Quest Africa: Mixed Core Program - Forge Your Future
by: Quest
Forge your future, together. The Quest Mixed Core is a 4-month, co-ed journey for young men and women (ages 17–21) ready to build a foundation for their future. This program offers deep, hands-on immersion into the real world, designed to cultivate the character, skills, and collaborative spirit that modern universities and employers are seeking. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a diverse, tight-knit team. In this unique environment, you will learn to leverage different perspectives to solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 5 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate with a toolkit of timeless skills, a new level of self-awareness, and a global community of brothers and sisters forged in adventure. This is the foundation that sets you apart.
Forge your future, together. The Quest Mixed Core is a 4-month, co-ed journey for young men and women (ages 17–21) ready to build a foundation for their future. This program offers deep, hands-on immersion into the real world, designed to cultivate the character, skills, and collaborative spirit that modern universities and employers are seeking. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a diverse, tight-knit team. In this unique environment, you will learn to leverage different perspectives to solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 5 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate with a toolkit of timeless skills, a new level of self-awareness, and a global community of brothers and sisters forged in adventure. This is the foundation that sets you apart.
Program Highlights
Lead with empathy and strength by working in a diverse, mixed-gender team that sharpens your communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
Become more empowered as you develop hands-on skills in welding, mechanics, and carpentry during workshops designed to build confidence and true self-reliance.
Launch real expeditions across Africa by planning, budgeting, and leading journeys into the wild, developing leadership that is tested and earned.
Experience a life-changing 4 months perfectly timed for international students seeking purpose, growth, and adventure before heading home for the new year.
Form lasting global friendships with an international crew that becomes your second family, bonded through challenge, growth, and shared purpose.
Media Gallery
Quick Details
- Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Post High School
- Adventure Travel
- Animals
- Experiential Learning
- Scuba Diving
- Self-Discovery
- Sports
- Wilderness
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
What a journey to embark upon!!
December 05, 2025by: Caeley Hattle - New ZealandQuest was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, and yet the most fulfilling, grounding and amazing one. The activities and practical skills and experiences were vast and interesting and exciting and very useful for the future. But Quest was so much more than just a whirlwind of good times. It taught me strength and courage and how sometimes life can be so much harder than expected, but I am always capable of getting through it. Quest showed me grit and determination and success. And that success doesn’t mean a place I get to but a way of living. Living everyday in discipline and steps, in focus and contentment. The development I saw in myself and the Questors around me, I know we will forever have that as our core base to stand on. I still daily thing about what Quest taught me and how I could be making my next moves. I absolutely loved it, the awesome parts and the tough ones, each teaching me a different lesson. I absolutely would recommend Quest in a heartbeat, to anyone who is ready to step into the world and find and form the best version of themselves. It was so incredibly fun and fulfilling! Very grateful and blessed to partake in Quest for my gap year. If you’re still weighing it up, DO IT!! You’ll thank yourself later for making that first step out of your comfort zone. Thank you Quest Africa ❤️🔥
Perfect half of a gap year
November 27, 2025by: Erin Moore - AustraliaQuest Africa was my dream gap year. I did it as a break from uni and it was a real boost of confidence and sent me back to normal life at the end feeling strong, confident and ready to tackle life. My favourite aspects were the physical acumen which really challenged you and pushed you to the limit, the personal reflection of journaling, reading and improving oneself and the final project at the end of high you get to choose and is a culmination of your skills. That’s just a couple things. I’ve made lifelong friends from around the world, seen a lot of Zimbabwe and even Mozambique and yeah just had the best time. If I could do it again I would 100% recommend if you are willing to challenge yourself and be pushed to your limits to come out as a better version of yourself.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Types and Subjects
- Types
- Adventure Travel
- Animals
- Experiential Learning
- Scuba Diving
- Self-Discovery
- Sports
- Wilderness
Availability
Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028
- Post High School
Age Requirement
18-20
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
- Written Application
- Other
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your approach to safety and supervision?
A participant's safety is our top priority, backed by an impeccable 15-year record. Our campus is a private, 850-hectare managed wilderness estate, and certified professionals lead all activities. Crucially, our partnership with Falcon College provides access to their world-class medical facilities, ensuring professional support is always just minutes away.
How is Quest Africa different from other gap year programs?
Unlike single-focus programs, Quest offers a holistic journey. Our proven 6 Acumen model strikes a balance between epic adventure and tangible capability. You won't just see the world; you'll learn to navigate it with hands-on skills in mechanics, welding, financial literacy, and leadership. We don't just guide you; we help you build your own future.
How will this experience help with university or future career?
Top universities and employers want resilient, capable leaders. Quest provides a powerful competitive edge. 94% of our alumni report a significant increase in confidence, and 89% gain clarity on their next steps. You’ll graduate with proven leadership skills, cross-cultural experience, and the earned confidence that makes you stand out in any application or interview.
What does a "typical day" look like on a Core program?
No two days are the same, but they are all full. The day often starts at 6 am with physical training, followed by hands-on instruction in our workshops (welding, mechanics). Afternoons might be spent on projects, leading local expeditions, or sport. Evenings are for talks, personal development, and connecting with your team around the fire.
Ready to Learn More?
Forge your future, together. The Quest Mixed Core is a 4-month, co-ed journey for young men and women (ages 17–21) ready to build a foundation for their future. This program offers deep, hands-on immersion into the real world, designed to cultivate the character, skills, and collaborative spirit that modern universities and employers are seeking. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a diverse, tight-knit team. In this unique environment, you will learn to leverage different perspectives to solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 5 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate with a toolkit of timeless skills, a new level of s...
Quest
Quest
Ready to Learn More?
Forge your future, together. The Quest Mixed Core is a 4-month, co-ed journey for young men and women (ages 17–21) ready to build a foundation for their future. This program offers deep, hands-on immersion into the real world, designed to cultivate the character, skills, and collaborative spirit that modern universities and employers are seeking. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a diverse, tight-knit team. In this unique environment, you will learn to leverage different perspectives to solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 5 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate with a toolkit of timeless skills, a new level of s...
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like