Why volunteer in South Africa?

If you want a gap year or travel experience where you’ll see some incredible wildlife in their natural environment and get to work in communities with some of the most positive people you’ll ever meet – South Africa is the one. 

A word you’ll 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 – located on the edge of the Kruger National Park – focus on projects which protect and restore the delicate balance of eco-systems and help communities struggling with access to education and sanitation.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Raleigh South Africa Expeditions are all located in the Greater Kruger Area – the safari capital of South Africa. You’ll have the chance to experience incredible wildlife and stunning views off the tourist trail while on Project and on Fieldbase at Hoedspruit.

EXPEDITION OPTIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

10 Weeks

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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7 Weeks

Enjoy a 19-Day Adventure Challenge alongside an Environmental or Community project, set amidst South Africa's dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife.

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5 Weeks

Combine meaningful Community or Environmental Project work with a shorter Adventure phase in a the jam-packed 5 week Expedition.

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4 Weeks

The Mini-Gap Option, designed for a shorter but impactful break. Get stuck into a single Community or Environmental Project, packed with adventure elements.

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Thought it was a fantastic experience overall, extremely glad I did the full 10 weeks as I enjoyed every phase.

JosephVenturer Cycle 2 - 2025

I have LOVED joining Raleigh, as it has taught me so much. Being around all these different type of amazing people. Learning new things on each phase and every day.

EmilyVenturer Cycle 2 - 2025

I honestly don't have many negative things to say, everything put together made it this Raleigh expedition the best time of my life.

RemiVenturer Cycle 2 - 2025

The whole experience is more or less life-changing. A once in a lifetime thing not many people can say they've done.

BenVenturer Cycle 1 - 2025

It was absolutely incredible!!! The guides were so fabulous and knowledgeable. You can really tell that they love their crafts. They have so much energy! Love the vibes on phase always:)

LanaVenturer Cycle 1 - 2025

It was really fun but also challenging and I feel I developed a lot. The best part was the people.

SaffronVenturer Cycle 1 - 2025

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
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Expedition highlights from South Africa

Limited Time Offer

Expeditions from £2,150$2,690$2,690$2,690

Save up to £240$300$300$300 if you book now for 2027!

Expedition prices
Limited Time Offer 2027 - Cycle 1

10 weeks

£4490$5610$5610$5610

Save £240$300$300$300

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

7 weeks

£3590$4490$4490$4490

Save £240$300$300$300

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

5 weeks

£2950$3690$3690$3690

Save £150$190$190$190

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

4 weeks

£2300$2880$2880$2880

Save £160$200$200$200

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental.
All dates and prices

Payment plans

5% deposit

Secure your spot from as little as £99.5

Installments

Pay over time interest free*

Discounts

Book early at a lower price

Expedition life in South Africa

Every Raleigh Expedition in South Africa blends volunteering, adventure, and personal growth. You’ll rotate through three unforgettable phases: Community, Environmental and the Adventure Challenge.

You’ll be at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to at the end.

South Africa example itinerary

Depending on the time and budget you have – if you’re taking a gap year in South Africa or just a bit of time out before carrying on studying or working – the full 10-week Expedition with Raleigh in South Africa will look like this. You’ll get more detail on the projects nearer the time.

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.

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

South Africa Dates & Pricing

2026

For Venturers aged 18- 24.
CYCLE 1
Full

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks

10th February – 17th April 2026

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

5 Weeks
10th February – 18th March 2026

Deposit

5%

CYCLE 2
Limited Places Remaining
Applications Closing Soon

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks

29th June – 3rd September 2026

£4490$5610$5610$5610

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

£3590$4490$4490$4490

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

£2950$3690$3690$3690

4 Weeks
A: 29th June – 24th July 2026
B: 19th July – 14th August 2026

£2150$2690$2690$2690

Deposit

5%

Apply now

EXPEDITION DEADLINES

Monday 6th April 2026
(10 Weeks, 7A & 5A, 4A)
Saturday 25th April 2026
(7B, 5B & 4B)

CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks

13th October – 18th December 2026

£4490$5610$5610$5610

7 Weeks
A: 13th October – 28th November 2026
B: 2nd November– 18th December

£3590$4490$4490$4490

5 Weeks
13th October – 18th November 2026

£2950$3690$3690$3690

4 Weeks
13th October – 7th November 2026

£2150$2690$2690$2690

Deposit

5%

Apply now

2027

For Venturers aged 18- 24.
CYCLE 1
Limited Time Offer

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks

8th February – 15th April 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £4490$5610$5610$5610
Save £220$280$280$280

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

LIMITED TIME OFFER £3590$4490$4490$4490
Save £180$220$220$220

5 Weeks
A: 8th February – 16th March 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190

4 Weeks
A: 8th February – 5th March 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £2300$2880$2880$2880
Save £120$170$170$170

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 2
Limited Time Offer

JUNE - AUGUST

10 Weeks

28th June – 2nd September 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £4490$5610$5610$5610
Save £220$280$280$280

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

LIMITED TIME OFFER £3590$4490$4490$4490
Save £180$220$220$220

5 Weeks
A: 28th June – 3rd August 2027
B: 18th July – 24th August 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190

4 Weeks
A: 28th June – 23rd July 2027
B: 18th July – 13th Aug 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £2300$2880$2880$2880
Save £120$170$170$170

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 3
Limited Time Offer

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks

12th October – 17th December 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £4490$5610$5610$5610
Save £220$280$280$280

7 Weeks
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November – 17th December

LIMITED TIME OFFER £3590$4490$4490$4490
Save £180$220$220$220

5 Weeks
A: 12th October – 17th November 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £2950$3690$3690$3690
Save £150$190$190$190

4 Weeks
A: 12th October – 6th November 2027

LIMITED TIME OFFER £2300$2880$2880$2880
Save £120$170$170$170

Deposit

5%

Apply now

What's Included?

Extensive 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

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.

Apply now

How to apply for an Expedition

1

Apply online

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

2

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.

3

Confirmation

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

4

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.

Need more Expedition information?

Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition

You'll find everything in one place about your Expedition

Send us an enquiry with what you'd like to know more about

South African?

Become a National Venturer

Over 25?

Become a Venturer Manager