Gap year & Travel News

Vicki in action in South Africa

In early 2009 my 17 year old daughter announced that she intended to take a gap year before embarking on University studies.  Nothing terribly unusual in that and I expected that she would travel as part of a group project with the security that goes with it.   However, that was not her intention.  As always, quietly independent and determined, she came up with one trip and one trip only, there would be no alternative.  She wanted to work on a safari camp in Africa and it had to involve horses.

She found exactly what she wanted through a company called ‘The Leap’, which was based in Wiltshire.  I have to confess that at this stage I was not filled with confidence – the trip was for three months and was unaccompanied.  It was clear though, that however many alternatives I came up with, there was no changing her mind.  I had never heard of The Leap and to be honest the fact that it was based in a sleepy little market town in Wiltshire did not really help.

So, on a sunny day in August, we (Victoria, myself and my sister for moral support) set off to Marlborough for an induction and preparatory meeting.  I arrived with a list of questions in my head and a somewhat defensive attitude, but everything was dealt with thoroughly, honestly and realistically by the different members of staff.  Alice Baines, who explained everything to Vicky was first class – had travelled herself and was young enough to relate to the kind of things that might be worrying to a 17 year old, but wouldn’t necessarily be asked.  Guy Whitehead was the consummate professional and having been raised in Africa instilled immediate confidence.  This is no backwater amateur outfit.  So we left with confidence, although still a little nervous.

In mid September Vicky left Heathrow bound for three months in the Waterberg in South Africa, on the border of Botswana.  From day one she was ecstatically happy.  It was, just as Guy and Alice had explained, very hard work.  Long hours, not confined to riding and horse care.  So less a case of mucking out, more a case of mucking in and doing whatever needed to be done to make the safari ranch run smoothly for its guests.  During the whole time The Leap maintained contact and checked (discreetly) with the owners that Vicky was o.k.

In December we visited and quite understood why she had fallen in love with the place.  We found a much matured daughter, who also announced that she would like to stay an additional 3 months, which she has done.  The additional time was nothing to do with The Leap, but I have contacted Guy recently on many occasions for advice and nothing has been too much trouble.  Vicky returns home next week via Mount Killimanjaro (read about Vivki’s climb here), it has been an amazing 6 months for her.

Vicki with her mountain climbing bud Leanne

The mighty Mount Kilimanjaro

Vicki and Leanne on top of the world!

I cannot recommend The Leap highly enough – they will give honest advice and support whenever needed.  I hope that we will keep contact with them in some way.   So if your teenager announces that they want to travel and you want to maintain peace of mind I would recommend the Leap every time!

Barbara Mercier
March 2010