Life changing Expeditions for young people in Costa Rica, South Africa and Borneo with Kenya launching in 2026!
Raleigh Expeditions
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What is a Raleigh Expedition?
How do Raleigh Expeditions work?
A Raleigh Expedition is made up of three main phases as well as time at Fieldbase. But it starts well before then, in the build-up when you’re raising the funds to go. And long after you come back and join our Alumni community.
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 for you. 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 55,000 people who’ve done it.
We’ve partnered with easyfundraising to help with this. Find out more
Community Phase
Help find sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education and food insecurity
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.
On Community Projects Venturers work side-by-side local communities in rural areas on development initiatives that support poverty alleviation and improve access to education. Venturers work with project partners who are embedded in these communities, contributing meaningful action while learning important skills in project management and development. They also engage in cultural exchange session to integrate into the culture of the communities they are working with and create long lasting impact and develop as active global citizens.
Environmental Phase
Play a crucial role in physical conservation efforts within national parks and private reserves
We contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 13: Climate Action. GOAL 14: Life Below Water. GOAL 15: Life on Land
Venturers work with local experts on conservation projects that support the protection of local wildlife and biodiversity. While on their project venturers live within nature and learn about the importance of nature conservation, climate change and living sustainably, giving them a grounding in environmental issues from multiple perspectives and sustainability.
Adventure Challenge
Take on a challenging trek or adventurous activity
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, Venturers will take on essential roles during trek. This includes being a part of the Day Leader and Navigator ROTA, where they 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 Venturer Managers.
Fieldbase
This is where you’ll arrive, get an induction, changeover and say your goodbyes.
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).
Where can I go on Expedition?
Thinking about going on a Raleigh Expedition? Get in touch if you need help to make the right choice for you.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to national parks, volcanoes and stunning landscapes.
South Africa
There is nowhere better than Greater Kruger to walk in the footsteps of the world’s most spectacular wildlife and trek in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Kenya
Our new Kenya Expedition will be launching in 2026! Fill out an enquiry form to be added to a waiting list or sign up to our newsletter for updates.
Borneo
Malaysian Borneo is home to a huge 6% of the world’s biodiversity and it’s ancient rainforest is the largest in Southeast Asia.
How will a Raleigh Expedition benefit me?
On your Raleigh Expedition, you’ll develop a range of life skills through unique experiences. These support University and job applications and stay with you for the rest of your life.
Personal development
- Leadership
- Initiative
- Interpersonal skills
- Self-awareness
- Mental resilience
- Endurance
Professional development
- Problem solving
- Committment
- Communication skills
- Team working and collaboration
- Planning
Cultural understanding
- Understanding of global issues
- Cultural understanding
- Experience and learn different languages
“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?
Young people aged 17-24
We’re proud to have Venturers from all over the world, a range of backgrounds and life stages. A Raleigh Expedition is a safe and inclusive environment where young people can bring their authentic selves on programme.
If you’re aged 25 and over, we have Venturer Manager positions available.
When can I go on Expedition?
CYCLE 1 – February – April
CYCLE 2 – June – August
CYCLE 3 – October – December
Expedition lengths include 5, 7 and 10 weeks.
Which Expedition?
Why 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 a trek.
Inclusive
Join diverse teams of young people from across the globe as well as National Venturers.
Real adventure
We're a booze-free and adventure filled experience that will push you out of your comfort zone (safely!).
Future ready
Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to play a leading role in building a better world.
Need more Expedition information?
Arrange a call with us at a time that works for you.
Hear from a Raleigh alumni about life on Expedition.
You’ll find everything in one place about our Expeditions.
Send us an enquiry with what you’d like to know more about.
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Updates on Expedition life from people out there living the dream!
Follow our socials
Expedition stories from our global community
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.
