Quest Core Plus: The full Quest experience
by: Quest
This is the flagship Quest Africa experience—a full-year transformational journey for young men ready to forge their future. Our most immersive program (Jan-Dec) for ages 17-21, this year is dedicated to building the independence, leadership, and essential life skills that shape future leaders. This is a two-part journey: Part 1: The Foundation (Jan - Aug) For 7 months, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood in our legendary Men's Core program. You'll build a broad foundation of capability, mastering skills from mechanics and welding to financial literacy and expedition leadership. Part 2: The Specialization (Sep - Dec) Having earned your foundation, you progress to the Core Plus: a 4-month apprenticeship. Here, you move from student to junior colleague, specializing in an area like advanced field guiding or project management and leading real-world initiatives. The Outcome: You will graduate with a year of real-world experience, a mastery of your chosen craft, and the confidence to launch your career. This is the ultimate investment in a capable, independent, and purpose-driven life.
This is the flagship Quest Africa experience—a full-year transformational journey for young men ready to forge their future. Our most immersive program (Jan-Dec) for ages 17-21, this year is dedicated to building the independence, leadership, and essential life skills that shape future leaders. This is a two-part journey: Part 1: The Foundation (Jan - Aug) For 7 months, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood in our legendary Men's Core program. You'll build a broad foundation of capability, mastering skills from mechanics and welding to financial literacy and expedition leadership. Part 2: The Specialization (Sep - Dec) Having earned your foundation, you progress to the Core Plus: a 4-month apprenticeship. Here, you move from student to junior colleague, specializing in an area like advanced field guiding or project management and leading real-world initiatives. The Outcome: You will graduate with a year of real-world experience, a mastery of your chosen craft, and the confidence to launch your career. This is the ultimate investment in a capable, independent, and purpose-driven life.
Program Highlights
Spend an entire year in the wild heart of Zimbabwe. This is our most in-depth program, a true deep dive into building the character, skills, and resilience that will define your future.
First, build a broad base of capability in our 7-month Men's Core. Then, spend 4 months in an advanced apprenticeship, specializing in a field that will launch your career.
A full year gives you the time to go beyond just learning. Gain true mastery in your chosen skills, whether it's advanced mechanics in our workshop or wildlife management in the bush.
The final 4 months are a bespoke, career-focused apprenticeship. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with industry experts, leading real projects and building a professional portfolio.
Graduates of the Core Classic leave with a year of unparalleled life experience, a powerful network, and the kind of maturity that sets them apart in university and their careers.
Media Gallery
Quick Details
- Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Post High School
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Scuba Diving
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
An environment where young men are tested physically, mentally, and emotionally
September 21, 2025by: SimonWhat you have built at Quest is rare — an environment where young men are tested physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways that forge genuine resilience and character. I am deeply grateful for the role each of you played in that transformation.
Quest just gave me that little nudge that I needed to see my potential.
September 16, 2025by: CelesteWhy Quest - . I wanted something different, something no other institute could offer, a combination of disciplinary training, educational skills, and travelling all in one, Quest Africa was the only place we found that could offer that, and it was something I really needed. Quest just gave me that little nudge that I needed to see my potential.
An extraordinary gap year programme making men out of boys.
September 16, 2025by: RhysWords aren’t enough to express our gratitude and thanks to Quest - and all involved . An extraordinary gap year programme making men out of boys , shaping and moulding along the way , leaving these young men with lessons and tools they will use for their days to come . The brotherhood they formed and bonds under pressure - unbreakable , for a lifetime . Mr M - wow wow wow - Romans speech to you had us all in tears - one line I will never forget - you taught and led and listened and mentored - not with external props but with the way YOU lived and showed up for each and everyone . The way you walk your path is the way these young men will remember you by - Enormous gratitude and please come visit in Plett if you pass one day . Thank you all - special times
I rarely stopped to truly reflect
September 07, 2025by: MaevePerhaps the most profound shift I’ve experienced has been in my self-awareness. Before coming to Quest, I rarely stopped to truly reflect—on my actions, my patterns, or the effect I had on others. I moved through life reacting, not really understanding why I did certain things or how those choices shaped my environment. I thought I knew myself, but the truth is, I barely scratched the surface.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Types and Subjects
- Types
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Scuba Diving
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your approach to safety and supervision?
A participant's safety is our priority, backed by a 15-year impeccable record. Our campus is a private, 850-hectare managed wilderness estate, and all activities are led by certified professionals. 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 balances epic adventure with 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 a university or a 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?
This is the flagship Quest Africa experience—a full-year transformational journey for young men ready to forge their future. Our most immersive program (Jan-Dec) for ages 17-21, this year is dedicated to building the independence, leadership, and essential life skills that shape future leaders. This is a two-part journey: Part 1: The Foundation (Jan - Aug) For 7 months, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood in our legendary Men's Core program. You'll build a broad foundation of capability, mastering skills from mechanics and welding to financial literacy and expedition leadership. Part 2: The Specialization (Sep - Dec) Having earned your foundation, you progress to the Core Plus: a 4-month apprenticeship. Here, you move from student to junior colleague, specializing in an area like ad...
Quest
Quest
Ready to Learn More?
This is the flagship Quest Africa experience—a full-year transformational journey for young men ready to forge their future. Our most immersive program (Jan-Dec) for ages 17-21, this year is dedicated to building the independence, leadership, and essential life skills that shape future leaders. This is a two-part journey: Part 1: The Foundation (Jan - Aug) For 7 months, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood in our legendary Men's Core program. You'll build a broad foundation of capability, mastering skills from mechanics and welding to financial literacy and expedition leadership. Part 2: The Specialization (Sep - Dec) Having earned your foundation, you progress to the Core Plus: a 4-month apprenticeship. Here, you move from student to junior colleague, specializing in an area like ad...
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