The 7-week Expedition pairs one project phase with Raleigh's full 205km leadership trek — the ideal balance of meaningful volunteering and serious adventure for those with tighter time or budget.
You'll be based in the Greater Kruger area, working either in the Metsi community or on conservation land with the Cape Vulture Conservancy, before heading out on the trek. You can also extend once you're out there - it happens a lot.
Bush, wildlife & grassroots projects
Working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Metsi community and our project partners – local NGO Nourish – you’ll tackle meaningful community development challenges for 3-weeks, including sustainable farming projects and essential infrastructure improvement. This work will demand effort, initiative, and teamwork.
For around three weeks you’ll work with the Cape Vulture Conservancy to restore 1,800 hectares of land within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere — a UNESCO-recognised reserve and home to one of South Africa’s last Cape Vulture nesting sites. Practical work includes invasive species removal, re-vegetation, erosion control, fence clearing, snare sweeps, and wildlife monitoring.
The 19-day, 205km leadership trek starts in the warm lowveld — through orchards and game reserves — before ascending into the remote Northern Drakensberg: steep paths, cold nights, long days at altitude. The final phase follows the Panorama Route on foot, taking in Blyde River Canyon (the third-largest canyon in the world), the Three Rondavels, God’s Window, and finishing with a swim at Mac Mac Falls.
*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.
Trek through South Africa’s lowveld, Northern Drakensberg Mountains, and Panorama Route, covering 205km of diverse and challenging terrain including game reserves, steep mountain paths, and landmarks like Blyde River Canyon and Mac Mac Falls
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.
A 19-day, 205km 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. It finishes along the iconic Panorama Route, taking in highlights such as Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, and finishing with a well-earned dip at the idyllic Mac Mac Falls.
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. The final phase includes more moderate walking with time to reflect and take in views.
This section is designed to be a steady, easy start to trekking, giving time to get used to your kit, and the physical exertion, as well as to practice navigation. This phase is also a lot warmer than the mountain section.
Time to head up Scramble Hill and into the mountains, for a challenging but epic few days.
During this phase you will visit some of the most beautiful areas in South Africa, including:
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 –28th March 2026
£3590$4595$4595$4595
£3770$4830$4830$4830
£3590$4595$4595$4595
Save £180$235$235$235
£3590$4595$4595$4595
Save £180$235$235$235
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.
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Borneo 7 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
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The South Africa 7-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 the full 19-day, 205km Adventure Challenge trekking from the lowveld through the Northern Drakensberg Mountains to the Panorama Route
The South Africa 7-week Expedition starts from £3590$4595$4595$4595. A 5% deposit secures your place and interest-free payment plans are available. Flights, travel insurance, and visas are not included.
