Wildlife Photography & Conservation Volunteer Project in South Africa

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Gain Skills in Conservation That Go Beyond Just Photography

Ready for an extraordinary wildlife photography adventure? Embark on a transformative journey where you’ll master the art of capturing Africa’s magic while contributing to vital conservation efforts. Immerse yourself in the guidance of a seasoned professional, unlocking the secrets of African wildlife photography. Learn to anticipate fleeting moments, frame stunning compositions, and translate the raw beauty of nature into captivating images. This is more than just a photography volunteer program; it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, protecting the very creatures you immortalize through your lens. You will receive an intensive induction from our on-site professional photographer, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills to excel in this captivating field of wildlife conservation photography.

Project Highlights

  • Receive mentorship, honing your skills and expanding your photographic horizons.
  • Become an active participant in wildlife conservation research, capturing images that support identification kits and animal health monitoring initiatives.
  • Learn more about night wildlife photography, mastering the art of capturing the essence of Africa’s nocturnal creatures.
  • Gain a competitive edge by getting practical experience in the field of photography and encountering wild animals in their natural habitat.
  • On your free weekends, explore the spectacular Blyde River Canyon or delve deeper into the Kruger National Park.

Quick Facts

Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

Hoedspruit Airport

Specific Start Dates

4 - 12 weeks

Impact: Wildlife Conservation

$5,030 – $9,030

Destination

Immerse yourself in the untamed majesty of the Greater Kruger Area, a sprawling tapestry of over 20 private reserves seamlessly woven together. Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, this vast landscape pulsates with life, serving as a sanctuary for an extraordinary array of threatened species – from the majestic lion to the powerful elephant, the resilient rhinoceros to the endangered wild dog. The whole area comprises almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land where animals roam freely across wild savannah. The Greater Kruger Area offers endless opportunities for wildlife encounters, the elephants might join you for dinner and just wait until you hear the hippos at night!

Accommodation

You will be staying at Olifants River Camp in the heart of the African wilderness. It is a traditional bush lodge with all the facilities and furnishings you need for a comfortable and authentic stay in Africa. The accommodation includes 7 large dorm rooms overlooking the Olifants River. All the rooms have aircon and bathrooms. Some of the facilities include a swimming pool and outdoor fire pit where we have braais (BBQs), all set in a great shared social space.

Meals are provided 7 days a week at Olifants River Camp and can cater for dietary requirements with enough notice. Our local chefs prepare for you as part of our delicious menus including bobotie, a potjie, a Cape Malay-style curry or the experience and excitement of cooking on an open fire with a South African braai. 

Cellular signals can be variable. If you are purchasing a local, South African SIM Card, we would recommend using MTN as the service provider. WiFi is available throughout the lodge.

May to September (winter in the southern hemisphere) are the cooler months and temperatures can be chilly in the evenings and early mornings. Daytime temperatures are mild, usually between 22°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F), and days can be clear and sunny or overcast. Night-time temperatures can drop to 6°C (43°F).

October to April (summer in the southern hemisphere) most days will be hot and humid. In the middle of summer, temperatures can often reach 34°C+ (93°F+),  and the sun is strong. 

Most days are clear and sunny, with heavy showers or thunderstorms in the early evenings. You will need a waterproof jacket.

Participant Requirements

AGE

The minimum age for this project is 16 years of age. Please note that Parental Consent is required before arrival for those aged 16 and 17. 

To travel to Africa, many people are required to obtain a visa either upon entry to the relevant country or beforehand. Please note different countries require different passport validity periods. But don’t panic, our Journey Team will help direct you and answer your questions during our Pre-departure process.

volunteer watching the sunset in South africa

Project Impact Areas

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Delve into the fundamental principles of wildlife photography, unraveling 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.

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OUT IN THE FIELD

Beyond the initial workshop, your wildlife photography journey continues with hands-on contributions to our broader conservation efforts in the Greater Kruger. As you immerse yourself in the landscape, you’ll receive a series of challenging assignments that push your creative boundaries and refine your photographic skills. We believe that wildlife photography can play a powerful role in safeguarding the natural world, and we’re dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact.

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ALL IN THE DETAIL

Learn more about macro photography and embark on a captivating journey into the unseen world. Learn to capture the intricate details and captivating beauty of often-overlooked creatures, from the industrious dung beetle to the iridescent dragonfly. Through the lens, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the smaller wonders of the wildlife environment, developing your photography skills while fostering a deeper connection with nature.

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Impact title

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On-the-ground Project Support

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FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL

A friendly face from our Base Team will be ready to meet you at the airport and drive you to our Volunteer Accommodation. Just look out for the African Impact sign!

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SAFETY

On arrival you’ll have a comprehensive induction to prepare you for project work, the local culture, people and wildlife; and of course, how to stay safe!

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STAFF

24/7 support: Our base teams are on hand every day to make sure you have the most amazing and memorable time in Africa.

Program Experience

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Recommended Activities in South Africa

Happy volunteer smiling whilst ziplining in a forest.

Magoebaskloof Adventures

Immerse yourself in the ‘Land of the Silver Mist’, where the lush mountains meet the meandering Sabie River, and discover a plethora of adventure activities. Go ziplining through the canopy, tube down the river, abseil down cliffs, go hiking, biking, or embark on a exhilarating kloofing experience.

Five volunteers standing on a large rock and posing for a group photo

Panorama Route

Journey along the renowned Panorama Route, a scenic wonderland that unveils the breathtaking beauty of South Africa. Embark on a weekend road trip and witness the majestic Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon on Earth. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting or take a microlight flight to soar above the canyon’s grandeur. 

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SAFARI ADVENTURES

With the world-renowned Kruger National Park right at your doorstep, venturing into the heart of this African Eden is an absolute must-do during your volunteer stay in South Africa. Explore the vast expanse of this wildlife sanctuary, where mountains, savannahs, rivers, and tropical forests converge to create a breathtaking landscape teeming with life.

Project Dates & Rates

When would you like to volunteer?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also say ‘I’m not sure yet.’ We’ll take it from there.

How long would you like to volunteer?

This is the place to select your preferred duration(s). The African Impact team recommend at least 4 weeks for a truly memorable experience!

4 weeks $5030
5 weeks $5530
6 weeks $6030
7 weeks $6530
8 weeks $7030
9 weeks $7530
10 weeks $8030
11 weeks $8530
12 weeks $9030

Personal Information

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By opting in to SMS and WhatsApp communication, you give consent to receive text messages from African Impact that will assist in booking your placement. You can opt-out at any time by texting STOP.
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Project Fee Includes:

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Airport transfers
  • All project related transport during your stay
  • All activities and entrance fees as per the workshop itinerary

Project Fee Excludes:

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa-related costs
  • Weekend trips or tours
  • Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs
  • Mandatory contribution of US$25 that is donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund

South African Wildlife Photography FAQs

What kind of wildlife will I be photographing?

The Greater Kruger Area boasts incredible biodiversity, including the African Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo), plus diverse antelope, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species. Your specific encounters will depend on the season, location, and luck, but rest assured, you’ll have ample opportunities to capture magnificent wildlife moments as a wildlife photography volunteer.

Absolutely not! 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!

Our wildlife photography volunteer program often partners with research institutions or conservation NGOs, which means your photos may be used for various purposes, such as monitoring animal populations, documenting specific behaviors, raising awareness about threats, or contributing to educational materials. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of conservation challenges while playing your part in protecting Africa’s precious wildlife.

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