Overall, this is a wonderful project. The forests are full of wildlife, the species are interesting, the local staff are incredible, camp feels like a family and the life is sweet. You'll be based in a rural Madagascar hamlet with no tourism and no other vazahas (foreigners) so you get an authentic and enchanting experience.

But be prepared. There are weeks at a time with no access to internet, the toilet facilities are a stinky (but well-kept) long-drop, sometimes constant rain means mouldly clothes, A LOT of rice and beans and oh the humidity, but this all adds to the adventure. As with many projects, it's lacking funding and I personally feel other branches of SEED get much more attention that the conservation project but as an organisation they are always receptive to comments and suggestions.

Don't arrive with the idea you'll be given everything work-wise. The team have certain obligations to fulfil quotes of lemur and herpetological surveys, but these can get a tad monotonous after a year. You will bring fresh experience and ideas to the team so use it! Come up with novel ideas, design new projects and appropriate methodologies and contribute to Sainte Luce's research basis.

I had a wonderful time here, gained life-long friends and cannot wait to return back to Madagascar. Would recommend.