Warriors Academy Gap Year Program in South Africa

Name: Warriors Academy Gap Year Program in South Africa
Brand: Warriors Academy
SKU: 146549
Rating: 4.85 (317 reviews)

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4.85 Rating

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Location

South Africa

Length

4 - 52 weeks

Program Tags

Adventure Travel Cultural Immersion Hands-On Learning Post-High School Wilderness

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Program Details

Activities

Animal Viewing Boating Bungee Jumping Camping Canoeing Canyoning City Exploring Cliff Jumping Cycling Dancing Hiking Horseback Riding Kayaking Mountain Biking Mountain Climbing Rafting Remote Exploring Rock Climbing Safari Sailing Scuba Diving Sightseeing Sky Diving Snorkeling Swimming Trekking Wine Tasting Yoga

Timeframe

Fall Spring Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Cabin Hostel Rondavel Tent

Primary Language

English

Age Min.

Age Max

Pricing

Starting Price

6200

Price Details

Cost includes:
Accommodation
Food
Activities
Courses
Professional coaching services
Travelling
Training materials
Registrations and equipment as per activities

Excludes:
Laundry services
Personal pocket money
Personal gear such as bicycle, camping gear, hiking gear and tents (Can be rented from Rene)
Activities outside of prospectus
Medical emergencies
Transport to and from Warriors Academy at the start and finish of each Quest (Transport can be arranged on request)
Emergency transportation to doctors or other related services
Medical and Travel Insurance (US students it is pre-requisite to get travel and medical insurance from iNext, to be added to your account)

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Some Activities Some Equipment Meals Park Fees Some Park Fees Tour Guide Transportation Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: May 04, 2023

Last Reviewed: Mar 29, 2025

Wish List

65 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Are you looking for an adventure Gap Year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our internationally accredited gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure and self-development.
You can expect to have new and exhilarating experiences while meeting people from around the world. During this year, you will be mentally and physically pushed out of your comfort zones. You will be supported, guided and tick off an array of bucket list items while learning more about yourself and your potential.
Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quests. Each Quest has its own set of adventure activities, soft skill workshops and personal mentoring sessions.
You are able to do any number of quests or all four as part of our full Gap Year program!

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Video and Photos

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Program Highlights

Warriors Academy is accredited by the International Gap Year Association
Warriors Academy provides a comprehensive variety of training, activities, experiences and travel
Our program is highly structured with a focus on personal growth and development
We have highly qualified, trained and experienced facilitators
Warriors Academy is international and multicultural

Program Reviews

4.85 Rating

based on 317 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Gap Year Parent

5 rating 84.86%
4 rating 15.14%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Housing 4.55
Support 4.9
Fun 4.9
Value 4.85
Safety 4.8

Program Selection 4.7
Pre-departure Help 5
In-program Support 5
Impact on Student 5
Value 5

Good for Adventure travelers, Students

Showing 177 - 184 of 317 reviews

After I have finish my A levels in Singapore I will with out even contemplating go on the gap year with the Warriors Academy, but until then I will just have to bide my time. I strongly believe that the warriors have change my life multiple times and I have no complaints what so ever. The food, activities, accommodation and vibes were “off the wall”
I had an amazing week with them on the Warriors Adventure Tour. This week is a great introduction to the gap year and I recommend it to anyone considering a gap year.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

You must be open to do things you would not necessary do on your own accord.

This tour has left me completely speechless, there are no words that can truly explain my experience. I found myself again. I was able to get my adrenaline pumping and experience nature in a whole new way! I made so many new friends who I know will be friends for life. I was able to create a special individual connection with each person. The facilitators really made me feel comfortable and at home. There was no judgment no matter who you are or where you are from. I would highly recommend this tour to any adrenaline junky teen who need to get out for a while.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

I met someone who makes me feel like I am safe and loved, I fell in love with out realising it.

Warriors Academy is an extraordinary experience that helps develop yourself and inspires you to become the best you, by challenging your limits and teaching you life skills. Challenging your limits means you pause long enough to understand what it is all about before deciding what to do.Teaching life skills develops critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills, and creates learning experiences that create memories. Memories tell stories that create rich emotions and feelings of joy.

This trip to me personally was really a life changer. The amount of fun I experienced during the short period of time was more than I have experienced in the rest off this year. During this time I met a lot of new friends and we got along really well, and I even ended up falling in love. I leard a lot of lessons such as the value of friendship, leadership, respect, trust, etc. This trip really is worth it and I would suggest this trip to all teens out there, as it is perfect for all. Next year I'll be assisting at this trip and hopes to see a lot of new faces

What was your funniest moment?

Having a mosquitoe fly up my nose and shooting it back out straight to the tent.

My experience on the tour was great because it brought lots of people from all over to come and spend time with each other and get to know each other better. All the activities we did brought us all together.Everyone that went and all the leaders of the camp where all welcoming and kind towards each other which made the tour a-lot more fun. The activities that we did where fun and we where constantly doing something which was good because we where never sitting still and doing nothing,I would definitely recommend for anybody to come and try out and visit the camp

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

The most nerve racking experience was when we went to go and do the big swing and standing and waiting for your turn to jump

Was the best week of my life. Learned and did so much. It was amazing. They learn you to face your fear. They also build up your self-esteem up so much. The staff are so motivated and make you believe so much in yourself. The energy of the entire program are amazing. There is never a dull moment the entire time. The food are absolutely to die for and at the same time healthy. No matter how bad you did at something they wil always gives you a positive inspiration talk. I whould do it anytime again.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

They learned us how to make a belly. This was amazing.

I was having quite a stressful time with my exams, but my moms very next words was the silver lining to my year, "Your going on a Warriors Camp as your Christmas present!" My stressful week suddenly seemed just a little bit more calm. The time had come, I was on my way; to new places, new friends, new adventures! I was absolutely shocked at the extent of quality of the activities we did. I'm an absolute adrenaline junky and I love nature! I would definately recommend this to someone that is adventurous and overall wants to explore, not only nature, but also grow their own character. We learnt that it does not matter where you come from, who you are, what your background is, we are all human and that everyone deserves a chance and deserves a place in this extraordinary world! ❤

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I was stressing quite a bit for the "Big Swing." I felt like passing out🤣 Even though I have already done sky diving, I managed to become a little bit nervous. However, I knew i was in safe hands. My fellow team mates helped me calm my nerves through hyping me up and getting me to dance! I ended up becoming quite excited to do it! The moment I stood on the edge I felt complete euphoria, it was amazing. I don't regret a moment! I would do it a thousand times over :)

This was the best adventure experience I have ever experienced. I would not mind doing this again or doing the gap year programme. It was fun and inspirational. I have taken a lot from this experience and would love to continue doing similar activities. I recommend this programme to everyone who loves adventure and loves new experiences. It helps people overcome their fears and overcome the fear of interacting with strangers. It helps build character and can help you improve on your confidence. I highly recommend this programme for a gap year or a week's adventure experience

What was your funniest moment?

To look at the frightened faces of your fellow group members

Questions & Answers

Is this program open for 2022?

Yes, it is. Application for all the various programs is open for 2022

By Rudi Viljoen on February 18, 2022

What is the average age of participants?

average age between 17 and 23. We've had the exceptions

By Rudi Viljoen on September 20, 2021

How fit do you have to be?

No need to be super fit. We start of with basic exercise and build each participants fitness

By Rudi Viljoen on September 20, 2021

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

Both my older brother and cousin have done this programme prior to me. Hearing what an amazing experience this was for them and seeing the change in them, made coming to this programme a very easy choice for me to make.

I've always liked to challenge myself, but never actually got out of my comfort zone in doing so.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Because my older brother already did the programme prior to me, there were a few things he could pass on to me - which was great.

Other than that, the Warriors Academy helped me out with stuff I couldn't get/bring myself since I live overseas and it ended up being a lot easier just getting it on site. These were mainly things for outside activities, such as biking gear, hiking gear, and a tent.

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Just go in and participate in every way possible. Don't think about it, be open to experience everything. There will most definitely be things you won't like, but you'll be surprised finding out there are actually quite a few things you really do like, just never had the opportunity to pursue it.

Also, as long as you put your mind to it, you're capable of doing everything and anything.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Okay, so it's quite valuable to know that literally every single day is different, let alone the weeks.
But generally, you start your day off with some lovely morning exercise after which you return to your rooms to shower and get ready for the day. After breakfast (if you're lucky, there are oats), you go and do whatever activity is planned for that day!

Somewhere around noon, you'll have lunch and somewhere beginning of the evening, dinner. That's pretty much all I can say about an average day. Food is great there.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I don't think there was a specific fear? I was lucky enough to have met most of the people who are in the organisation of this programme prior to me actually joining it. So I guess that already made me feel a lot more comfortable going to the other side of the world by myself.

Other than that, I would recommend being open-minded and not being afraid to talk to people whenever you're struggling with something.

If you could do this trip again, what would you change?

Looking back at my experience, I wouldn't change a thing. There were a few times I was very much set on not doing something, but I'm extremely happy I did end up doing these things/trying it out.

The thing is, during this incredible programme, there are a lot of opportunities that are thrown at you and most of these you won't get a chance of experiencing ever again. You don't want to look back regretting things you didn't do.

Be grateful, cause it's a chance in a lifetime!

James Baring

Vittorio Contaldi

Lindy Odendaal

2016 Alum

Somane Julian Neil Andersson

2016 Alum

Tabi Morison

Aidan John Pitt

2016 Alum

Matthew Wilkinson

2019 Alum

Brad Askew

2019 Alum

Kim Maritz

2016 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Traveling to Mozambique on a scuba diving trip! Just exploring another part of Africa made it so special to share with our international students!

Every day presented a new opportunity where a new diving skill was taught to the students. The importance of respecting nature. This was a trip with lots of stories and memories!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working at Warriors has allowed me to learn to give back without expecting anything in return. It’s allowed me to see students grow into amazing young adults.

I’ve learned to do everything with passion and always give it my all. It’s been truly rewarding having to be able to work with youngsters from around the world!

View Entire Interview

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the students had a really tough time in school and just not fitting in on a social level! Warriors has taught him to embrace who he is and express himself the way he chooses to.

He learned to accept himself and has picked up the courage to face people on a social level! Allowing others to appreciate his uniqueness.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

The Toltec workshop! It’s a week where our students are given the opportunity to learn about themselves emotionally and learn to accept who they are!

This is a week where we also offer an opportunity to detox and learn a little bit more about a healthy lifestyle. We teach the importance of health is wealth!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes us unique is the fact that we are a melting pot of different cultures, races, and nationalities!

The best proud moment will always be at the end of a program where you see a transformation and the excitement within the students! This is the start of their journey into the big world and we’ve just equipped them with tools to take it on!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in being a successful company consists of multiple attributes.

Passion
Energy
Hard work
Focus
Dedication
Integrity
And most importantly, teamwork! It takes a team to put together a successful project! Yet we should all share a common vision in order for it to work!

#Fortheadventuresofbeingalive

Ruan

Adventure Facilitator

Rudi Viljoen

CEO

Renske Hagg

Adventure Facilitator

Carla De Araujo

Communications Manager

René Viljoen

MAI Instructor Training

Courtney Venter

Senior Facilitator

Francois Van Schalkwyk

Chef

Rowena Viljoen

Senior facilitator

Charles Thompson

Location

Location:

South Africa

Currency:

South African Rand

Weather:

Jan-Mar

81 F / 57 F

Apr-Jun

68 F / 46 F

Jul-Sep

66 F / 45 F

Oct-Dec

77 F / 52 F

Airports:

O. R. Tambo International Airport

( JNB )

Cape Town International Airport

( CPT )

King Shaka International Airport

( DUR )

South Africa is often thought of as resoundingly unstable and poor; however, this is far from the case. The duality in South Africa encompasses big cities with a well-developed infrastructure, as well as rural areas that are underdeveloped and impoverished. South Africa is well known for having 11 recognized languages, beautiful landscapes, world-class universities, and an abundance of animals.

About Warriors Academy

Warriors Academy is an internationally accredited Gap Year program that has been running in South Africa for the past 17 years. The Warriors Gap Year program is made up of four seasonal Quests. Each Quest is structured and has unique features and activities. These are focused on equipping young adults with emotional intelligence skills, time...