A Gap Year in South Africa – A Life Changing experience - By: Mark Bottell

When you've spent most of your life in school, taking a gap year seems like a great idea. It's about taking a breather from all the pressure of education and it gives you time to think, re-focus and decide what you want out of life. It is not surprising that many who take a gap year off from school decide to go travelling around the world.

The Allure of South Africa

One popular destination among those who are planning a gap year is South Africa. Regarded as the "Rainbow Nation", with its diversity in culture South Africa offers visitors to its shores a unique and life changing experience. Apart from the different tribes like the Bapedi, Xhosa and the Zulus, South Africa is also home to the Big 5 game - the elephants, the lion, the Cape buffalo, the rhino and the leopard. There is always an element of adventure and a sense of excitement in the air of this beautiful country - made famous by the legendary fictional character Alan Quartermain. Why not make South Africa your primary destination for your gap year holidays and get a taste of the wilderness?

Kruger National Park

Home of the Big 5, the Kruger National Park is actually one of the best-known safari destinations in the world. The well-developed park has a good infrastructure of roads, rest houses and encampments offering a truly enriching holiday with nature - in safety and comfort. If you are planning to take a gap year, then you can opt to participate and volunteer in wildlife conservation programs that offer the same enriching experience, while giving something back to the world as well. There are numerous South Africa gap year programs that deal with wildlife conservation for you to choose from, each with its own attraction.

Cape Town

With Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town offers a spectacular view of the grandeur of nature. The landscape is dotted with Dutch style farmsteads intertwined with modern houses on the hill slopes. The wine estates of the Cape Winelands are what living is all about - if you happen to be a wine connoisseur!

The Great White Sharks

Taking a gap year holiday in South Africa will also allow you the opportunity to view the magnificent great white shark in its natural habitat. In fact, South Africa is one of the best destinations to head for if you are interested in experiencing what it is like to go swimming among the sharks. You can volunteer your time for a South African marine conservation program during your gap year for an experience that you will never get in a classroom.

Taking a gap year off should not be just about having a break from school though. It should a year where you get to learn more about yourself, life in general, the world, meeting people from different cultures and enriching yourself.

About the Author

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Mark-Bottell/95891

Additional Articles From - Home | Travel & leisure | Vacations