EXPEDITIONS
Life On
Raleigh.
In-country, on the ground. Expedition life unpacked.
What is a
Raleigh
Expedition?
A Raleigh Expedition is a life-defining adventure that will transform you through the power of challenge. Over a 4 or 8 week period, you’ll encounter remote locations, hard graft and tough conditions, but you’ll step up to the challenge, proving yourself bolder, tougher and stronger than you ever knew.
HOW IT WORKS
FOUR CHALLENGES
PHASES.
Your time in Malaysian Borneo, Costa Rica or South Africa will be divided into up to four Challenge Phases.
With each phase you are set a different challenge, and with each you are pushed to build a different set of skills.
Throughout the journey you’ll build your grit, resilience and leadership. If you’re on the 8-week full Expedition
you’ll do the Final Challenge – where everything you’ve learned gets put to the test.
THE HONEST VERSION
IT'S NOT ALWAYS
COMFORTABLE.
THAT'S THE POINT.
Raleigh isn’t a polished travel experience. You’ll work hard, live simply, adapt quickly
and share the responsibility with the people around you. That’s what makes the
experience real — and what makes the moments you earn afterwards mean more.
EARLY STARTS.
Some days begin before sunrise.
HARD GRAFT.
You won’t just show up. You’ll get stuck in.
SHARED MEALS.
Local food. Shared responsibility. No room service.
DIFFICULT TERRAIN.
The field will test you physically.
TEAM FIRST.
Everyone contributes. Everyone depends on each other.
WORTH IT.
This can remain almost purely visual as the emotional payoff.
COOK TOGETHER.
Food is basic but nutritious, and draws on the cuisines local to each destination. In Borneo, for instance, South Asian staples like noodles, rice, beef, fish and vegetables will form the foundations of your diet. In Costa Rica, beans and rice will become familiar friends, and for South Africa think pasta, potatoes and meat. Raleigh will provide recipes, and you’ll cook in kitchens, on camping stoves or over a BBQ.
You’ll also have the chance to try local delicacies like tropical fruits.
We aim to source most of our food locally, to support farmers and business near our Fieldbases.
ACCOMMODATION
WHERE YOU SLEEP.
Accommodation varies by destination and by Challenge Phase. No matter the length or country you choose, you’ll probably spend time without flushing toilets, running water or proper beds. You’ll be getting shuteye in a sleeping bag, or bedding down in a hammock, will get clean from bucket showers (when you’re lucky!) and we know it sounds tough – but all that is actually part of the fun. Grow together, prove your self and experience nature in the most authentic ways possible.
CONNECTIVITY
LESS SCREEN. MORE FIELD.
Raleigh is a chance to escape the screen, and live in real life (not ‘reel’ life). You’ll have access to your phone at Fieldbase, where you can spend time catching up with the world and chatting with family and friends using WiFi or data on your E-Sim. But to keep your tech safe, secure and dry, phones don’t come onto Project.
For most Venturers this time without a screen turns out to be one of the best things about the Expedition. You’re in a remote location doing demanding work with a group of people who are in exactly the same situation. The disconnection is part of what makes the community connection real.
YOUR STUFF
WHAT TO PACK.
When you book, our Venturer Journey team will provide you with a detailed breakdown of exactly what you’ll need for your specific Expedition. It covers everything from clothing and footwear to sleeping kit and tech, plus what not to bring (please no suitcases!)
All specialist equipment like tools, safety equipment, project-specific items will be supplied by us.
SUPPORT
STAYING SAFE.
Safety is at the centre of every Raleigh Expedition – built into training and operations.
- All Expedition staff hold 16-hour Outdoor First Aid certification
- Comprehensive risk assessments are carried out for all project sites and trek routes
- MEDEVAC and CASEVAC plans are in place across all three destinations
- Partnerships with local clinics in each destination
- 24/7 operations staff throughout every cycle
- On Project: Every group carries three forms of phone at all times — a smartphone, a basic backup ‘dumb’ phone, and a satellite phone. Groups check in with Fieldbase daily and have 24/7 access to the comms kit in case of emergency.
EXPEDITION ESSENTIALS
KNOW
BEFORE
YOU GO.
The practical stuff matters. Here’s what Expedition
life actually looks like — from what you’ll eat and
where you’ll sleep to staying connected and
adapting to life in the field.
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE
STRANGERS ON
DAY ONE.
YOUR PEOPLE
BY THE END.
Team meals, working together, camp, laughing, downtime,
shared challenges and local community interaction — people
become a major part of the experience. The hardest days are
easier when someone else is carrying the same weight.
A PLACE TO
PROVE
YOURSELF.
Raleigh’s Expeditions are built on the foundations of adventure, impact and personal growth. Each stage is an opportunity to push beyond your limits, develop new skills and redefine what possible looks like.
RESILIENCE
Push beyond comfortable.
LEADERSHIP
Learn from people and communities.
TEAMWORK
Return with skills, confidence and perspective.
CURIOSITY
Return with skills, confidence and perspective.
ADAPTABILITY
Return with skills, confidence and perspective.
QUESTIONS
Life on expedition —
answered.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY ON EXPEDITION LIKE?
There’s no single typical day – it changes completely depending on which phase you’re in. On project, days are structured around physical work: early start, on site, debrief, repeat. On trek, you’re up before sunrise, moving by first light, and making camp before dark. At Fieldbase, days are more relaxed – training sessions, free time, and preparation for the next phase.
WHAT DO I EAT ON EXPEDITION?
At Fieldbase, meals are provided in a communal dining area. On project and trek, food is cooked in the field by the group – simple, filling, and enough to fuel the day. Dietary requirements are accommodated where possible – flag these at the point of application.
WHAT DO I WEAR ON EXPEDITION?
Practical, durable clothing suited to the conditions. Your full kit list covers this in detail, but the basics are: good trekking boots (broken in before you go), layers, quick-dry fabrics, and a rain layer. Nothing precious – kit gets dirty and takes a beating.
HOW MUCH PERSONAL SPACE WILL I HAVE?
Not a lot, but that’s part of it. You’ll be living, working, and trekking in close quarters with the same group of people for weeks. Most Venturers find this easier than they expected. Some find it harder. Either way, it’s something you adapt to – and it’s where a lot of the friendships are made.
WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO HOT WATER AND SHOWERS?
At Fieldbase, the answer is sometimes – washing facilities are available at all three destinations, though standards and water temps vary. On project and trek, it depends on where you are. Expect basic washing facilities at best and improvised ones at worst. Pack a quick-dry towel.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON EXPEDITION?
At Fieldbase and most project sites, toilet facilities are available. On trek, you’re in the field – your Expedition Manager will brief you on what that means. It’s not something to overthink in advance.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON EXPEDITION?
It varies significantly by destination and time of year. Borneo is hot and humid year-round with regular rainfall. Costa Rica has distinct wet and dry seasons – expect heat, humidity, and afternoon rain in most cycles. South Africa varies quite a lot between summer and winter – Cycle 2 can get pretty chilly Your pre-departure information includes destination and season-specific guidance.
WILL I HAVE WIFI ON EXPEDITION?
At Borneo and Costa Rica Fieldbase, limited WiFi is available. On project and trek, there is no WiFi, and you probably won’t have your phone with you.
HOW MUCH CASH WILL I NEED ON EXPEDITION?
Spending money is for personal extras – snacks, souvenirs, activities in the local town during Fieldbase time. The amount depends on how you spend your downtime. Most Venturers find a modest amount goes a long way. Currency guidance is included in your pre-departure information.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE SOMETHING OR MY KIT GETS DAMAGED?
Gear takes a beating on Expedition. Any significant losses or damages should be covered by your travel insurance, but for day-to-day wear and tear, you’ll bring a repair kit and the Fieldbase team will be able to advise on local solutions. Pack spares of anything critical (laces, batteries, medication).
IS THERE ALCOHOL ON EXPEDITION?
Alcohol is not permitted at any point on a Raleigh Expedition. This helps keep everyone safe! Raleigh Expeditions are demanding physical programmes and the expectation is that Venturers approach them accordingly.
WHAT DO PEOPLE FIND HARDEST ABOUT EXPEDITION LIFE?
The most common answers: the lack of personal space, the physical demands of the trek, the first few days adjusting to the environment, and going without a phone on project. The least expected answer: how quickly it feels normal, and how strange normal life feels when you get back.
WHAT DO PEOPLE MISS MOST WHEN THEY GET HOME?
The people, almost universally. The simplicity of knowing exactly what each day requires of you comes a close second.