Discover the diversity of South Africa

For those looking to experience a gap year involving copious amounts of diversity, South Africa is ideal. With its lively culture resounding in the popular cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban paired with the stunning views to be seen away from the well worn track, South Africa sits high on the ‘places to visit’ list.

Whether you are travelling in a group, with a partner or alone, there are plenty of activities to delve into in order to make the most of your gap year experience. South Africa retains its title as being the world’s most epic continent through the diversity in terrain, unable to be recorded in order to portray the magnificence seen within this country. The best way to understand the sheer variety within this country is to explore yourself. Away from the bustle of the city, you can visit the deserted Kalahari in order to see the pattern of wild flowers lacing the landscape. The Drakensburg Mountains offer a breathtaking view for those wishing to embark upon peaceful meditation. The steep cliffs that loom over deep ravines create a striking and vivid background for a gentle hike – an opportunity not to be missed.

For those on a limited budget, the Mountains are arguably a living museum with no admission fee! Examples of well preserved rocks can be found here, many of which are thousands of years old. Become part of South Africa’s history by visiting this beautiful scenery. Most of us can only dream of visiting the Kruger National Park, where the wildlife stalked savannah is home to an abundance of animals. The National Park becomes ever more well known each day thanks to the scene of the famous lion-buffalo-crocodile battle that has now been watched over 40 million times on YouTube.

If this is not wild enough for you, zebras and dolphins can be seen in the Wetland Parks to the east of South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Park. After a day enveloping yourself in the wildlife associated with South Africa, an altogether different type of wildlife is able to be discovered. Gap Years are there for the enjoyment, and what better way to enjoy yourself than to return to the city and hit the nightclubs in Cape Town. Another way to end the day is to sample African home brew in an unlicensed bar or township. At the end of your time in South Africa, reflect upon your experiences over a seafood meal on the Garden Route, a curry in Durban’s Indian Area or a braai (barbecue) in the wilderness for one final time.

Accompany your tales of your adventure with a bottle of pinotage produced within the country; one of the oldest wine industries outside of Europe. South Africans are renowned for being friendly and welcoming; excited to share the magic of their culture with you. Everywhere you go you will hear the cheerful greeting, as people wish you ‘molo’ – good morning in Xhosa. Spend your gap year in South Africa in order to experience a once in a life time opportunity.