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gap year programme - zimbabwe & malawi

gap year student at school.png

Snapshot

8 weeks

Conservation, cultural immersion, adventure

Group Tour max 16 guests

Guaranteed Departure with just 4 guests

Start: Harare, Zimbabwe

End: Lilongwe, Malawi 

Why gap year in zimbabwe & Malawi?

Designed for 18–30 year olds, this eight-week gap year programme blends meaningful cultural immersion, practical conservation work, hands-on community projects and a healthy dose of adventure. It begins in Zimbabwe on the wild shores of Lake Kariba, where you’ll learn bush survival skills, wilderness first aid, and practical abilities like welding and eco-brick making. With support from our experienced team, you’ll work alongside local communities on conservation initiatives that protect wildlife, reduce human–wildlife conflict and strengthen sustainable livelihoods.

Midway through, the journey continues into Malawi. In th beautiful Dzalanyama Forest Reserve you’ll take part in forest restoration, tree planting, wildlife monitoring and community support projects, from eco-building to school engagement. The adventure peaks with a trek up Mount Mulanje -Malawi’s “Island in the Sky” - before a restorative final week on the shores of Lake Malawi to unwind, reflect and celebrate your achievements.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have gained new skills, contributed to meaningful projects and grown in confidence, leadership and self-awareness. More than just a trip, it’s an opportunity to connect, contribute and explore two remarkable countries through responsible, authentic engagement.

The Itinerary

Week 1: Arrive in Harare, travel to Lake Kariba and begin bush skills, first-aid training and cultural orientation.

Week 2: Starting conservation and community projects, develop practical skills such as welding, eco-brick making and building.

Week 3: Split into groups for bush camping, survival training and hands-on human–wildlife conflict mitigation work.

Week 4: Continue conservation rotations, complete community structures and enjoy adventure activities on the floodplains.

Week 5: Transfer to Malawi and begin forest conservation work at Dzalanyama, including tree planting and wildlife monitoring.

Week 6: Support community initiatives - schools, youth groups and women’s cooperatives - alongside eco-building and permaculture.

Week 7: Prepare for and embark on the Mount Mulanje trek with navigation, climbing and wilderness skills.

Week 8: Unwind on Lake Malawi with snorkelling and kayaking, ending with a final celebration before departure.

Mulanje View_credit Frank Weitzer.jpg

2026 Dates

Starting: Harare (Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport)

Ending: Lilongwe (Kamuzu Airport)

TBC

what's
included?

  • Accommodation Standard sharing (Tents, Chalets & Rooms)

  • Meals: Breakfasts, sit down or picnic lunches, dinners

  • Transport: Toyota Hilux, Extended Safari Vehicle or Quantum bus

  • Activities: All non-motorised watersport activities in Lake Malawi, walking, hiking, community visits and excursions

what's not
included?

  • International Flights (available on request)

  • Visa fees if required

  • Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)

  • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)

  • Entrance fees and activities not mentioned above

Get in touch with us to start planning your gap year

Make an enquiry

Request a call back

Book your trip

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