VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Renowned for it’s wildlife, you’ll work to take action on development in local communities and conservation projects while exploring breath-taking landscapes.

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Home | Raleigh Expeditions | Volunteer in South Africa

Why volunteer in South Africa?

A word you will hear a lot in South Africa is Ubuntu. It means ‘I am because we are‘. South Africans are all about the people and how we can all work together.

Despite being one of the most developed countries in Africa there are still large percentage of people living below the poverty line. It’s ranked as one of the most biodiverse areas in the world but that is constantly under threat.

Our South Africa Expeditions focus on working together on projects which protect and restore the delicate balance of eco-systems and help communities struggling with access to education and sanitation.

This Raleigh Expedition will take you to the heart and soul of South Africa, and it will change your life forever.

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”I have loved Raleigh and have made the most out of all that it has to offer. I have made unforgettable memories and very close friendships. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
IsaSouth Africa Venturer 2024

Cost and duration overview

10 weeks

LIMITED OFFER £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £310$380$380$380

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

LIMITED OFFER £3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £200$320$320$320

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

LIMITED OFFER £2,950$3,690$3,690$4,490
Save £549$909$909$909

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.

All dates and prices

Expedition life in South Africa

You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and an Adventure Challenge. You’ll also spend time at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.

Raleigh South Africa community project video

Community Phase

This community-led project is focused around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment.

You will work on these solutions from the ground up, partnered with the community and a local NGO, Nourish Eco Village. Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens, playgrounds and essential infrastructure.

You will get the chance to interact with local community members and children, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 12 official languages of South Africa).

Raleigh South Africa Environmental project video

Environmental Phase

We work in partnership with Cape Vulture Conservancy to create sustainable solutions to environmental issues, whilst also supporting community empowerment and education.

You’ll involved in invasive species removal, soil erosion control, bush encroachment thinning and data collection. You will also support the local community through education initiatives with the aim to enhance and increase vocational skills for both young people and adults.

The work will be physical, dirty, and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

Adventure Challenge

Supported by our local experienced trek facilitators and Raleigh leaders, your trek will take you through incredible landscapes and biomes, with stunning routes across the mountains that tourists don’t get access to.

You could be trekking up to 200 km through the Northern Mpumalanga Drakensburg of South Africa that will take you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!

Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

Fieldbase

Induction: At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase and have time for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities to get to know each other.

Changeover: During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort out your kit, learn about your next project and pack up again for the next phase.

Endex: This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on all your experiences, receive some final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes (or plan your next adventures together).

Download a guide Our impact

South Africa example itinerary

Induction and training (3-4 days)

Get to know your fellow volunteers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (19- 21 days)

Each day you will work in and around the community village, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens and playgrounds.

Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre 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. This is when project groups will change between phases, if possible, as this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Adventure Challenge (19 – 21 days)

For this leg of your adventure, you will head to the Drakensberg mountains. Every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain, sleeping out under the stars to swimming in beautiful waterfalls.

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

Take part in physical conservation work in the reserve. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

Download a guide

Where will I be in South Africa?

The Greater Kruger area is nestled between Mozambique, Eswatini and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart.

Experience year-round sunshine and share this land with all of the Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard). Experienced rangers will accompany you at all times who will share with you their knowledge of the wildlife, plants and landscape throughout.

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South Africa Expedition gallery

African-Impact-Volunteer-Wildlife-Conservation-Big-5-27

Admiring view South Africa Expedition Raleigh

Four Raleigh Volunteers on mountain in South Africa

Venturers helping each other environment project

Venturers enjoying the view Raleigh International

Venturer clearing trees in Environment in South Africa

Environment project Raleigh South Africa working

Environment project Raleigh South Africa

Environment project Raleigh South Africa VM working

What our Raleigh South Africa Venturers say

”I am really grateful for all the relationships I have built in my time in Raleigh they really made me stronger and made me enjoy being on all projects. Lastly Raleigh South Africa has amazing staff members which makes the experience 10 times better.
OlympiaRaleigh South Africa 2024

”My experience on this Expedition was life changing, fun, wonderful, I would do this again if I could.
InnocentRaleigh South Africa 2024

”Raleigh was an amazing experience. The large variety made it challenging but a lot of fun. The people I met were all amazing and I made a lot of great friendships during my expedition. It also made me learn a lot about myself.
RoemerRaleigh South Africa 2024

”It was a very eye opening experience that taught me lots about myself and others.
LawrenceRaleigh South Africa 2024

”Full of ups and downs. Found it really tough at times but still really proud of what I was able to accomplish and the friends I was able to make.
BenjaminRaleigh South Africa 2024

South Africa Dates & Pricing

2025

FULLY BOOKED

CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks 
10th February – 17th April 2025

£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990

7 Weeks 
A: 10th February – 28th March 2025
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2025

£4,150$5,260$5,260$5,260

Deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A)
Application: 5th January 2025
Deposit: 12th January 2025

7 weeks (B)
Application: 13th January 2025
Deposit: 20th January 2025

CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks 
27th June – 1st September 2025

£4,800$5,990$5,990$5,990

7 Weeks 
A: 27th June – 12th August 2025
B: 17th July – 1st September 2025

£4,150$5,260$5,260$5,260

5 Weeks 
A: 27th June – 1st August 2025
B: 17th July – 22nd August 2025

£3,499$4,599$4,599$4,599

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A)
Application: 11th May 2025
Deposit: 19th May 2025

7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B)
Application: 29th May 2025
Deposit: 9th June 2025

Deposit

Apply now

OFFER ON FIRST 50 PLACES*

CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks 
11th October – 16th December 2025

LIMITED OFFER £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £310$380$380$380

7 Weeks 
11th October – 25th November 2025

LIMITED OFFER £3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £200$320$320$320

Deadlines:

Application: 24th August 2025
Deposit: 31st August 2025

Deposit

Apply now

*This is a limited offer for the first 50 places which get booked on Cycle 3

2026

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

OFFER ON NEXT 50 PLACES*

CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks 
10th February – 17th April 2026

LIMITED OFFER £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £310$380$380$380

7 Weeks 
A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026

LIMITED OFFER £3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £200$320$320$320

Application deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A) – 5th January 2026

7 weeks (B) – 13th January 2026

Deposit

Apply now

*This is a limited offer for the next 50 places which get booked on Cycle 1

OFFER ON NEXT 50 PLACES*

CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks 
29th June – 3rd September 2026

LIMITED OFFER £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £310$380$380$380

7 Weeks 
A: 29th June – 14th August 2026
B: 19th July – 3rd September 2026

LIMITED OFFER £3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £200$320$320$320

5 Weeks 
A: 29th June – 3rd August 2026
B: 19th July – 24th August 2026

LIMITED OFFER £2,950$3,690$3,690$4,490
Save £549$909$909$909

Application deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A) – 12th May 2026

7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B) – 29th May 2026

Deposit

Apply now

*This is a limited offer for the next 50 places which get booked on Cycle 2

OFFER ON FIRST 50 PLACES*

CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks 
13th October – 18th December 2026

LIMITED OFFER £4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610
Save £310$380$380$380

7 Weeks 
13th October – 28th November 2026

LIMITED OFFER £3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490
Save £200$320$320$320

Application deadline:

25th August 2026

Deposit

Apply now

*This is a limited offer for the first 50 places which get booked on Cycle 3

2027

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

EARLY BIRD PRICES

CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks 
8th February – 15th April 2027

£4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610

7 Weeks 
A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th Feb – 15th April 2027

£3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490

Application deadlines:

10 weeks and 7 weeks (A) – 5th January 2027

7 weeks (B) – 13th January 2027

Deposit

Apply now

EARLY BIRD PRICES

CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks 
28th June – 2nd September 2027

£4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610

7 Weeks 
A: 28th June – 13th August 2027
B: 18th July – 2nd September 2027

£3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490

5 Weeks 
A: 28th June – 2nd August 2027
B: 18th July – 23rd August 2027

£2,950$3,690$3,690$4,490

Application deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A) – 12th May 2027

7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B) – 29th May 2027

Deposit

Apply now

EARLY BIRD PRICES

CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks 
12th October – 17th December 2027

£4,490$5,610$5,610$5,610

7 Weeks 
12th October – 27th November 2027

£3,950$4,490$4,490$4,490

Application deadline:

25th August 2027

Deposit

Apply now

What’s included

Airport welcome and transfers
All food, transport and accommodation on Expedition
24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
Safety expertise
Extensive pre-departure information and support
Local orientation, project training & equipment
Raleigh t-shirt
Free Nomad & MASTA travel health consultation
Free Nomad & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks and vaccination requirements

Not included

Flights
Visas
Vaccinations
Personal kit
Travel insurance
First aid training (Venturer Managers)

A full breakdown of what’s included and not, will be provided on application.

Apply now

How to apply for an Expedition

Apply online

Fill in the online application form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!

Apply now

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.

Confirmation

Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.

Pre-departure

Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.

South Africa Expedition stories

South Africa

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December 19, 20246 min Read More

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December 18, 20244 min Read More

Austin’s Raleigh Expedition

November 6, 20245 min Read More

Ben with Fellow Raleigh International Venturers in South Africa

Rediscovering Confidence Through Raleigh: Ben’s Story

November 1, 20244 min Read More

Estrella Shares Her Expedition Experience in South Africa

October 25, 20247 min Read More

View all posts

South Africa Raleigh Expedition FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expedition at our South Africa locations

Where will I be staying while on Expedition in South Africa?

You will stay at our Fieldbase on arrival and in between projects. Fieldbase has a main building which permanent in-country staff have access to and Venturer Managers sleep. Venturers have access to this building for project briefings meetings. Venturers are accommodated in a tented camp with a separate solid ablutions block and covered outdoor social areas.

On our community & environment projects, you will setup a camp with shared sleeping tents and a basic kitchen.

What sort of food will I be eating in South Africa on my Raleigh Expedition?

Raleigh will supply ingredients and menus with very basic meals consisting of pap / rice / pasta / potatoes, tinned foods, vegetables and the occasional meat.

You will also get the opportunity to sample some more traditional South African style dishes, including braais (an African style BBQ), pap and local vegetables. All Venturers will get to cook for the group on a rotation! Most of the fresh produce we use is sourced locally. This allows us to provide you with locally grown food while also contributing to the income of the local farmers.

What is the weather like in South Africa?

Generally speaking the weather in South Africa is relatively warm all year round. However, there are big regional variations depending on the type of environment – from the coastal subtropics, deserts, humid highlands. Our Fieldbase near Hoedspruit is in a hot, semi arid area of the country. There is a ‘rainy season’ and a ‘dry season’ so the exact conditions will depend on the time of year the Expedition cycle falls in.

Read all FAQs Parent information

South African?

Become a National Venturer

Apply

Over 25?

Become a Venturer Manager

Apply

VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA

Why volunteer in South Africa?

Cost and duration overview

10 weeks

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.

Expedition life in South Africa

Community Phase

Environmental Phase

Adventure Challenge

Fieldbase

South Africa example itinerary

Where will I be in South Africa?

South Africa Expedition gallery

What our Raleigh South Africa Venturers say

South Africa Dates & Pricing

2025

FEBRUARY - APRIL

JUNE - AUGUST

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

*This is a limited offer for the first 50 places which get booked on Cycle 3

2026

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

FEBRUARY - APRIL

*This is a limited offer for the next 50 places which get booked on Cycle 1

JUNE - AUGUST

*This is a limited offer for the next 50 places which get booked on Cycle 2

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

*This is a limited offer for the first 50 places which get booked on Cycle 3

2027

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

FEBRUARY - APRIL

JUNE - AUGUST

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

What’s included

Not included

How to apply for an Expedition

Apply online

Screening

Confirmation

Pre-departure

South Africa Expedition stories

South Africa Raleigh Expedition FAQs

South African?

Over 25?

Need more Expedition information?

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