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Gap Year Programs in Africa

Africa is a wonderfully diverse continent that often gets pigeon-holed as a place of war, poverty, and famine, or as the land of the Big 5. However, Africa has so much more to offer, and makes a great destination for those hoping to take a gap year somewhere unique. A continent of 54 countries, Africa is a blend of cultures and traditions crossing thousands of miles. Whether you’re interested in exploring nature, observing wildlife, or getting lost in its busy cities, Africa will not disappoint. During your gap year in Africa, hit the highlights but be sure to wander off the beaten track too!

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214 Gap Year Programs in Africa

VACorps
9.8866 reviews

VACorps

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Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that ...

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.54762 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...

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Impact Gap Year
93 reviews

Impact Gap Year

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

See All 8 Programs
Institute for Global Studies
9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

See All 15 Programs
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.7777 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunt...

See All 47 Programs
Pacific Discovery
9.4533 reviews

Pacific Discovery

New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

Immerse yourself in New Zealand and Australia's extraordinary lan...

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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

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Semester at Sea
9.5334 reviews

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Join Semester at Sea on this global journey and make the world YO...

See All 5 Programs
Raleigh International
91 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer in South Africa - Expeditions With Purpose

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. I...

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Kaya Responsible Travel
00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, South Africa

Unsure about your academic or professional future? Take a breathe...

International TEFL Academy
00 reviews

International TEFL Academy

Get Paid to Teach in Senegal with a TEFL/TESOL Certification

A job teaching English in Senegal is a fantastic way to live over...

African Horse Safaris
102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Moolmanshoek Wildlife Working Holiday

Experience the excitement of life in the African Bush at Moolmans...

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Carpe Diem Education
9.6913 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the...

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The Real Uganda
9.758 reviews

The Real Uganda

Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda

Ever thought of traveling to Uganda? It’s a peaceful, vibrant cou...

African Conservation Experience
9.789 reviews

African Conservation Experience

The Ultimate Personalized Gap Year Experience

Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life ...

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Latest Program Reviews

Truly Amazing!!!

March 26, 2025by: Romeijn Bakker - NetherlandsProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
7

Summer quest was absolutely amazing. The balance between fun adventures and personal growth was very good. The places we went were very cool and i really enjoyed the trips we’ve made. I also made some good friends whom i spent the entire quest with.

A Guide to Gap Year Programs in Africa

Best Countries

With so many countries to choose from for Africa gap years, how can you possibly narrow it down? Rest assured, Africa has something for everyone.

South Africa. Called the Rainbow Nation, South Africa boasts stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and a complicated past. Watch a Springboks game, visit the Garden Route, camp under the stars, wander around Cape Town, or go on safari. Don’t forget to talk to the locals! They’ll be able to give you the inside scoop on the lesser-known places to visit or activities to do.

Rwanda. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is the place to be for those looking for an experience off the well-worn path. It is not only home to some of the world’s only remaining mountain gorillas, but also to the newly formalized 141 mile Congo-Nile Trail that runs along Lake Kivu. Hikers and bikers make their way down the trail through local villages and coffee farms.

Morocco. For those interested in exploring northern Africa and learning more about its fusion of African and Arab cultures, Morocco is a vibrant place that has it all: cities, mountains, deserts, the ocean. Be prepared to drink tea. Lots of delicious mint tea.

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