"Just Pure Magic" - Gethin's Extraordinary South Africa Expedition
19th March 2026 | Lauren Moses | 4 min read
So, what does a Raleigh Expedition really feel like? For Gethin, who joined Raleigh International in South Africa in 2024, it became an experience that was both unique and profound. Each day brought something different, with new challenges to face and constant moments that pushed him outside of his comfort zone. He recently shared a video explaining how his Expedition shifted his perspective on impact, highlighted just how important community and environmental projects are and how even the smallest contributions play a role in something much bigger.
Key take aways
-
Conservation In Action
-
Moments That Stay With You
-
The Ultimate Adventure Challenge
-
From Strangers To A Team
Conservation In Action
During his Expedition, Gethin worked with the Cape Vulture Conservancy and Nourish Eco Village, contributing to restoration and conservation efforts.
One moment that stood out came after several hours of tough bush clearing. By the end of it, his group had cleared an area roughly the size of the White House, a moment that felt like a massive achievement and showed just how much can be accomplished when a team really comes together.
Moments That Stay With You
Community phase brought a completely different kind of impact when the team were welcomed into local spaces. Gethin says that the church visits, created an immediate sense of positivity within the team.
The atmosphere, the music and the energy of being surrounded by people who were so welcoming made it one of the most enjoyable parts of the entire phase.
The Ultimate Adventure Challenge
The final stage of his journey was the adventure phase, where he trekked around 200km across the Drakensberg Mountains. It was the most challenging part of the Expedition, not just physically but mentally too.
But it was also where he says that everything came together for him. The landscapes, the wildlife and the experience of sharing it all with others made it feel unforgettable from beginning to end.
From Strangers To A Team
What he says made his experience even more powerful was the connection between the team. Spending every day living and working together meant that what started as a group of strangers quickly became a close-knit team.
All of the shared challenges, conversations and moments between the team are what makes Gethin say to anyone considering a Raleigh Expedition to just “go for it!”
Watch Gethin’s Story Below
About the author
LAUREN MOSES | Content Assistant | Raleigh International
Lauren works at Raleigh International as the Content Assistant. She supports content and communications across the organisation. Having taken part in a similar programme to Raleigh in 2018 – spending a month in Cambodia – she knows first-hand how life-changing these youth travel expeditions can be.
