Warriors Academy Gap Year

Warriors Academy

Why choose Warriors Academy?

Warriors Academy is an internationally accredited Gap Year program that has been running in South Africa for the past 23 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, stress and conflict management, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving while exploring and experiencing the best that South Africa has to offer. Students are able to choose to do any of our Quests or all 4 as part of the full Gap Year experience.
Our Gap Year involves adventure activities, personal coaching and self-mastery workshops aimed at building emotional fitness and strengthening both the body and mind. Some of these activities include hiking, kloofing, water rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving, sailing, cycle safari’s, animal encounters and so much more.

Founded
2004

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

Reviews

Matilda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such a fun trip!

I had such a fun trip it was such an amazing experience!! All the staff were so kind and fun and they made us feel super welcomed when we were there ! Every day we did such cool activities like skydiving, seeing hippos and elephants and going to the crèche! Everywhere we stayed was so nice and I loved them all - they had such nice facilities . I think it definitely made me more confident and I would recommend it to literally anyone!! Even though I was nervous to go it was honestly tbe best thing I’ve ever done !!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was so nervous to go skydiving but I Genuinly had such ana amazing time and it really helped to chat to everyone while going up in the plane !
Pros
  • Becoming much more confident
  • Putting myself out of my comfort zone
  • Experienced an amazing country and did such cool activities
What other participants should know
  • Enjoy all the activities as it goes so quickly !
Kimathi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life altering

Warriors has been one of the best experiences of my life. Over the seven weeks, I got to try so many new things, take part in incredible adventure activities, visit amazing places and push myself out of my comfort zone. Everything was planned really well, the trips were amazing, and the food was genuinely magnificent. However, what makes Warriors truly special is the people. The staff are wonderful, always bringing great energy and making every experience worthwhile. The people I met here have become some of my closest friends, and I know I'll stay in touch with many of them for years to come. Beyond the adventures, the programme has changed my attitude towards life, encouraged me to be more open to new experiences, and taught me to make the most of every opportunity. Seven weeks went by incredibly quickly, but I leave with memories and friendships I'll carry for a lifetime. I'd recommend Warriors to anyone looking for a gap year that offers adventure, personal growth and the chance to meet genuinely amazing people.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
On the edge of the 216 meter bungee. I overcame it by receiving support from facilitators and from just winging it
Katy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A lesson in falling in love with life again

This past quest has been two of the most significant months of my life. Because of Warriors, I have learned to be grateful for every little thing I have in life, and understand how everything has shaped me as a person. I feel so alive and so present. As someone who struggles with mental health, coming to Warriors was an experience that both changed and saved my life. The people are absolutely incredible and will love you to bits. The memories you make and the lessons you learn will stay with you forever. The program, on a surface level, might just look like a ton of cool, extreme activities to invigorate and inspire you, but it's so much more than that. It teaches you to live life to the fullest and builds your confidence in a way you have never seen before. I unlocked my potential this quest, and I hope to see a lot more from myself. I owe so much to this program, and I'd honestly recommend it to anyone. You are so much stronger than you think.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wish I could show myself from the start just how far I've come, because I'd tell her to believe in herself from the start. Your strength will blow you away.
Pros
  • Awesome group and facilitators
  • Incredible facilities and food
  • Unforgettable travel and experiences
What other participants should know
  • Be ready for an adventure
  • Come with an open mind, and be ready to be transformed
  • Get ready to make friends for life
Nathan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Time of my Life

Warriors Academy was an absolutely incredible experience! The staff are amazing, the activities are exciting, and the whole experience pushes you out of your comfort zone while helping you build confidence, teamwork, and new skills. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you leave with unforgettable memories, great experiences, and friendships that last. I would highly recommend Warriors Academy to anyone looking for adventure, personal growth, and an experience they’ll never forget!

Divan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The people and the staff is wat makes the program

My experience at Warriors Academy has been one of the best experiences of my life. When I first arrived, I knew I was going to do a lot of activities and meet new people, but I never expected to leave with so many memories, friendships, and lessons that would change the way I look at life.

Warriors has taught me so much about myself. I have learned to push myself out of my comfort zone, face my fears, and try things I never thought I would be able to do. From hiking mountains and rafting rivers to abseiling, swimming, and taking part in different challenges, every activity taught me something new. There were times when things were difficult, but those moments helped me realise that I am capable of more than I sometimes believe.

One of the biggest things I will take away from Warriors is the people I have met. The friendships I have made mean more to me than words can explain. The people on the farm have become like a family to me, and I will always be grateful for the role they have played in my life. I have met people I look up to, people who have challenged me to become better, and people who have made me laugh even when things were tough. The memories we have made together are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

The staff and instructors have also played a massive role in my journey. They have helped me learn new skills, overcome challenges, and understand the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. They have shown me that growth does not always happen when things are easy, but often when we are uncomfortable and have to push through challenges.

Warriors has also helped me appreciate the small things in life. Spending time around the fire, having conversations with friends, enjoying the outdoors, and laughing together are moments I will miss more than I can explain. Sometimes, it is the simplest moments that become the best memories.

Looking back, I can honestly say that I did not leave Warriors as the same person who arrived. I have grown in confidence, learned more about who I am, and gained a better understanding of the person I want to become. I still have a lot to learn, but Warriors has given me a strong foundation to keep growing.

Leaving is not easy because I am leaving behind people and a place that have become such a big part of my life. However, I know that the purpose of this journey was never to stay comfortable forever, but to grow and take what I have learned into the world.

I will forever be thankful for my time at Warriors Academy. The experiences, friendships, lessons, and memories will always have a special place in my heart. Warriors was more than just a gap year. It was a chapter of my life that helped shape the man I am becoming, and I will never forget it.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment is when i had to belay someone and they where just asking if they are on safety the whole time and now that person is also laughing at that moment
Pros
  • People
  • Staff
  • Adventures
What other participants should know
  • Staff that loves there work
  • See most of South Africa
  • Very good for the newer generations

Programs

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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.

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!

Staff Interviews

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

Tumi

Job Title
Senior Facilitator
Tumi is every energetic passionate being! She loves to laugh and make a difference in other people’s lives!
Tumi

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!

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

Professional Associations

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