Canoeing Programs in Africa

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

This project gives participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with a variety of animal-related issues from African wildlife in game reserves to local livestock on farms. The project offers a professional experience for volunteers in the context of animal welfare, management, and veterinary science. The three main focuses of the project are African wildlife, agricultural livestock, and domestic animals. Each section will offer new knowledge for about working with animals. For example, when studying African wildlife, volunteers will hear lectures about animal health and nutrition, tranquilization of animals, and game capture. While working under the agricultural livestock, the issues you will be dealing with are related to cattle, goats, and pigs. Lastly, while working with domestic animals you can help contribute to improving their poor living conditions and their basic healthcare.

An African safari is a bucket-list adventure! Imagine the undiluted thrill of an up-close encounter with lions, elephants, and rhinos as they roam the Serengeti's open plains or being able to explore the intriguing allure of Hell's Gate National Park. East Africa boasts some of the world's best beaches, with their exotic charm of stunning beauty, palm-lined shores, and pristine turquoise waters. This trip is truly boundless. We, at Go-Elective, know that exploring the destination enriches your experience. During your free time, join excursions, learn about local culture, or tackle Mount Kilimanjaro. With over a decade of experience, we ensure seamless, safe, and memorable adventures. Families are welcome! We also have trekking packages for Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. Our packages cater to all skill levels, guiding you through rainforests and alpine meadows to the snow-capped summit. We can connect you easily to Zanzibar, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara for further exploration. Whether in a group or on a private safari, Go-Elective Safaris offers unforgettable experiences for students, schools, and individuals.

Dreaming of a sailing trip to Santorini? Or, are you more of an outdoor enthusiast who prefers the mystery of Machu Picchu? Whatever adventure you have in mind, Contiki will make it happen. We arrange adventure trips for participants 18-35 years old, along with the guarantee of sorting out the details to ensure a stress-free experience. Explore incredible places while discovering yourself. Make new friends and return home with more than just photos, but also lifetime memories. At Contiki, we offer tailor-made tours that include accommodation, food, and, most of all, unique experiences. All these elements help make your trip truly unforgettable. Whether your sense of adventure is roughing it out or immersing in fascinating cultures, we have the perfect trip for you. Contact us today and find out how we can turn the travel of your dreams into a reality.

In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha and drive you to Arusha National Park. Upon arrival, you'll meet an armed ranger for a guided walking safari—a rare chance to explore the African bush on foot and get up close to nature, an experience offered by only a few parks in Tanzania. After the walk, enjoy a game drive through the park with a packed lunch. Wildlife sightings may include buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, waterbucks, white colobus monkeys, baboons, and a wide variety of birds. In the afternoon, take a peaceful canoeing safari on Momella Lake, often surrounded by pink flamingos and colorful water birds—offering a unique view of the park’s ecosystem. After a full day of exploration, you’ll head to your lodge for leisure time, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Group leaders and teachers travel free on this fully structured, 15-day adventure in Ghana, led by an experienced local team. After arriving in Accra, you'll travel to Kumasi for a detailed orientation into Ghanaian life. Spend your first days making a real impact in rural communities by working alongside local villagers to build a house for a deserving family. Get hands-on with activities like hammering nails, sawing wood, digging, and engaging with local children. After a few days of volunteering, enjoy an exciting adventure at Mole National Park. In your second week, continue work on the house and support a grassroots outreach project that brings clean water, emergency medical care, sanitation facilities, and free education to remote communities. The journey wraps up with cultural exploration and relaxation at Cape Coast and Oasis Beach. Throughout the expedition, enjoy cultural activities such as drumming, dancing, and an art class. Your experience includes all airport transfers, meals, accommodation, entrance fees, and cultural events.

Volunteer in Asia and combine your travels with our exciting program which takes you through Kerala in South India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. We believe that travel should be responsible and we also believe that you should see as many new places as possible so that you can expand your mind, broaden your horizons and learn more about the different cultures in our world. This unique volunteering program will help you tick all of those boxes and you will get to explore some of our planet’s most beautiful destinations along the way. This volunteering experience includes English teaching and community development and will involve you working closely with young children of all ages in poor, disadvantaged communities. We also promote community living so you will be housed with compassionate and curious travellers just like yourself, so you will always have someone to share your amazing experiences with at the end of a long day. Not only will our program take you to the most incredible destinations and allow you the chance to give back as you travel, but you’ll meet some awesome people too and maybe even make some friends for life.

Combine it all by joining a NOLs gap semester or gap year program – adventure, wilderness education, academic study, and plenty of invaluable experiences! Connect with yourself and the outdoors and gain a head start in your university studies or career with a life-changing gap year (or semester). Gain personal growth, different perspectives, and newfound confidence—all providing useful throughout your lifetime. We have worldwide campuses in India, New Zealand, Alaska, Mexico, the Rockies, Patagonia, East Africa, and so much more. Travel where you want, immersing yourself in new environments and diverse cultures. Join us for around 2.5 to 4.5 months, depending on whether it's a gap semester or a gap year program. Looking to make the most of your time out from school after high school graduation, mid-university, or after getting your degree? Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about our gap semester or gap year programs at NOLS.