Location
  • Madagascar
Length
1 - 2 weeks

Program Details

Timeframe
Summer
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
500
Jan 18, 2018
Sep 06, 2017
12 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organisation, working with university and college academics to build long term datasets to put towards conservation management goals. We recruit school groups to help out with the data collection, and train them in the skills and background that's needed to help effectively. The project lets school students get involved and help out with true research in a number of very special and unique locations. We aspire to educate and inspire, with a lecture series and experience gained from over ten years of running school expeditions. By 2017 we'll be operating in fourteen different countries worldwide, each project unique in it's own way.

School groups participating get the full support of our experienced team, with everything from advice on how to fund-raise, to what to expect when joining us and how to prepare. Some of the projects are not for the faint of heart!

A 2 week expedition is $1,925 - but this excludes flights/transfers

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 72 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.06%
  • 4 rating 6.94%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.8
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.25
  • Housing 4.7
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 65 - 72 of 72 reviews
Default avatar
Joanne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa 2016 - what an experience

We had a fantastic week at Struwig camp. Toby is an amazing character and the students will never forget his enthusiasm and goodwill. The game drives surpassed expectations and the elephants were out in force. All participants were so terribly sad to leave the camp.

So...what are the abiding stories that keep being reflected on back at school. The time we followed a hyena? The elephant that threatened to charge? The manta rays at Sodwana Bay? Strangely enough, its the small things! Yep, the really small things - insects in fact. It seems that setting up insect traps and delving through dung are as abiding positive memories as the big game and marine megafauna. I'd never have guessed.

Thank you Opwall.

What would you improve about this program?
Feedback already given about diving concerns.
68 people found this review helpful.
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Honduras

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What would you improve about this program?
During the week in Utila, I got a bit bored with just learning about the marine ecosystem. I would have liked to do more hands on work like the scientists were doing or at least watch what their process was. They were also studying the lion fish when I came to the island and I would have loved to learn more about that/help out in their work.
67 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ellen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My expedition

Being able to witness what I've only ever seen on the television was amazing. The vast biodiversity of the cloud forest was an unforgettable experience and the knowledge of the scientists and volunteers only helped to further my own knowledge and deepen my interest. A particularly memorable part of the terestrial week was when we went on a point count walk along one of the transects and helped to record all of the species of bird by just their call. Being able to develop this skill was a great opportunity and extremely fun. The same can be said for the marine week also, going out on dives every single day and learning all of the signs for the different species was fantastic. Overall the trip was something I will never forget and has definitely aided my ambition to be a part of a project such as this in the future!

66 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing 2 Weeks in South Africa

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68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gavin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Honduras 2015 trip

I had an amazing adventure on this expedition. The knowledge I gained about evolution, biology, and marine biology was extensive. The staff were knowledgeable and great teachers.
Additionally this trip provided first hand experience and career exploration into what biologist and other academics do in the field. I had no idea what amazing opportunities were available to those studying abroad. After the trip I gained a new appreciation for the work and understood how one could become involved in that type of experience.

The Cultural and social aspects of this trip were also eye opening. I made valuable friendships and explored a rich and vibrant culture. The cultural understanding i gained was one that will last me a life time.

This trip was an amazing experience and I would do it again in a heart beat.

72 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jason
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of Opwall South Africa 2016

From start to finish, we had an experience that left and indelible mark on all of our lives. Many of the students have talked of trying to make a career out of the work done or have shifted their focus to include this type of work. The guides and staff had enthusiasm for the work and the students. They were just as excited to see the wildlife as we were! From stories around a campfire at bush camp, to making a very rare spotting - a pangolin - to diving with a sea turtle, our kids got see an amazing part of this world and Opwall made it possible!

What would you improve about this program?
Can't think of anything right now.
71 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Stella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa 2016

I travelled with my school to South Africa in July and it was probably the best experience of my life. The first week in Balule was incredible- we saw a leopard cross the front of camp whilst eating dinner, and my personal highlight was the night spent in bush camp hearing lions roar close by. The next week in Sodwana Bay was amazing too. On our last dive, our instructor thought he could hear dolphins but we couldn't see any. When we resurfaced, the skipper told us we had been swimming below a whale! It had been right above us on the buoy line and we were completely oblivious. It was an unforgettable 2 weeks.

What would you improve about this program?
More time in the community/ free time (in sodwana)
71 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tahia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa

I had never been to an African country before, so had no idea what to expect. The South Africa Expedition was absolutely incredible, I have never enjoyed my experience in a new country as much as I did in South Africa. Waking up, jumping on the back of a 'bakkie' to chase down lions at 6:00am is a memory I'll never forget. I almost don't want to go back to South Africa because i know I'll never live such a great 2 weeks there again. Truly amazing!

69 people found this review helpful.

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