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Warriors Academy

8.99 (85)1 Programs

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...

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Warriors Academy Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

8.99

Total Reviews

85
Leave a Review

Awesome adventure!

December 02, 2025by: Chantal Smith - United StatesProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
10

The Warriors Gap Academy Gap Year Program has been absolutely phenomenal! From mental grit, and learning how to overcome physical limits and limiting beliefs, to exciting adventures through nature, and learning how to get uncomfortable intentionally for the sake of growth, to bungee jumping, to meeting incredible people from all over the world, this program has truly been an astonishing variety of experiences to grow personally. The facilitators and entire Warriors community are full of support, guidance, connection, and are representations of true passion for their work. I am beyond grateful for the loving community that has turned into a form of family.

Self-growth and improvement through getting uncomfortable intentionally!

October 25, 2025by: Chantal Smith - United StatesProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
10

Warriors 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 Experiences
9

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.

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Carla De Araujo

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

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.

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Rowena Viljoen

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

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.

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Brad Askew

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

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.

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Awards

Check out awards and recognitions Warriors Academy has received

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in South Africa 2025
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Gap Year