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What is a Raleigh Expedition?
A Raleigh Expedition is a structured programme combining real volunteering with a demanding adventure challenge — designed specifically for 18–24-year-olds.
Every Expedition includes up to three phases: a Community Project working alongside local communities on development and infrastructure; an Environmental Project supporting conservation partners on habitat restoration and wildlife protection; and an Adventure Challenge, which on the 7- and 10-week expeditions is a trek of up to 205km through remote terrain.
Expeditions run in Borneo, Costa Rica, and South Africa. Depending on your cycle, you could be working with indigenous communities in Borneo’s Sabah region or conserving mangrove ecosystems, In Costa Rica, you could be on a community project with local indigenous peoples or supporting conservation across the country’s protected ecosystems, and if you choose South Africa, you could be working on grassroots community development near the Sabi Sands Game Reserve or restoring habitat with a conservation partner in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. Go for 4, 5, 7, or 10 weeks — with departures in February, June, and October each year.
Where can I go on Expedition?
Costa Rica
Explore this tropical paradise and work to help fragile ecosystems and with indigenous communities.
South Africa
Take in the wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. You’ll work on grassroots and environmental projects.
Which Expedition is right for me
Why go on Expedition?
- Mini gap – not taking a full year – go on a 4 or 5-week mini gap in the summer
- Gap year – inject the adventure and purpose for up to 10 weeks off the tourist trail
- Post uni – like the mini gap – why not take a break after all that work?
- Career break – why should the adventure stop when you start working?
Who can go on Expedition?
Anyone aged 18-24
No matter where you’re from, what your background is. Proud to be an inclusive programme.
Over 25? Venturer Manager roles
Which Expedition is right for me
When can I go on Expedition?
CYCLE 1 – February – April
CYCLE 2 – June – August
CYCLE 3 – October – December
Expedition lengths include 4, 5, 7 and 10 weeks.
How do Raleigh Expeditions work?
A Raleigh Expedition is made up of three main phases as well as time at Fieldbase. It starts well before you go when you’re raising the funds. And lasts long after you come back as an Alumni.
Fundraising
Even before you embark on an Expedition, it’s begun. There’s a phase before you get out there which will make it all possible. Fundraising.
Being away for an extended period of time is never cheap and it can feel like a huge mountain to climb. But there are options out there to make it easier. You simply need to commit to the idea and be prepared to work for something that will be worth it in ways you can’t imagine yet.
Just ask some of the 57,000 people who’ve done it.
We’ve partnered with easyfundraising to help with this > Find out more
Community Phase
We contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 2: Zero Hunger; GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being and GOAL 4: Quality Education. GOAL 5: Gender Equality. GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
You’ll work side-by-side project partners and local community leaders in rural areas on development initiatives that support poverty alleviation and improve access to education. At the same time you’ll learn important skills in project management, active citizenship and international development. You’ll also take part in cultural exchange sessions to integrate into the culture of the communities you’re working with.
The impact you’ll make will last long after you leave > Find out more
Environmental Phase
We contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 13: Climate Action. GOAL 14: Life Below Water. GOAL 15: Life on Land
You’ll work with local experts on conservation projects that support the protection of local wildlife and biodiversity. While on project, you’ll live within nature and learn about the importance of nature conservation, climate change and living sustainably, giving you a grounding in environmental issues from multiple perspectives and sustainability.
The impact you’ll make will last long after you leave > Find out more
Adventure Challenge
You’ll go on a journey of personal growth that’ll continue for the rest of your life. No matter your trekking experience, everyone starts and finishes the trek together – come rain or shine! Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of your Expedition’s most memorable and defining moments.
In addition to embarking on awe-inspiring treks spanning up to 250km across stunning landscapes, you’ll will take on essential roles during trek. This includes being a part of the Day Leader and Navigator ROTA, where you’ll lead the strategic planning and execution of trekking objectives, such as reaching designated food drop-off points, all while ensuring the team’s welfare under the guidance of Project Leaders.
Fieldbase
Induction
At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase and have time for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities to get to know each other.
Changeover
During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort out your kit, learn about your next project and pack up again for the next phase.
Endex
This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on all your experiences, receive some final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes (or plan your next adventures together).
SKILLS YOU'LL BUILD
Leadership, Grit, Collaboration, Global Outlook and Practical Skills. Each outcome area is supported by structured activities across the three Expedition phases.
Why go on a Raleigh Expedition?
People your age
You'll share your Expedition with people in the same age group as you. This is unique to Raleigh
Off the beaten track
Work in remote areas on projects and be truly in the moment.
Three phases
Community and Environmental Projects and an Adventure Challenge
Inclusive
Join diverse teams of young people from across the globe as well as National Venturers.
Real adventure
This is an adventure filled experience that'll push you out of your comfort zone.
Personal growth
Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to bounce back from life's challenges
Need more Expedition information?
Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition
You'll find everything in one place about your Expedition
Send us an enquiry with what you'd like to know more about
“I was also really encouraged by the contact that I have had as I have felt very supported and it is clear that this support is there the whole way through the process and expedition. This really reinforced the ethos behind Raleigh as being super supportive and having passionate and caring people involved”
Venturer, 2025
Raleigh Expedition FAQs
What is a Raleigh Expedition?
A Raleigh Expedition is a structured, multi-phase programme that places 18–24-year-olds on real community development and environmental conservation projects in remote locations, then tests them on a demanding adventure challenge. Expeditions run for 4, 5, 7 or 10 weeks across three annual cycles in Borneo, Costa Rica and South Africa. A Raleigh Expedition is not a standard volunteer trip, a gap year travel programme or a holiday. It is a purposeful experience designed to challenge and empower young people to grow as resilient, confident leaders
How long are Expeditions?
Raleigh offers 10-, 7-, 5- and 4- Week Expeditions in Borneo, Costa Rica and South Africa.
What projects will I work on?
There are two kinds of projects on a Raleigh Expedition: Community and Environmental.
The Community phase places Venturers on grassroots development projects — improving schools, supporting local organisations, and working alongside rural communities. The Environmental phase focuses on conservation work in the Greater Kruger area, helping to protect wildlife and support biodiversity through practical conservation activities.
Venturers on the 10 week Expedition will take part in both types of projects, whereas 7, 5 and 4 weekers will complete either one Community or one Environmental Project.
Who can join a Raleigh Expedition?
Regardless of where you are from or your background, Raleigh International is open to all. If you are aged 18-24 and are up for an adventure, want to make a difference, and learn about yourself and other cultures, then Raleigh Expedition could be right for you. With Raleigh, you’ll discover the true gap year meaning—an opportunity to grow, challenge yourself, and contribute to meaningful projects in unique destinations.
What accommodation will I stay in?
Accommodation on your Raleigh Expedition will be simple and practical. The exact set-up depends on your country, but you could be staying in a community building, a campsite, or even a school. You’ll always have Venturer Managers living alongside you, and all sites have bathroom facilities – though these, like the accommodation, will be basic.
You can expect to:
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Sleep in tents or community buildings on your own roll mat with a sleeping bag.
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Use basic toilets, which may sometimes be squat toilets.
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Wash in cold showers (where available).
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Cook as a team on gas stoves and trangias.
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Eat from our “Raleigh Rations” – simple, sustainable, and nutritious food.
Living like this is part of the adventure. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in remote communities and environments, helping you build resilience, teamwork, and an appreciation for life’s simple luxuries in a way you can’t experience anywhere else.
How do I apply?
Applying is straightforward — a short form asking where you’d like to go, when, and why you want to take part. It’s not a job application. An Expedition Advisor will guide you through the rest.
What skills will I gain?
You’ll return from Raleigh with skills, qualities and perspectives that most people spend years trying to build, including (but by no means limited to), leadership, collaboration, grit and global outlook.
