8 - 12 weeks / from 4,645 - 6.045 EUR

• About
• Activities
• Location
• Facilities
• Travel info
• FAQ
• Reviews
• Prices & Dates

• About

  Join the creative photography experts in the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa to gain practical experience in wildlife and other genre-specific photography. This is a unique personal and professional development opportunity that supports tangible conservation outcomes through photography.

  The power of photography as a contributor to change in society is very important. With proven experience, this project has the ability to contribute to community upliftment and conservation of declining species on a large and far-reaching scale. As an intern, you will join in a results-driven environment, where you will learn not only about wildlife photography, but how to work as part of a team who are focused on, and in tune with, global issues. The images that you will contribute will raise public awareness towards wildlife decline, habitat loss, cultural conservation and human-wildlife conflict. Of course, it’s also about teaching you how to get that perfect shot and your mentor, who's a professional wildlife photographer, will teach you the techniques of getting those superb wildlife photos. You will gain a unique insight into the challenges and logistics of photography in the African Bush while based at privately owned lodge situated around the Kruger Canyons, on the border of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. 

  This is an amazing opportunity if you dream of an internship where you will sharpen your photography skills, personal development and have an amazing learning experience in the African bush!

  Photography achievements include:

  • Publishing photographs and articles in the Klasserie Chronical and Africa Geographic. Offering the interns experience and exposure in the publishing field.
  • Supplying more than 1230 professionally produced and edited photographs to the projects NGO partners, Eco Children. This has allowed them to rebrand their organization, promote and raise awareness of their cause, and raise vital funding for sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries for local schoolchildren.
  • Regularly contributing to the nationwide magazine, The Klaserie Chronicle. This supports the efforts to raise awareness of local and national issues on conservation and education.
  • Being able to document a Rhino dehorning in one of the Greater Kruger Reserves. This helped to raise awareness as to what the workforce is doing towards the plight of Rhino poaching.
  • Creating 12 monthly newsletters that are sent out to all partners and alumni on request. The Warthog Post is written by volunteers, for volunteers and shows the outside world what is happening on-the-ground at the projects.

• Activities

  Photography

  Be prepared for early starts and to take your photography skills to the next level. While you will primarily focus on wildlife (both big and small), you will also be taking photos of a variety of different subject matters including landscapes, astral photography, people and much more. Through your work on this internship, you will also grow to learn and understand more about South Africa’s captivating animals, their behavior, habitats in the wild and also its people.

  Personal Assignment

  Throughout your placement, you will be working on a personal assignment that will be agreed upon by you and your mentor. Through constructive and creative sessions, you will outline the goal of this assignment, which could be anything from creating a photographic book or designing your own website, to curating an exhibition of your work. The assignment will be due for the end of your placement, giving you a tangible product that you can be proud of!

  Photo Editing

  Taking that great photo is only half of the work involved. You will spend some of your time editing the best of the photos you have taken and turn them from great photos to that awardwinning shot.

  Project Support

  Use your photos to help other projects at the lodge such as the research program or our very own community initiative “Farmers of the Future” Lending a hand to other projects will make you feel an integral part of the larger team!

  Critique Sessions

  You will get to host one critique session per week. These critiques are designed to allow you to assess others’ work, and by doing so, this will teach you to distance yourself from your own photographs and to analyze them critically, without emotion. Be prepared to be inspired by, and learn from, the work of others!

  Mentorship

  You will take part in weekly meetings with your internship mentor (a professional photographer with industry experience), to discuss the project’s aims, your strengths, and give clear guidance as you progress. You will also have your own Professional Development Coach who will give you improved focus and effectiveness throughout your internship.

  Learning to contextualize your images

  Photography is all about story telling. You will learn how to write and promote your images using your own unique voice.

  Presentations and Interactions

  You will enjoy a numerous of presentations on wildlife, ecology, habitats, and threats they face.

  Other activities & trips (not included)

  • A guided tour of the third largest canyon in the world, and the world-renowned Panorama Route
  • Blyde River Adventures – Boat trip, Extreme hiking, Micro light flying
  • Kruger Big 5 game drive
  • Hot air balloon ride
  • Guide day hiking trails
  • Nyani cultural village and roots of rhythm show
  • A weekend in Swaziland – Guided mountain bike trail and/or horse riding

• Location

  Situated in the heart of South Africa’s most famous ‘Big 5’ area, you will be surrounded by beautiful game reserves including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, which is a 45-minute drive from the lodge. The nearest town is Hoedspruit, which is a 30-minute drive from the lodge and a great place to spend some relaxing downtime. There is an optional weekly town trip on Fridays to visit supermarkets and souvenir shops or you can simply relax whilst drinking coffee or eating ice-cream.

• Facilities

  During your internship, you will stay at the project’s lodge – Olifants River Camp, within the Greater Kruger Area.  The spacious lodge has a swimming pool, several spacious areas to lounge around and socialise in, a large boma for braais (BBQ) as well as a sunny courtyard. There is also have a small shop where you can buy basic toiletries, yummy snacks, local crafts and a small bar. The lodge all situated on 18 hectares of land. This beautiful landscape serves as home to impala, warthog, bush pig, nyala and a great diversity of birdlife. Here, you’ll dine, relax and socialise. There is not a better place to sit than around a campfire and admire the stars!

  • Accommodation

    The accommodation is bunk beds and 4-8 people share each room. It is possible to upgrade to a private room with private toilet facilities at the costs of 25 USD/person/day.

  • Laundry

    Laundry services are available for R60 per load.

  • Food & Meals

    In-house chefs will cook three fresh meals for you each day. The project can cater to most types of dietary needs, but please make sure to inform us of any special requirements when you make your reservation. Drinking water and tea or coffee will also be available throughout your stay. Cold drinks can be purchased at the bar. The lodge also provides a volunteer fridge for your own shopping if you fancy extra snacks or drinks.

  • Internet & Phone Reception

    Wi-Fi vouchers are available for purchase at your accommodation. The vouchers cost approximately R600 for four weeks.

    Cell phone reception is available. Check with your service provider for costs or purchase a local SIM card at the airport.

  • Credit Cards & Cash

    The South African currency is the rand. Cash can be withdrawn at the airport. There are also ATMs available in the nearest town, Hoedspruit (Please note: There may be a fee to withdraw from ATMs in Hoedspruit). Most shops and restaurants accept both debit and credit card payments.

    When you arrive at the project, we will open a tab for you. All fees for trips and items that you buy from our shop will be added to your tab and you’ll be expected to pay-in-full during check out. You can pay using cash or a credit card (Please note: Credit card payments can be made for trips with an additional 6 per cent fee).

    If you plan on using your bank cards overseas, don’t forget to tell your bank that you will be in South Africa. Otherwise, your bank may freeze your cards.

  • Shops

    The nearest town, Hoedspruit, is a 30-minute drive from the lodge. It’s a great place where you can take some relaxing downtime. The project runs an optional weekly trip to town each Friday to give people the chance to visit supermarkets, browse souvenir shops or just relax with a coffee or ice cream.

• Travel info

  This page will guide you on how to book your flights, how transportation to and from the project works and which vaccinations are required for your trip.

  • Flight Itinerary

    Arrival and departure are on Sundays. It is recommended that you arrive at Hoedspruit airport (HDS) as it is only around 30 min. drive away from the project. The alternative, Nelspruit airport is located roughly 2-3 hours away from the project and to join the transfer from Nelspruit your flight will need to land before 1 PM. When going home (Nelspruit) you need to book your flights with departure after 1 PM. There are no time restrictions when going/departing from Hoedspruit on the specified arrival/departure day.

  • Airport Transfer

    You will be picked up from and dropped off at the airport by a representative from the project. The cost of transportation to and from the airport is included in your project fee when arriving/departing on Sundays (on the specified dates). Off-schedule transfers are possible at additional costs.  

  • Vaccinations

    We recommend you consult with your doctor to ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations before your trip. Below is an overview of vaccinations that are likely to be recommended:

    Tetanus: Recommended
    Polio: Recommended
    Hepatitis A&B: Recommended
    Tuberculosis: Recommended
    Malaria: Kruger is in a malaria risk area, so you should bring anti-malarial tablets and mosquito repellent with you.

  • Visa

    People from most countries will automatically get tourist visas valid for up to 90 days upon arrival in South Africa. If you are unsure about whether this applies to your country, please see the government’s list of exempt countries: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/countries-exempt-from-sa-visas

  • Travel Insurance

    It is mandatory that you have valid travel insurance for your entire trip. The insurance will cover all costs involved with any kind of an emergency or incident, i.e. an air rescue, hospital or medical costs and flights. Please contact your local travel insurance agent, otherwise, we can recommend the travel insurer World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/

• FAQ

  • Is it possible to get a private room?

    Yes. You can request a private room with a private toiletfacilities at the cost of around 25 USD/person. Please ask for exact prices.

  • Are there any ATM's?

    Cash can be withdrawn at the airport. There are also ATMs available in the nearest town, Hoedspruit (Please note: There may be a fee to withdraw from ATMs in Hoedspruit). We strongly advise against bringing travellers’ cheques.

  • Is there transportation to and from the project sites?

    Yes. The cost of daily transfers between projects sites is included in your project fee.

  • Do I need vaccinations?

    We recommend you consult with your doctor to ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations before you trip. Below is an overview of vaccinations that are likely to be recommended:

    Tetanus: Recommended
    Polio: Recommended
    Hepatitis A&B: Recommended
    Tuberculosis: Recommended
    Malaria: Kruger is in a malaria risk area, so you should bring anti-malarial tablets and mosquito repellent with you
  • Do I need a visa?

    Yes! People from most countries will automatically get tourist visas valid for up to 90 days upon arrival in South Africa. If you are unsure about whether this applies to your country, please see the government’s list of exempt countries: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/countries-exempt-from-sa-visas

• Reviews

  “This program has it all. Everything a budding photographer needs to get started, and all the opportunities that an experienced photographer could dream of. The theory side covers everything from exposure triangle basics, using Lightroom, working with challenging light and motion, animal approaches, and more. The practical side covers an incredible range of unique opportunities from macro, to landscapes, astro, low light, and motion. You of course will have the opportunity to photograph the 'big 5', but the highlight will be the other rare and unusual animals and photographic opportunities you don't get on your standard safari. While some of the guides are photographers in their own right, they are at least all trained on the basics of photography and for things like positioning vehicles and working with light so you can get the most out of every shot. They all have an incredible amount of knowledge and experiences to share about not just the big animals, but all the resident birds, insects, trees, and even the stars in the night sky. You'll learn not just about photography, but what you are taking photos of. Everyone from the photography staff, to the guides, to the lodge staff and management are incredibly friendly and helpful. They are all extremely responsible and want to ensure you get the most out of your program. It was always a pleasure getting to know them and spending time with them. Any issues or concerns are taken very seriously and promptly addressed. Everyone who works here loves what they do, and it comes across in all your interactions with them. Location wise, Dumela lodge is about 30 minutes drive from Hoedspruit, the nearest town. It's a great little town with all amenities that you might need (including a well-stocked camera store). There's a town trip each Friday afternoon where you can go to pick up items from the local supermarket. The highlight of the location for me was being only 30 minutes away from Kruger National Park's Orpen gate, making weekend overnight and day trips a breeze. If you feel the need to take a break from animals you can take weekend day trips to see things like the incredible panorama route, or to even spend a couple of nights in nearby Swaziland. The project offer these (and other) weekend tours as an optional extra. You can always hire a car from the airport and organize your own weekend getaways. You're going to have a life-changing experience, surrounded by people with an infectious passion for what they do. I'm extremely grateful for the entire team for the opportunity of having this experience.” - Ryan Newington, Australia (2019)

• Prices & Dates

  Start dates: One to two times a month. Please contact us for specific start dates and availability. 

  Number of participants: The regular 4-week Wildlife Photography programme and the 8 - 12 week Wildlife Photography Internship can (combined) take up to 12 in July & August and up to 6 people in the other months

  Prices (2022) (per person sharing):

  8 weeks - 4,645 EUR 
  10 weeks - 5,345 EUR
  12 weeks - 6,045 EUR