Over the past 30 years, we’ve had a deep and lasting impact on more than 65 000 young lives. Our skilled facilitators apply “learning through adventure” as a positive and immersive teaching tool using South Africa’s inspiring and varied natural landscapes is our campus.
This bypasses barriers and empowers participants to realise the resilience and inner resources they need to be truly unstoppable.
To develop in young people the character, will, values and self belief to live their lives to the fullest and to make better choices.
Helping youth reach their full potential through challenges in the outdoors.
Our commitment is to adventurous learning that creates transformational change, built on respect and compassion, and delivered with the highest level of safety.
Outward Bound South Africa (OBSA) has been operating in South Africa since 1992. We are a fully licensed member of Outward Bound International (OBI), the largest non-profit, experiential education organisation in the world. OBI currently has 33 fully licensed Outward Bound schools globally. Ensuring the safety of its participants has been a priority concern for OBI since its establishment in the 1930s.
Our mission is to develop the character, values, self-belief, and determination that enable young people to make better choices and reach their full potential. Through adventurous learning, we inspire transformational change while fostering respect, compassion, and personal growth.
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. As one of 33 fully licensed Outward Bound schools worldwide, we uphold the rigorous international standards established by Outward Bound International, ensuring every programme is delivered with the highest level of safety and professionalism.
Outward Bound programs are developed to impact participants through experiential learning, assisted by experienced, skilful facilitators in inspiring and challenging environments.
Our places are immersed in nature, within South Africa’s diverse landscapes that accommodate unique and challenging activities.
At the heart of this is learning through a combination of authentic adventures in natural environments and the application of a facilitated and deliberate learning process in outdoor settings. Each program is developed according to specific learning outcomes relevant to the context and needs of the participants. The learning outcomes are addressed through outdoor adventures using the Outward Bound experiential learning model. First we set the context for learning. Second we clarify and outline the activity, allocate tasks and explain safety measures. We then leap into action, allowing participants perform the activity. Transfer takes place after where we discuss knowledge gained and link back to the framing of the activity. Lastly we review in an open discussion that encourages thought and consideration.
Embark on a transformative journey with Outward Bound, where ‘Authentic Adventure’ defines our approach. Our Adventure Education programs offer participants a genuine exploration, blending physical challenges with metaphorical growth. Guided by skilled facilitators, you’ll navigate real adventures in natural environments, fostering teamwork and resilience. Our deliberate learning process ensures the highest level of personal development in our Personal Growth Programs. Reflect on the skills gained, attitudes formed, and insights discovered during your Outward Bound journey—valuable assets for your future endeavors.
Our expeditions take participants beyond their comfort zones and into the natural world, where every journey presents opportunities to build resilience, confidence, leadership, and independence. Each expedition is carefully designed to encourage personal discovery through shared challenges and achievement.
The outdoors is an ever-changing classroom that teaches flexibility, awareness, and resilience. Participants learn to adapt to changing weather, terrain, and circumstances, developing the confidence to respond positively to uncertainty and new challenges.
From hiking and paddling to climbing and navigation, our adventure activities provide genuine challenges in real outdoor environments. These experiences develop practical skills, encourage problem-solving, and create memorable moments that inspire confidence and self-belief.
Safety is the foundation of every Outward Bound programme. Our highly trained facilitators follow internationally recognised standards and best practices, ensuring every activity is professionally managed while creating a supportive environment where participants can challenge themselves with confidence.
Every programme is designed to strengthen character while fostering trust, communication, and collaboration. Participants learn to support one another, embrace diversity, and recognise that shared success comes through mutual respect and effective teamwork.
We believe that the most powerful lessons come through experience. By reflecting on real challenges and achievements, participants gain practical life skills, deeper self-awareness, and lasting insights that can be applied in school, work, relationships, and everyday life
Founder & Creator (1886–1974)
