Harry spent part of his gap year in Australia as a "jackaroo"

The 19-year-old will help at a number community projects at undisclosed locations during his eight-week trip.

The trip reflects Harry's own interest in helping people with severe health difficulties, Clarence House said.

Harry, who wants to join the Army, has spent part of his gap year working as a farm hand or "jackaroo" in Australia.

He spent much of his three-month trip rounding up cattle and sheep for less than �100 a week on a 39,500-acre Tooloombilla station in the outback.

Intense media interest

However, he was also able to watch England's progress through the Rugby World Cup, which was held in Australia.

The prince had reportedly considered leaving early as a result of the intense media interest in his visit but in the end did not cut his visit short.

He returned to the UK shortly before Christmas, which he spent at Sandringham with the rest of the Royal Family.

A Clarence House spokesman told BBC News Online the prince had really enjoyed his Australia trip and was looking forward to visiting Africa.

The dates of the trip and the countries Harry will visit would not being released until nearer the time for security reasons, she added.