With recent stats suggesting those who gap get better grades there’s even more reason to plan that year out, but before you start drafting your wanderlust wish list here’s a top three on why Africa should be in the mix.
- South Africa made the top five in a recent travel survey for the most popular gap year destinations. If you’re hoping to pursue your interest in wildlife conservation or just want to revel in the adventure on offer in the rainbow nation, hit the escape button and head off on our Coast To Cape Town small group safari. In 2014 you’ll have a whole extra day to kick back in South Africa – that’s a full eight days to let loose on the continent! A short beach and bush jaunt you’ll undoubtedly meet some like-minded travellers and you could be hooking up on that next great gap adventure. New For 2014 we’re including the Wild Coast’s, Coffee Bay a top location for hiking, surfing and scuba diving, Oudtshroon, the world’s Ostrich capital, where you can take a ride on one of our feathered friends and the Cango Caves filled with stalagmite subterranean art.
- This continent just oozes gap year lust whether we’re talking about the oldest, largest or highest natural wonder, and it’s literally brimming over with adventure. If you want to tick off a meaty portion of these mammoth locations in shorter time frame overlanding is the only way to go. The name of this trip says it all, the 58-day Ultimate African Overlander taking you across eight countries so you can capture some of Africa’s most awesome sights in under two months! Perfect for a mini-gap you can squeeze in the best of Africa and if you’re on a round the world journey you’ll pick up a few travel tricks from your tour leader. Do the Okavango Delta, this watery wonderland claiming the title of world’s largest inland delta. Travel brag territory this remote locale also happens to be home to one of highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Fancy a sunrise dune climb? Try the oldest desert on the globe, the Namib Naukluft National Park or feel the need for speed in Livingstone, Africa’s number one adventure capital. And who needs celebrities when you can make a date with one of world’s last remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Park.
- Africa is a great place to pitch in and polish your CV – plus you can combine some jaw dropping safari viewing with your volunteer stint. News just in Kenya has bagged the big one, Africa’s Wildlife Capital taking home the title of World’s Leading Safari Destination at the 2013 World Travel Awards! Yep, it’s official, Africa has surefire animal magnetism, and on the 27-day Masai Mara Conservation & Wildlife Safari you can go further than the game drive. You’ll be collecting data out in the field, assisting the Maasai guides on conservation education, and let’s not forget enjoying some top-notch safaris in the Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Give your studies and your career search a kick start and add a voluntour into your gap.
Image by: Michelle Lewis
Thinking of heading overland? If you’re strapped for cash, flash us with your student ISIC card and you can grab a 5% discount on selected expeditions.
N.B. 5% offer excludes local payment and cannot be combined with other available discounts.
Written by Acacia Sales/Marketing