Are you wondering what to do with yourself?
Do you enjoy learning new things all while exploring?
Then Acacia Africa has the answer for you…
Spend Your Gap Year exploring the incredible and diverse country of South Africa
South Africa
Land of Possibility
Located at the southern tip of Africa with Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines. Bordered by Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, Mozambique and Swaziland to the east. South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the African continent, and for good reason. With its breathtaking landscapes and vibey culture – it has become a magnet for travellers. Sharing in South Africa’s diversity, heritage and freedom – is a sure way to make a gap year worth every second spent exploring!
Acacia Africa offer a vast range of adventures that highlight the best of South Africa. From 3 days to 62 day tours. The latter being the perfect sabbatical and gap year journey!
See all the Tour Options HERE
Within South Africa can be found Kruger National Park, Cape Town and The Garden Route to name a few. South Africa is known for its diversity in cultures and languages, its population is estimated to be 49 million and has eleven official languages.
One of the largest game reserves in Africa is Kruger National Park. It covers 19,485 sq kilometers and is home to Africa’s ‘big 5’ – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. Kruger National Park has over 500 species of bird, 150 species of mammals (including some 12,000 elephants), 100 reptiles, 23,000 plant species and a variety of amphibians.
The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South Africa, and is home to the coastal villages of Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Wilderness. This magnificent coastline is so peaceful that the rare African Oyster is able to breed undisturbed on its coastline.
Cape Town is famous for a variety of attractions that stretch from Table Mountain all the way down to the sea. With a rich history, vibrant culture, pearly white beaches, charming fishing villages, colourful floral reserves and numerous activities, including Robben Island and The Cape of Good Hope.
Durban is known for the historic Golden Mile (which has recently been refurbished!) Warm Indian Ocean beaches, laid back atmosphere with colourful flea markets and stretches of numerous quality restaurants with a view. A must is to try a delicious local dish, the Durban Curry. Home to uShaka Marine World, Africa’s biggest marine theme park boasting the largest collection of sharks in the Southern Hemisphere. You may choose to partake in scuba diving or find your thrill on the water slides. For the more adventurous, take a leap from the ‘big swing’ at the Moses Mabhida stadium which offers 360 degrees views of Durban.
The Drakensberg Mountains. This leading KwaZulu-Natal reserve offers wonderfully scenic views, lofty mountains and waterfalls in a prime location within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. There are many optional trails to explore on foot and on horseback. Walkers and hikers can enjoy short journeys which take about an hour, or longer excursions over a half or full day. This is a great way to explore the stunning picturesque surroundings at the foot of the Drakensberg, including the well-known Amphitheater rock face. The infamous Battlefields of Rorkes Drift. Soaked with the blood of thousands of British, Boer (Dutch-speaking farmers) and Zulu soldiers, the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal hold a deep-seated silence that speaks to the many lives lost here.
St Lucia, proclaimed a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. It was South Africa’s very first world heritage site! The area is locally known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Hippo’s, Bush Baby’s, Red Duiker’s, the odd Leopard and the Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtles, to name a few.
On Acacia Tours there are numerous activities to keep you entertained, exploring and learning.
Here is a brief list of both optional’s and included activities:
Panorama Route (Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Potholes, God’s Window)
Kruger National Park
St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetlands
Wild Coast & Transkei
Battlefields & Rorke’s Drift
Drakensberg Mountains
Mountain Zebra National Park
Addo Elephant National Park
Garden Route: Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Wilderness, Bloukrans
Cango Caves
Cape Agulhas
Wildlife – the Big 5
Morning Game Drives
Night Game Drives
Sunset Game Drives
Boat Cruises
Cave Exploring
Historical Tours
Mountain Biking
Guided Bird Walks
Cultural Tours and Experiences
Cycle Tours
City Tours
uShaka Marine World
Moses Mabhida Stadium Big Swing
Surfing, Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Rickshaw Rides
Hiking
Tugela Falls (Full Day Hike)
Horse Rides
Bird Watching
Bungee Jumping
Bridge Walks
Rafting/Tubing
Bloukrans Bridge Exploring
Beach Walks
Hermanus Whale Watching/Cruise
Shark Cage Diving
Robben Island Tour
Peninsula Exploring
Wine Tasting
Seasonal Fruit Picking
Trail Running
Volunteering/Charity Work
Nelson Mandela and Heritage Experiences
Botanical Gardens
Shopping Experiences
Live Music
Dining Experiences
Nightlife and Theater
“Occasionally students are admitted to Harvard or other colleges in part because they accomplished something unusual during a year off.
While no one should take a year off simply to gain admission to a particular college, time away almost never makes one a less desirable candidate or less well prepared for college.”“The feedback from students almost all the time has been that this experience was transformative. The more life experience you bring, the better off you are in school.”
William Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid at Harvard University promotes gap years to his Ivy League students.
