25/02/2011

South Africa Gap Year: A perfect volunteer destination for the first-time traveller!

Take a gap year in Africa and volunteer. You can tell an experienced gap year traveller by the number of tatty, used guidebooks he has proudly displayed on his bookshelf, the number of Facebook friends he has from exotic locations and the number of languages he can ask for a beer in. But however many pins you’ve got in your map, travelling is never without its challenges. It’s understandable, therefore, why someone who’s planning to go travelling for the first time might be a little cautious. BUNAC’s Volunteer South Africa programmes are designed to give both experienced and first-time travellers an unforgettable and worthwhile experience.

What can I do?

There are a number of gap year volunteer programmes you can choose from.

Sports Coaching South Africa Gap Year: Through the medium of sport, you can help raise awareness of health and social issues among disadvantaged South African children. If you’re a fanatic about football, crazy about cricket or nuts about netball, why not use this passion to help improve the lives of kids who would really benefit from your skills?

Gap Year Wildlife Conservation South Africa: South Africa is world famous for its wildlife, and in volunteering at a conservation centre you can play your part in preserving the future of its lions, cheetahs, sable and antelope.

Gap Year Volunteer South Africa: With projects ranging from teaching and care work to conservation and community development, the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution in this spectacular country are endless.

Where will I live?

Depending on the programme, you’ll either live in a designated volunteer house with other volunteers or experience live like a local by staying with a host family.

How will I get there?

You’re free to book your own flights, but a great option for first-time travellers is to book group flights. If you book your flights through BUNAC, we can book you onto the same flights as other participants on your programme. This way, by the time you arrive in South Africa, you’ve already had the chance to meet lots of likeminded people!

How will I know what to expect?

In the UK, our specialist volunteer team will meet with you personally to tell you all about life in South Africa. During this meeting they’ll go into detail about your programme and about South Africa itself, and you can ask any questions you have – and if one enters your head later, you can pick up the phone and ask any time you like!

You’ll also have an orientation when you arrive in South Africa and 24 hour support when you’re out there.

Why South Africa Gap Year?

With 48 million residents and 11 official languages, South Africa is an incredibly diverse country. Once your volunteer project finishes, an endless list of travel and exploration opportunities await.

You could come face to face with the Big Five on safari, explore the natural wonders of the Drakensburg Mountains, get to grips with South Africa’s amazing history at Isandlwana, or hit the beach in Cape Town!

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for this year, the chances are you’ll find it in a South Africa Gap Year.

More Information

Telephone: +442072513472
E-mail: traveladvice@bunac.org.uk


Browse Gap Year 365 Travel Opportunities: Gap Year Volunteer / South Africa Gap Year Volunteer / Africa Gap Year Volunteer

BUNAC

Volunteer South Africa

Sports coaching projects in South Africa