Gap Year Programs in Botswana

Just as you don’t go to the desert if you can’t stand the heat, you’re not coming to Botswana for its towering skyscrapers or world famous architecture. The name of the game in this faraway plain is wilderness—and bucketloads of it. So, depending on your goals for your gap year in Botswana, whether you travel, volunteer, or work in a lodge, it will revolve around the great outdoors. 

Maun. Nestled on the banks of the Thamalakane River to the north of the country, Maun is your port of call for trips to the Okavango Delta. Packed with all types of accommodations, gappers looking to work a stint on a lodge would do well to start their search here. You can also get your culture fix at the Nhabe Museum, featuring local art, and stock up on supplies for your unforgettable delta safari.

Serowe. Somewhat off the beaten path in central Botswana, Serowe is home to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Here the animals are bred and looked after before being re-introduced to the wild. If you’re looking to learn about endangered species or volunteer in Botswana, no other destination will bring you so close to these mighty beasts.

Okavango Delta. During the wet season, the arid terrain of the Kalahari Desert is transformed into lush and sprawling grasslands that come to life with natural species. Get up close and personal with crocodiles and hippos on a canoe safari straight through their habitat. Or stay at safe snapping distance on dry land, spotting lions, giraffes, leopards, and buffalo at Moremi Game Reserve. 

Kasane. They say it’s location, location, location, and Kasane certainly boasts an enviable one. At the “Four Corners” of Africa, here Botswana collides with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia. Botswana gap years will offer the opportunity to pick up more stamps in your passport and explore the world famous Victoria Falls, or watch for black rhino in Chobe National Park. The mighty Baobab tree here has a trunk so large, it was once used as a human jail! And if you’re into reptiles, there's a pretty cool snake park nearby.

Francistown. If you’re aching for a fix of civilization, and to share a brew with a fellow gapper, head to lively Francistown, Botswana’s oldest city. History buffs will love the Supa Ngwao Museum, which shows the life of the Kalanga people over the ages. There are plenty of open plazas and restaurants in which to try Seswaa, Botswana’s national dish. You can also head to the Domboshaba ruins, north of the town to marvel at centuries-old stone walls and enclosures.