Gap Year in Africa

Plan a Gap Year to Africa

Africa is one of the most unique and popular destinations, expect a huge continent full of unique countries which all offer a different experience.

If you have never stepped foot on the African continent before you might have the wrong impression from images portrayed in the media. There are thriving countries with strong economies, world famous tourist attractions and also lots of opportunities to go off the beaten track to discover the real Africa.

This continent is the second largest continent in the world with 54 countries and the landscape and scenery is diverse, from the vast Serengeti, the wilderness of the Kalahari or the lush rain forests of the Congo and Uganda. Taking a gap year in Africa is a fun way for you to do something different and see a different area of the world.

Expect friendly people, exotic wildlife and some of the most stunning locations in the world. Not much in life compares to being in the wild and getting to see elephants and exotic animals like lions in their natural habitat. Programs are open to students, graduates and people seeking an exciting new challenge.

Population: 1,050,000,000
Number of Countries in Africa: 54
Continent Area: 30,000,000 km2 (approx) making it the second largest continent in the world
Languages: A diverse number of local languages spoken
Largest City in Africa: Cairo, Egypt - population 8,000,000

Destinations

What to Do

Visiting Africa on your gap year will be one of the most amazing things you will ever do. This is your chance to help local people, communities, the environment and wildlife by donating your time and effort. Lots of people choose to do join a structured program in Africa because there are few better ways to ingratiate yourself into the cultures and customs of a country.

Whether on your gap year you spend time soaking up the sights, helping underprivileged communities or wildlife - you will come home with some skills you never thought you would acquire, and plenty of new friends who you mightn't have expected to acquire either!

There are lots of immersion opportunities whee you can help local communities. The trips we promote provide you with a unique opportunity explore rural areas, learn about important global issues and help out on worthwhile initiatives.

Are you keen to get paid? There are a limited number of gap year jobs in Africa to foreigners but there are still options for example working in travel, as a tour guide or finding a seasonal position. One option is to take a TEFL certification course and teach in Africa. There are also lots of intern programs in Africa perfect if you would like to gain work experience and boost a future career.

Popular Destinations

There are so many highlights in the continent, here are some of the highlights:

Kruger National Park, South Africa (get up close to the big five wild animals)
Cape Town, South Africa (relaxed vibe and take a trip up Table Mountain)
Victoria Fall, Zambia & Zimbabwe (stunning waterfall and adventure sports)
Okavango Delta, Botswana (beautiful wetlands)
Fes, Morocco (incredible North African city complex)
Pyramids, Egypt (ancient mysterious structures)
Cape Coast, Ghana (busy town on the West coast)
Lake Turkana, Kenya (stunning lake in a beautiful country)
Cape of Good Hope, South Africa (the Southern most point of Africa)
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar (amazing wildlife)

Africa Travel Tips

How to Get to Africa
There are daily international flights to countries throughout the continent. Book in advance to secure the best deals.

Money & Budget
Africa offers some of the best value for money in terms of travel, you can get great deals on accommodation, sightseeing and activities. Keep local currency and USA dollars - it will be always come in handy. Remember to always try to exchange foreign currency before departing a country, it can be difficult to exchange afterwards.

Flights
Getting to Africa can be your biggest cost, be sure to book in advance to get the best deals.

Accommodation
You can find accommodation for all budgets. Some countries offer better standards than others but this really depends on your destination.

Health & Safety

Check vaccination requirements well in advance of departure, some countries will not allow you entry if you don't have the right jabs.
Pack a first aid kit, you never know when it will come in handy.
If you are female and travelling solo it might be an idea to wear a wedding ring, this usually help keep away unwanted advances and attention from locals.
Take a sink plug, you might be surprised how useful this is! Like cleaning clothes to washing your face.
Always try to tell somewhere where you are going.
Pack some rehydration sachets, also always take tissues and toilet roll.
We don't recommend carrying all your money on you, or putting it in one place. Try to mix it up.

Africa Gap Year Reviews

"Everything was absolutely fantastic - I loved every minute of it! I’m very happy, the living conditions were really good, probably better than I expected but I hadn't really known what to expect. Again I didn't really know what to expect but for the most part everything has been perfect! Duncan our project leader is fantastic, really helpful and goes out of his way to make sure we are all ok. I was really impressed by the hospital too - its a big relief to know that it's a good one. I felt like we were in very safe hands. Everything was wonderful. It was tempting to stay there forever!" - Laura, UK