From $3950
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Impact:
Wildlife Photography
Destination:
Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
Duration:
4 Weeks+
Fee: From £3,160
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
SDG’s: 
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
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Get your hands dirty with physical conservation work including removing invasive plant species.
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.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Wildlife Photography Volunteer Project in South Africa:
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
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
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
Project 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 humble giraffe to the endangered African 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!
Life At Base
Accommodation & Meals
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.
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
Meet Anique van der Kuil, our dynamic Photography Coordinator. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Business under her belt, Anique brings a unique blend of creative thinking, writing prowess, and image capture expertise to our team.
Anique’s journey with African Impact began as a volunteer, where she immersed herself in both Wildlife Research and Photography at our Greater Kruger Base. This hands-on experience ignited her passion for conservation and visual storytelling.
A true digital native, Anique thrives in the fast-paced world of social media. She has a keen eye for analytics and stays ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape. Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed – her captivating content has been featured by industry giants BBC Earth and Canon South Africa.
Want to see the world through Anique’s lens? Follow her adventures on Instagram @capturedbyanique and witness her unique perspective on wildlife and conservation.
With Anique at the helm of our photography initiatives, we’re excited to showcase the beauty and importance of our work in ways that inspire and educate.
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.
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.
Will I benefit from this project if I am an established photographer?
You may go through some of the basics of wildlife photography on this project, however, we offer unique skills development, such as macrophotography and atrological photography. If you consider yourself establish and are looking to work on a specific project, you can view our Wildlife Photography Internship here
How do the volunteer and internship programs differ?
Our internships are essentially an extension of our volunteer projects, offering Interns the opportunity to form part of our team from week 4. They will assist our team in leading projects, receive individual mentorship from our team and have the opportunity to work on their own projects under the guidance of our Photography Coordinator.
Our Favourite Weekend Activities in the Kruger Area
These activities are optional extras, which are not included in the project fee.
Your Enquiry Starts Here
Travel With a Friend
Costs reduce if you book with a friend, or if you are a return volunteer.
Minimum Age
Our minimum age for this volunteer project is 18 years of age if travelling alone, or 15 if travelling with a parent or guardian.
| Duration | Program 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) |
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
MINIMUM STAY
The minimum stay for this project is 4 weeks
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- 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
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
- Camera equipment
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
Our minimum age for this volunteer project is 18 years of age if travelling alone, or 15 if travelling with a parent or guardian.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose- joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.
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