Wildlife Photography & Conservation in South Africa

VOLUNTEER

CONSERVATION

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.

Project 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.

Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
Available: May – Oct
Duration:
4 Weeks+
Price From $3,950
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.

Project impact areas

Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Wildlife Photography & Conservation project in South Africa.

CONSERVATION

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.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. Life on Land

2. Life Below Water

3. Climate Action

4. Responsible Consumption & Production

CONSERVATION

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.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. Life on Land

2. Life Below Water

3. Climate Action

4. Responsible Consumption & Production

CONSERVATION

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.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. Life on Land

2. Life Below Water

3. Climate Action

4. Responsible Consumption & Production

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

Accommodation & Meals

Greater Kruger, South Africa

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

From 2026 you’ll stay in the heart of the African wilderness in Mtimkulu Private Reserve. The accommodation will be a mix of tented rooms and shared dorms. This base camp is set up as a research camp on the reserve, and will provide a true and authentic bush experience. Your accommodation will feature spacious dorm and tented rooms with sweeping views of the reserve. There will be shared bathrooms, with toilets and showers. Amenities include a welcoming outdoor fire pit for braais (BBQs), relaxed social areas, and a lively common dining area.

Please note image is a rendering, camp is under construction.

You’ll be based 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 humble giraffe to the endangered African wild dog.

Life at the Base

Greater Kruger, South Africa

A volunteer capturing a photo of a scenic river with mountains in the background.

The Great Kruger area comprises of almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land where animals roam freely across wild savannah. This offers endless opportunities for wildlife encounters – the elephants might join you for dinner and just wait until you hear the hippos at night!

On the weekends, you can head out on a Kruger safari, explore the epic viewpoints of the Panorama Route at Blyde River Canyon, visit conservation initiatives like Down To The Wire or Rhino Revolution, or add a thrill with quad biking and adventure activities at Magoebaskloof.

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.

Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) is your best bet, just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kambaku II Camp. Arrive anytime on the Sunday that your placement begins and depart anytime on the Sunday it ends. We’ll be there to greet you! Look for the African Impact sign and a friendly face ready to welcome you.

If you are arriving from somewhere other than Hoedspruit, our partner shuttle company offers African Impact volunteers a discount when booking with a promo code. Please request this from your Destination Specialist.

Your Base Manager will be Jason Kipling. Jason is a dedicated conservationist and experienced leader in the eco-tourism and volunteer sectors, with a strong background in developing and managing impactful programs.

His work with African Impact has been central to his career, where he played a key role in establishing and revitalizing conservation and volunteer projects across Africa. From leading safari operations in Kruger to rebuilding a marine conservation initiative in Zanzibar, Jason has specialized in creating sustainable, ethical programs that contribute to conservation efforts and local communities.

Our qualified Field Guides are trained in wildlife encounters, have valid driver’s licenses and our vehicles are well-maintained. Our vehicles are all fitted with radios to ensure we always have contact with base camp. Our project is committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff and the environment. Our team is trained in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. The base is equipped with fire safety equipment, evacuation plans and has access to an ambulance service. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided for physical conservation work. Upon arrival, our staff will induct you on our policies, procedures, and code of conduct to ensure your safety and awareness.

Project Destination

The Great Kruger area comprises of almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land where animals roam freely across wild savannah. This offers endless opportunities for wildlife encounters – the elephants might join you for dinner and just wait until you hear the hippos at night!

On the weekends, you can head out on a Kruger safari, explore the epic viewpoints of the Panorama Route at Blyde River Canyon, visit conservation initiatives like Down To The Wire or Rhino Revolution, or add a thrill with quad biking and adventure activities at Magoebaskloof.

Communication

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.

Flights & Arrivals

Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) is your best bet, just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kambaku II Camp. Arrive anytime on the Sunday that your placement begins and depart anytime on the Sunday it ends. We’ll be there to greet you! Look for the African Impact sign and a friendly face ready to welcome you.

If you are arriving from somewhere other than Hoedspruit, our partner shuttle company offers African Impact volunteers a discount when booking with a promo code. Please request this from your Destination Specialist.

Staff

Your Base Manager will be Jason Kipling. Jason is a dedicated conservationist and experienced leader in the eco-tourism and volunteer sectors, with a strong background in developing and managing impactful programs.

His work with African Impact has been central to his career, where he played a key role in establishing and revitalizing conservation and volunteer projects across Africa. From leading safari operations in Kruger to rebuilding a marine conservation initiative in Zanzibar, Jason has specialized in creating sustainable, ethical programs that contribute to conservation efforts and local communities.

Safety

Our qualified Field Guides are trained in wildlife encounters, have valid driver’s licenses and our vehicles are well-maintained. Our vehicles are all fitted with radios to ensure we always have contact with base camp. Our project is committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff and the environment. Our team is trained in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. The base is equipped with fire safety equipment, evacuation plans and has access to an ambulance service. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided for physical conservation work. Upon arrival, our staff will induct you on our policies, procedures, and code of conduct to ensure your safety and awareness.

...the joy of making a real impact...

“This program was a life-changing experience for me. I was able to get to see animals I always saw on screen, how they live and interact with other animals and nature in general. I met amazing people and amazing guides who shared their knowledge with us, teaching us everything about wild animals and environment. We had the weekends to do some amazing trips, like going to Kruger National park and much more. All the staff are amazing, they work all day to make this the best experience anyone could have.”

Caterina Vagge, 21, Italy

Project gallery

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Two volunteers sit on a mountain peak, enjoying a scenic view.
Time To Explore
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Gallery - Volunteer
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Gallery - Game Viewer
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Edits & Critiques
Edits & Critiques
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Pricing

Rates

USDGBPEURAUD
DurationProgram Fee
4 weeks$3,950 ($988 per week)
5 weeks$4,750 ($950 per week)
6 weeks$5,550 ($925 per week)
8 weeks$7,150 ($894 per week)
10 weeks$8,750 ($875 per week)
12 weeks$10,350 ($863 per week)
4 weeks£3,160 (£790 per week)
5 weeks£3,800 (£760 per week)
6 weeks£4,440 (£740 per week)
8 weeks£5,720 (£715 per week)
10 weeks£7,000 (£700 per week)
12 weeks£8,280 (£690 per week)
4 weeks€3,634 (€909 per week)
5 weeks€4,370 (€874 per week)
6 weeks€5,106 (€851 per week)
8 weeks€6,578 (€823 per week)
10 weeks€8,050 (€805 per week)
12 weeks€9,522 (€794 per week)
4 weeks$5,846 ($1,462 per week)
5 weeks$7,030 ($1,406 per week)
6 weeks$8,214 ($1,369 per week)
8 weeks$10,582 ($1,323 per week)
10 weeks$12,950 ($1,295 per week)
12 weeks$15,318 ($1,277 per week)
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Inclusions

  • African Impact bush style accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
  • 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

Requirements

  • The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
  • The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks
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Project 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, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, giraffe, zebra, 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.

Will I Be Able To Photograph The Big 5 At This Project?

Whilst there is evidence of the African Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo) all around us, we cannot guarantee that you will see them all. Our project is based in a wilderness area where animals roam freely and do as they please, however, the Olifants River in front of our base attracts plenty of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a multitude of bird species.

Do I Need Prior Photography Experience?

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!

How Does My Photography Contribute To Conservation Efforts?

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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Our favourite weekend activities in the Kruger Area

Head out on a Kruger safari, explore the epic viewpoints of the Panorama Route at Blyde River Canyon, visit conservation initiatives like Down To The Wire or Rhino Revolution, or add a thrill with quad biking and adventure activities at Magoebaskloof!

Magoebaskloof Adventures

Enjoy ziplining, river tubing, cliff abseiling, hiking, biking, and exhilarating kloofing adventures.

Blyde River Canyon

Enjoy white-water rafting, a gorge swing, or a microlight flight over the canyon.

Explore Kruger

Explore this renowned game reserve’s stunning landscape, teeming with wildlife.

Down To The Wire

This organization transforms wire snares into jewellery. Attend an informative talk and create your own jewellery.

Rhino Revolution

This organization rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned wild rhino calves, typically victims of poaching.

You may also be interested in these other conservation projects