreach work and going on exciting excursions that the surrounding area has to offer.
Working Rider Internship
For advanced riders, who are looking to gain valuable experience in the equine industry by becoming part of our African Dream team and assisting with the variety aspects it takes to manage a successful stable yard in the African bush.
Research Internship
For university students who are required to conduct a short term research project as part of their university or school studies, while still getting to experience Africa’s incredible wildlife and a variety of equestrian activities.
Horseback Trails
For holiday makers wanting to experience nature in a unique way, by joining us on a 1 or 2 hour horseback trail through the African bush, while we search for a variety of unique and wonderful wildlife species.
Traci Thomson
Traci is a devoted guide, accomplished competitive rider and dedicated conservationist. She is a firm believer in working all her horses with compassion and kindness, teaching her riders and students to do the same. She has completed both her FGASA Levels 1 and 2, Trails Guide as well as received her CEEPSA certificate and qualified as an equestrian sports coach International level 1.
She spends her time teaching various horse skills and how to love, care and work with the horses.
Shannon Thomson
Shannon has lived in the bush her whole life and has a passion for all animals. She has her FGASA Level 1 qualification and runs the horseback trails side of the business. She is relaxed, alert and confident out on trail, spotting unusual and interesting wildlife, plants and trees and describing them in a way that is fun and enjoyable. Being a very avid rider, she rides in various show jumping competitions with her phenomenal horses.
Shannon is responsible for the stable management and welfare of the horses, making sure that they have the best care possible.
Ryan Thomson
Ryan graduated from the University of Pretoria with a degree in Business Management and Marketing and now follows his passion for the bush as part of African Dream. He has gained his FGASA Level 1 and Lead walking trails guide qualifications, and is in the process of getting his FGASA Level 2.
Ryan is involved in the bush side of things, by taking students on game drives and helping interns gather the necessary data as well as runs the various excursions, which students will experience during their stay at African Dream.
Christelle Malan
Christelle is full of energy, enthusiasm and loves having a good time! She’s always been a close friend of African Dream, joining in and helping wherever she can and we were very excited to officially make her part of the team, as the student co-ordinator, trails guide and as many past volunteers will agree, entertainer.
Christelle is a big part of African Dream and is continuously trying to make sure everyone is having the most incredible time. She is a fantastic and fun horse rider, who loves going out on trail, taking good care of the riders and horses, as well as making all the various excursions we offer, loads of fun!
African Dream wouldn’t be the company it is today, if it wasn’t for the incredible dedication and hard work put in by all our staff, in order to look after the horses, stables, facilities and volunteers.
Oransie, Alfred, David, Oliver, Clifford, Jacky, Susan, Gladys, and Victoria work shifts at the stables making sure all the horses are happy, healthy and content. Oscar works extremely hard keeping the facilities in excellent condition and Shirley and Rummy work tirelessly to ensure the accommodation is clean and tidy.
All the grooms speak English and/or Afrikaans, as well as their home language Shangaan, so you can have fun learning the local languages while having a chat to our friendly staff.
