Quite simply, there is no other gap year programme available that offers as comprehensive an experience. The skills you will learn are broad adult skills that will help set you up for your entire adult life. From personal budgeting to how to hang a picture. You will come out with many certifications that will give you a significant advantage when you want to enter the workplace. You will also be exposed to many avenues for career opportunities and entrepreneurial options that you aren’t even aware exist. In short, our programme is not just you taking a year off, but a year that will ensure you take off.

This program is designed for young adults aged 18-25 from all over the world who have completed school. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Due to our limited spots, the selection process includes an application and interview. Accepted participants are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. As part of the application, you’ll complete a confidential questionnaire, which helps our facilitators assess your commitment to personal growth, positive change, and future readiness. We’re dedicated to ensuring your success from the beginning, and we take pride in the high achievers our program produces.

As with any gap year programme, there are always hidden costs to factor in. We have compiled a personal expenses list and this will be forwarded upon application and can be requested via email. One can do this course with almost no extra costs, apart from a small amount of pocket money. However, there are a few instances where optional outsourced courses can be taken and these are paid for separately. In most cases, we do enjoy a substantial discount on the normal prices for these courses.

Absolutely! By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with a comprehensive set of certifications. We’re always updating our content to stay current, so you’ll earn useful certifications like Basic First Aid and a Level I FGASA certificate. Additionally, you’ll receive a folder containing all your accumulated certificates and a final certification of completion. 

You will be staying in comfortable shared twin rooms at the charming Cape Vulture Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Northern Drakensberg Escarpment, this haven is dedicated to the conservation of over 728 breeding pairs of endangered Cape vultures. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking cliffs, diverse fauna, and lush flora, making your stay truly unforgettable and perfectly in tune with the African bush.

During programs and activities, cell phones will be off or stored in your room to ensure full engagement. You can also communicate via email. For urgent matters, friends and family can contact our leadership team, who will promptly relay messages to you. While in the  heart of the bush, reception may be limited, but you’ll have opportunities to catch up when back at base camp. Additionally, we’ll publish a blog that your approved family and friends can follow. Participants will take turns posting updates and photos, keeping everyone connected and informed throughout the programme.

Rest assured, your safety is our top priority. The nearest town, Hoedspruit, is just 20 kilometers from Base Camp and has both private and provincial hospitals, as well as doctors. We maintain direct connections with local police, ambulance services, and the farm and fire association. Extreme activities are conducted with the utmost care. Additionally, the lodge has a private security team with their own emergency protocols, and our camp leaders provide 24/7 supervision. Our emergency protocols are frequently updated and meticulously planned for any situation.

Rest assured, our facilitators are dedicated 24/7 to the safety and well-being of our future leaders. This highly organised team resides on-site and meticulously plans and oversees daily group activities. Our team consists of permanent staff members and approximately 30 external facilitators, each a specialist in their respective fields.

Activities are conducted in groups, with leisure time allowing for personal pursuits while ensuring regular attendance for meals. We implement a Buddy System to track everyone’s whereabouts, and leaving the premises requires prior authorisation through camp leaders.

Our supervising staff are equipped with cell phones and spare battery packs, ensuring communication coverage throughout our activities. In areas with potential signal loss, facilitators use two-way radios to maintain contact with external communication points. They continuously monitor signal availability to expedite responses during emergencies, ensuring swift assistance when needed.

We travel in our own vehicles to all destinations. There is no need for you to bring your own vehicle to the Base Camp. We do not allow outside vehicles to be on our property. 

Future Leaders GYP prides itself on its inclusive ethos, welcoming applicants of all abilities. As our programme involves significant physical activity, being able to move comfortably is essential. Each applicant undergoes an interview where we assess their suitability for participation. A wholehearted commitment to the programme is necessary for achieving maximum personal growth. We also recommend a strong ability to spend extended periods away from friends and family. Our students should possess a zest for life and a readiness to push beyond their comfort zones.

If you have faced any past challenges, whether related to health or forsee any issues regarding adherence to our programme, we encourage you to openly discuss them during your interview. If any physical, emotional, social, or mental health issues arise that affect your experience or that of others (such as fellow students, staff, or local contacts), we may need to consider facilitating your early return home. It is our policy to consult with our own independent mental health advisor for expert guidance, though the final decision to send a student home rests with our organisation.

If you fall ill during the programme, we will arrange for you to consult with a local clinician who will provide guidance on the appropriate course of treatment.

Students who require prescription medication are responsible for managing their own medications. They will receive guidance on safe storage and usage practices. If you are on long-term medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply available in South Africa if coming from abroad, and make arrangements for any necessary repeat prescriptions.

While our Gap Year Programme can be beneficial for many students, it is important to note that individuals who are court-adjudicated, mandated by court orders, or require regular in-field therapy are not within the scope of expertise of our staff and therefore cannot be accommodated in our programme

Yes, students from the USA or UK typically require visas for a long stay in South Africa. It is advisable to check with the South African embassy or consulate in your country to determine the specific visa requirements based on the purpose and duration of your stay.

Our programme offers invaluable experiences and prepares you comprehensively for your future. It includes a range of activities, workshops, courses, accommodation, meals, transportation, equipment, certifications, and ongoing support—all contributing to lifelong skills and wisdom. For specific pricing details, please contact us directly.

            FEE                                SA Rands                  US$               €uros               UK£

Application Fee                         R1500                      $80                 €75                  £65

Full Payment, upfront            R315,000               $16,785          €15,750           £13,700

Instalment Option                 R80,000 x4            $4300 x4         €4000 x4        £3400  x4

* International rates dependent on exchange rate  

Upon registration you will be issued with a list of outdoor retail agents available in South Africa