Why South Africa? Insights from Raleigh Venturers
18th February 2026 | Lauren Moses | 5 min read
Since June 2023, hundreds of Venturers have joined Raleigh Expeditions in South Africa where they have contributed to meaningful projects in rural Kruger and conquered incredible trek experiences in South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains. The Expedition isn’t easy, but our South Africa Venturers have thrived in the experience with feedback from our 2025 Venturers painting a clear picture of transformation and growth for our Venturers in South Africa.
Key take aways
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What South Africa Venturers Say About their Expedition
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Personal Growth (Without The Clichés)
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Why South Africa?
What the Venturers Say About Their South Africa Expedition
Across 2025 Expeditions, Venturers rated their overall experience an average of 8.8 out of 10. Every group reported that safety was taken seriously. Staff support and friendliness were consistently rated above 9 out of 10, and scores for leadership development, confidence and resilience were also above 9 out of 10.
For many Venturers, it’s the balance of the Expedition experience. You’re not just trekking, and you’re not just doing project work. The Expedition combines physical challenge, team living, community projects and adventure. The variety and mix of the experience is what makes it a genuine adventure with purpose.
On a South Africa Expedition, there are countless moments that make the experience special and unique. From the moments that represent big achievements and success, to the smaller moments of gratitude and appreciation of nature, life on Expedition creates many memories that stay with you for life.
”We parked and looked at the sky, and there it was… a shower of shooting stars — the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.
How the Expedition made me grow
South Africa offers varied terrain, long days outdoors, and unfamiliar environments. That naturally pushes people out of their comfort zones. But what Venturers often mention isn’t just the physical challenge — it’s the mental shift.
”The Expedition gave me the opportunity to detox from home comforts and rethink what I really need. I’m going home with a new mindset that will help me in both my professional and private life.
Several reflected on becoming more self-reliant:
”I definitely feel Raleigh has stretched me and built me up. I am much more physically and mentally tough… I feel confident and more equipped to handle adversity.
Living and working closely with a diverse team, managing limited resources, and contributing to community-led projects creates space for growth. Not in a dramatic, overnight way — but gradually, through shared challenges and responsibility.
Why South Africa?
South Africa brings together dramatic landscapes, established community partnerships, and experienced in-country teams. For participants, that means:
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Treks through striking, varied environments
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Long-standing relationships with local partners
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Structured support from trained staff
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A strong focus on safety and team wellbeing
You will spend a phase working alongside a rural community in Limpopo, learning about local customs, supporting community developing and possibly picking picking up a few words of Xitsonga.
On your adventure phase you will trek through the foothills of the Drakensberg with wide skies overhead and no signal in sight. Conservation work takes place in landscapes that sit within reach of iconic wildlife areas like Kruger National Park, where biodiversity isn’t abstract, with opportunities to see plenty of incredible African wildlife.
If you’re considering a Raleigh Expedition in South Africa, the most useful insight probably comes from those who’ve already gone: it’s challenging, it’s different from home, and most importantly – it’s an adventure that will stays with you forever.
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.