“I definitely feel that I’m more open to new experiences and that my comfort zone has considerably expanded”
Steve | Raleigh Volunteer
VOLUNTEER IN 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.
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Why volunteer in South Africa?
A word you will hear a lot in South Africa is Ubuntu. It means ‘I am because we are‘. South Africans are all about the people and how we can all work together.
Despite being one of the most developed countries in Africa there are still large percentage of people living below the poverty line. It’s ranked as one of the most biodiverse areas in the world but that is constantly under threat.
Our South Africa Expeditions focus on working together on projects which protect and restore the delicate balance of eco-systems and help communities struggling with access to education and sanitation.
This Raleigh Expedition will take you to the heart and soul of South Africa, and it will change your life forever.
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Where will I be in South Africa?
The Greater Kruger area is nestled between Mozambique, Eswatini and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart.
Experience year-round sunshine and share this land with all of the Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard). Experienced rangers will accompany you at all times who will share with you their knowledge of the wildlife, plants and landscape throughout.
Apply nowDownload a guide
What you'll be doing in South Africa
You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and an Adventure Challenge. You’ll also spend time at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.
Community Phase
This community-led project is focused around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment.
You will work on these solutions from the ground up, partnered with the community and a local NGO, Nourish Eco Village. Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens, playgrounds and essential infrastructure.
You will get the chance to interact with local community members and children, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 12 official languages of South Africa).
Environmental Phase
This phase will significantly contribute to the restoration of a thriving habitat within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve.
You will be involved in invasive plant removal, combating soil erosion and bush encroachment, conducting snare sweeps, litter picks and road clearing. All of this will help accelerate the restoration of the wilderness.
The work will be physical, dirty, and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.
Adventure Challenge
Supported by our local experienced trek facilitators and Raleigh leaders, your trek will take you through incredible landscapes and biomes, with stunning routes across the mountains that tourists don’t get access to.
You could be trekking up to 200 km through the Northern Mpumalanga Drakensburg of South Africa that will take you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!
Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.
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).
Example itinerary for South Africa
Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to South Africa. For a information on camp life and project info, download a sample itinerary.
Arrive at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
You will be met by the country team
Induction and training (3-4 days)
Get to know your fellow volunteers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community Project (19- 21 days)
Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens and playgrounds.
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. This is when project groups will change between phases, if possible, as this is an important part of the Expedition experience.
Adventure Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)
For this leg of your adventure, you will head to the Drakensberg mountains. Every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain, sleeping out under the stars to swimming in beautiful waterfalls.
Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)
Take part in physical conservation work in the reserve. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.
Final review at base (2 days)
All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.
Departure from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Expedition lengths and times of year
We run three cycles every year and offer different Expedition lengths
10 weeks
The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.
7 weeks
Take part in two full phases – either the Community or Environmental project with the Adventure Trek.
5 weeks
Take part in a full phase of a Community Project or Environmental Project (assigned) with a shorter trek.
Expedition Dates & Pricing
2025
CYCLE 1
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2025
£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990
7 Weeks
A: 10th February – 28th March 2025
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2025
£4,150$5,260$5,260$5,260
Deadlines:
10 weeks and 7 weeks (A)
Application: 5th January 2025
Deposit: 12th January 2025
7 weeks (B)
Application: 13th January 2025
Deposit: 20th January 2025
Deposit
£200$200$200$
Apply now
CYCLE 2
JUNE - AUGUST
10 Weeks
27th June – 1st September 2025
£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990
7 Weeks
A: 27th June – 12th August 2025
B: 17th July – 1st September 2025
£4,150$5,260$5,260$5,260
5 Weeks
A: 27th June – 1st August 2025
B: 17th July – 22nd August 2025
£3,499$4,599$4,599$4,599
Deadlines:
10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A)
Application: 9th May 2025
Deposit: 19th May 2025
7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B)
Application: 29th May 2025
Deposit: 5th June 2025
Deposit
£200$200$200$
Apply now
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
11th October – 16th December 2025
£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990
7 Weeks
11th October – 25th November 2025
£4,150$5,260$5,260$5,260
Deadlines:
Application: 24th August 2025
Deposit: 31st August 2025
Deposit
£200$200$200$
Apply now
2026
CYCLE 1
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2026
£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990
7 Weeks
A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026
£4,150$5,260$5,260$5,260
Application deadlines:
10 weeks and 7 weeks (A) – 5th January 2026
7 weeks (B) – 13th January 2026
Apply now
CYCLE 2
JUNE - AUGUST
10 Weeks
29th June – 3rd September 2026
£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990
7 Weeks
A: 29th June – 14th August 2026
B: 19th July – 3rd September 2026
£4,150$5,190$5,190$5,190
5 Weeks
A: 29th June – 3rd August 2026
B: 17th July – 24th August 2026
£3,499$4,599$4,599$4,599
Application deadlines:
10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A) – 12th May 2026
7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B) – 29th May 2026
Apply now
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
13th October – 18th December 2026
£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990
7 Weeks
13th October – 28th November 2026
£4,150$5,260$5,260$5,260
Application deadline:
25th August 2026
Apply now
What’s included
- Airport welcome and transfers
- All food, transport and accommodation on Expedition
- 24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
- Safety expertise
- Extensive pre-departure information and support
- Local orientation, project training & equipment
- Raleigh t-shirt
Not included
- Flights
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Personal kit
- Travel insurance
- First aid training (Venturer Managers)
A full breakdown of what’s included and not will be provided on application.
Apply for an Expedition
Apply online
Fill in the online application form and tell us why you want to go on Expedition!
Screening
If your application is successful, we send you a booking form and process a deposit of £200$200$200$. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.
Confirmation
You will be assigned a volunteer coordinator who will send you all the information you need about your Raleigh Expedition.
Pre-departure
Get ready for your Expedition – we will support you all the way!
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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What our Raleigh South Africa Venturers say
South Africa Expedition stories
South Africa Raleigh Expedition FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expedition at our South Africa locations
Where will I be staying while on Expedition in South Africa?
You will stay at our Fieldbase on arrival and in between projects. Fieldbase has a main building which permanent in-country staff have access to and Venturer Managers sleep. Venturers have access to this building for project briefings meetings. Venturers are accommodated in a tented camp with a separate solid ablutions block and covered outdoor social areas.
On our community & environment projects, you will setup a camp with shared sleeping tents and a basic kitchen.
What sort of food will I be eating in South Africa on my Raleigh Expedition?
Raleigh will supply ingredients and menus with very basic meals consisting of pap / rice / pasta / potatoes, tinned foods, vegetables and the occasional meat.
You will also get the opportunity to sample some more traditional South African style dishes, including braais (an African style BBQ), pap and local vegetables. All Venturers will get to cook for the group on a rotation! Most of the fresh produce we use is sourced locally. This allows us to provide you with locally grown food while also contributing to the income of the local farmers.
What is the weather like in South Africa?
Generally speaking the weather in South Africa is relatively warm all year round. However, there are big regional variations depending on the type of environment – from the coastal subtropics, deserts, humid highlands. Our Fieldbase near Hoedspruit is in a hot, semi arid area of the country. There is a ‘rainy season’ and a ‘dry season’ so the exact conditions will depend on the time of year the Expedition cycle falls in.
