Warriors Academy
Why choose Warriors Academy?
The Warriors Academy, founded in 2004 by Rudi and Rene Viljoen, is located in South Africa's picturesque Magoebaskloof mountains. Originally designed as a gap year program for students unsure of their next steps after school, it has evolved to empower young individuals with life skills and emotional intelligence to conquer life's challenges. Adventure is a crucial component of the program, pus...
The Warriors Academy, founded in 2004 by Rudi and Rene Viljoen, is located in South Africa's picturesque Magoebaskloof mountains. Originally designed as a gap year program for students unsure of their next steps after school, it has evolved to empower young individuals with life skills and emotional intelligence to conquer life's challenges. Adventure is a crucial component of the program, pushing students out of their comfort zones and creating positive thought patterns. Accredited by the International Gap Year Association, the academy offers international exposure and multicultural experiences, shaping students into global citizens. Led by internationally renowned life coach Rudi Viljoen, the Warriors Academy provides a transformative journey of self-discovery and lifelong friendship...
Warriors Academy Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Self-growth and improvement through getting uncomfortable intentionally!
October 25, 2025by: Chantal Smith - United StatesProgram: Warriors Gap Year ExperiencesWarriors academy taught me to face my fears, and be brave. I learned how to push past what I thought to be my limits. I met some wonderful people from all over the world, and was supported by the amazing facilitators here at Warriors. If you are looking for a place to help you grow and work on mastering the inner parts of yourself, I highly suggest you take the opportunity to come on this wild adventure!
Ce que la Warriors Academy ma apporté
May 29, 2025by: Axel Mayer - MauritiusProgram: Warriors Gap Year ExperiencesAvant 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.
Best 2 months of my life!
May 29, 2025by: Madison Gotte - South AfricaProgram: Warriors Gap Year ExperiencesI 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 give 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!!
Warriors Academy Programs
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Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect co...
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Carla De Araujo
Interviewed in 2023
Carla has worked with the Warriors Academy for the past four years managing their social media channels and creating all their content development.

Carla De Araujo
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I love what they stand for and how they help young adults find direction through adventure and personal development workshops. Watching a student at the beginning of their quest or gap year and seeing how much growth they have experienced is so rewarding. We often sit at graduation with tears in our eyes, marveling at the students and how far they have come.

Rowena Viljoen
Interviewed in 2023
Rowena Viljoen has been part of an extraordinary team since 2007. She is the Warriors Academy Program Director. She makes it her mission to ensure tha...

Rowena Viljoen
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
Warriors was started when I was at university by my mom and dad. Adventure and growth have always been part of our upbringing and a way of life for our family. It was a no-brainer to want to get through my studies to join my epic family on this adventure. My brother and I joined the team (mom and dad) in 2007 and haven't looked back since.

Brad Askew
Interviewed in 2023
Brad is an Outdoor Adventure Facilitator with over half a decade of experience. He is dedicated to self-development and self-mastery through extreme o...

Brad Askew
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have always had a love for the outdoors and was brought up in a very active family so it was inevitable. What led me to work at Warriors was participating in its gap year and MAI courses where I experienced the most incredible world of support and an environment pushing me to better myself while being in the most beautiful places in South Africa. This made me realize what I wanted to do with my passion for the outdoors.
Articles
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Warriors Academy has received



