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Gap Year Programs in Namibia

The word Namibia means “area where there is nothing,” but this African country defies its name in every sense. Located on Africa’s southwestern coast, the country boasts natural extremes, featuring the oldest desert, tallest sand dunes, and most iconic grass plains on the continent. It is the perfect place for first-time travelers to Africa. Spend a gap year off the beaten path, studying African tradition, getting involved in environmental conservation, or embracing your wild side. Every adventure awaits you during gap year programs in Namibia!

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6 Gap Year Programs in Namibia

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
00 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

World’s #1 Namibia Volunteer Abroad Programs

International Volunteer HQ offers the world’s #1 rated volunteer ...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6534 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

Oyster Worldwide
94 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

Volunteer World
8.7512 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

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African Horse Safaris
102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Natural Horsemanship Working Holiday in Namibia

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Namibia, surrounded by stunning...

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Latest Program Reviews

My project in Namibia

by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide
9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

A Guide to Gap Year in Namibia

Popular Locations

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!).

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