Environmental and Community Gap Year Program Adventure in South Africa

What is the 10 or 7-week Community and Conservation Gap Year Program Adventure in South Africa all about?

This unique 10 or 7 -week gap year program is the perfect opportunity to learn more about environmental conservation and community development, and enhance key life skills, make new friends, and witness Africa’s most iconic animals up close.

You will participate in conservation and community work in the Greater Kruger area, including rehabilitation efforts, community education, and infrastructure development … and then there is the Great Trek: an approximately 19-day group hiking adventure through the unspoiled African wilderness.

This 3-module group program is as much about immersing yourself in a new environment and culture as it is about self-discovery and personal development. Each module of the program has set learning objectives, aimed at building your confidence, independence, and adaptability, in a supportive and engaging team setting.

The full program is 10 weeks long and includes 3 modules:

• Module 1. Community project module
• Module 2. The Great Trek – an ultimate group hiking adventure module (not to be missed!)
• Module 3. Environmental project module

The order of the modules may change. The 7-week program consists of 2 of the 3 modules (you can choose which 2).
If you are unsure of your next academic or professional step and are looking for a unique gap year experience and the chance to truly reflect on your goals in life, then this is the program for you.

Why choose this Environment, Community and Adventure Gap Year Program in South Africa?

• Camp out in the African bush, experience close encounters with Africa’s iconic animals, and learn how to survive in the wild!
• Contribute to important conservation efforts, helping to preserve and protect vulnerable habitats.
• Experience what it is like to be a leader: learn about the power of planning, team effort, and the strength of working together to achieve goals.
• Grow both personally and professionally, learning more about yourself, your capabilities, and your passions.

Here is what you can experience as a Volunteer in the Environment, Community and Adventure Gap Year Program in South Africa

This Gap Year Adventure is for you if you like variety and don`t want to be stuck doing one thing for an extended amount of time. It gives you the opportunity to experience various aspects of African life and its challenges, but it also offers all the incredible beauty and magic of the wilderness. Here is a sample timeline of a full 10-week program, but bear in mind that the order of the modules may vary. If you choose the 7-week program, you can choose 2 modules.

Your experience starts at base/training camp – disconnect from the outside world by isolating with your group in the African bush. In the first few days, you will work on social skills, including teamwork, communication, social confidence, and setting healthy boundaries. You will also be given information about the projects and spend your evenings planning activities by the campfire. You will learn more about South African culture and your new environment, and how it differs from your home.

COMMUNITY PROJECT MODULE (approx 19-20 days)– The community project is focused on bringing sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, food insecurity, and low levels of education to the semi-rural communities living on the perimeter of the Kruger National Park. You will be part of a team empowering locals to become self-sufficient. Depending on the community`s needs at the time of your arrival, tasks could include:

• working on clean water and sanitation projects
• building infrastructure at schools
• feeding programs and farming projects
• after-school programs (homework club, playing, educational activities)

Staying in a camp in the heart of the community village, you will be fully immersed in the local culture, traditions, and cuisine. In the evenings you will have meaningful campfire discussions to immerse you deeper into the culture and also to share your stories and experiences. After the first module, you will return to base/training camp to unwind for a few days before embarking on the next module. 

THE GREAT TREK MODULE (approx 19 days) – The most challenging but also most rewarding element of the South African Gap Year Program is the 19-day adventure hike. You and your team will embark on an unparalleled journey through the Drakensberg Mountains, experiencing magical terrains, incredible canyon landscapes, forests, and rural areas. After enjoying the evening meal that the team has cooked together, you will pitch a tent and fall asleep under the magnificent African sky.

The trek may test you, but you will always have the full support and encouragement of your team to push through. Granted, there will be highs and lows, but you will be surprised how much you can grow as an individual in perseverance, adaptability, teamwork, confidence, and empathy. Wilderness hiking will enhance your navigation, and orienteering skills as your group makes its way through unmarked trails. You will also get a feel of what it means to lead a group when it is your turn to be the leader for the day.

The trek is not a difficult terrain, no particular technical skills or experience is needed to participate, just a good attitude and the willingness to adapt to various situations. Your hiking group will be supported by a highly experienced local guide, medic, and team leaders. Once you have completed the Great Trek, you will return to base/training camp and relax for a few days, after which you will continue the program with the final module. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT MODULE (19-21 days) – In this module you will be based in a camp surrounded by reserves, sharing the land with the Big 5. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will learn a lot about African wildlife, plants, and the landscape. Your project is focused on restoring a healthy habitat for the animals and indigenous plants in the area and can include physical activities such as:

• Tree planting and removal of alien species
• Raising awareness on the importance of preserving ecosystems
• Improving trails, clearing roads
• Maintaining camera traps
• Biodiversity inventory, etc.

You will also have daily team responsibilities at the camp to keep it going in the African bush and be rewarded with some amazing experiences and friendships in return.   

The last part of your program is about returning to base or training camp and reflecting on your journey, what you have gained, and what you have learnt about yourself. And of course, enjoying a final few days of wildlife spotting and taking in the beauty of the Kruger area. 

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.

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