Wildlife in Africa

Wildlife in Africa is arguably the best in the world. Although Africa has plenty else to offer other than its unique flora and fauna, viewing wildlife in Africa is undoubtedly the main reason most travellers head there on their gap year. Being able to view the wildlife in Africa roaming free in its own beautiful environment, rather than in a zoo, is an unforgettable experience.

The question of which country is the best for viewing wildlife in Africa is a difficult one to answer and very much open to debate. With Real Gap it's possible to get close to wildlife in Africa in nine very different, but equally exciting, countries - Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each of these countries has its own unique attractions and reasons for visiting - and which countries you decide to visit for viewing wildlife in Africa will depend on which animals you most want to see and what other things are most important to you personally. In order to decide where to head to for wildlife in Africa it's worth reading up on all of the countries, as well as the programmes that are available, on the Gap Year for Grown Ups website - or you can always talk to our experienced team of career break travel advisers.

The aim for most travellers when it comes to viewing wildlife in Africa is being able to say that they have seen all of Africa's ‘Big Five' (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros). This group of animals is referred to as the ‘Big Five' because they are considered the most dangerous of all wildlife in Africa and, in the days when big game hunting was still legal, they were the most prestigious kills of all. Of course there are thousands of other amazing animals in Africa to be discovered on career breaks there - but the ‘Big Five' is the wildlife in Africa that most captures the imagination.

The best way to really get close to wildlife in Africa is by volunteering on a wildlife conservation project. Real Gap has a diverse range of extremely rewarding programmes to choose from - each of which enables travellers to do their bit to try and ensure that some of the most endangered wildlife in Africa remains there for future generations to enjoy.

Another excellent way to fully experience wildlife in Africa is by studying wildlife conservation whilst you are out there. Gap Year for Grown Ups has several excellent courses in some fantastic settings, with the focus very much on learning about wildlife in Africa by spending as much time as possible ‘out in the field' rather than in a classroom.

Back to Career Break Volunteer Advice
Back to Career Break Advice