Program Reviews

The Warriors Gap year academy program second quest also known as autumn quest has been an amazing experience, I’ve been exposed to many different activities and adventures. Ever since scuba diving in Sodwana Bay, scuba diving has become one of my favorite hobbies which I will continue to pursue after warriors. The management team and those involved with planning, organizing, driving, facilitating and instructing made this whole adventure possible and for that I am extremely grateful for everyone involved.

Avant de venir a la Warriors Academy j’ai été déscolarisée pour certaines raison, mais je voulais pas perdre mon temp et je voulais renforcer mon physique et mon mental car je suis quelqu’un qui a peur de parler devant des gens, et partir dans un autre pays avec des personnes que tu ne connais pas avec une langue que tu connais a peine, c’est un défi que je me suis lancer. Alors si j’ai un conseil, c’est de quitter votre zone de confort et venais nous rejoindre et ca vous aidera probablement comme ca ma aider.

In English:
Before coming to the Warriors Academy I was dropped out of school for some reason, but I didn't want to waste my time and I wanted to strengthen my physical and mental strength because I am someone who is afraid to speak in front of people, and going to another country with people you don't know with a language you barely know, it's a challenge that I set myself. So if I have one piece of advice, it's to leave your comfort zone and come join us and it will probably help you like it helped me.

I came to Warriors as part of my gap year and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is not 100% sure on what to do during their gap year. The amount of different things you do, including hiking the Num-num trail, horse riding, climbing and a lot of cycling and the many different people you meet and form relationships with, gives you a different perspective on life. I have so much more motivation and self-confidence after this quest.

I now push myself past my comfort levels and do things I never thought I would do, including a 120km cycle through the mountains and scuba diving with sharks. I loved my time here and can't wait to come back!!

Every second of the Warriors was a blast. The amount of things I learnt this quest was unbelievable, and I will be forever grateful for the lessons I’ve learned. Having MAI and Facilitators who know everything and teach us new things every day makes us all feel equal. All the adventures we did taught us something,g and I personally learnt the most in the scuba diving trip to Sodwana Bay, the place we all fell in love with scuba diving and snorkeling. Experiencing Sodwana with this group made it a million times better.

I’ll never forget the moments with Warriors

The program is a very nice experience because you get very close to people all around the world. And you're working on yourself and your growth, so you grow as a person along the way. You're challenging yourself, things you might think you are not capable of, but once you do it, you realize you are very much capable. And you don’t need to be fit when you come at the beginning, the program helps with people who are athletic and non-athletic, and you do everything together at the end of the day. I very much recommend!!

What is very exciting is that you learn a lot of new skills that you can use in everyday life has taught me not to give up so easily. I have found what I wanna do in the future, and you have a lot of fun meeting new people from around the world. The trips are good. The food here is good. We go to restaurants. The Mais here help out a lot. The facilitators also do a very good job with the Guinea activities done by Rowena. The owner of Warriors is an amazing woman and loves and cares for all of us and here you build a new family and lifelong friends. If you get injured, they have good services and it’s just a good push to give you, so if you get out of your comfort zone and you do things that most people will never do in their life

If you’re looking for a gap year that offers far more than just a break from academics, Warriors Academy in South Africa stands out as one of the best adventure-based gap year programs globally. Combining personal growth, outdoor adventure, leadership development, and team-building, the academy provides young adults with the ideal environment to discover themselves, build resilience, and gain a stronger sense of direction in life.

What makes Warriors Academy so unique is its structured approach. The program is divided into four seasonal quests—Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer—each designed to challenge students in different ways. These challenges range from mountain hikes and survival camps to kayaking, rock climbing, and community engagement. Each quest is crafted to develop character, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while providing unforgettable outdoor experiences.

The emphasis on personal development sets Warriors Academy apart from traditional gap year programs. This isn’t just a “year off”—it’s a transformative year in. Participants are mentored by trained facilitators who guide them through reflective exercises, personality profiling, journaling, and coaching sessions. These experiences help students build emotional intelligence, self-discipline, and leadership skills that are invaluable for both future studies and life in general.

One of the Academy’s standout features is its setting in the scenic Limpopo province, surrounded by bushveld, mountains, and rivers. The natural beauty adds to the adventure and gives students the opportunity to disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with themselves and the world around them. In a time where digital overload is real, this grounding experience in nature is both healing and empowering.

A highlight of the Warriors journey is the sense of community it fosters. Participants come from diverse backgrounds but leave the program with lifelong friendships. The bonds formed during intense challenges and emotional breakthroughs create a strong support system that extends far beyond the year itself. Warriors alumni often describe the program as life-changing—not only because of the skills they gained but because of the person they became through it.

Another reason Warriors Academy is rated so highly is its emphasis on accountability and responsibility. Students aren’t just pushed physically—they’re expected to step up, take initiative, and make decisions. This prepares them not only for university or work but also for life’s unpredictable moments. It’s an empowering experience that many young adults sorely need before taking on the pressures of adult life.

Overall, Warriors Academy provides the perfect blend of adrenaline, personal discovery, and meaningful mentorship. For anyone searching for more than just a travel break—for a gap year that pushes limits, builds character, and inspires purpose—Warriors Academy is a top-tier choice. It’s not about escaping reality; it’s about preparing to face it with confidence, clarity, and courage. Whether you’re unsure of what to study, need a reset after school, or want to grow as a person, this is an adventure gap year that truly delivers.

When I arrived at Warriors Academy, I had so many goals I wanted to achieve, but I didn’t know if I was able to achieve them. Not only did I achieve all the goals I had, but I also achieved so much more. Warriors made me push myself and made me grow so much as a person. Their program will help you find yourself and friends who you know will be around for a lifetime. The warriors academy team was so supportive throughout the entire journey and made us feel so safe and helped grow our confidence. Warriors Academy was the best decision I have ever made.

I enjoyed the activities, and I got progressively stronger over time. I was always stressed about not being on time or not knowing the itinerary of every day, as we knew very little information about future plans.

I felt a lot of frustration and burnout throughout this journey, but it was worth it

Warriors gave me structure in my daily life and helped me to become an adult. It was a wonderful, adventurous gap year, and the supervisors did everything to keep you safe and enthusiastic. The activities were fun, nocturnal, and beautiful. There was this one guy called Dylan, he was the best facilitator for me at Warriors, he has the kindest heart, and he is just always positive, and just being around him, it's a vibe. He really made me enjoy Warriors a lot. Warriors in general was avibe I will recommend sending your kids to this life changing gap year program