Where will I be staying on Expedition with Raleigh in South Africa?

You will stay at the Fieldbase upon arrival and between projects, which includes a tented camp with solid ablutions and outdoor social areas. During community and environment projects, you'll camp with shared tents and a basic kitchen setup, ideal for developing teamwork and life skills.

Will I need a visa for South Africa and is it included in the cost?

Most nationalities receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival. Your Venturer Coordinator will provide visa guidance. Visa costs are not included in the Expedition price, so be sure to budget for them separately.

What language is spoken in South Africa?

South Africa is multilingual, with at least thirty-five languages spoken, including twelve official ones. English is commonly used in cities, media, and business. Participating in the Expedition offers a chance to engage with this cultural and linguistic diversity.

VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Q: What sort of food will I be eating in South Africa on my Raleigh Expedition?

Raleigh provides ingredients and menus for simple, hearty meals such as pap, rice, pasta, potatoes, tinned foods, and vegetables. You may also enjoy traditional South African meals like braais and locally grown produce. Venturers cook in rotation, supporting local farmers and enhancing sustainability.

Q: What is the weather like in South Africa?

South Africa has generally warm weather year-round, with regional variation. The Fieldbase near Hoedspruit is in a hot, semi-arid area. There are rainy and dry seasons, so it's important to pack appropriately for seasonal changes.

Experience the famous wildlife first-hand and be completely immersed in the local communities

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Home | Raleigh Expeditions | Volunteer in South Africa

Why volunteer in South Africa?

If you want a gap year or travel experience where you’ll see some incredible wildlife in their natural environment and get to work in communities with some of the most positive people you’ll ever meet – South Africa is the one.

A word you’ll 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 projects which protect and restore the delicate balance of eco-systems and help communities struggling with access to education and sanitation.

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“Thought it was a fantastic experience overall, extremely glad I did the full 10 weeks as I enjoyed every phase.”
JosephVenturer Cycle 2 - 2025

“I have LOVED joining Raleigh, as it has taught me so much. Being around all these different type of amazing people. Learning new things on each phase and every day.”
EmilyVenturer Cycle 2 - 2025

“I honestly don't have many negative things to say, everything put together made it this Raleigh expedition the best time of my life.”
RemiVenturer Cycle 2 - 2025

“The whole experience is more or less life-changing. A once in a lifetime thing not many people can say they've done.”
BenVenturer Cycle 1 - 2025

“It was absolutely incredible!!! The guides were so fabulous and knowledgeable. You can really tell that they love their crafts. They have so much energy! Love the vibes on phase always:)”
LanaVenturer Cycle 1 - 2025

“It was really fun but also challenging and I feel I developed a lot. The best part was the people.”
SaffronVenturer Cycle 1 - 2025

“I am really grateful for all the relationships I have built in my time in Raleigh they really made me stronger and made me enjoy being on all projects. Lastly Raleigh South Africa has amazing staff members which makes the experience 10 times better.”
OlympiaVenturer 2024

“My experience on this Expedition was life changing, fun, wonderful, I would do this again if I could.”
InnocentVenturer 2024

“Raleigh was an amazing experience. The large variety made it challenging but a lot of fun. The people I met were all amazing and I made a lot of great friendships during my expedition. It also made me learn a lot about myself.”
RoemerVenturer 2024

“It was a very eye opening experience that taught me lots about myself and others.”
LawrenceVenturer 2024

“Full of ups and downs. Found it really tough at times but still really proud of what I was able to accomplish and the friends I was able to make.”
BenjaminVenturer 2024

“I have loved Raleigh and have made the most out of all that it has to offer. I have made unforgettable memories and very close friendships. I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
IsaVenturer 2024

Cost and duration overview

Early bird prices 2026 - Cycles 2 & 3

10 weeks

£4,250$5,310$5,310$5,310

Save £240$300$300$300

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

£3,350$4,190$4,190$4,190

Save £240$300$300$300

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

£2,800$3,500$3,500$3,500

Save £150$190$190$190

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.

4 weeks

£1,990$2,490$2,490$2,490

Save £160$200$200$200

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental.

All dates and prices

Expedition life in South Africa

Every Raleigh Expedition in South Africa blends volunteering, adventure, and personal growth. You’ll rotate through three unforgettable phases: Community, Environmental and the Adventure Challenge.

You’ll be at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to at the end.

Community project

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 project

We work in partnership with Cape Vulture Conservancy to create sustainable solutions to environmental issues, whilst also supporting community empowerment and education.

You’ll involved in invasive species removal, soil erosion control, bush encroachment thinning and data collection. You will also support the local community through education initiatives with the aim to enhance and increase vocational skills for both young people and adults.

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).

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South Africa example itinerary

Depending on the time and budget you have – if you’re taking a gap year in South Africa or just a bit of time out before carrying on studying or working – the full 10-week Expedition with Raleigh in South Africa will look like this. You’ll get more detail on the projects nearer the time.

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 Challenge (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.

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South Africa Expedition gallery

Raleigh International South Africa Expeditions giraffes in bush

Volunteer Abroad in South Africa with Raleigh_accommodation

Iris on trek in South Africa with Raleigh

Venturers in the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa

Venturers enjoying the view Raleigh International

Raleigh venturer in mountains in south africa

Feature Image Disconnect to Reconnect Focus on What Matters on Expedition

Raleigh venturers finished trek in south African mountains

Venturers walking to project with Drakensburg in background

Raleigh International South Africa Expeditions

Raleigh International Venturers in South Africa

Raleigh Venturers working on project in Costa Rica

Environment project Raleigh South Africa working

Environment project Raleigh South Africa

Environment project Raleigh South Africa VM working

Raleigh South Africa Venturer looking through grasses

Ready to apply?

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

Apply now

2026

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

CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks 
10th February – 17th April 2026

£4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610

7 Weeks 
A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026

£3,590$4,490$4,490$4,490

5 Weeks 
10th February – 18th March 2026

£2,950$3,690$3,690$3,690

Deadlines:

10, 7 (A) & 5 weeks
Application: 30th November 2025

7 (B) weeks
Application: 14th December 2025

Deposit

Apply now

CYCLE 2

Early bird prices

Offer ends 21st Dec 2025

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks 
29th June – 3rd September 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,250$5,310$5,310$5,310
Save £240$300$300$300

7 Weeks 
A: 29th June – 14th August 2026
B: 19th July – 3rd September 2026

EARLY BIRD £3,350$4,190$4,190$4,190
Save £240$300$300$300

5 Weeks 
A: 29th June – 3rd August 2026
B: 19th July – 24th August 2026

EARLY BIRD £2,800$3,500$3,500$3,500
Save £150$190$190$190

4 Weeks 
A: 29th June – 24th July 2026
B: 19th July – 14th August 2026

EARLY BIRD £1,990$2,490$2,490$2,490
Save £160$200$200$200

Deadlines:

10, 7 (A), 5 (A) & 4 (A) weeks
Application: 4th April 2026

7, 5 & 4 weeks (B)
Application: 25th April 2026

Deposit

Apply now

CYCLE 3

Early bird prices

Offer ends 29th Mar 2026

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks 
13th October – 18th December 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,250$5,310$5,310$5,310
Save £240$300$300$300

7 Weeks 
A: 13th October – 28th November 2026
B: 2nd November– 18th December

EARLY BIRD £3,350$4,190$4,190$4,190
Save £240$300$300$300

5 Weeks 
13th October – 18th November 2026

EARLY BIRD £2,800$3,500$3,500$3,500
Save £150$190$190$190

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) & 5 weeks
Application: 27th June 2026

7 weeks (B)
Application: 11th July 2026

Deposit

Apply now

2027

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

CYCLE 1

EARLY BIRD PRICES

Offer ends 31st Jul 2026

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks 
8th February – 15th April 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £220$280$280$280

7 Weeks 
A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th Feb – 15th April 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,590$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £180$220$220$220

Deadlines:

10, 7 (A) weeks
Application: 28th November 2026

7 (B) weeks
Application: 12th December 2026

Deposit

Apply now

CYCLE 2

EARLY BIRD PRICES

Offer ends 19th Dec 2026

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks 
28th June – 2nd September 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £220$280$280$280

7 Weeks 
A: 28th June – 13th August 2027
B: 18th July – 2nd September 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,590$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £180$220$220$220

5 Weeks 
A: 28th June – 2nd August 2027
B: 18th July – 23rd August 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £2,950$3,690$3,690$3,690
Save £150$190$190$190

4 Weeks 
A: 28th June – 23rd July 2027
B: 18^th July – 13^th Aug 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £2,150$2,690$2,690$2,690
Save £110$140$140$140

Deadlines:

10, 7 (A), 5 (A) & 4 (A) weeks
Application: 4th Apr 2027

7, 5 & 4 weeks (B)
Application: 25th Apr 2027

Deposit

Apply now

CYCLE 3

EARLY BIRD PRICES

Offer ends 27th Mar 2027

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks 
12th October – 17th December 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £220$280$280$280

7 Weeks 
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November – 17th December

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,590$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £180$220$220$220

Deadlines:

10, 7 (A) weeks
Application: 25th Apr 2027

7 (B) weeks
Application: 29th May 2027

Deposit

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
Free Nomad & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks and vaccination requirements

Not included

Flights
Visas
Vaccinations
Personal kit
Travel insurance
DBS/Police background check
First aid training (Venturer Managers)

All full breakdown will be provided on application

Apply now

How to apply for an Expedition

1

Apply online

Fill in the online form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!

2

Screening

If we accept your application, you’ll get a link to pay a 5% deposit. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.

3

Confirmation

Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.

4

Pre-departure

Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.

Apply now

How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year

say they would recommend Raleigh

say Raleigh developed their leadership skills

say its one of the best things they've ever done

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.

Read all FAQs Parent information

South Africa Expedition stories

South Africa

South African?

Become a National Venturer

Apply

Over 25?

Become a Venturer Manager

Apply

VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Why volunteer in South Africa?

Expedition highlights from Borneo

10 weeks

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.

4 weeks

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental.

Expedition life in South Africa

Community project

Environmental project

Adventure challenge

Fieldbase

South Africa example itinerary

South Africa Expedition gallery

South Africa Dates & Pricing

2026

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

FEBRUARY - APRIL

JUNE - AUGUST

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

2027

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

FEBRUARY - APRIL

JUNE - AUGUST

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

What's included

Not included

How to apply for an Expedition

1

Apply online

2

Screening

3

Confirmation

4

Pre-departure

How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year

South Africa Raleigh Expedition FAQs

Need more Expedition information?

South Africa Expedition stories

South African?

Over 25?

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Newsletter

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