South Africa Uhambo Expedition

Camps International are partnering with Raleigh International in an industry first – combining Camps’ expertise in impact and service learning with Raleigh’s renowned leadership adventure model. Together, we are creating a new standard in purposeful youth development.

Introduction

Go on your own Uhambo, meaning “journey” in Zulu, trekking through South Africa’s wild terrain while growing in confidence, resilience and leadership every step of the way.
Live off-grid, contribute to real environmental research, and share the experience with a close-knit team of peers and experienced leaders.

Location South Africa, Southern Africa
Duration 2 weeks
Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Your journey will take you deep into South Africa’s diverse landscapes, where you’ll contribute to vital environmental research and support local communities facing complex challenges. Across three distinct phases, you’ll build practical skills, step into leadership roles, and experience life stripped back — no phones, no filters, just purpose-driven adventure. This is the kind of experience that stays with you for life.

Bird on a branch, Kruger Park, South Africa

Person in cap cutting away invasive specifies on an environmental project with Camps International

What’s Included

A fully supported expedition, from start to finish

Your expedition cost is comprehensive and covers the incredible activities you’ll be taking part in, as well as the extensive support you’ll receive in the lead up to, and during, your expedition.

Don’t forget you’ll also need your vaccinations, visas, kit and some spending money. You can find guidance on all of these on your personal Traveller Gateway once you sign up.

Ongoing pre-expedition support
Flights and in-country transfers
Travel insurance
Food and accommodation
Adventure challenge
Project costs
Leader and staff costs
Camps t-shirt
Orientation and language lessons
24 hour emergency support
Reserve location

Day	Activities	More details
DAY 1-3	PHASE 1: INDUCTION. GET EXPEDITION-READY.	Your expedition starts here. On a 3-day Induction, you’ll get to learn the ins and outs of life on expedition to prepare you for the adventure ahead. Taking place at Fieldbase, you’ll learn survival skills, basic first aid, cultural insights from South Africa and the foundations of what it is to be a day leader. You’ll be equipped, trained, and ready for the expedition adventure.
DAY 4-8	PHASE 2: RESEARCH + CONSERVATION. MAKE AN IMPACT.	The Kruger region of South Africa is rich in incredible nature and is a wildlife haven. You’re likely to see giraffes and other wildlife while working shoulder-to-shoulder with local experts and conservationists to support field projects which help conserve the environment. Learn about sustainability, wildlife conservation and how to support natural habitats. We’re not learning from textbooks here – this is curriculum-connected learning in the real world.
DAY 9-13	PHASE 3: ADVENTURE CHALLENGE. EARN EVERY STEP.	It’s time to push your limits on an adventure which is fun, challenging and rewarding. Work alongside your team to navigate through incredible bushland, savannah and mountain landscapes. You’ll learn about orienteering and map reading, all while exploring rugged terrains and camping out under the stars. You’ll gain independence and resilience as you’ll be carrying your own kit while you’re trekking the stunning Drakensberg and will have the chance to take charge as Day Leader and guide your team through the unknown.
DAY 13-14	ENDEX: END OF EXPEDITION DAYS. CELEBRATE THE JOURNEY.	Wow – you’ve made it to the end! You’ve taken the lead, pushed your limits and conquered challenges on your expedition. Now it’s time to reflect and celebrate. Endex is time to review and debrief on what you have achieved on your expedition. You’ll learn more on how you can take your expedition learnings back home with you and get inspired about what you can do next. And of course, there will be a farewell celebration as well.

Gallery

See what life is like on expedition

Check out the photos from our previous travellers for a first-hand view into life on expedition.

Your impact

How you’ll make a difference

You’ll work on a range of projects throughout your expedition, each aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and designed to make a significant and lasting impact on the region’s most critical issues.

Two travellers on working on a project in South Africa

South Africa – Environmental research and conservation

While you will be exploring natural landscapes and experiencing amazing wildlife, you will also contribute to environmental research which supports local conservation. Whether it’s supporting with data collection or getting your hands dirty on nature-based activities, you will learn from environmental experts and leave a positive mark through your contribution to environmental work which protects our natural world.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Our camps

Experience the local way of life in our authentic camps

Our camps are the heart of our expeditions. Built and staffed by locals in the traditional style, and located within the heart of communities, they are the perfect place to relax after a day of project work. You’ll get to stay in a number of camps during your expedition, which could include those featured below.

Fieldbase accommodation in South Africa showing tented accommodation

South Africa Fieldbase

Our South Africa Fieldbase is located near Hoedspruit, the gateway to the world-famous Kruger National Park. This is where you’ll complete your training before heading out on project intiatives. Accommodation is in tents, with toilet and shower blocks offering cold running water, plus a basic central building for meals and group gatherings. It’s rough and ready and all part of the experience.

Location: Near Hoedspruit
Accommodation style: Tents
Social area: A basic central building for mealtimes and group gatherings.

Find out more

Tried, Tested, Loved

I developed a much better understanding of biodiversity and nature. It made me realise the huge impact humans have on the environment and how our protection and care make a difference, whether big or small.

Estrella, Expedition Venturer, 2024

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