What to Do During a Gap Year in South Africa

So you’ve decided to take a gap year—fantastic! You’ve already made the right decision. And now your eyes are set on South Africa (another great choice!). But now you have no idea what to do during a gap year there. With so many cool experiences at your fingertips, it can be overwhelming trying to decide how to spend an entire year abroad.

If there’s anyplace that could fill a gap year full of activities, it’s South Africa.

Never fear! Soon enough, you’ll know exactly what to do during a gap year in South Africa, because this is a vast and beautiful country, full of endless enriching opportunities.

Whether you’re a recent grad biting at the bit to shake things up abroad, or just looking for a reason to explore Cape Town, there is an opportunity for you! Taking a gap year is a beautiful way to jumpstart a new chapter in your life or take a break from your normal routine.

And who knows, maybe a year-long excursion will open the door to a life of even more meaningful travel experiences.

Why take a gap year in South Africa?

We think the views are reason enough!

Wondering what to do in a gap year? In South Africa, you aren’t limited to one track. Maybe you’re looking for a career-propelling internship. Or maybe you’d rather throw your troubles to the wind and explore a new place, with fun being the only goal. Or perhaps you want to get involved in a local non-profit and spend your time on meaningful projects.

All are attainable in the Rainbow Nation! But why South Africa, and not Ireland or Spain? There are so many reasons to take a gap year in South Africa, but here’s the highlight reel:

• Nature. This country is FULL of it! This nation is a well-known destination for iconic views from the Cape of Good Hope, and Table Mountain is any hiker's dream. The exotic flora in South Africa is something to call home about; the region supports over 9,000 plant species, 70% of which are found nowhere else on the planet.
• Diversity. Known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa is often ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. You’ll get to know people from many ethnicities, and even other parts of the world, all in one country.
• One of a kind; will blow your mind. Honestly, South Africa is a bonafide gem. With warm beaches, exotic safaris, and a rich cultural tapestry, it's a place you could get lost in forever (in all the right ways).

What to do during a gap year in South Africa

1. Intern

You’ll get a GREAT view from the office!

• Why? An internship should be at the top of your list if you don’t know what to do during a gap year in South Africa. Interning abroad is a great excuse to explore a new place with a purpose and little direction. If you work in South Africa for a year, it could help you identify career goals, gain valuable work experience, and connect with new folks from around the world. Get involved in tech fields, or explore creative outlets like film and photography.
• Recommended program: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

2. Volunteer with kiddos

• Why? Who doesn’t love spending time with the children? Volunteering with kids is a great way to spend your gap year. South Africa projects offer quite a range when it comes to working with children. From sports to teaching English, the variety of opportunities make this an excellent choice for folks interested in child development or education.
• Recommended program: Plan My Gap Year: English Teaching Projects

3. Learn a language

• Why? You may be wondering what sort of languages you could learn in a country where you can definitely get by with English. Newsflash: South Africa proudly boasts eleven official languages. That’s right, English is in fourth place for most spoken. If you’re looking into what to do in a gap year in South Africa, why not take the rare opportunity to learn Afrikaans, Swati, or Xhosa? Even if the program isn’t specific to language immersion, by putting yourself in South Africa, you’ll be able to connect with people from all sorts of ethnic backgrounds. Being open to new opportunities and connections just might open the door to your bilingual best life!
• Recommended program: ELI Abroad: Experiences to Change Your Life

4. Explore the outdoors

DUH!

• Why? South Africa is the perfect place to get in touch with your wild side. There are a myriad of adventure travel programs in South Africa that can help guide you through some of the most thrilling experiences the country has to offer. Do you thrive in water? Then you can scuba dive and snorkel with tropical fish, or kayak through clear blue seas. Or maybe you prefer land-based activities; camping and hiking through the Drakensberg Mountains might be the route you choose. With so many options to choose from, what to do? In a year in South Africa, you don’t need to worry about being stuck in one activity. Explore a little bit of everything by picking several back to back adventures!
• Recommended program: Love Volunteers: Gap Year Adventures

5. Start a side hustle

• Why? Rake in the dough during your gap year in South Africa! Projects for work-minded folks are out there—you just need a little gumption and creativity. For some, a gap year is for exploring and leisurely bopping around. But for others, it’s crunch time. But hey, at least you’re making money in a beautiful country! Whether you’ve fallen into the digital nomad lifestyle or you’re looking to get your hands dirty, working in South Africa for a year is sure to be fruitful.
• Recommended program: Oyster Worldwide: Gap Year Travel

6. Become a nature guide

• Why? Work in South Africa for a year doesn’t need to be boring or “traditional” by any means. If you’re living in a country where there are 100,000 known species of plants, animals, and fungi, you better believe there’s a job where you can learn all about them! If you’re into botany or zoology, maybe becoming a nature guide is the route for you. You’ll learn about native species, and how to teach others all about the wonders of the country. Scientists think there are at least another 50,000 species in the country that have not yet been discovered. Are you up to the challenge?
• Recommended program: Natucate: Field Guide Level 1 Ranger Course in Africa

7. Explore the ocean through marine biology

You’ll discover a whole other kind of world.

• Why? Great white sharks, anyone? South Africa is surrounded by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and there is plenty of coast to go around. The unique climate makes it the perfect home for a diverse array of marine life, from sharks, seals, and dolphins, to even penguins! The coral reefs around the cape are rich with oceanic friends, ready for you to meet them.
• Recommended program: Shark & Marine Research Institute: Contribute Towards Meaningful Shark Research

8. Help the land animals

• Why? Save the animals during your gap year! South Africa projects that feature wildlife offer all sorts of ways to get in touch with many famous African creatures. Volunteer at an animal sanctuary to learn all about zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and hippos. Get up close (well, relatively) with the Big Five celebrities like lions, elephants, and rhinos. Just don’t forget to do your research about ethical safaris.
• Recommended program: Institute for Global Studies: Wildlife Rehabilitation

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor & get matched with 5 gap year programs in South Africa

Your year in South Africa will be life-changing!

Now you have a little taste of what life could be like during your gap year in this amazing African nation. Hopefully, this helped your dream of living abroad in South Africa start to solidify a little. Dreams are the best place to start, but making your dream a reality is where things really get fun.

So…what to do during a gap year in South Africa? At this point, it’s up to you!

Explore ALL Gap Years Programs in South Africa on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from VACorps. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, VACorps offers sensational internships in Cape Town only, allowing them to give their interns undivided attention. They offer internships in law, human rights, and journalism, as well as gap year experiences.