Gap Years and Backpacking in South Africa
Gap Years and Backpacking in South Africa
South Africa is basically amazing. It's a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-awesome gap year destination. There's been a backpacking trail there for ages, but there's also plenty of undiscovered gold; so whether you're looking for a traditional gap year trip or a more off-the-beaten-track journey you'll find it here.
You can see Africa's Big Five of elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards. There's lush green coastline for beachbums and surfers, quality nightlife in Cape Town and Durban for city lovers, barbecues and beer for meat-lovers and a world of tradition and history for culture vultures. Oh, and South Africa is fanatical about its sport, so it's a paradise for rugby, cricket and football lovers.
South Africa essentially has all you could want out of a varied backpacking destination, so dive into this this South Africa section and read guides and advice, check out photos and blogs and look for amazing stuff to do.
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Country Expert
Andy Tipp
Andy has been to South Africa twice. Once was on his original gap year, where he spent 6 months living and working on a volunteering projrct at a school in the northern Limpopo province.
The second visit was during his post-university backpacking trip, where he re-visited several places and explored lots of new ones.
To learn a bit more about South Africa from a backpacker perspective, read his personal country guide. To see some nice pictures from his time in the country, check out his photo gallery.






