A natural phenomenon created over hundreds of millions of years, the canyon is the largest in Africa, and second only to the Grand Canyon in size. Five hundred million years ago the ground gradually collapsed due to seismic shifting, creating the otherworldly landscape seen today.
This is a world famous hiking destination in Namibia, but not for the faint hearted, as once you've descended into the canyon the only way to get out is to walk the full 86km to the Ai-Ais springs. The trek must be completed during the winter months, as the summer in Namibia brings extreme temperatures and the possibility of flash floods, there are also no facilities, and hikers must carry all their own gear, as well as achieving a certificate of fitness before setting out.
For the less intrepid there are also guided horseback tours, and of course some fantastic views from the ridges, where the canyon suddenly appears, yawning open as if from nowhere.
The subsidence of the rock-exposed sediments from an ancient sea, an even more ancient mountain range and the rock at the very bottom is 1.5 billion years old. Standing in the base of the canyon the unbelievable vastness of time forces you to leave behind the worries of everyday life.
This distinctive programme offers the opportunity to help the cheetah by clearing the sickle bush, allowing them to exist and hunt in their natural habitat. You will also track and monitor both cheetahs and leopards as well as enjoy being in close proximity to these incredible creatures.
This conservation project in the Namib desert is about getting out into the field and really making a difference at the forefront of elephant conservation. This is your chance to get involved in vital elephant conservation in Namibia.
Volunteering on this programme gives you an exciting and rare opportunity to work with and care for the animals of Africa on a daily basis. You will look after numerous species, ranging from baboons and meerkats to lions and cheetahs, helping to feed, care and clean them, while also maintaining the centre’s enclosures and grounds.
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa’s wide and varied landscape! Get up close to big game, take a trip to Kruger National Park and help to preserve the continent’s most iconic wildlife. Zimbabwe - Namibia - South Africa.
This family run farm dedicates its time to establishing the most suitable and secure home possible for neglected or orphaned wild animals in the African Savannah. Volunteers are trained to care for the injured or orphaned animals.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects in Africa for grown up gappers. Because Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of ideas and options for grown up gap years, it has the widest range of volunteering programmes in Africa. These include animal/wildlife conservation, teaching English in Africa, community volunteering in Africa and Voluntary work with children in Africa.
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