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.
Bush, wildlife and grassroots projects
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.
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.
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
*This is a sample itinerary, and order of phases will vary depending on Cycles and Venturer numbers.
3-day induction & training to meet your team and build practical expedition skills
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, Hoedspruit
10th February – 18th March 2026
13th October – 18th November
£2950$3775$3775$3775
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 MoreEnjoy a 19-Day Adventure Challenge alongside an Environmental or Community project, set amidst South Africa's dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife.
Find Out MoreThe 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 MoreCombine meaningful Community or Environmental Project work with a shorter Adventure phase in the jam-packed 5-week Costa Rica Expedition.
Costa Rica 5 WeeksCombine meaningful Community or Environmental Project work with a shorter Adventure phase in the jam-packed 5-week Borneo Expedition.
Borneo 5 WeeksExtensive 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, plus access to post-booking deals and discounts with our partners.
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.
Secure your spot from as little as £99.5
Pay over time interest free*
Book early at a lower price
Fill in the online form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!
If we accept your application, you’ll get a link to pay a 5% deposit. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.
Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.
Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.
Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition
You'll find everything in one place about your Expedition
Send us an enquiry with what you'd like to know more about
The South Africa 5-week Expedition includes one project phase — either a Community Project alongside the Metsi community and local NGO Nourish, or an Environmental Project with the Cape Vulture Conservancy in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere — plus a 10-day, 100km Adventure Challenge trekking from the lowveld into the Northern Drakensberg Mountains.
The South Africa 5-week Expedition starts from £2950$3775$3775$3775. A 5% deposit secures your place and interest-free payment plans are available. Flights, travel insurance, and visas are not included.
