Explorer Experiences: Testimonials and Tales

  • "The Nepal expedition initially felt like a formidable challenge, stepping far beyond my comfort zone with uncertainty. Reflecting on the experience, I can confidently say it was more than worth it. Personally, I sensed significant growth—being a leader for a day is no small feat! The journey also brought some of the most enjoyable moments and learning experiences that have guided the way that I deal with people as I continue my academic career at university. Participating in this trip was a surprising and eye-opening experience. It's an opportunity to surpass your own expectations and witness the remarkable capabilities of those around you. Constantly interacting with people became a positive aspect of the journey. Sharing a tent with roommates may seem peculiar initially, but it quickly becomes a familiar and bonding experience. Moreover, the trip teaches the invaluable skill of working effectively with others. Everyone gets a chance to lead and make tough decisions; saying 'no' becomes a delicate yet crucial skill to master. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone considering it. School is the ideal time to embark on this transformative journey."

    Alex ~ Young Explorer

  • These expeditions play a pivotal role in shaping a child's character. They offer students a unique window into a different world, fostering growth and maturity that only travel can provide. Traveling with friends and a trusted teacher brings a distinct sense of responsibility that is hard to attain when accompanied by family. It allows the child to step into a 'partial' adult role. Our experience in Nepal was particularly special as it empowered the students to plan their itinerary, take on responsibilities for their trip, manage budgets, organize transportation, accommodation, and meals. These invaluable lessons will be eternally ingrained in my daughter's memory. The experience boosted her confidence in organizational abilities, making her the go-to driver and organizer for 'weekend away' plans with university friends. The friendships formed leading up to Nepal and during the trip are enduring, and the challenges she conquered and the joy she experienced are often shared around the campfire to this day! The blend of physical challenges, aiding others, and pure enjoyment made the Nepal trip especially unique. I wholeheartedly recommend such transformative journeys—they are an investment in a child's personal development like no other.

    Rachel ~ Parent

  • "Expedition Edu has been a game-changer for my son, leaving a lasting impact on both his mindset and character. After the trip, he returned with an invincible spirit, sporting a newfound 'can-do' attitude that was a remarkable shift. His self-confidence received a noticeable boost, with an eagerness to embrace nature—opting to sleep under the stars during his first week back. The experience instilled a sense of energy and responsibility in him. Relationally, he has maintained connections with fellow students from the trip, fostering friendships that have extended beyond the expedition. Coming from a smaller school, he seems more at ease and relaxed with his peers since the journey, embodying a positive shift in his social dynamics. As parents, the assurance provided by Mr. Stacey, despite being unfamiliar with him initially, was invaluable. His relaxed demeanor with the students and the evident comfort they felt around him eased any concerns we may have had. I wholeheartedly recommend an experience like this. The transformative energy from the bush experience was palpable, and he returned brimming with raw, primal energy to explore. However, I also recognize the importance of post-trip discussions and feedback sessions to help them channel this experience into their daily lives effectively. Since the expedition, he has notably grown in confidence and become more outspoken—a testament to the positive impact of Expedition Edu on his character development. We would not hesitate to send him again and are even considering joining in on the adventure ourselves."

    Puvendiran ~ Parent

  • “The trip to the Kruger National Park offered a realm of possibilities, experiences, connections and skills that are now a fundamental part of who I am, and how I contribute to the world I know. This experience, the work we participated in, and the people we met, have influenced my career choices and my view of the future of conservation and education in South Africa. I wish that every student, globally, could be involved in an expedition like this. Maybe then we will have a more stable consensus around environmental affairs for the betterment of our communities.”

    Sofia ~ Young Explorer

  • My daughter traveled to Nepal. In her opinion it was a cultural exchange experience unlike anything she ever expected. It made her re-evaluate her life values and brought to the forefront how privileged she is. It allowed her to gain insight into how many opportunities she has been afforded. The impact in her life was much more than just the trip itself. She learnt valuable time management skills in terms of her fundraising, tutoring multiple times a week, people management skills in organising team fundraising and ignited her love for the outdoors and adventure. The friendships she built on the trip are still very dear to her and it will be an experience that she and other participants will always be able to look back on and remember as a defining time in their lives. My son travelled to the Kruger National Park. He recalls it as one of the best experiences of his life. It was informative, educational and above all else, really, really fun! The experiences he had on the trip, the sights he saw, scents he smelled, sounds he heard and lessons he learned fundamentally helped him grow as a person and an individual. As a parent I have seen phenomenal growth in my children, and have no doubt as to value of these experiences.

    Ingrid ~ Parent

  • There is no greater gift to give your child than the opportunity to discover him/herself outside of the family dynamic and learn who he/she is in this world. This trip allowed my son to explore his leadership skills and create lifelong bonds with new and old friends while they were immersed in nature, away from technology and the stressors of daily life and school. I will always be grateful for the guidance, inspiration and encouragement my son received from Duane and his team during this life changing trip.

    Sonja~ Parent

  • The experience had a lasting impact on my son's confidence and social skills. It was the first time he had traveled without his family and he thrived on the independence and explorer spirit. He came back more mature and more comfortable speaking to others. This is truly a life changing experience.

    Caroline ~ Parent

  • Just a very big thank you for the trip of a lifetime! My son has not stopped talking about it! I so appreciate you taking such good care of them, your positive outlook and perspective on life, sense of humour and all the updates.

    Belle ~ Parent

  • My son had the most incredible time when he went to Kruger. We picked him up from the airport and he didn’t stop talking about all the amazing experiences he had for days! This trip reignited his passion for nature and wildlife. He definitely grew in independence and confidence over the week that he was away and we were very happy with the care and support of the teachers and staff at the camp. The communication during the trip was great – we looked forward to your daily whatsapp updates and photos! We would highly recommend future trips like this. He is very keen to do another trip like this at some stage – hopefully there will be one!

    Craig and Sarah ~ Parent

  • Thanks once again for looking after our daughter during the trip. We were concerned about her prior to her going as this was certainly outside of her comfort zone. She was quite apprehensive beforehand and we were pleasantly surprised that she enjoyed it so much; as you know she gave the whole experience a 9.7 out of 10 (which you best believe is excellent). I believe systemic thinking is a critical business skill that can be developed while still at school. We think the trip helped grow her self- confidence in new and strange environments; it helped develop her systemic thinking. Social settings are not always easy for teenagers where they don’t know everybody; however she coped really well and got along with almost everybody. We were very comfortable with you leading the trip right from the start and as we had a follow up and that you are keen to take the process further even more happy that you led and organised the trip. Your regular WhatsApp updates/photos/videos kept us informed and at ease that all was going well.

    Trevor ~ Parent

  • The Kruger Trip has definitely been an extraordinary experience for my daughter.. She had to move out of her comfort zone and gained the confidence that she could move beyond her normal boundaries. I can’t pin the personal development down to one thing, as there were many aspects that contributed. Her reason for going was her love for nature and animals, which overrode the uncertainty of traveling alone and being away from home for so long. Going on a trip with kids of different ages and cultures, of whom most were not her peers, actually helped her to be herself. By nature, has a caring and considerate personality and being forced to make decisions, take control and being responsible for others were daunting, but a valuable lesson. Most important was the very special bond that developed between the students who travelled in her bus, and I would be curious if the same happened in the other buses. They are still in constant contact, been to the movies and even arranged to say farewell to one of the students she did not know before the trip. In the car on the way back from the farewell, they were already discussing next year's trip and planning how they can be in the same group again. The chatter that continued for days after the trip, the recounting of events and all the photos were proof that she absolutely loved it and I would encourage her to do this again. I believe the size of the groups, the mix of children, the element of responsibility and definitely the way you treated them from the start, were just the right combination to have made this an experience to remember. I was and am absolutely comfortable and certain that you are the correct person to ignite these kids and to make them aware and curious, not only about the world around them, the impact they can have, but also about themselves.

    Anonymous ~ Parent

  • This experience encouraged me to learn a sense of independence and what the future would potentially look like for me. I am interested in this sort of field and I think it opened a state of mind and helped me discover what the future holds for me. When I arrived back, the first thing I said was that it was an incredible and worthwhile experience and everyone should be granted something along the lines of what I experienced. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be disconnected from social media and connect to reality.

    Kate ~ Young Explorer

Young Explorers

This experience, the work we participated in, and the people we met, have influenced my career choices and my view of the future of conservation and education in South Africa.

— Sofia

“I have grown in ways I couldn’t even imagine. Eye-opening and a time to reflect, this experience got me involved with making a change. But most importantly, left me curious and itching for the next one.”

— Faith

“I got to learn so many new things and make new friends. It helped me understand the importance of protecting the earth, and connecting with the people around us, no matter the differences.”

- Nina

"The trip was a great personal learning experience for me. The outdoors was the perfect classroom for many life lessons about ourselves. Through the daily activities and games around the campfire at night, I also formed special close bonds and friendships. I definitely returned a happier, more confident version of myself."

— Ross

“I had an amazing time on the Kruger and Eswatini trip, where I forged incredible new friendships and explored South Africa and Eswatini with some of the most important people in my life. I'm grateful to Duane and Sarah for allowing us independence and for encouraging me to venture beyond my comfort zone.”

— Joshua

"I thought the trip was fantastic! I had never been to those places before, I learnt so much, made new friends and enjoyed being in nature. It has had a profound impact on how I see life and those around me.”"

— Hayden