“Just Pure Magic” – Gethin’s Extraordinary South Africa Expedition
19th March 2026 | Lauren Moses | 4 min read Conservation In Action Moments That Stay With You The Ultimate…
5 Weeks in South Africa
The 5-week South Africa Expedition is an unforgettable chance to live simply, make a real difference, and explore some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
Support grassroots development in rural communities or help restore vital ecosystems on Project in the Greater Kruger area, plus trek 100km through wild landscape.
With a mix of physical challenge, cultural exchange, and hands-on project work, this is a transformative experience designed to push your limits, build meaningful connections, and leave a lasting impact - on the ground and on you.
Dates and rates
When
Feb – Apr | Jun – Aug | Oct – Dec
Bush, wildlife and grassroots projects
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Community project*
Working shoulder-to-shoulder with local project partners & residents, for 3 weeks you’ll tackle meaningful community development challenges including sustainable farming projects and improving essential infrastructure. This work will demand effort, initiative, and teamwork.
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Environmental project*
In partnership with the Cape Vulture Conservancy, spend 3 weeks helping to restore 1,800 hectares of land within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. This project focuses on habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and wildlife protection.
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Adventure challenge
A 10-day, 100km expedition through some of South Africa’s most varied and striking landscapes. The route begins in the warm lowveld, passing through orchards and game reserves, before ascending into the remote and rugged Northern Drakensberg Mountains.
*You'll embark on one Project - either Community or Environmental - as well as the Adventure challenge
Expedition highlights from South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA 5-WEEK ITINERARY
*This is a sample itinerary, and order of phases will vary depending on Cycles and Venturer numbers.
Induction and training (3-4 days)
3-day induction & training to meet your team and build practical expedition skills
Community or Environmental Project (19-21 Days)
Support grassroots development by helping build educational spaces, eco-gardens, and community infrastructure in partnership with local NGO Nourish, based in the Metsi community.
Contribute to lasting impact on poverty reduction, food security, and education, while gaining practical skills and cultural insight through hands-on work in a rural South African setting.
OR
Restore ecosystems and protect endangered species by working on habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and wildlife monitoring in partnership with the Cape Vulture Conservancy.
Gain hands-on conservation experience across 1,800 hectares in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, contributing directly to the preservation of one of South Africa’s last Cape Vulture nesting sites.
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase 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. Project groups will change between each phase, if numbers allow.
Adventure Phase (10 Days)
Embark on a 10-day trek through some of the South Africa’s most varied and striking landscapes, spanning approx. 100km. Travel through orchards and game reserves, before ascending into the remote and rugged Northern Drakensberg Mountains.
Final review at Fieldbase (2 days)
All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at Fieldbase. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.
Expedition life in South Africa
Every Raleigh Expedition in South Africa blends volunteering, adventure, and personal growth. You’ll rotate through two unforgettable phases: Community or Environmental Project and the Adventure Challenge
Community project
Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Metsi community residents and local partners Nourish, you’ll tackle meaningful community development challenges that demand effort, initiative, and teamwork. You’ll support sustainable farming and food security projects, build and improve essential community infrastructure, plan and lead local action days and activities, and collaborate across language and cultural differences.
Read more
Education & Youth Development
- The challenge: Support educational infrastructure of community
- The solution: Assist in the construction of educational playgrounds
Sustainable Agriculture
- The challenge: Support sustainable agriculture
- The solution: Assist with food gardens and farming structures (building and maintenance) .
Infrastructure
- The challenge: Support eco-village development
- The solution: Building and maintenance of Nourish eco-village e.g. recycling centre, pathway buildings, hygiene stations
SDGs:
This work addresses local challenges like underdevelopment and conservation pressure, and Venturers gain hands-on experience in sustainable development, building leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding. In particular they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of 2 – Zero Hunger, 4 – Quality Education , 15 – Life on Land
Environmental project
In partnership with the Cape Vulture Conservancy, help restore 1,800 hectares of land within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. This project focuses on habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and wildlife protection.
Read more
Education & Youth Development
- The challenge: Support educational infrastructure of community
- The solution: Assist in the construction of educational playgrounds
Sustainable Agriculture
- The challenge: Support sustainable agriculture
- The solution: Assist with food gardens and farming structures (building and maintenance) .
Infrastructure
- The challenge: Support eco-village development
- The solution: Building and maintenance of Nourish eco-village e.g. recycling centre, pathway buildings, hygiene stations
SDGs:
This work addresses local challenges like underdevelopment and conservation pressure, and Venturers gain hands-on experience in sustainable development, building leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding. In particular they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of 2 – Zero Hunger, 4 – Quality Education , 15 – Life on Land.
Adventure Challenge
The Raleigh South Africa 5 Weeker Trek is a 10-day expedition through some of the country’s most varied and striking landscapes, spanning approx. 100km. The route begins in the warm lowveld, passing through orchards and game reserves, before ascending into the remote and rugged Northern Drakensberg Mountains.
Read more
About the Trek
The terrain is diverse and physically demanding. The opening phase offers steady walking on flat, open ground, allowing time to adjust to the kit and conditions. The mountain section is significantly tougher, with steep ascents, rocky paths, cold nights, and long days at altitude.
This is a mentally and physically challenging experience that builds resilience, confidence, leadership, and teamwork. With the support of our skilled guides, participants take responsibility for navigation, food preparation, and group decision-making, developing key life skills through shared effort and self-discipline in a remote environment.
Skills Development, Activities & Opportunities
- Navigation
- Map reading
- Solitude (self-reflection)
- Leadership opportunities (Day Leader)
- Full responsibility to be taken by the venturers
Where will I be in South Africa?
Location
You’ll fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate airport, close to the Great Kruger area, where you’ll be met & transferred to Fieldbase by our Venture Managers.
- Fieldbase: Situated just outside Hoedspruit, the safari capital of South Africa. The area welcomes large numbers of international tourists each year.
- Community Project: Metsi, on the fenceline of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, about 2 hours from Fieldbase
- Environmental Project: Cape Vulture Nature Reserve
- Adventure Challenge: The Drakensberg Mountains, Blyde Canyon and Magoebaskloof
Fieldbase, Hoedspruit
Accommodation
Fieldbase
- Tented camp
- Permanent toilet block
- Indoor briefing area
Community Project
- Basic Camp
- Bucket showers
- Long-drop toilets
- Camping Stoves.
Environmental Project
- Basic Camp
- Bucket showers
- Portable toilets
- No running water
- Camping Stoves.
Adventure Challenge:
- Tents
- Varied Terrain
- Camping stoves
South Africa 5-weeks dates & Pricing
CYCLE 1
Limited Time Offer
FEBRUARY - APRIL
8th Feb – 16th March 2027
£2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190
Apply now
CYCLE 2
Limited Time Offer
JUNE - AUGUST
- A: 28th June – 3rd August 2027
- B: 18th July – 24th August 2027
£2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190
Apply now
CYCLE 3
Limited Time Offer
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
12th October – 17th November 2027
£2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190
Apply now
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
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.
Need more Expedition information?
Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition
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