Africa is a spectacular and diverse continent with over 50 countries. If you like the idea of taking a gap year in Africa there are so many things you can do including helping volunteer projects or exploring the continent on a small group tour. Start planning a dream trip to Africa today.
Paid Work, Volunteer Programs, Backpacking Trips & Safaris in Africa
Big 5 African Wildlife & Conservation
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Community Work in Cape Town
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,545
Safari Guide Training Course in South Africa
• 8 weeks
• Price from £5,095
Community Volunteering in Tanzania
• 4-26 weeks
• Price from £1,295
Community Volunteering in Zanzibar
• 2-8 weeks
• Price from £2,045
Elephant Conservation in Namibia
• 2-12 days
• Price from £1,245
East Africa Safari
• 12 days, 2 countries
• Price from £3,253
Cape Town to Joburg Overland Safari
• 28 days
• Price from £2699
Cape Town, Safari & Victoria Falls
• 11 days, 3 countries
• Price from £1,883
Masai Mara & Gorilla Adventure
• 12 days
• Price from £4,200
Kenya Camping Safari
• 9 days
• Price from £1,372
Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari
• 14 days
• Price from £3,399
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure
• 18 days
• Price from £2,759
Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Safari
• 40 days
• Price from £4,459
Absolute Africa Overland Safari
• 55 days
• Price from £7,599
Where to Go
These are some of the safest and most popular destinations to consider visiting: Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
Other countries slightly off the beaten track which are recommended for the more adventurous travellers include: Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone and Swaziland.
Travel & Backpacking in Africa
These are some of the top reasons to go backpacking or take a gap year in Africa:
• See exotic wildlife, this continent is home to some of the most endangered and rare animals on the planet include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and giraffes
• Meet friendly people and learn about local cultures and tribes
• Witness incredible landscapes and some of the most beautiful national parks in the world
• Go in search of history, explore ancient temples and ruins
• Explore world famous spectacular cities like Cape Town
• Great value for money destination compared to other continents
Popular Africa Gap Year Ideas
Some of the most popular Africa gap year ideas include:
• Volunteer helping people, animals and the environment
• Go on an adventure by booking an overland tour
• Book a safari and get up close to some of the most beautiful animals on the planet
• If you are looking for a dramatic career change you could train to become a safari guide
• Find paid work or gain experience on an internship
Volunteer in Africa
You can find local (NGO’s) and nonprofit organisations that offer volunteerism in grassroots projects in Africa, and international agencies which make it possible to help at affordable prices. Some projects really are life changing and an amazing way to spend a meaningful gap year.
Types of projects can include helping children, orphanage projects, rehabilitation for disabled people, medical and hospitals, farming, HIV awareness, wildlife conservation, teaching in rural schools and more.
Joining a grassroots project and helping worthwhile causes is very popular, from building a new classroom for kids, helping at orphanages, working on an improvised ranch for farm animals or peer education on social and health issues such as teenage pregnancies or HIV/AIDS, there are so many ways to get involved.
Look through gap year volunteer projects and join one today. Most organisations require a minimum of 2 weeks volunteering whilst some placements can last 1 year or longer.
Work in Africa
Keen to spend your gap year living and working in Africa? You can find lots of paid jobs. Popular options include teaching, sports coaching, becoming a safari guide or working in hotels, hospitality and tourism.
If you have ever dreamed of working with animals travel to Southern Africa and take a field guide courses and gain your FGASA Level 1 Field Guide Certificate! You can learn to become a safari guide with one of Africa’s most eminent associations and start your dream career, in this stunning and exhilarating setting.
Teach in Africa
The African continent is rich in wildlife, culture, sights, and smiles. But sadly, most of its countries are not leading TEFL destinations. Although it’s possible to find work in a few countries, wages will be low. But with so many impoverished areas, why not consider volunteering to teach English for a while?
Not only will your valuable time be appreciated by uneducated youngsters, you’ll experience rural Africa at its best – an experience many travellers will never see. In the past decades local governments have made education and health top priorities, so new schools are opening all the time. Imagine the gratitude these children will show as you help local teachers perfect their pronunciation, and you tell the class about your life in the west.
As well as teaching you also have the chance to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as singing and football coaching. People in Africa are renowned for their friendliness, so get out there for a truly awe-inspiring experience! Magical.