Just do it

All in all I had a fantastic experience in Saint Luce, albeit a brief one. The day to day routine becomes engrained in you very quickly, but I loved the certainty of a routine. Overall it was a perfect balance of walking transects spotting lemurs whilst plenty of time to relax at the beach for example. I learnt that patience is key with nature and things will not always go to plan, but the best moments were often the unexpected. I cannot more highly recommend the volunteer conservation programme. I genuinely felt the research driven schedule has given me an authentic insight into the struggles and joys of conservation work in a truly unique location.
This may indeed sound extremely cliché but the people and place made it so enjoyable. Firstly all the Research Assistants were very approachable and willing to assist in every way. If you felt unwell or needed a rest it would always be possible to opt out of any activity. Secondly all the local guides genuinely cared about your welfare and are incredibly knowledgeable. They have an incredible ability to spot camouflaged insects that to most people are impossible to see. Special thanks to the person for ordering Daniel and me pizzas when we were ill and famished in town!
Overall my personal highlight was merely the environment of Saint Luce. The sunrise walks to Manafiafy, the walk up the road to see the electric thunder at night; these are merely a couple of examples. Any journey in a pirogue boat was perilous and tranquil in equal measure! I saw species I had no idea existed but to be honest I’ve forgotten their names already. What I will remember is the people and memories; Daniels tent accident, Larissa’s pirogue slip, and of course any moment lemurs came flying through camp!