EXPEDITIONS
FIELDBASE
The operational hub of every Expedition. This is where you learn the ropes, prepare for each Challenge Phase and take time to reflect, rest, recuperate and relaunch.
YOUR EXPEDITION BASE
WHERE IT ALL
BEGINS
Fieldbase is the first stop on every Raleigh Expedition. After airport pick-up, it’s here you’ll go to to receive your Induction training and meet your fellow Venturers. You’ll also return here between each Challenge Phase – Changeover – and before your Expedition ends – Endex.
LIFE AT OUR
FIELDBASES.
At every Raleigh Fieldbase, there’s basic accommodation, washing facilities, and communal areas for eating,
training and socialising. When you’re not preparing for the next phase of Expedition (or hanging out your socks)
you may have the chance to visit the local town, use Fieldbase WiFi/mobile data and take time to chill with
your fellow Venturers.
Some facilities are dependent on location. Check out the Fieldbase breakdowns below to find out more.
01
BORNEO
CAMP BONGKUD
LOCATION
Camp bongkud
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
Longhouse accommodation — a corridor down the middle with communal space for chilling out and
socialising, and sleeping rooms on the other side.
WIFI
WiFi available at Fieldbase.
TIME TO AIRPORT:
Text is pending
02
COSTA RICA
TURRIALBA
LOCATION
Turrialba
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
Large communal ‘army style’ tents, with a social communal area. Venturer Managers use bunk
accommodation in the main building.
WIFI
WiFi available at Fieldbase.
TIME TO AIRPORT:
Text is pending
03
SOUTH AFRICA
HOEDSPRUIT /
GREATER KRUGER
LOCATION
Hoedspruit, Greater Kruger Area
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
Large communal ‘army style’ tents, with a social communal area. Venturer Managers use bunk
accommodation in the main building.
WIFI
WiFi available at Fieldbase.
TIME TO AIRPORT:
Text is pending
INDUCTION.
Induction occurs over the first few days of every Expedition. You’ll arrive at
Fieldbase, meet your fellow Venturers, and get everything you need to hit
the ground running – safety briefings, project training, kit checks, team
bonding, all preparation for the challenge ahead.
2–3 DAYS
01
INTRODUCTIONS TO THE TEAM
Get to know the people you’ll work with.
02
RALEIGH CODE OF CONDUCT
Understand the standards you’ll follow throughout your Expedition.
03
HEALTH & SAFETY
Essentials before heading into the field.
04
NAVIGATION
Basics for moving through unfamiliar environments.
05
HOW TO PACK FOR EACH CHALLENGE PHASE
Organise the equipment you’ll need.
06
CULTURAL AWARENESS
Work respectfully with local communities.
07
EVACUATION PROTOCOL
What happens if something goes wrong.
08
PROJECT ROLES
What happens if something goes wrong.
09
TEAM BONDING
Build trust with your team at base.
CHANGEOVER.
At the end of each Challenge Phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a couple of days before the
next one begins. Time to debrief, recharge, get your kit sorted, and catch up with the rest of the
Expedition team. You’ll get access to your phone, swap stories with Venturers who were on
different projects, and find out which team you’re moving into next. Then you go again.
2–3 DAYS
ENDEX.
You’ve made it – this is the final stage of your Expedition. This is when you’ll finally hang up your boots, reflect on what you’ve achieved and celebrate with your fellow Venturers. It’s the end of your Expedition, but the start of your life ahead.
1–2 DAYS
SAFETY & MEDICAL
SUPPORT.
Fieldbase is also the hub for in-country medical support. Raleigh staff across all three destinations have advanced First-Aid training and are briefed on medical and evacuation protocols. They retain contact with project sites and trek groups at all times.
Read more about our health & safety policy.
GOOD TO KNOW
QUESTIONS.
What is Raleigh's Fieldbase?
Fieldbase is Raleigh’s operational base in each Expedition country — the place Venturers arrive, prepare, and return to between project phases and the adventure challenge. It’s staffed full-time by Raleigh’s in-country team and serves as the logistical, medical, and community hub of the Expedition.
WHERE IS FIELDBASE IN EACH LOCATION?
Costa Rica: Turrialba, in the Central Valley.
South Africa: near Hoedspruit in the Greater Kruger area.
Borneo: Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
WHAT IS accommodation LIKE IN EACH LOCATION?
Accommodation varies by destination but is typically dormitory-style, functional, and clean — built for an expedition, not a hotel stay. You’ll have a bed, storage for your kit, bathroom facilities, and a communal eating area. It’s comfortable enough to rest and recover properly between phases.
Can I contact home from fieldbase?
Yes – you’ll have phone access and WiFi /mobile data where available at Fieldbase. While on project or on trek, phones are not available for up to 13 days at a time. Challenge Phase groups stay in contact with Fieldbase staff via project phones throughout.
How long do I spend at Fieldbase vs on a challenge phase?
This is very dependent on Expedition length. On a 8-week Expedition, you’ll have induction days at the start, changeover days between phases, and ENDEX at the close. The majority of your time is split between project sites and the Endurance Trek route — Fieldbase is the connective tissue, not the main event.
Is there wifi at fieldbase?
WiFi is available at some Fieldbases. Signal and connectivity vary by location and can’t be guaranteed. Plan for intermittent access rather than reliable connection.