What is the 8-week Wildlife Conservation and Community Gap Year Program in South Africa all about?
This gap year program is ideal for those looking to experience a new country and culture, whilst doing something meaningful with their time. As part of this 8-week program, volunteers will work on wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability projects in the Greater Kruger area, and community development projects in Cape Town.
In addition to exploring all that these incredible areas have to offer, volunteers will also have the opportunity to do plenty of wildlife spotting and sightseeing, including exploring the famous Garden Route.
If you are looking for an adventure-filled, impactful volunteer experience, then this is the project for you!
Why choose this 8-week Gap Year Program in South Africa?
- Participate in a gap year expedition and contribute towards valuable environmental and community development efforts.
- Explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world and immerse yourself in another culture and lifestyle.
- Travel with a group of like-minded adventure seekers, creating incredible memories and forming life-long friendships along the way.
Role of the Gap Year Volunteer
As a gap year volunteer you will be involved in various important wildlife conservation and environmental development activities.
Environmental Sustainability and Community Education in Kruger
As a wildlife conservation volunteer, you will be supporting conservation initiatives in the Greater Kruger area, to help ensure that endangered species and their habitats are protected and preserved. You will record essential data relating to the health, migration and behavioural patterns of the animals. Expect game drives, bush walks and plenty of close encounters with some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife! You will also have the opportunity to assist with local campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation.
You will spend your weekends visiting local towns, going on a safari, or relaxing with your group!
Community Development in Cape Town
As a community development volunteer you will be providing valuable teaching support to children between the ages of 6 months to 7 years. Your activities may include after-school support, homework assistance, gardening, leading reading sessions or craft-making sessions.Your participation in these activities helps ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have a safe and engaging learning environment, helping to prepare them for entry into primary school. Volunteers are encouraged to share their own ideas and use their creativity to make the sessions interactive and fun for the children.
What skills do I need to join this 8-week Gap Year Program in South Africa?
No specific qualifications are required other than enthusiasm, a sense of adventure and a flexible attitude. You must be willing to embrace the challenges of exploring a new country, and really immerse yourself in the experience. As you will be traveling as a group, you must be respectful and considerate of others.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To view Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat
To make a difference whilst exploring a new country
To challenge yourself and meet new people
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS


Where will I work in South Africa?
The Greater Kruger Area
For the first half of your gap year adventure, you will be based in the Greater Kruger Area. Here you will see an abundance of iconic wildlife, including the Big 5-lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. You will encounter these animals on game drives, taking you deep into the African bush. This region not only offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, but its focus on wildlife conservation means that your time here will be both exhilarating and impactful.
Cape Town
For the second half of the program, you will be based in the beautiful and historically significant Cape Town. From the ocean and mountain views, to the vibrant culture and Mediterranean climate, Cape Town is a fascinating city, with something for everyone. It is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, and features one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World; Table Mountain!
This gap year project allows you to explore all the beauty and wildlife that South Africa has to offer, with day trips in the Kruger area and a road trip along the beautiful South African coastline to complete your gap year adventure.
Adventure week
For the adventure week, you will travel along the famous garden route, stopping off in Hermanus, Oudtshorrn, Knysna and Port Elizabeth to name a few, before returning to Cape Town for your departure.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 8 Weeks
- Cost: £6500/$10400
- Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Kruger region, South Africa; Cape Town, South Africa
- Working hours: Monday-Friday, times vary
- Project availability: Speak to your Kaya advisor
- Arrival day: Sunday
What is included
- All accommodation throughout your program
- All meals, except lunches during adventure week
- Private transport for duration of the program
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town (one-way)
- Orientation upon arrival
- Project activities, including game drives and a full day safari in Kruger Park
- Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction
- Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinators
What is not included
- Insurance
- International flights
- Visas
- Any excursions outside of the planned itinerary
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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