Most gap year travelers come to Namibia for the excitement, to become one with nature and the extreme wildlife that roams the land. Travelers on gap year programs in Namibia will have plenty of opportunities to break out of their comfort zone while learning about the fascinating environment and culture. Whether you want to run with wild rhinos, help preserve them, or study their environment, you can find it all on a gap year in Namibia.

Volunteer. Namibia was one of the first African countries to take part in environmental conservation, which means travelers can find plenty of volunteer placements in this field. Volunteer in the Namib Desert, helping with rhino or elephant conservation, or on a game reserve with protected wildlife. Other popular placements include teaching and health care, where volunteers can empower locals with knowledge.

Adventure Travel. Namibia features all of the wildlife you associate with Africa. Travelers will find lions chasing plains game, the largest population of free-range rhinos in Africa, and more elephants than people. Animal lovers can safari through the Etosha National Park, Damaraland, and the Caprivi Strip to experience African wildlife in their natural habitat, while adventure seekers can sand board in the tallest sand dunes, snorkel through Skeleton Island shipwrecks, or sea kayak while seals bark from the coasts. Get your adrenaline fix during the day so you can relax under starry skies at night.

Study. What better way to understand Namibia than by learning about their culture and history! Spend your gap year studying abroad, and you will be able to deepen your knowledge of civil rights, humanitarian projects, and African politics and history. Take university classes with locals or join a study abroad program with American-style courses. Either way, you’ll be taught in English!