In early July, a group of Boys’ Division students travelled to South Africa to take part in Operation Wallacea. The trip involved a week-long stay at Somkhanda Game Reserve and a week diving at Sodwana Bay, where many boys achieved open water diving qualifications.
Extracts from the boys’ expedition diary tells the story of Operation Wallacea 2025 in their own words:
Keenan: 2 – 4 July 2025
First we flew from Manchester Airport to Dubai. During the layover, we looked around Dubai airport: it was really sophisticated with a waterfall and an in-airport train system. When we arrived at the airport in Durban, my family was there to greet me. After a quick refresh at the hotel, I met my family and had a wonderful evening at Mozambique restaurant. Some of my friends came to the same restaurant.
Breakfast in the morning was lovely, especially the baked beans and wors. The bus trip to the reserve was chilled but enjoyable. We stopped at two services and enjoyed some South African fast food. The petrol attendants were really nice and super friendly. After a five-hour drive we arrived at the reserve and guides drove us in on open-top vehicles.
Kieran: 5 July 2025
My group began our day learning important skills about how to sample data in the field. Using our newfound ability to create a transect, we prepared for a vegetation survey that we would be taking later in the week. Before lunch, the whole group enjoyed an interesting lecture on the dangers and beauty of snakes, scorpions and spiders, providing us with vital information which could be used in a scary situation during our stay.
The afternoon was one I’ll never forget. My group left for an orientation drive through the deep South African bush in the hopes of getting our bearings, and maybe sighting a few of the savannah’s many exciting creatures. After seeing multiple impalas and a warthog, as we were driving around a corner, a giant male white rhino grabbed all of our attention. As instructed by Tom, our knowledgeable guide, we remained perfectly silent in the hopes of not scaring the rhino away. Slightly flustered by us, the rhino gave us a few dirty looks as we edged closer trying to get a better look. After around 30 minutes of intense following, the rhino faded away into the dense bush, nowhere to be seen. One of the coolest experiences of my life.
Freddie W: 5 July 2025 Rhino Encounter
As we followed the rhino, our excitement built. Pushing the rhino's 'safe zone', Tom crept forward. It turned, unhappy with how close we were, and looked as though it was about to charge. We all told Tom to put it in reverse and we backed off slightly, knowing the danger of the rhino.
We followed it for a while longer and it disappeared off into the bush. Afterwards, we all discussed the privilege of seeing the rhino, and how large and terrifying it was.
Milan and Will: 6 July 2025
We started out with the bird point count: a 7am start. Although we were tired, this allowed some of us to see the amazing sunrise. We were able to see a large variety of bird species, full of vibrant colours that beamed in the morning sky. Will’s most memorable point of the day was the rhinos we saw on the way back to camp — these were the first of the “Big Five” animals we saw.
We had an interesting lecture on the biogeographical history of Africa and, after lunch, we were introduced to Amy, who told us all about her experience with the only marine reptiles, marine iguanas on the Galápagos Islands.
In the afternoon we raced with Group 3 to see which group could identify plant species first whilst only using a book. Whoever won didn’t need to do the dishes the next day! We ended the day with an interesting talk on astronomy by Kiki, where we learnt about supernovas and constellations.
Tom and James: 7 July 2025
We began the day by working on our group presentations. Ours was on rugby in South Africa, with the twist of placing African animals in the positions. We then all attended a lecture on biodiversity, where we learnt how ecosystems are deeply intricate networks of species which are all dependent on each other.
After lunch we went on a vegetation survey to help assess species of trees, grass, and other plant life. There were a lot of wild mint trees. Whilst on the survey, our field guide pointed out a white rhinoceros that was watching from about 150m away, a breathtaking experience. On the way back we had a sighting of the beautiful Purple-Crested Turaco which is an amazing bird with a unique call. We got back just in time for our second lecture of the day on bird colouration. After dinner, we watched a documentary on Africa by David Attenborough whilst eating popcorn.
Tony: 8 July 2025
I started the day freezing cold at 6am to do a bit of bird watching and then went on an early-morning game transect. Sadly, we only saw four nyala on the drive and it was also freezing with biting wind, but we still took in the beautiful scenery and views of the savanna. After lunch, we were taught about the different tracks and dung of the famous animals like rhinos, elephants, antelope and hyena by an experienced guide, then went out of camp and saw elephant dung and a leopard print.
We enjoyed a lecture on South Africa’s herbivores and, for our evening activity, we had a talk on rhino conservation. This discussion led to a great debate around the statement, “Should South Africa sell its stock of rhino horns?”
Zak: 9 July 2025
Our group particularly enjoyed Wednesday at Somkhanda camp thanks to the spectacular sightings of large mammals. After a chilly early-morning start, we began the day with our morning game transect. This valuable experience taught us what real research is like, allowing us to put the theory we learnt in lectures into practice in the field. On the way back, at a mere 100m away from the camp, our group was transfixed by a giraffe. It was magical to get close and watch it pace around its natural habitat. We let ourselves be absorbed by its elegant movement and vivid colouration without disturbing it.
High with excitement after our sighting, we settled down in camp and listened to a lecture on carnivores, given by researcher Dr Amy. After lunch, we ventured out into the bush again on the hunt for a lion. Spirits were high in the truck and we spotted a young lion in the evening golden hour. It prowled powerfully along the track as we watched in awe. We saw the sun set over a beautiful lake and then returned back to camp at twilight.
After dinner, each group gave a short presentation related to South Africa. Our group presented a game show to get everyone involved. It was enjoyable listening to other groups and hearing what they had taken away from their time in South Africa.
Matty: 10 July 2025
This was an unforgettable day at Somkhanda Game Reserve. Our morning started early at 6.30am with a game drive, and we were lucky enough to witness an incredible lion sighting. Four majestic lions appeared, and all four vehicles in our group were lined up perfectly to watch them. The experience felt surreal — one of the lions even began to chase after Group 3’s vehicle, which added a real sense of excitement and awe to the moment.
Later in the afternoon, we headed back out into the bush despite the intense heat. After about an hour of searching with little luck, we spotted a giraffe in the distance. While observing it, we suddenly heard trees cracking around a kilometre away. Our guide, Tom, decided to investigate, taking us down a path that hadn’t been used in over a decade. The drive was rough — plants and brambles constantly hit the sides of the vehicle — but the growing sound made it clear something big was nearby …
Once we returned to camp, still full of excitement, we headed straight for dinner. The energy from the afternoon’s encounter carried through the evening as we gathered around the campfire. We toasted marshmallows and bread, shared stories, and sang African songs under the stars. It was a great, peaceful way to wrap up what has been an incredible and truly unforgettable week in the bush.
Oscar: 11 July 2025
This was the transfer day between the two camps and marked the half way point of the trip. After the campfire send-off the night before, we had a relatively relaxed morning. We had one final lecture with Amy, looking at what the camera traps caught throughout our week at Somkhanda. It was then time for a massive group photo with all the students and staff and a final drive through the bush to the gate.
Our journey to Sodwana was a relatively short trip compared to the drive from Durban to Somkhanda and took around two and a half hours. It was a nice drive through the rural villages and the outskirts of the savannah. Most of us talked to friends and there ended up being a sing-along with a speaker on the coach.
When we got off the coach and unloaded bags, we were greeted by lovely weather which was quite a bit warmer than at Somkhanda. We had the first meetings with our diving instructors and then headed to Camp Jonathan, where we would be spending the week. After dinner there was an introduction presentation to both Sodwana Bay and the staff at Camp Jonathan.
Joe: 12 July 2025
As I was in Rays 3, I was welcomed with a slightly later start to the day before driving down to the beach. It was a beautiful start, seeing the lush scenery fly past from the back of the truck.
We prepped our gear and pushed the boat into the water, unsure what to expect from the imposing-looking waves ahead that seemed more suited for surfers than for us studying coral. The ride out into the bay was incredible. Not much can describe the thrilled reactions of the small (but particularly fast) boat’s passengers. The feeling of speeding up the unbroken crests and flying off the other side — only then to have to hold tight as we turned sharply and accelerated across the bay, trying to outrun a rising wave — is not one that will be easy to find elsewhere. Maybe it was that it was our first trip, or simply that the waves were somewhat bigger, but this boat ride was not quite matched later in the week.
One quick transfer to the pool later, and we were eager to learn all the skills we needed. It was a far cry from the seemingly-warm ocean, even in thick wetsuits, so everyone rushed to remember the mask draining and proper buoyancy techniques we had learnt previously. Fortunately, my group finished in good time and we soon headed back to camp, where there was the first of many rushes to take a shower before the queues built up. Although I personally could not go snorkelling due to the weather conditions during what would’ve been our slot, it was still a lovely day to see what would become our life for the following week.
Xavier: 13 July 2025
Today was unreal—our very first scuba dive, and what a way to start!
The ocean was a bit rough in the morning, with waves that tossed the boat just enough to keep our nerves on edge. As we motored out over the swells, I could feel the constant thump as we roared over the waves. But the skipper and dive master were calm and reassuring, their confidence helping to quiet the nerves in all our heads. The time came: 3, 2, 1 and go.
Once I dropped below the surface, everything changed. The rocking sea above cleared to reveal a completely different world. Despite the choppier surface, visibility was decent, and I was completely mesmerised by the colourful coral reefs and fish below. It was surreal — almost like entering another planet. Having to do some basic skills like removing the regulator and partially filling was less exciting, but the rest was pure amazement. Coming back up to the boat, the waves felt a bit rougher than before, we had some green faces as we climbed back on board and headed for the shore.
Ollie: 14 July 2025
This was our second open water training dive, and it definitely felt like everything was starting to click into place. The early morning was calm, with just a hint of breeze as we prepped our gear and headed down to the water. Once under the surface, we focused on the essential skills we’d been learning — mask clearing, buoyancy control and regulator recovery. It was challenging at times, but everyone pushed through, and it was clear we were getting more confident with each dive. There was something surreal about being underwater and realising how far we’d come since our first lesson.
After this, we explored a series of sea caves, swimming underneath the overhangs where shafts of sunlight lit up the water. It felt like entering a hidden world. The reef below was alive with colour — we saw angelfish, parrotfish and so many others weaving through the coral. Just when we thought the dive couldn’t get any better, a turtle glided past us, completely unbothered by our presence. It moved with such calm and grace that for a second, we all just hovered in place, watching in awe.
The day got even better when we were speeding across the water in the rib boat — out of nowhere, a pod of dolphins appeared alongside us, leaping through the waves like something straight out of a nature documentary. Everyone rushed to the side to get a better look, and for a few minutes, it felt like we were part of something much bigger. The dolphins swam with us for a while, diving in and out of the surf, and then disappeared as quickly as they came. It was a moment none of us will forget. It was an unforgettable end to an already incredible day.
Ed: 15 July 2025
It was an early start for Rays 2, with a nasty time of 5:45am for breakfast and a quick transfer to the beach at 10 past 6. I had to force myself to get out of my sleeping bag, then stumble over to the showers to hopefully revive myself for the long day ahead. With a luxurious breakfast of two pieces of toast and a cup of tea I was ready to face the two dives that lay ahead of me today.
As we arrived on the beach we got to observe a beautiful sunrise which truly did make the early wake-up worth it. We put on our wetsuits, which preceded our briefing on today’s first dive, where we found out we’d be tested on multiple dive skills and challenges. Following this, we kitted up, got on the boat and headed to the dive site. We all then got into the water, descended down timidly and all completed our tasks for the dive. As we rose again after our dive, we were all buzzing to have completed the last set of skills we needed for our qualification and all that was left was our dive in the afternoon.
We got back to the beach and had plenty of spare time to fill. We were taken on a walk up to the beach’s lighthouse, which was a very good experience. We enjoyed the company of the beach cafe as we fuelled up ready for our second and final dive of the day. On the second dive we went on a tour around the two-mile reef, which was very surreal and enjoyable. As we ended the dive, the realisation hit that we were now fully qualified open water divers, which really was an amazing experience.
After our successful day of diving, we returned back to camp and then went to attend a talk on snakes by a local expert which instilled in us lots of knowledge and proved to be a great experience, with the speaker even bringing out a live snake! After the talk we had our dinner and participated in a lecture on marine corals which was a fitting end to a good day.
Freddie B: 16 July 2025
Today was the day I had two dives—meaning an extra early wake-up. I started the day with breakfast at 5:45am. I was obviously tired, but still excited for the dives ahead. When we arrived at the beach, I immediately noticed the low visibility out at sea—only about ten metres were visible. Nevertheless, I got my kit ready for the dive and boarded the RIB. It was clear we couldn’t see very far in front of the boat. We all waited eagerly as the driver used the GPS to guide us to the dive site, and eventually, we arrived.
After descending to the seabed — around 16 metres deep — we began the dive. All around us were fish of every shape, size, and colour; some even came surprisingly close. As this was our final qualifying dive, it was exciting to know that all future dives would be purely recreational. That meant more time to explore and enjoy the incredible biodiversity of Sodwana Bay.
After Dive 1, we returned to the beach. I went to the café to grab some food and a milkshake, as we had plenty of time before the next dive. I passed the time relaxing in the rock pools and on the beach, until it was time to prepare for our first recreational dive.
During this dive, we had more freedom to explore. We spotted things like moray eels, and the divemaster even led us through a small cavern (a bit tight, but fun!). Overall, it was a fantastic day.
Nathan: 17 July 2025
This was our last day of diving in Sodwana Bay, and what a day it was. The sun rose over the ocean with that golden glow we’d all grown used to, and there was a buzz of excitement, and a little sadness, as we geared up for our final dives. All five groups headed out — the snorkelers took to the surface and had what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They saw not just one but three humpback whales, a turtle, and even swam with a pod of dolphins! You could feel the awe in their voices when they came back — they were absolutely glowing, especially a proud Mr Benbow.
The rest of us went underwater for our final scuba dive. After three intense days of training, we were finally ready. It was surreal — floating through the clear blue water, surrounded by shoals of colourful fish. Some of us even saw manta rays gliding through the depths. A couple of boys from our group found a shark tooth on the seabed, which they proudly showed off like treasure. Once we surfaced, the beachside cafe was open, and we grabbed drinks and snacks, still buzzing from the dive.
Back at the dive centre, we officially signed off our PADI diving forms, and it finally hit us — we’re now qualified divers! We logged our dives, which means we can now dive anywhere in the world. There was a real sense of accomplishment in the air. Later in the afternoon, a group of Zulu children performed a traditional dance for us. It was colourful, rhythmic, and completely captivating. We joined in with the dancing, laughing and learning the steps, and gave small donations in appreciation of their beautiful culture.
In the evening, we had a fun quiz night with everyone gathered together, testing our knowledge from the week and reliving the best moments. It’s hard to believe our journey here had come to an end, but it’s one we’ll never forget.
