Special Project
Sponsor wildlife and named horses on the 100-hectare Thandolwami property, where practical care keeps people, animals, and land in balance.
Special Project
On the 100-hectare lodge, wildlife and horses live side by side in a carefully balanced natural environment. Annual adoptions and monthly food sponsorships help provide the right nutrition, support animal care, and protect the harmony of the land.
Support Paths
Choose between wildlife care and direct support for one of the named Bambelela horses.
Support resident wildlife, river visitors, and the everyday feed and care that keep the land in balance.
Support 12 remarkable horses, many with second lives after racing, who now roam freely and carry the riding experience.
Zebra Symbol
Zebras are a symbol of unity, balance, teamwork, and strong community. Every zebra has unique stripes, yet the herd moves together. That reflects the lodge's hope for people from different cultures to work with mutual respect toward a shared purpose.
Wildlife Cards
All wildlife adoption prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR). Annual adoption renews automatically each year; monthly food support renews each month. Cancel future renewals in the customer portal, linked in your confirmation email. Animal photographs are illustrative and may not show the individual animal supported.
A graceful antelope whose quiet presence belongs to the bushveld around the lodge.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to a Big 5 safari. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
A lively part of the grazing rhythm across the property.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Large, calm antelope that bring a quiet presence to the surrounding bushveld.
Annual adoption benefit
5% off accommodation on your next booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
A striking antelope with strong markings and a special place on the property.
Annual adoption benefit
5% off accommodation on your next booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Robust blue-grey grazers that help shape the natural rhythm of the land.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to a Big 5 safari. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Gentle browsers that define the tree line and the safari feeling.
Annual adoption benefit
5% off accommodation on your next booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
A visible part of lodge life, bringing movement and contrast to the bush.
Annual adoption benefit
5% off accommodation on your next booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Günther is the lodge's characterful ostrich and a familiar resident.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to a Big 5 safari. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Hardy bush characters that keep close to the ground and its daily rhythm.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Slow, resilient residents that move at the pace of the bush.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Watchful animals that belong to the night sounds and wilder edges of the property.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
A powerful symbol of the wider ecosystem around the lodge.
Annual adoption benefit
5% off accommodation on your next booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Part of the area's reptile life, supported through awareness and safe coexistence.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
A respected part of local reptile life, approached with knowledge and care.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
An important bush reptile, treated with respect and distance.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
One of the region's most respected snakes and part of responsible bush awareness.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Distinctive birds whose calls and movement are part of lodge life.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Social, noisy birds that animate the grounds.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Quick, bright birds connected to water edges and small bush life.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
A delicate web builder that shows the overlooked beauty of the ecosystem.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to the local reptile centre for all guests on that booking. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
A river visitor connected to the Olifants River at the property's edge.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to a Big 5 safari. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
River wildlife that may appear along the Olifants water edge.
Annual adoption benefit
Invitation to a Big 5 safari. Arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Horse Cards
Choose a named Bambelela horse for annual adoption or monthly food support at the listed fixed prices. Each horse has one annual adoption place. Meet the horses in their individual portraits; profiles and ages are supplied by the team.
Amara is the baby of the herd. She is still growing and getting to know herself. Her best friend is Whitey, and they go everywhere together. The team’s profile says she will begin preparing for riding the following year.
Appaloosa · Age stated by team: 2
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Bagheera is a sweetheart: soft, gentle, and low in the herd’s pecking order. He is a beginner horse who does the bare minimum unless asked for more. A jack of all trades, he is friends with everyone. He is obsessed with food and will even try to escape his stable to steal some from his friends.
Thoroughbred · Age stated by team: 5
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Copper is the cleverest horse in the herd. He knows how to open the feed room and let his friends out of their stables. He is a wonderful horse to ride and has taught many people to ride.
Boerperd · Age stated by team: 7
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Future is one of the herd’s weight carriers. He is a wonderful horse with a sweet heart, loved by everyone in the herd and with no enemies. He is built for comfort more than speed.
Thoroughbred · Age stated by team: 5
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Joyce is the mother of the herd. She keeps everyone in line and is second in the pecking order. A queen with plenty of personality, she is a real ladies’ horse and has plenty of speed.
Thoroughbred · Age stated by team: 9
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Nala is a princess who knows how to get what she wants. She is third in the herd’s pecking order and a favourite to ride because she adapts beautifully to her rider’s needs. The herd’s leader loves her, and she knows it. A former racehorse accustomed to a luxurious life, she initially struggled to adjust to the bush and maintain her weight. She is now healthy and thriving.
Thoroughbred · Age stated by team: 7
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Rowland is a little powerhouse who loves swimming and is one of the children’s ponies. A former barrel-racing horse, he is wonderfully agile. He is soft and calm with children but spirited with adults. He is not a fan of dogs and makes sure they stay out of his stable while he eats.
Quarter Horse cross · Age stated by team: 7
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Shaka is a retired racehorse who won eight races. The team chose him for his size and his ability to read his rider. He is suitable for a wide range of riders. He and Troy are the best of friends.
Thoroughbred · Age stated by team: 8
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Sirviluis is the king of the herd and, according to the team, its fastest horse. He is confident and dominant, and when food arrives he eats first. He is wonderful to ride and almost seems to read your mind.
Thoroughbred · Age stated by team: 7
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Troy is a handsome horse and Lucas’ favourite. The team believes he will become one of their best safari horses. He is willing and always tries to please his rider. He and his best friend Shaka are inseparable: you rarely see one without the other.
Thoroughbred · Age stated by team: 8
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Known as Whitey in the team’s profile, he is a shy horse who experienced abuse before joining the herd. At first, the team could not get near him because he was so afraid. It took about a month to gain his trust. He is sensitive, prefers calm riders, and is best friends with the zebras.
Arab · Age stated by team: 7
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Zuki is a children’s pony who loves her job and approaches it with enthusiasm. She loves food and announces feeding time with a dance and plenty of noise. She dislikes water and getting her hooves dirty. She arrived neglected and has impaired vision in one eye, which the team says does not affect her riding or life in the bush.
Arab · Age stated by team: 5
All horse sponsors
Complimentary riding with Lucas for 12 hours per week. Arrange with the team; riding depends on rider suitability, weather, horse welfare, and guide approval.
Monthly food-support benefit
Two bottles of wine plus a restaurant invitation for two people. For lawful, eligible recipients; arrange dates, participants, and any costs not included with the team.
EUR amounts are reference prices. Checkout is charged in ZAR; your bank’s exchange rate and fees may differ.
Annual adoption renews automatically each year until cancelled. Your place stays reserved through the paid period. Manage renewals in the customer portal.
See the Terms and Privacy Policy.
Impact
Support contributes to daily observation, practical care, feed where needed, and responsible attention to the animals on the land.
The land reaches to the middle of the Olifants River, so care includes bushveld, water edges, and the wildlife passing through.
Funds help the people on site with practical maintenance, equipment access, and shared responsibility for the animals.
Payments
Secure card payments are handled through Stripe. Please contact the special projects team before arranging any other payment method. Wildlife photographs are illustrative; horse portraits show the named Bambelela horses. View the image credits and licences.
Special project contact: sina@thandolwami-bushlodge.com / +41 76 361 24 15