Gap Year Travel and Volunteering in Africa
Deciding to spend a gap year in Africa will open up a world of choices. Whether you are interested in conservation on some of the most amazing game reserves on the planet; a life-changing overland adventure across the Sahara desert; or helping inhabitants of some of the world’s poorest countries, Africa has something for everyone. Volunteering opportunities and placements are a great way to get valuable work experience, and develop important life skills. Many of the great organisations below have fantastic voluntary positions that will benefit the communities that you are working with whilst providing you with a once in a lifetime experience. Travelling to and around African countries is not for novices, so make sure you have the support you need.
Africa
The Humanity Exchange
Volunteer, internship, research and language learning placements in Africa and Latin America
Find out more Visit their website
Sporting Opportunities
Join sports coaching volunteer projects in Africa, Asia and South America and coach sports to disadvantaged children. Receive a FREE brochure and FREE £50 voucher to put towards the latest travel kit.
Find out more Visit their website
Kaya Responsible Travel
Over 250 projects across 26 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Choose to work with wildlife and environmental conservation or community projects from teaching, sports and medical to building, childcare and other development initiatives. Skilled and unskilled positions from 2 weeks to 6 months. Travel and make a world of difference today.
Find out more Visit their website
Khaya Volunteer Projects
Volunteer and Gap year projects with wildlife and children in Africa
Find out more Visit their website
BUNAC
Established work and travel organisation - Offering volunteer work & travel experience worldwide.
Find Out More Visit their website
Volunteering Solutions
Volunteering Solutions provides affordable International Volunteer Abroad Programs in 18 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin/South America. Since 2006 Volunteering Solutions has provided great volunteering experience to over 3000 volunteers from around the world.
The Leap
Volunteering, Summer Gap and Internships in Africa, South America and Asia.
Find out more Visit their website
African Conservation Experience
We provide all ages with the opportunity to work alongside experienced zoologists, marine biologists, conservationists, wildlife vets and reserve managers. Whether you are working as a research assistant out in the field or caring for animals in a wildlife rehabilitation centre, you will be making a valuable contribution to conservation efforts in southern Africa.
Find out more Visit their website
Facts about Africa
-
Africa is made up of the following countries:Botswana, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar, Zimbabwe.
- The largest country in Africa is Algeria, in the north, and the smallest is the Seychelles.
- Africa includes some of the world's poorest countries, including Ethiopia and Mali, but other African countries produce a significant proportion of the world's gold, diamonds and platinum.
- Africa is home to some of the world's rarest animals, including the mountain gorillas of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and rhinos in South Africa.
- The best time to travel to countries in Africa depends on where you are going. Different countries have different climates, depending on location and altitude. High summer in Kenya, Madagascar and Malawi for instance is around December time. Many countries have a rainy season. Check individual countries to find out when the best time to go is. Many travellers choose to avoid high summer and the rainy season.
- Nigeria alone has over 500 spoken languages. Africa as a continent is one of the worlds most linguistically diverse places.
- The Sahara desert is the second largest in the world, covering 9,100.000 square kilometres. The Kalahari desert covers 900,000 square kilometres.
- Africa is home to around 1 billion people.
- Because African countries are developing nations, there is little opportunity to work there. However, there are plenty of organisations who can help you to volunteer in an African country.
Make sure you check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice on their website for travel advice for any African country prior to booking and travelling. Check that you have a travel insurance policy that will cover your trip and your activities.
