New South African travel options are the perfect mixture for mature gap year travellers…

Oct. 12, 2009 - PRLog -- Africa offers a multitude of intrepid travel opportunities and cultural experiences for gap year travellers in search of alternative travel options. Though often more associated with younger travellers, volunteering has in recent years, become more popular with mature explorers who are looking for a more fulfilling trip, giving them the chance to combine adventure and conservation or cultural immersion with educational work.

Those searching for a trip that has both meaning and adventure may be interested in the new options from leading mature gap travel company; Gap Year for Grown Ups. Offering trips in over 40 destinations around the world, including several on the African continent, the company give older travellers and career breakers the chance to set off on exciting programmes that are both adventurous and worthwhile.

This week, the company have launched three brand new trips in South Africa, one of the continent’s most sought after destinations.  Catering for animal lovers and travellers looking for cultural immersion, travellers can get involved with innovative conservation work, vital wildlife preservation and educational work within the community.

Centred on the protection of wildlife and their environments, the first two trips South Africa Wildlife Research and the South Africa big 5, are a fantastic opportunity to see and help preserve some of Africa’s biggest game. The research project allows explorers a unique insight into the research that makes conservation effective. Volunteers can assist with monitoring creatures great and small from lions, elephants and cheetahs to wild dogs and vultures. Through game counts, radio collaring, night excursions and behavioural research travellers will be able to get up close to some of Africa’s most endangered species, and play an active role in wildlife conservation.  

For conservation enthusiasts in search of a more varied option, the South Africa Big 5 programme is ideal. Participants will not only be able to lend a hand with animal feeding and sanctuary care, they can also assist with nature conservation work that protects the animals habitat and is vital to their survival. Working with big game such as lions and elephants, volunteers will have the opportunity to play and active role in their care though various activities including; feeding lion cubs, observing the larger animals in their natural habitat and helping with environment rehabilitation.

The last of the new South Africa trips South Africa Orphanage Volunteers provides the perfect mixture for mature gappers who prefer cultural experiences and human interaction. Port Elizabeth is a stunning destination but also home to some of South Africa’s poorest children, working across two care centres volunteers can play a significant role in improving the prospects of children affected by the HIV/AIDS virus and young children whose parents cannot afford to look after them. Helping with basic education and providing much-needed care, volunteering at this project provides a unique insight into African culture as well as the opportunity to make a difference though teaching, educational activities and community care.  

Career breakers and older travellers who feel inspired by Gap Year for Grown Ups wonderful new South Africa options can find out more here http://www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk/South%20Africa or call to speak to an expert travel adviser on 01892 701881.