Warriors Academy Gap Year Program in South Africa

The best year of my life was being at warriors learning new skills and improving my fitness and making the best friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. You push your self mentally and physically for any activity that was tough. I came to this gap in the beginning of the year in feb. And I enjoyed everything that I accomplished at warriors I did the drakensburg 5 day hike I did Bungy jumping, sky diving and the adventure challenge which was the most insane and toughest challenge I have ever done but I loved this was the best year ever

Warriors has taught me so much like how to grow not only physically but also mentally. My first year was an unbelievable experience. Making so many friends so fast and getting so close to everyone. It has been so much fun that I’m doing next year as a multi activity instructor (MAI). Can’t wait to get back to start a new year in 2022 in this beautiful place. I love warriors because they first helped me find who I really and and them took us on the most amazing adventures. From sky diving to rafting the orange river.

The MAI program that warriors offers is an amazing program where you are pushed to be the best you possible and helping you overcome some things that you are struggling with, you learn a lot about different activities that range from public speaking to abseiling and many more. This year has taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of and with the help of the warriors staff, this years warriors and the MAIs I have overcome hurdles, I have been on some of the craziest and most exiting trips and I have met the most amazing people who I call family now.

I had my doubts going into the program, but I have had the best time possible. You get pushed to your limit and yes it does get tough. But what you get in return you can’t express!! I have created memories for life, some of which I will remember until the last day. You get an experience that rewards persists above everything else. You do what you have to complete your objective. But most important you do what is best for you, I have learned so much about myself aswell as my peers joining me in this amazing experience.

The best decision you could make for a gap year, if not your life. It is a place of remarkable growth and development and you learn to flourish in your day-to-day environment, that’s along side the daily adrenaline filled activities. It is situated in the most stunning place in South Africa and has the best staff in all aspects, you’ll find yourself immersed among people who bring you up and make you feel at home, Warriors academy is definitely my second home and is the reason I went back for a second year.

I came into warriors as a troubled youngster that wasn't too excited about life at all. It took me a few weeks to adapt to the program as i came from a background of negativity and bad mindset. They were very patient with me even though i gave them many reasons not to. When i finally started trusting the process i could see a significant change in my everyday life. Slowly but surely i started to learn about myself and what i am capable of. My friends back home didn't recognise me they were scared of the changes that i made. So i started losing them one by one, and that just showed me how toxic they were and what bad influence they had on me in the past. I can truly say warriors academy open my eyes. At the end of the year i grew into a whole new person but i knew there was more for me to discover, i wasn't done. So i did the Multi-Activity Instructor year and oh man. It was probably the best year of my life, you learn how to be responsible and take care of others. Leadership skills on another level. Taking students and clients out on extreme adventures and knowing their lives are in your hands make you grow up quickly. You start shaping your mind into this machine that can do anything. Through all the physical stuff i've put myself through my mind has become stronger and stronger. I can truly say that i am ready for anything life can throw at me. These extremely challenging adventure have given me friends for life. I see them as family. Thank you Warriors Academy :)!

Warriors Academy gave me the opportunity to step away from my life and live a completely different one. One filled with adventure, thrill and excitement, but also challenges and personal growth.
From a city girl that had never been mountain biking or hiking or camping, to someone who is currently searching for the next bungee jump I can do, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
My favourite part of my experience was the people I got to share it with. I made the most special bonds and friendships with my fellow warriors and facilitators. I will forever cherish the memories we made together.
My eyes were opened to the incredible beauty of this country that I had not quite been exposed to before, and I did things I would never have otherwise done.
Warriors showed me what a thrill it is to be alive, and taught me that growth follows discomfort - so do your future-self a favour and throw yourself in the deep end!
If you are even considering the Warriors Gap Year Program - DO IT! You will not regret it.

Great personal growth with improvements in all aspects of life depending on what quest you do. Would recommend doing the whole year. Tons of fun activities that will test your strength and will at every turn. You will learn team building skills, mental strength, mutual support, physical strength, and critical thinking. You will learn to be more aware of the situations you find yourself in while also learning to enjoy everything you do. You will also create valuable friendships. The party scene is not great though as most parties that the program organized were not very fun and even those they didn’t were not anything special.