Science Travel-Study
South Africa - 2017
Accomplishments of the Expedition
On this expedition, students spent two weeks performing conservation research in South Africa. The first week was spent in Balule Nature Reserve in the greater Kruger Park. Students contributed by collecting valuable data to determine the carrying capacity of the Reserve.
The second week was spent in Sodwana Bay on the Indian Ocean. Students earned their scuba certification and took and Indian Ocean Reef Ecology course. This was accomplished while exploring the sand dunes and tide pools, snorkeling with dolphins and identifying fish while diving. The local Zulu community taught students traditional dances and South African culture.
Expedition Video
Check out this video put together by student Letao Chen!
Things I love about South Africa: The free wild animals. The sense of adventure. The diversity. The resilience of the country. The laid-back culture. Diving. The bush. It cured my fear of spiders. Its respect for nature. Kudu. Bakke rides.
Terrestrial Week Photos
Students spent their terrestrial week in Kruger National Park at the Balule Reserve. Students participated in the following research:
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Habitat assessments
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Game Transects
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Bird Point Counts
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Elephant Impact (destruction of Marula Trees)
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Elephant ID
Marine Week Photos
Students spent their marine week in Sodwana Bay on the Indian Ocean. Students participated in the following activities:
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SCUBA training
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Indian Ocean Reef ecology
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Tide pool & sand dune explorations