Gap Year Programs in Swaziland

Being such a small country, you may be wondering where you should go and what you can do during a gap year in Swaziland! Well, there are a few incredible locations that give you access to politics, wildlife, and nature. So cheers to these gap year programs in Swaziland!

Lobamba is an incredible destination for your gap year in Swaziland since it is the spiritual home of Swazi nation. This centrally located city has been the longtime host for Swaziland’s monarchy, making it also the center for politics. The city, which is generally calm, comes to life during the Incwala and Umhlanga ceremonies where people come together to celebrate. This city also has easy access for safari adventures, if you’re into that sort of thing (but, come on, who isn’t?!). 

Mbabane is also an incredible destination for your gap year in Swaziland! As the capital of the country, this is an important place to experience in order to see the inner workings of the country. Surrounded by mountains, Mbabane is a great place to hike and connect deeply with nature (and spend some time in hot springs!!! Who can say no to that?). If you are big into biking, Mbabane may be the place for you with the Coronation Cycle Park. Cycle, hike, safari, Mbabane!

Deciding to take a gap year is a big decision, so finding programs that offer activities that suit your interests is incredibly important! Are you hoping to travel a lot or deeply immerse yourself into one place? Do you want a program that has a spiritual or religious focus, or one that is open for your interpretation? Take time to consider these questions as you look through your gap year program options in Swaziland. 

Gap year programs in Swaziland will vary in focus and actual experience, but volunteering in Swaziland during your gap year seems to be the common factor. So if you are looking to connect with the communities you will be living in, this may be a great opportunity for you. Some programs change locations often, while others are more stationary, which will definitely affect your experience. So ask yourself the tough questions now so you can find the program that will make your gap year in Swaziland a wonderful experience.

When people think of African countries, the first thought that often comes to mind is animals. Your gap year in Swaziland is the perfect time for you to indulge in your love for animals, your fascination with wildlife, or your deep passion for protection and conservation of our world’s precious creatures. This is a great opportunity for you to explore possible paths of wildlife management, or as a veterinarian, or even zookeeper. Or even if you don’t plan to pursue this passion further, it is still great experience to explore working with wildlife and wilderness in Swaziland!

Costs. Fear not, as the cost of living in Swaziland is relatively cheaper than the cost of living on average in the United States. This means that once you are taking part in Swaziland gap years, you will have easy access to what you need for some pretty sweet deals. Programs will vary depending on the length of your stay, so make sure to reach out to your provider to ask for more specific details! If you need help with funds to get yourself to Swaziland, we’ve got your back: Check out the crowd-funding site FundMyTravel to help you meet your financial needs!

Accommodations. Gap year programs in Swaziland will vary greatly in length, price, and accomodations. This means you have the flexibility to customize your experience to make it your own. Want to spend a week with a homestay? Or a year in an apartment? It’s all up to you! Dorms, guest houses, group living, and independent living are all options for your stay. Make sure you take time to evaluate which will be the best option for you! 

Visas. Make sure to check out the GoAbroad embassy directory to ensure that you are obtaining the correct visa for your gap year program in Swaziland. Since the lengths of these programs vary so much, it is best to contact your program provider and the embassy directly for the most up-to-date information. 

Safety. Swaziland is a generally safe and happy place to visit, but that doesn’t mean you can forget to pay attention to your surroundings. It is always important to be aware of where you are, who you’re with, and where you’re going. And when it comes to the wildlife, don’t pet or feed the animals (but if you get the chance, definitely go on a safari—it is an incredible experience to see animals in their natural habitat). To make sure you stay safe in your own environment, pay attention and travel smartly and intentionally!

You are a rockstar for even getting this far in considering a gap year in Swaziland. As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that you are doing what many people are too afraid to do—leaving your comfort zone to embrace a new lifestyle and perspective on the world. Not only is this a personal benefit to completing a gap year in Swaziland, but the lessons you learn will help you in your day-to-day life and future career as well. What do you have to lose?

As you start to plan your trip, make sure you consider some of the amazing festivals that Swaziland is known for. Umhlanga (Reed Dance) festival is in August and September, Incwala Festival is in December or January, and the Bush-Fire Festival is in May. Each festival is unique (look them up, you’ll understand what we are talking about!) and will definitely be something to remember!

As you are making your final decisions about your gap year in Swaziland, remember that you will have endless opportunities to connect with the people, the wildlife, the nature, but most importantly, yourself. This is an incredible opportunity for you to begin to understand yourself and your world view a little better. And, who knows, maybe it’ll be the experience that will change your life’s direction. All is possible when you keep yourself open to opportunity with a gap year in Swaziland.

If this is leaving you wanting more, keep reading! Check out our article 10 Signs You Should Consider a Gap Year Volunteering.