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Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, South Africa

Kaya Responsible Travel participant with the locals
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Program Overview

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 need specific qualifications to participate in this gap year program. All you need is a sense of adventure and enthusiasm, along with a flexible attitude and a willingness to embrace the challenges of a new country.

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Program Highlights

Experience camping out in the African bush and learn to survive in the wild.
Witness iconic African animals while supporting an environmental project in a Big 5 reserve.
Help address issues like low levels of education and food insecurity in semi-rural communities located on the border of the Kruger National Park.
Reflect on your life goals in this unique gap year program in South Africa.
Go on a challenging yet highly rewarding journey through the Drakensberg Mountains during the Great Trek module.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
All Program Activity Costs
Emergency Support

Quick Details

Location
Kruger Park, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) Offered:2026, 2027
Gap Year Timing:
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
Age Requirement18-25
Types & Subjects
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
Inquire about this program

Updated Jan 23, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Kruger Park, South Africa

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: 2026, 2027
  • Gap Year Timing: Post High School, During College, After College, Career Break / Mid-Career

Eligible Nationalities

  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Education: University Freshman (1st Year)
  • Education: University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • Education: University Junior (3rd Year)
  • Education: University Senior (4th Year)
  • Education: University 5th Year or More
  • Education: High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Education: Some college credit, no degree
  • Education: Associate degree
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-25

Duration

Post High School, During College, After College, Career Break / Mid-Career

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Online Program Notable Mentions
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
British Youth Travel Awards 2018 Finalist

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