Gap Year Programs in Durban,South Africa

This reserve is home to Africa's infamous Big 5 including the lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and many other key animals as well as over 400 species of birds. Staying on the reserve gives volunteers opportunities to be involved in a variety of research initiatives on endangered and other wildlife species. You will contribute to research and conservation work during your stay and play a part in vital conservation activities. A majority of the volunteer work includes going on jeep safaris to observe the animals and collect data.

Volunteer at an accredited primate rescue, sanctuary, and rehabilitation center in the lush province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This project is available all year round, but extra hands are needed to surrogate baby monkeys in the breeding season, from mid-October to early March. During this period, there will be plenty of baby vervet monkeys to care for, orphaned, and then rescued by the project, the public, or authorities. Rescues take place all year round on an almost daily basis, and the sanctuary monkeys also need care. Although not endangered, vervet monkeys often face a lot of threats – illegal hunting, run over by cars, hunted and killed by dogs, killed for the bushmeat trade, or pure animal cruelty. This is why many young vervets are left without parents. As a volunteer, assist with surrogate duties during the first three months and throughout their rehabilitation when they bond as a troop in larger enclosures. Eventually, they will be released as a social troop in a safe, natural setting.

Make memories that last a lifetime in this unique 10-week gap program in South Africa, offered exclusively to young adults who want to take a break after their studies. Through adventure and skills training, as well as multiple interactive excursions, we focus on helping you discover your passion and regain perspective on what life is truly about. EVOLVE prides itself in the fact that we offer a comprehensive program with multiple excursions and a wide variety of training opportunities to a small group (between 10 and 15 participants) for a fraction of the price. This is made possible due to networking with local and international service providers. Visit the world-renowned Kruger National Park, encounter endangered species, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, go on game drives, go horseback riding in the African bush veld, and do so much more! Learn the art of a barista, make a short film with your newfound friends, learn to cook and do other household chores, work on vehicle maintenance and target shooting, learn the basics of financial management, and develop communication skills, to name but a few of the fun yet practical activities throughout the program.