A Raleigh Expedition in South Africa is a truly unique international experience for 17-24 year olds. Join young volunteers from across the world and gain skills, experiences, and friends that will last you a lifetime. To date we have sent over 55,000+ young people on a Raleigh Expedition, this includes people like Prince William and Princess Kate, and the British Astronaut Tim Peake.
Where will you be based?
The Raleigh International fieldbase in South Africa is in Hoedspruit, a rural town situated at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg.
Between each project phase you will stay at fieldbase. However, you will be in different location for each project phase.
How long can you go for?
Each summer we run a 4, 7 and 10 week Expedition in South Africa (we run additional 7 & 10 week Expeditions in the Spring & Fall).
- The 10-week program is the most immersive of our Expeditions. You will take part in all three project phases, in three locations and with three different groups.
- If you don’t have as much time, the 7-week program is a great option. You will take part in two different phases – one trek and one project – in two different locations, with two different groups.
- The 4-week program is perfect for a summer break. Participate in one full volunteering project and a shorter trek.
The three project phases
1. Community volunteering project
This community-led project is focussed around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity. Each day, you will walk into the adjacent community, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens. You will discover a warm welcome, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 11 official languages of South Africa).
2. Environmental volunteering project
This phase will have direct impact on restoring a healthy habitat on land bordering the Kruger National Park (one of Africa's biggest game reserves). You will be involved in invasive plant removal, indigenous tree planting, combating soil erosion, snare sweeps, litter picks and road clearing. All of which will help accelerate the restoration of a wilderness. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.
3. Adventure Leadership Trek
Supported by our local experienced guide, medic and Raleigh leaders, your trek will allow you to explore a true wilderness, with no marked trails, facilities or shops along the way. Everyone starts and finishes trek together, come rain or sun (or even snow!) and no matter what trekking experience you.
Supporting one another through these moments, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.
JUNE - AUGUST*
4 Weeks?- $3,680
- 4A: 24th June – 22nd July 2024
- 4B: 25th July – 22nd August 2024
7 Weeks??- $5380
- 7A: 24th June – 9th August 2024
- 7B: 14th July – 29th August 2024
10 Weeks??- $5,970
- 24th June – 29th August 2024
*We also have 7 and 10 week programmes in February-April and October-December.
