Things to see and do on your Gap Year in South Africa
Teaching in South Africa
Gap years are perfect opportunities to discover exciting new countries and cultures. To truly immerse yourself in another culture it is best to combine your gap year travel with volunteer work and GapGuru can cater for this with a wide range of voluntary projects.
But what else can you do during your gap year in South Africa? South Africa has the landscape, wildlife, culture and history to satisfy even the most demanding traveller, but with such an array of options it can be difficult knowing where to start!
As a volunteer in South Africa you will be perfectly placed to experience everything the country has to offer. Below is a list of just some of the things you can get up to on your gap year abroad.
Safaris, National Parks and Wildlife
Gap Year VolunteerSouth Africa is home to some of Africa’s finest nature and game reserves including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, where you can witness the Big Five in their natural environment. The easiest way to get up close and personal with the animals is a 4x4 safari, but with our conservation volunteer programme, you can enjoy a much more interactive experience!
South Africa ’s marine life is equally impressive and whale-spotting is a popular tourist activity. For something even more dramatic why not take a boat trip off the coast of Cape Town and witness the spectacular hunting behaviour of Great White sharks. This is sure to be an unforgettable gap year experience!
Robben Island and Soweto
Robben Island and the township of Soweto are essential sights for any gap year travellers interested in South Africa ’s intriguing history. Soweto was once a hot-bed of anti-apartheid activity and is famous for its role in the struggle for democracy. Nowadays, the township is a mix of poignant history and vibrant street culture, making it a fascinating stopover for anyone volunteering in South Africa .
Robben Island is a World Heritage Site famed for its tragic past and an essential visit for volunteers on a gap year in South Africa . Once a leper colony and mental hospital, it is best known as the prison where anti-apartheid activists were banished. A tour around Robben Island gives you an insight into South Africa's darker past and the life of its most famous political prisoner, Nelson Mandela.
Table Mountain
Gap Travel South AfricaTable Mountain is one of South Africa's most popular tourist attractions and a must-see on your gap year abroad. Standing at over 3,500 feet above sea level and with its distinctive flat top, Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. As a volunteer in South Africa you can reach the summit by cable car, where you will have panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula and out across Table Bay.
Durban and the Wild Coast
For those seeking sun, sea and sand, South Africa has some magnificent coastline for you to explore before or after your gap year project. Durban is a popular holiday city and boasts miles of soft, sandy, swimming beaches, great surfing and warm weather all year round. Durban is also a great location to go open sea fishing, take a sunset cruise or visit a marine park.
The Wild Coast is another popular beach break for volunteers on a gap year in South Africa . It is renowned for its natural beauty and its rugged landscape is best explored by foot, 4x4 or horseback. A visit to this dramatic coastline is also a great opportunity to fish, snorkel and dive amongst abundant wildlife and spectacular shipwrecks.