WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNSHIP

Quick Facts

  • Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
  • Hoedspruit Airport
  • Specific Start Dates
  • 8 - 12 weeks
  • Impact: Wildlife Photography
from US$4,785 – US$6,225
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WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNSHIP

Join a professional wildlife photographer and other budding photographers on this photography internship to gain practical experience in wildlife and other genre-specific photography. This is a unique personal and professional development opportunity in the Greater Kruger Area that sees interns supporting wildlife conservation initiatives through the medium of photography. 

Read more about a volunteer’s experience in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Work alongside a professional photographer to enhance and develop your photography skills
Build a portfolio that will showcase your talent for wildlife and other genre-specific photography
Use your photographs to increase awareness of conservation and other local and global issues
Gain experience in pre-visualisation, production, and photo editing
Work alongside a team of wildlife and conservation experts, local people, and volunteers
Live in one of the most beautiful areas of South Africa, near the Kruger National Park

THE DESTINATION

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During your photography internship, you will stay in one of the most photogenic areas in South Africa – the Greater Kruger Area. This part of the country is home to the best reserves on the continent, including the world-famous Kruger National Park. With wildlife hotspots all around you, the opportunities to capture great photographs and refine your skills are endless.

The Greater Kruger Area is a sprawling expanse of about 20 private game reserves to the west of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Fences were dropped between the reserves in the Greater Kruger Area and the Kruger National Park in recent years to allow wildlife to roam more freely. The entire area now stretches across over 5.5 million acres of untamed African wilderness.

Situated away from the city lights, on the doorstep of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, you will be in the best position to photograph giant African elephants, elusive predators, beautiful birds, strange insects, and the great starry skies. The Greater Kruger Area is a dreamscape for wildlife photographers wanting to capture the immense wonder and beauty of the natural world.

Situated on the banks of the Olifants River your home during your time with us will be at a private base camp which is open to the Kruger National Park. You will experience a safari-style camp with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a swimming pool, viewing deck, WiFi, hot showers, and an outdoor area for star gazing and socializing.

2 cooked meals and a help-yourself breakfast, every day of the week.

At the lodge there is free WiFi to enable you to make contact with home through WhatsApp, Zoom etc. It is also easy to purchase a sim card and add data credit to allow you to use your own phone to stay in touch.

The project is situated in the Lowveld - a semi–arid region. We are blessed with good weather all year round. Summer season (October to March) can be wet and hot. The hottest months are usually December, January and February. Winter Season (April to September) is dry and sunny. The coolest months being June and July when it does get cold at night and early mornings.

PROJECT IMPACT AREAS

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INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION AWARENESS

Photographers certainly make a huge impact during their time on the project, but this doesn’t end when they leave, as their images will continue to promote environmental and conservation awareness on an international scale. By documenting the positive work that is completed by volunteers, communities and our partners each day, this promotes the project, topical issues and raises awareness of the fantastic work done by all, as well as highlighting further work needed.

Last, but certainly not least, photography volunteers leave a lasting impact by contributing to our online database, which is used primarily for worldwide conservation education and secondarily, is a fundraising platform for our charity The African Impact Foundation.

RECENT REVIEWS

“I was pretty hesitant at first to volunteer in South Africa again, my first time with another company wasn’t the best experience. However, volunteering with African Impact was one of the best decisions I have made. We got to do so many amazing things and learnt so much about conservation photography. I was stoked with the amount of opportunities we had to be out in the field and practising our skills. It really felt like we were true wildlife photographers and my photography developed so quickly over the 4 weeks.”

Hannah, Australia

Photography Internship Kruger

“This has been a once in a lifetime experience. I came to the project knowing far less than I even thought about both my camera and the art of photography, but the team have taught, encouraged and pushed my boundaries. The difference between the photos I produced at the start of the trip, to the photos I have produced in the final week, are almost incomparable as I have improved so much.”

Sophie, UK

Photography Internship Kruger

Other Activities

Back at the lodge after a day’s excitement and hard work, you can relax at the pool, watch a movie or enjoy a games night with other volunteers. Often, we have presentations by guides and other staff members giving you an extra opportunity to learn more about the African environment and its inhabitants, both animal and human. Dinner is served on the viewing deck, with a nice big fire, often followed by marshmallows! You can also have fun by getting involved in some fundraising events such as games and quiz nights.

In your time off (Saturdays and Sundays), you can go on exciting excursions to beautiful locations. You’ll be staying on the doorstep of the Blyde River Canyon and can visit the Kruger National Park, go on a microlight flight or white river rafting, jump into waterholes while extreme hiking or why not visit another country whilst here and head to Eswatini for the weekend! No matter which you chose you will find lots of amazing photo opportunities!

Photography volunteers can enter a Cover-Shot competition, join a ‘Painting with Light’ and/or night sky photo practice, and feature in a photography showcase (to mention only a couple).

Cultural presentations, achievement presentations, poaching debates, star gazing, and a presentation about our partners and The African Impact Foundation could be available for you to attend.

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APPLY NOW

Once you have submitted your application, a Destination Specialist will be in-touch to discuss the project with you.

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Please note that an additional GB£20 | US$25 | EU€20 | AU$35 is added to the program fee as a mandatory contribution to the African Impact Sustainability Fund.

Project fee includes

  • Accommodation throughout your stay
  • 3 meals a day cooked by a local chef (weekdays only)
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • 24/7 support from experienced international and local staff
  • Full training and mentorship from a professional photographer

Project fee excludes

  • Camera and laptop
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa-related costs
  • Weekend trips or tours not on the itinerary
  • Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs
  • Mandatory contribution of US$25 that is donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund