Every July (or sometimes early August), the wildebeest travel over 600 miles from Tanzania's Serengeti plains, northwards to the Maasai Mara and the Mara River is the final obstacle. Previous to this, in January to Jul the animals congregate in the south of the Serengeti. In October to November, once they have feasted and the grass has all but gone, they turn around and go the other way.
Every year over two million wildebeest and zebra migrate from the short grass plains of the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The animals don't move in straight lines, but meander in vaguely clockwise directions, moving between patches of fresh green grass.
The opportunity that watching the migration offers is second to none. There are millions of animals to see on safari and this natural spectacle is something that has to be experienced by any wildlife enthusiast.
Get involved with successful projects that aim to give children and families the means to sustain themselves. You can help provide food, shelter, clean water, training and health care – and most valuable of all, emotional support.
Learn about the ways of the African wilds and the culture of the Massai by volunteering on this incredible project. You can help to gather vital data about wildlife activities, immerse yourself in the nomadic culture, and explore the stunning landscapes of Kenya.
Make a small but meaningful difference to people in Nairobi. Work in a hospital or orphanage, reaching out to people who live in poverty. You can teach and care for the children, help repair infrastructure and learn Swahili too.
Teach English and computer skills in the morning and organise sports sessions in the afternoons. The lessons will greatly improve the children’s prospects, while sport will keep them fit and give them a chance to enjoy themselves.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Join this trip and feel a real sense of achievement as you reach the peak and witness spectacular views over Tanzania and Kenya.
Immerse yourself in Kenyan life and become part of a project to improve life in a rural village. Live and work with the community, helping with tasks such as construction, teaching, landscaping and painting.
Family Friendly! A rewarding two-week experience for families looking to give something back to underprivileged African communities. Plus, you’ll experience the beauty of Kenya through a varied activities programme. Minimum age 6 years.
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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