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Raleigh Expeditions

Expeditions for 17-24-year-olds* in Borneo, Costa Rica and South Africa. Different environments, same life changing experience. Where will you go?

What is a Raleigh Expedition?

Its more than a volunteer or gap year trip

EnquireDownload a guide
*increasing to 18 in 2026.

Special offer

Get up to £310$380$380$380 off South Africa Expeditions

Be one of the first 50 bookings on Cycle 3 2025 and bag a discount!

Where can I go on Expedition?

Get in touch if you need help to make the right choice for you.

Costa Rica

A tropical paradise where you’ll work to support the fragile ecosystems and with indigenous communities on access to education and sanitation.

From £3,700$4,650$4,650$4,650

Costa Rica Expeditions

South Africa

Renowned for it’s wildlife, you’ll work to take action on development in local communities and conservation projects while exploring breath-taking landscapes.

From £2,950$3,690$3,690$4,490

South Africa Expeditions

Borneo

Volunteer in Borneo to help combat mass deforestation and support underdeveloped communities. Explore ancient rainforests and see orangutans.

From £3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995

Borneo Expeditions

Expedition price overview

South Africa

10 weeks £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
7 weeks £3,950$4,940$4,940$4,940
5 weeks £2,950$3,690$3,690$3,690

Limited offer

Costa Rica

10 weeks £5,490$6870$6870$6870
7 weeks £4,400$5500$5500$5500
5 weeks £3,700$4650$4650$4650

Borneo

10 weeks £5,250$6,560$6,560$6,560
7 weeks £4,590$5,750$5,750$5,750
5 weeks £3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995

All dates and prices

How do Raleigh Expeditions work?

Ready to apply?

If you already know Raleigh is for you, don’t miss out on a place!

How will a Raleigh Expedition benefit me?

On your Raleigh Expedition, you’ll develop life skills through unique experiences that will impact you for the rest of your life.

Transformational

  • Leadership skills
  • Problem solving
  • Communication skills
  • Team working and collaboration

Purposeful

  • Understanding of global issues
  • Gaining perspective
  • Cultural understanding
  • Sense of satisfaction mentally

Challenging

  • Mental resilience
  • Physical endurance
  • Commitment
  • Taking the initiative
“My experience on my Raleigh Expedition has given me foundational skills and confidence in my next life choices.”

Marie | Raleigh Alumni

Who can go on Expedition?

Anyone aged 17-24

When can I go on Expedition?

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition. Find out more

EnquireHelp me decide

How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year

95
say they would recommend Raleigh
94
say Raleigh developed their leadership skills
87
say its one of the best things they've ever done

Why go on a Raleigh Expedition?

People your age

Apart from staff, you're grouped with people aged 17-24. This is unique to Raleigh.

Digital detox

There are no phones on project sites, only at Fieldbase. Be truly in the moment.

Varied experiences

Take part in up to 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

We're an adventure filled experience that will push you out of your comfort zone.

Future ready

Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to play a leading role in building a better world.

Raleigh Expedition FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expeditions

How many people will be on Expedition with me?

On a Raleigh Expedition there will be between 30 to 70 Venturers during a cycle, depending on the time of year. During projects, you will be split into smaller groups of roughly 15 international Venturers, 2-3 national Venturers and 2 Venturer Managers.

Where will I be staying on a Raleigh Expedition?

This will vary depending on whether you are at Fieldbase, on project sites or on trek. However, you can expect your living arrangements to be simple as you will stay in remote locations alongside local communities.

In South Africa, you will sleep in large semi-permanent tents while working on Community or Environmental projects and smaller three-person tents during the Adventure Leadership Trek.

In Costa Rica, the accommodation is slightly more varied with a combination of tents and communal living in school buildings or community centres.

For both locations, you will need roll mats and sleeping bags. All sites are safe and secure and a Venturer Manager will always stay with you.

There will often be access to cold showers and flushing toilets. However, this may not be possible in some remote locations. You will also have access to community kitchens when local people are not using them.

What do I need to take with me on Expedition?

This will vary depending on your Expedition location. Your Venturer Coordinator will ensure that you are given a thorough packing list.

Packing guidelines for Costa Rica and South Africa can be found on our website.

Can anyone join a Raleigh Expedition?

We welcome Venturers from all backgrounds and nationalities. If you are aged 17-24 and are seeking adventure, wanting to make a difference and striving to learn about yourself and other cultures – then Raleigh Expedition could be right for you.

Are the meals provided on Expedition?

Yes, all meals are provided on a Raleigh International Expedition. Food will vary depending on the country you are in but will always be freshly cooked and healthy.

Food will usually be provided at Fieldbase. However, on projects you can expect to turn recipe cards and ingredients into satisfying meals with your teammates.

Projects usually take place in remote areas with access to fridges. The Raleigh pantry consists of ingredients like rice, pasta, beans, chickpeas, porridge, eggs, bread and other local foods.

We can cater for most dietary requirements. However, you must inform us in advance so we can prepare.

How can I keep in contact with my friends and family while on Expedition?

In between project phases (approximately every 19 days), Venturers will have access to phones and phone charging facilities and be able to call home. Fieldbase also has free WiFi which Venturers can access during Induction, Changeover and Endex.

Ahead of the trip, we will provide all next of kin access to a WhatsApp group chat where we will share occasional updates. They will also be provided with a contact form, which we can use to pass on messages to Venturers working on projects.

More information for family and friends can be found for both Costa Rica and South Africa on our website.

How safe are the Raleigh projects?

From selecting locations to providing comprehensive safety training to all Venturers, safety is at the heart of everything we do at Raleigh International and our Safety Management Systems are robust, practical, and effective.

We complete a risk assessment of all aspects of the Expedition, including the countries we work in, project sites and activities.

Every programme is supported remotely by round-the-clock qualified medical staff and all Raleigh staff members are trained in first aid, mental health first aid and incident and crisis management.

Every project team is accompanied by an experienced tour leader at all times and a Duty Manager will be on call 24/7.

In the event of an emergency, all sites have detailed CASEVAC and MEDEVAC plans which can be implemented. We have local resources and a support network of skilled operators at our disposal should we need them.

How inclusive is a Raleigh Expedition?

Raleigh International welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures. One of the best things about Expedition is that you get the chance to make friends with people you might not normally meet. Raleigh Expedition is a safe and inclusive environment where young people can bring their authentic selves to the programme.

Need more Expedition information?

Hear from a Raleigh alumni about life on Expedition.

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Send us an enquiry with what you’d like to know more about.

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