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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 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.

OlympiaVenturer 2024

My experience on this Expedition was life changing, fun, wonderful, I would do this again if I could.

InnocentVenturer 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.

RoemerVenturer 2024

It was a very eye opening experience that taught me lots about myself and others.

LawrenceVenturer 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.

BenjaminVenturer 2024

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!

IsaVenturer 2024
Read more

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.

Expedition life in South Africa

There are up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and the Adventure Challenge. You’ll be at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.

South Africa example itinerary

Raleigh International South Africa map

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.

Ready to apply?

If you already know Raleigh is for you, don’t miss out on a place!

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

5%

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

5%

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 FIRST 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

Deposit

5%

Apply now
*This is a limited offer for the next 50 places which get booked on Cycle 1
OFFER ON FIRST 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

Deposit

5%

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

Deposit

5%

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

Deposit

5%

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

Deposit

5%

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

Deposit

5%

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.

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.

How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year

95
say they would recommend Raleigh
94
say Raleigh developed their leadership skills
87
say its one of the best things they've ever done

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.

South African?

Become a National Venturer

Over 25?

Become a Venturer Manager

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