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Gap Year Experiences

Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve is a unique provider of African conservation experiences, designed for those taking a gap year from school or university. Located just south of the world famous Kruger National Park and ideally situated to access neighbouring countries Swaziland and Mozambique we offer you the time of your life.

Conservation, adventure and culture

We offer a multitude of experiences while students are with us, just a taste of these includes:

• Tracking lions in the open with a carnivore expert
• African elephant tracking and interaction with orphaned elephants
• Conducting a game count from the air in a microlight aircraft
• Impacting on the lives of the underprivileged
• Learning how to handle a 4x4 vehicle in the bush
• Assisting an anti-poaching patrol.

We are able to provide you with a programme that is educational, varied and often challenging with large helpings of adventure, once in a lifetime experiences, and above all lots of fun.

Students are able to choose from a variety of placement durations from 4, 6, 8 or 10 weeks to suit your requirements and interests, and we are happy to discuss these to determine what is best for you.

Prices and start dates

4 week experience – R18,700-00
6 week experience - R 25,000-00
8 week experience - R 30,000-00
10 week experience –R 38,000-00

Our dedicated gap year website will give further general information and commencement dates: www.kwamadwalagapyear.co.za

Accommodation

Gazebo Game Lodge is ideally located on the fringe of two large dams which are oases to the resident game population, a bush Utopia. Spacious communal areas include a games room equipped with pool table, darts, table tennis and TV/DVD, a large dining Lapa, your own pub furnished with a fridge, a gazebo under thatch, an under-the-African-sky outdoor Boma for barbeques, an indoor lounge with a dedicated student computer and telephone, and a swimming pool.

Ensuite rooms are shared by four to six students (based on a single sex per room) and all linen is provided including bath towels. Further information is available on the website.

What past students have to say

"It completely exceeded my expectations of the programme. I have come away with not only an experience of a lifetime, seeing and doing things I never thought I would do, but have also made a lot of new friends. As for highlights, there were so many things – microlighting, game drives, wildlife experts, Kruger National Park, elephant safaris, the insects, the adrenaline rush of doing a watch during a sleep out on Kwa, and, of course, the parties!”
Kate Reese (Jan ’09)

“The highlight of my experience has been very hard to choose as everyday has been so cool. If I have to decide I would say the visit to Kruger and the microlights. The location of the accommodation is perfect, surrounded by wildlife (literally hippos in the dam and warthogs on the lawn!) The activities I have done have been unforgettable. The experience is perfect for anyone who wants a taste of Africa with non-stop fun”
Eddie Howe (Feb ’09)

Further information on all gap year options is available at: www.kwamadwalagapyear.co.za

How to apply for a gap year experience at Kwa Madwala

You can apply for these once in a lifetime experiences by contacting the central reservations department: or by completing our contact form.