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Outstanding 5.00rating (13)
  • Life On Land

Wildlife Photography & Conservation

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Ethical Photography Workshops Learn how to approach wildlife ethically in order to photograph it.
  • Lightroom Skills Use Lightroom for your image editing to take full control over the creative process.
  • Macro Photography Develop your skills to capture intricate details of overlooked creatures through macro photography.

Highlights

  • Ethical Photography Workshops Learn how to approach wildlife ethically in order to photograph it.
  • Lightroom Skills Use Lightroom for your image editing to take full control over the creative process.
  • Macro Photography Develop your skills to capture intricate details of overlooked creatures through macro photography.
  • Landscape Photography Learn to capture the African sunrise, sunset and beautiful viewpoints.
  • Get involved in camera-trap surveys for the species of your choosing and update databases for use across reserves in the area
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    Gain Skills in Conservation That Go Beyond Just Photography

    Workshops & Skills Development:

    Delve into the fundamental principles of wildlife photography, unravelling the secrets and techniques that elevate your craft. Discover the art of mastering your camera settings and understanding the elements that make a captivating shot. Through hands-on exercises and ...

    About the program

    Workshops & Skills Development:

    Delve into the fundamental principles of wildlife photography, unravelling the secrets and techniques that elevate your craft. Discover the art of mastering your camera settings and understanding the elements that make a captivating shot. Through hands-on exercises and guided assignments, you’ll hone your skills, capturing the essence of frames, colors, movement, portraits, and more. Learn more about macro photography and embark on a captivating journey into the unseen world, capturing the intricate details and captivating beauty of often-overlooked creatures – from the industrious dung beetle to the iridescent dragonfly.

    Conservation Initiatives:

    Once a week you will team up with the Wildlife Research team to embark on physical conservation initiatives such as invasive species removal, wire removal, litter pick-up and more. You will have an opportunity to photograph these activities, contributing to the awareness of our project via social media and newsletters. 

    Photographic Database:

    Join the research team to photograph key wildlife species – leopards, lions, African wild dogs, elephants and rhinos. Each of these species have unique attributes that identify them on an individual basis – from spot patterns, scars, ear notches and more, the collection of their images aids the constant development of our animal identification kits which contribute towards our conservation data. This data is more broadly shared with reserve management for larger scale efforts and conservation.

    Typical day

    Example Daily Schedule

    Monday – Friday

    Morning
    07:45 – 11:00
    Daily Game Drive and Photography

    11:00 – 12:00
    Free Time

    Lunch
    12:00 – 12:30

    Afternoon
    12:30 – 13:00
    Preparation for Afternoon Activities

    13:30 – 16:00
    Photo Editing & Tutorials

    Dinner
    18:30 – 19:00

    Evening
    19:00 – 21:00
    Free time, games ...

    Typical day

    Example Daily Schedule

    Monday – Friday

    Morning
    07:45 – 11:00
    Daily Game Drive and Photography

    11:00 – 12:00
    Free Time

    Lunch
    12:00 – 12:30

    Afternoon
    12:30 – 13:00
    Preparation for Afternoon Activities

    13:30 – 16:00
    Photo Editing & Tutorials

    Dinner
    18:30 – 19:00

    Evening
    19:00 – 21:00
    Free time, games night, or movie night

    Free-time activities

    Our Favourite Weekend Activities in the Kruger Area

    Spend your weekends exploring some of South Africa’s most iconic landscapes and conservation projects. Head out on a Kruger safari, take in the epic viewpoints along the Panorama Route at Blyde River Canyon, or visit inspiring conservation ...

    Free-time activities

    Our Favourite Weekend Activities in the Kruger Area

    Spend your weekends exploring some of South Africa’s most iconic landscapes and conservation projects. Head out on a Kruger safari, take in the epic viewpoints along the Panorama Route at Blyde River Canyon, or visit inspiring conservation initiatives such as Down To The Wire or Rhino Revolution.

    For those craving adventure, add some adrenaline with quad biking and outdoor activities in Magoebaskloof.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Booking Form Passport Copy Medical Declaration Form Police Check (It must be an enhanced police check. If only a basic police check is provided and please include two character reference letters.) Travel Insurance details Flight Details Parental Consent Form (for minors) Participant Bio - Participant Bio - Check to see if they have any experience in the field.

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Our wildlife photography program welcomes enthusiasts at all levels, especially those driven by a passion to learn and capture the magic of Africa’s wildlife. Our expert guides will provide comprehensive training and mentorship, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to transform your passion into stunning images. So, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your journey, a true photography adventure awaits!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Inclusions

    • African Impact bush-style accommodation

    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Monday – Sunday)

    • Airport transfers on arrival and departure

    • All project transport, equipment, and resources

    • Guidance and workshops from a professional photographer

    • Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff

    • Full orientation for responsible project contribution

    Exclusions

    • Camera equipment

    • Flights

    • Visas

    • Insurance

    • Weekend tours

    • Personal expenses



    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    You can fly into Hoedspruit (HDS: AFS) with limited flights from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) and arrive or depart at any time on Sundays, or fly into Johannesburg (JNB) and take a shuttle to Hoedspruit at your own cost, ensuring any return flight from JNB is scheduled after 7:00 PM to allow for traffic.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Your home away from home in the Greater Kruger area is a secure, lodge-style volunteer base offering comfortable shared rooms and relaxed communal spaces set in the bush.

    From 2026, you’ll be based in the heart of the African wilderness at Mtimkulu Private Reserve. Accommodation will include a mix of tented rooms and shared dormitories, designed as a research-style base camp that delivers a truly authentic bush experience.

    The camp features spacious dorm and tented rooms with sweeping views across the reserve. Bathrooms are shared and include toilets and showers. Communal amenities include a welcoming outdoor fire pit for braais (BBQs), relaxed social areas, and a lively shared dining space where volunteers can gather.

    Please note: Images shown are artist renderings. The camp is currently under construction.

    You’ll be immersed in the untamed beauty of the Greater Kruger area — a vast network of over 20 private reserves seamlessly connected and bordering the iconic Kruger National Park. This extraordinary landscape is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and the endangered African wild dog.

     

    Food & Beverages

    Meals

    Meals are enjoyed together in the shared dining area, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere at camp. The communal setup allows volunteers to connect, unwind, and share experiences after days spent in the bush.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You may begin your internship in 2026:

    August: 23rd 

    September: 20th

    HDS - there are limited flights from JNB/CPT - arrival/departure at any time on Sundays. If taking shuttle to JNB to fly out, flight should be after 7pm to allow for traffic.


    This project will not be available in 2027.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $925 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    5.00
    ・
    13 reviews

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Hoedspruit

    Meet your project coordinator

    Destination Specialist
    13
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      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
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