Wilderness Gap Year Programs in South Africa

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Costa Rica, where you will work with local communities in addressing social and economic challenges. You will then travel to South Africa to help lead sports development, followed by a summer of learning and practicing the Spanish language in Spain. Finally, you will volunteer in teaching and community building and development in Thailand and Cambodia while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities you will serve. Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about this program.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

A volunteering experience with bite! Relocate to the incredible setting of the South African bush for the animal encounter of a lifetime, working closely with the entire spectrum of safari wildlife on a working game reserve. This special program calls for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to join the effort to protect Africa’s iconic big game species through park patrols, predator tracking, species surveys, and more. As part of its mission to study and conserve all that spectacular wildlife and support the ecosystem they habitat, the reserve operates a range of conservation projects in which the volunteer can actively participate.

Join our Wildlife and Research Conservation Project and immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or an aspiring conservationist, this enriching volunteer experience will unveil the many wonders of the African bush. No matter your skill set or expertise, this wildlife conservation program in South Africa will immerse you in the African bush alongside a skilled and qualified team that includes Field Guides and Research professionals. Contribute to meaningful wildlife research and conservation projects by participating in animal tracking, monitoring, and data collection initiatives during daily game drives. Your contributions will directly support the protection of incredible South African wildlife and their habitats.

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, with over 240 horses, is waiting for you! Ideal for those passionate to learn about the sport, whether you are a seasoned professional, or you’ve never experienced an endurance race – this is a great adventure for intermediate plus and advanced riders. You'll train intensively across breathtaking landscapes, testing both mind and body. Under the mentorship of Wiesman Nel, an internationally acclaimed endurance rider, you'll learn the intricacies of the sport and prepare for competitions. Whether you aim to compete internationally or simply wish to experience endurance riding in South Africa, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, adventure, and bonding with exceptional Arab Endurance horses. Intermediate plus and advanced riding abilities accepted.

Unsure about your academic or professional future? Take a breather by joining the 7 or 10-week Community and Conservation Gap Year in South Africa. This is a journey of personal development and self-discovery as well as immersion in a new culture and environment. The full program is 10 weeks long and includes 3 modules (per year): Module 1. Community project Module 2. The Great Trek – an ultimate 19-day group hiking adventure (not to be missed!) Module 3. Environmental project in the Greater Kruger Area Each module has set learning objectives aimed at boosting your confidence, adaptability, and independence in a supportive team setting. The order of the modules may change. The 7-week program consists of 2 of the 3 modules (you can choose which 2). You don’t require specific qualifications to participate in this gap year program. You just need a sense of adventure and enthusiasm. You must also have a flexible attitude and the willingness to embrace the challenges of a new country.

Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life forever? Then look no further! This Ultimate Gap Year Experience is unique; you will be transported to four different projects across southern Africa, working on the front lines of conservation and connecting with local and expert professionals who are just as passionate about conservation work as you are. One day, you could be releasing pangolins rescued from poachers back into the wild, and then learning bush skills from a master tracker and tracking a herd of elephants the next. You will be part of the conservation community, listening to stories of the land from the locals. Completely immersed, you will see what it’s like to live and breathe meaningful African conservation. It’s not always easy to nurse injured animals back to health, but the reintroduction, monitoring, and seeing them thrive afterward is a memory that will last a lifetime. This is a hands-on experience where your efforts will be rewarded—many of these wildlife projects wouldn’t exist without volunteers like you. This program is also tailored to how much time you have, your skills, and what you would like to achieve.

Help Protect, Rescue, and Care for Animals Around the World If you’re passionate about animals and dream of making a real difference, our Animal Care & Wildlife Volunteering Abroad Programs offer unforgettable opportunities to work hands-on with animals in need. With Volunteering Journeys, you can join projects that protect wildlife and rescue domestic animals in Sri Lanka, Peru, and South Africa — three of the world’s most biodiverse and inspiring destinations. Whether you’re looking to care for stray dogs, assist with wildlife rehabilitation, or help protect endangered elephants and sea lions, these programs are perfect for animal lovers, veterinary students, and gap-year travelers who want to combine meaningful work with adventure.

Are you an aspiring Environmental Conservationist or Marine Biologist? Intern Abroad HQ offers the most flexible, valuable, and affordable Environmental Science internships around South Africa, starting from just 2 weeks duration. Choose from 4 unique internship placements: - GIS Specialization for Environmental Conservation in Gondwana Game Reserve - Marine Biology & Reef Conservation located in Sodwana Bay - Reserve Management & Research at Kruger National Park - Wildlife, Ecology & Anthropological Research in Mogalakwena Whether you’re interested in habitat management, research, marine conservation, or ecology, these placements provide an excellent platform to boost your understanding of how scientific careers come to life. Each internship is customized and tailored to meet your course credit, academic major, or career path requirements. Once you’ve completed your internship, you’ll receive an international reference from your host organization that will help your resume stand out in front of future employers. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring your internship sets you up for a successful global career.

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Make a difference to the wild animals of Africa on our Monkey Rehabilitation trip in South Africa. You don’t have to go far in South Africa to spot a vervet monkey. As their natural habitat shrinks and ours grows, they have adapted to life in ever-growing urban landscapes. While vervet monkeys are so cute (especially the young ones!), they’re just as smart. Wait until you see one opening a door or window to get to your food. This leads to conflict, causing many monkeys to be injured by disgruntled farmers or startled city dwellers. And then, there are the labs and people who think wild animals are pets. All this to say, there are plenty of monkeys in South Africa that need rehabilitation. And you can be a part of it! Spend your days volunteering at a monkey rehabilitation center in Limpopo Province. On your days off, wildlife reserves and big, wild animals are waiting.

The NQF2 Nature Site Guide Course at Kukama consists of two key components. First, is the FGASA Syllabus, an accredited provider recognised by CATHSSETA, which issues your national qualification. The second component emphasises essential skills and life lessons, including the development of strong interpersonal skills to help you effectively engage with guests and colleagues. We focus on preparing you to conduct yourself professionally in various situations, ensuring you are ready for success when you complete the course. You will be able to operate as a Safari guide in South Africa and contribute to Conservation once you have completed the course.

Based in the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area, this program offers a practical introduction to ocean conservation on one of Africa’s most diverse coastlines. Sharklife is a long-standing marine conservation non-profit with an established field station in Sodwana Bay, providing a secure and professional base for all activities. Volunteers take part in guided snorkelling sessions, intertidal and beach-health observations, turtle-nesting awareness walks (seasonal), and short workshops that build a clear understanding of local marine ecosystems. You’ll learn how to identify common reef and coastal species, understand key conservation pressures, and develop confidence in the water under the guidance of Sharklife’s field staff. Activities are structured, simple, and purposeful—designed to offer real exposure to conservation work without requiring research experience. The program suits anyone seeking an immersive, ethical, and accessible ocean-focused experience. Optional scuba diving and additional ocean-skills activities can be added directly through Sharklife. No prior experience is required.

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.

Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete your Apprentice Field Guide training in 55 days? This former Field Guide Level 1 course offers expert guidance from seasoned leaders and covers essential basics of Southern Africa’s flora and fauna. The program emphasizes hands-on training in the wild, preparing you to conserve the African wilderness's beauty. You will master orientation and navigation techniques, including using constellations for positioning, handling a cross-country vehicle, and safely navigating rough terrain. You'll also gain skills in tracking, analyzing animal behavior, and identifying local wildlife and plant species. Experience nights under the stunning starry sky; gather around the campfire with fellow adventure seekers; and create unforgettable memories in the bush.