GoAbroad.com

Description

This tour has all you need for an African adventure! Travelling through South Africa you'll take a tour of the world famous Kruger Park, while in Swaziland you will enjoy sports coaching projects with orphaned and vulnerable children. By the time you get to Mozambique, you will be ready for some relaxation and some scuba diving in one of the world's whale shark hotspots.

Overall, you visit an amazing variety of places whilst enjoying close encounters with big game animals, friendly African people and hopefully whale sharks in the wild!

Highlights

* South Africa
South Africa is the southern most country on the African continent, stretching over 2500km along the coast, from Namibia to Mozambique. It is one of the most developed countries on the continent, with very good infrastructure and excellent facilities for travellers.

South Africa has it all; from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. Cape Town has long been a favourite spot for tourists. Overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.

South Africa was originally inhabited by the Bantu-speaking people who migrated across Southern Africa. It was first marked on the 'map' in the 15th Century when the Portuguese explorers arrived on the shore of the Cape of Good Hope, making settlements and establishing trade routes. As a result of this, modern South Africa has huge diversity in all aspects of life, stemming from the traditional, tribal and European influence.

The recent history is a mixed affair. As a developed country with political ties to Europe, South Africa gallantly took part in both World Wars. However, only as recently as 1994 has South Africa ended the Apartheid regime. This was engineered by the minority White race and was a horrific and suppressing existence for all who opposed it. One can now hope for a just and democratic state.

Sadly, South Africa's diversity extends to economics, with roughly half the population living below the poverty line in shantytowns and mud huts. South Africa has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world and also the highest number of patients being treated for HIV/ Aids in the world. The government has tripled it's spending on HIV/Aids treatments, although it is doing little to reduce it's prevalence. The average life expectancy for men is just 47 years old, with women outlasting them by only four years, to 51 years old.

* Swaziland
Swaziland, named after the prominent Swazi tribe, is one of Africa's smallest but wealthiest nations. It is landlocked in the very southeast of the continent by South Africa and Mozambique. Politically, Swaziland is a Monarchy, with the King as the Head of State. It is traditional for the King to reign alongside the Queen Mother, who is seen as the spiritual and national Head of State. The population, as of 2004, is 1.1 million, with a majority of people living in the capital Mbabane and the largest settlement Manzini. The majority of the population are of the Swazi tribe descent with a small number of Zulu and white African descent. 82.7% of them are Christians.

For such a small country, Swaziland has a pretty diverse geography, with mountains, savannah and rainforest it also has a very progressive view towards conservation and there are many national parks to visit. Swaziland actually sued to be part of the British African colonies, but became independent in 1968.

* Mozambique
The Republic of Mozambique is in the east of the African continent. It is bordered to the south by South Africa, Zambia to the west and Malawi and Tanzania to the north and northwest. For a long time Mozambique has been a favourite holiday destination for people from neighbouring South Africa as it is considered to be one of Africa's true last untouched destinations. Mozambique has it all; from the picturesque beaches, to bustling metropolises, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular.

Like most countries in Africa, Mozambique has not escaped the devastation caused by AIDS. In 2004 it was estimated that half a million children had lost either one or both of their parents due to AIDS.

In contrast to the devastating effects of AIDS and flooding, Mozambique has some of the most beautiful coastline scenery in Africa and is one of the few remaining unspoiled destinations around.

Mozambique is now a relatively peaceful country. However, the devastating floods ruined much of its infrastructure in 2000/2001, killing large numbers and leaving many people homeless. This is because Mozambique is mostly coastal lowlands, making it vulnerable to the rising levels of the Zambezi River.

Travel Types

• Language Immersion
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Scuba
• Volunteering

Cost in US$:

from 3,059; 250 deposit

Cost Include Description:

* All accommodation and meals
* All game drives
* A guided bush walk, sunset drive or night drive (you may choose one option)
* PADI Scuba Diving Course
* Camping equipment
* Airport transfers to and from your tour
* Excursions and activities as per your itinerary
* Expedition guide for the duration of your tour
* 24 hour support number and contact in the UK for emergencies

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

Real Gap offer over 350 projects and travel options in over 35 countries over 6 continents. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap.

Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we are pretty keen on making sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisors have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005