Gap Year Programs in Namibia

Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia features stunning landscapes of every kind, from the sandy dunes of Sossusvlei to the grassy plains of Kalahari, and from coastal cities to the Naukluft Mountains. Gap year travelers will also find that there is an ever-present German influence found in all of the big cities, creating a colonial vibe mixed with traditional Africa. 

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital city. Some say the city is too Western; after all, it is a modern, well-groomed metropolis with busy roads, a city skyline, and German castles (what?!). While it may not feel like iconic Africa, it is the perfect place to start or end your gap year in Namibia. Fly into Windhoek to ease into the African lifestyle, or take a break from the wild to get a taste of urban African buzz. 

Swakopmund is Namibia’s adventure capital. This seaside city still features German influence, architecture, and Gemütlichkeit (German hospitality), but it is also the best launching pad for wild African explorations. Make Swakopmund your home base, while you venture outside the city limits to discover the Skeleton Coast or the Namib Desert that gave the country its name. Visit the famous Moon Landscape, or chill out in town for a coastal holiday. 

Luderitz, located between the barren Namib Desert and the sunny south Atlantic coast, is one of the most bizarre places in Africa. The city is surreally German, radiating the culture through its art, architecture, Bavarian villages, and German bakeries with the most delicious streuselkuchen (streusel cake) you’ll find in Africa! While at times you may feel like you’re spending a gap year in a time warp, you’ll have plenty of time to see authentic Africa (think safaris at Sperrgebiet National Park!).