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 – located on the edge of the Kruger National Park – 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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DID YOU KNOW?
Raleigh South Africa Expeditions are all located in the Greater Kruger Area – the safari capital of South Africa. You’ll have the chance to experience incredible wildlife and stunning views off the tourist trail while on Project and on Fieldbase at Hoedspruit.
EXPEDITION OPTIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
10 Weeks
Take on the ultimate South Africa experience and spend a full 10 weeks on Expedition. You'll complete all three phases - Community, Environmental and Adventure.
Find Out More7 Weeks
Enjoy a 19-Day Adventure Challenge alongside an Environmental or Community project, set amidst South Africa's dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife.
Find Out More5 Weeks
Combine meaningful Community or Environmental Project work with a shorter Adventure phase in a the jam-packed 5 week Expedition.
Find Out More4 Weeks
The Mini-Gap Option, designed for a shorter but impactful break. Get stuck into a single Community or Environmental Project, packed with adventure elements.
Find Out MoreExpedition highlights from South Africa
Limited Time Offer
Expeditions from £2,150$2,690$2,690$2,690
Save up to £240$300$300$300 if you book now for 2027!
Expedition prices
All dates and prices
Limited Time Offer 2027 - Cycle 1
10 weeks
£4490$5610$5610$5610
Save £240$300$300$300
The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.
7 weeks
£3590$4490$4490$4490
Save £240$300$300$300
Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.
5 weeks
£2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190
One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.
4 weeks
£2300$2880$2880$2880
Save £160$200$200$200
One full phase – Community Project or Environmental.
Payment plans
5% deposit
Secure your spot from as little as £99.5
Installments
Pay over time interest free*
Discounts
Book early at a lower price
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).
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.
South Africa Dates & Pricing
2026
For Venturers aged 18- 24.
CYCLE 1
Full
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2026
7 Weeks
A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026
5 Weeks
10th February – 18th March 2026
Deposit
5%
CYCLE 2
Limited Places Remaining
Applications Closing Soon
JUNE - AUGUST
10 Weeks
29th June – 3rd September 2026
£4490$5610$5610$5610
7 Weeks
A: 29th June – 14th August 2026
B: 19th July – 3rd September 2026
£3590$4490$4490$4490
5 Weeks
A: 29th June – 3rd August 2026
B: 19th July – 24th August 2026
£2950$3690$3690$3690
4 Weeks
A: 29th June – 24th July 2026
B: 19th July – 14th August 2026
£2150$2690$2690$2690
Deposit
5%
Apply now
APPLICATION DEADLINE
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
13th October – 18th December 2026
£4490$5610$5610$5610
7 Weeks
A: 13th October – 28th November 2026
B: 2nd November– 18th December
£3590$4490$4490$4490
5 Weeks
13th October – 18th November 2026
£2950$3690$3690$3690
4 Weeks
13th October – 7th November 2026
£2150$2690$2690$2690
Deposit
5%
Apply now
2027
For Venturers aged 18- 24.
CYCLE 1
Limited Time Offer
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
8th February – 15th April 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4490$5610$5610$5610
Save £220$280$280$280
7 Weeks
A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th Feb – 15th April 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3590$4490$4490$4490
Save £180$220$220$220
5 Weeks
A: 8th February – 16th March 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190
4 Weeks
A: 8th February – 5th March 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2300$2880$2880$2880
Save £120$170$170$170
Deposit
5%
Apply now
CYCLE 2
Limited Time Offer
JUNE - AUGUST
10 Weeks
28th June – 2nd September 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4490$5610$5610$5610
Save £220$280$280$280
7 Weeks
A: 28th June – 13th August 2027
B: 18th July – 2nd September 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3590$4490$4490$4490
Save £180$220$220$220
5 Weeks
A: 28th June – 3rd August 2027
B: 18th July – 24th August 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190
4 Weeks
A: 28th June – 23rd July 2027
B: 18th July – 13th Aug 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2300$2880$2880$2880
Save £120$170$170$170
Deposit
5%
Apply now
CYCLE 3
Limited Time Offer
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
12th October – 17th December 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4490$5610$5610$5610
Save £220$280$280$280
7 Weeks
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November – 17th December
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3590$4490$4490$4490
Save £180$220$220$220
5 Weeks
A: 12th October – 17th November 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190
4 Weeks
A: 12th October – 6th November 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2300$2880$2880$2880
Save £120$170$170$170
Deposit
5%
Apply now
What's Included?
Extensive pre-departure training
Airport welcome and transfers
All food, transport and accommodation
24/7 in-country & UK office support
Orientation, project training & safety briefing
Free Raleigh International T-Shirt
All bookings also include a free NOMAD & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks & vaccination requirements
Flights, visas, vaccinations, personal kit, travel insurance, DBS/Police background check and first aid training (for Venturer Managers) are not included in the price of a Raleigh Expedition. A full breakdown will be provided on point of booking.
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.
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
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.
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