Earthwatch Institute

My visit to the Mongolian Steppe was an unforgettable experience that left me in awe of nature's vast beauty and serenity. The endless expanse of rolling grasslands, dotted with traditional yurts and herds of wild horses, felt like stepping into another world. The peaceful silence, broken only by the sounds of wind and distant animal calls, created a profound sense of tranquility. The warm hospitality of the local nomadic families added a personal touch to the journey, offering delicious homemade meals and a chance to learn about their unique way of life. Whether gazing at the stars under a clear night sky or riding horseback across the open plains, the Mongolian Steppe provided an enriching escape that I will cherish forever.

I would say my trip to Bali is often considered worthwhile for a number of compelling reasons, thanks to its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse experiences. Bali is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, from the iconic Kuta Beach, known for its surfing, to the more serene, secluded beaches like Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. I loved the lush green rice terraces of Ubud (especially Tegallalang) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer jaw-dropping views, perfect for photography and peaceful walks.Bali is dotted with stunning waterfalls like Tegenungan, Gitgit, and Sekumpul, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking adventure. Bali is home to many beautiful and historically significant temples such as Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, and Besakih Temple, which offer insight into the island's spiritual traditions and practices.

Earthwatch’s Wildlife of the Mongolian Steppe was my first expedition with the organization, and I must say, I wish I had known about Earthwatch years ago! After this incredible experience, I am now determined to join many more of their expeditions in the future. I found out my impression was not actually unique. One volunteer in my group has joined Earthwatch 9 times, and another has joined 7 times!

I have always been drawn to adventure and exploring unique corners of the world, as well as connecting with inspiring, like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Earthwatch has provided me with the perfect opportunity to combine my love for travel and adventure with my passion for volunteering and environmental conservation. I was thrilled to learn and actively contribute during the expedition.

The focus of Earthwatch Mongolia is particularly intriguing as they aim to study the impact of climate change on the ecosystems and wildlife of the Mongolian Steppe. Our group, consisting of six volunteers, was fortunate to have Mary-Jo, an expert in cinereous vultures, as one of our group leaders. Another group leader Rentsen Oyunbat (Remo), who is the director of the Mongolian Conservation Initiative and an expert in small mammals, consistently radiated positivity and upbeat energy to organizing activities and life around the camp. In addition to studying the near threatened cinereous vultures, we worked alongside students and researchers who were conducting studies on small mammals, the endangered argali sheep, ibex, lesser kestrel birds, the endangered marmots, insects, and plants.

Thanks to Earthwatch and the camp manager (thank you Uujgii!), the camp exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, with modern-like amenities like sun showers and sinks in our gers (traditional Mongolian tents). The teamwork and camaraderie among the volunteers, students, and staff were exceptional. We all enjoyed working together in the field (thank you Remo, Jak and Ulmaa for taking us safely to and from the fields!), and having our meetings and meals together in the dining ger. The food was tasty and always prepared fresh (thank you Babu and Oyunaa!). And our gers were cleaned everyday! (thank you Ari!).

The range of activities during the expedition was diverse and exciting. We participated in setting up traps for small mammals and insects, tagging captured mammals, monitoring lesser kestrel and marmots activities, observing vulture nests, and hiking long distances to monitor argali sheep and ibex. We also conducted plant surveys and used the opportunity to strengthen our counting in Mongolian! During the entire 11-day expedition, we had no internet, no mobile signal, and no TV. Surprisingly, I found this lack of connectivity to be incredibly peaceful. We embraced early bedtimes, early mornings, and marveled at the vertical expanse of the Milky Way in the middle of the night. The culture day on day 7 was particularly special with a delightful Mongolian barbecue lunch, followed by a visit to the ruins of an 18th-century monastery and unique rock formations, mini bazaar by locals showcasing their art crafts, and demonstration by one of the students, a skilled competitive archer, who shared his knowledge of this traditional Mongolian sport. For those concerned about communication, I recommend downloading Google Translate for Mongolian, which can be used offline. While not perfect, it proved to be quite helpful.

Mongolia is a country steeped in history, and this expedition allowed me to fully immerse myself in its culture, interact with its people, and learn more about the country's rich heritage. The Mongolian people are warm-hearted and deeply passionate about their country.

In summary, my experience with Earthwatch's Wildlife of the Mongolian Steppe expedition was nothing short of amazing and truly unique. It provided me with the opportunity to explore a beautiful and remote region, contribute to scientific research, and connect with incredible individuals. I am eagerly looking forward to my future endeavors with Earthwatch and the adventures that lie ahead.

I joined the Walking with African Wildlife project twice: in 2004, at 43 and in 2014, at 53.
I've traveled often to east and southern Africa, and can't get enough of its scenery and wildlife.
You and your fellow volunteers will be met at the airport, driven to spectacular Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, and divided among two camps. The North Camp, is more secluded, built along a river and surrounded by trees in the hillier region of the park. Here were kept close company with elephants, vervet monkeys, nyala, zebra and buffalo. The South Camp is atop a hill, surrounded by rolling savannah and somewhat easier hikes. I once saw a cheetah perched on a hillside, scoping out the prey species below. Both camps have spectacular birdlife.

Each morning you will wake early, have a bit to eat and some coffee, and bundle up for the chilly ride to your trail in an open vehicle. You and your ranger will be deposited at a trailhead just as the sun is rising behind you, and will walk west, with increasing light, looking for herbivores.
Your ranger (invariably a Zulu man) will advise you to walk directly behind him, and within 6 feet.
And so, the world of the African savannah will be opened up to you. You will be keenly attuned to sounds around you: birds, a monkey's call, the alarm snort of an ungulate, the crackle in the brush of....? Depending on your Zulu and/or your guide's English, you may converse a bit, or you may just be relishing this singular experience too much for talk.

Your hike may be 2 miles or 6, easy or difficult, but at the end, tired and happy, you will be retrieved by the staff and brought back to the camp for lunch. Afternoon is for naps, birdwatching, data input, or socializing, which continues along with sunset watching and stargazing till everyone tucks themselves in at night.

Have I persuaded you yet? I hope so. If you have questions for me, I would be happy to answer them. I can be contacted through Earthwatch.

Every Earthwatch project I have been on I have wanted to do again and this one was no exception. I was so excited to be in Churchill - Polar Bear Capital of the World.

I spent two wonderful weeks at the newly opened Northern Studies Centre with comfortable bedrooms, great facilities and three hot meals a day.

We spent most of our time collecting data from ponds. Whether we were dip netting, collecting water samples or identifying zooplankton....twice a day we would pull on our neoprene waist wadders and gaffer tape on our neoprene footwear before plunging into mud and water.

In the afternoons there was lab work to do before dinner and a lecture. I was lucky enough to be at the centre at the same time as a polar bear specialist who was happy to give a talk one evening.

There were understandably strict rules about going outside the centre and we had to be accompanied at all times by a bear-guide with a rifle. On 3 occasions polar bears came right up to the building which meant we got some great photos but were pleased to be inside! We were also treated to an amazing Northern Lights show on our second night at the centre.

On our recreational day all the volunteers decided to hire a guide and spent a wonderful morning touring the area before visiting the eskimo museum in Churchill. Dinner that night was at a restaurant in Churchill to give the cook at the Centre a much deserved night off.

Another unique and hugely informative project. A must for anyone.