Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Bring your photography skills to the next level and support conservation initiatives

Are you passionate about photography, keen to improve your skills, and have an interest in wildlife conservation? Take the next step in exploring the thrilling profession of wildlife photography with this exciting opportunity.

With this Wildlife Photography Internship in the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa, you will bring your wildlife photography skills to the next level and support wildlife conservation initiatives at the same time. Be prepared for early starts to capture daily shots of the magical scenery and incredible animals, increase your knowledge of wildlife, habitats, & ecosystems, and assist with education in the community. Photography can be used as a powerful tool to increase awareness of conservation and other local and global issues. With the guidance of a professional photographer, you’ll learn how to capture moments that can be used to make a lasting positive impact on the African bush.

ORGANIZATION

This organization is a social development company that is driven by six individual causes that have been developed through our long-term relationships and experience with communities and volunteering in Africa. These causes motivate, excite and focus their vision, and allow them to offer internships that contribute to wider causes in Africa. As responsible leaders, they are committed to supporting our professional internship portfolio, all of which are unique in support and celebrated results. Through cultural immersion, the internships give individuals the ability to incorporate academic and experiential learning outside the classroom.

They also have a photographic database to support conservation charities and the photographs you take during this internship will be added to their selection. They are free to use for conservation charities for awareness and fundraising efforts. Profit-making organizations have to purchase the images, and the money goes directly into wildlife research projects. You will be credited wherever possible. In addition, your pictures may be used for educational purposes at schools in surrounding communities.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

  • Photography: your primary focus will be on wildlife photography (big and small) but you will also have plenty of opportunities to take photos of f.e. landscapes, people, star skies, etc.
  • Photo editing: editing of (some) of your best photographs
  • Conservation: biweekly physical conservation activities to help restore habitats and ecosystems such as clearing encroaching bush and removing invasive plants species
  • Education: assist with conservation education in primary and high schools to increase awareness.
  • Personal assignment: together with your mentor you will decide on your personal photography assignment.
  • Attend presentations on wildlife, habitats, ecology, and threats they face.
  • Attend critique sessions where you will assess others’ photographs and analyze them.
  • Daily game drive along with workshops and activities. Keep in mind, wildlife viewing requires patience and dedication.

Requirements

  • Creative eye: Great photography is about the imagination and ‘eye’ of the photographer, so we are looking for people with a unique perspective. While these animals, landscapes, and people can hardly ever look anything other than spectacular, it is possible to capture something in a photo that will tell a story and take your breath away.
  • Camera skills: You will need to be confident with your camera and have a good working knowledge of how to use it.
  • Software skills: A working knowledge of editing software like Lightroom is essential. Experience of photo editing software such as Photoshop would be an added bonus.
  • Positivity and Passion: While interning and living in South Africa, the bush will bring its own unique challenges that will require you to be patient, positive, and flexible!
  • Equipment: SLR camera with at least an 18-55 mm lens; batteries, a battery charger, and memory cards; laptop with editing software (ideally Adobe Lightroom, as this is used during workshops); a tripod and external hard drive are highly recommended, but not essential

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You will be based at a traditional bush lodge in a Big 5 private reserve on the shores of the Olifants River. The surrounding wilderness is known as the Greater Kruger Area and Africa’s most iconic (and endangered) animals can be found here. The lodge reflects the project values of environmental conservation (think about recycling, sustainable use of resources, environmental education, and the use of locally grown produce and ethically sourced ingredients).

The accommodation includes 7 large dorm rooms (with aircon and full bathrooms) overlooking the Olifants River. This offers the chance to get the occasional visit from animals such as giraffes, hippos, or elephants while they come for a drink. Facilities include a swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, small outdoor gym, lounges and social areas, as well as a small shop where you can buy snacks and basic toiletries. At weekends you can visit the surrounding area at additional costs (like the world-famous Blyde River Canyon or take a drive into the heart of Kruger National Park). The team is there to help you organize your day and overnight trips. You will be sharing a dorm room with other interns and volunteers.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Please consult your doctor with regards to vaccinations. The Greater Kruger Area is a low risk malaria zone, so there is a small risk particularly in the rainy summer months (October to April). You should seek medical advice on antimalarial medication options.

Communication

Communication

There is free Wifi at the camp to enable you to make contact with home through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc. Please note that you will be in the African bush, so the Wifi can at times be slow & unreliable. There is no cell phone reception at camp, so there is no need to purchase a local SIM card.

Meals

Meals

Your meals are included with the fee and consists of a mixture of international and local cuisine. Some examples of traditional South African meals include bobotie, a potjie, a Cape Malay-style curry or the experience and excitement of cooking on an open fire with a South African braai. Or how about a local dessert such as milk tart or malva pudding, perhaps a peppermint crisp tart or sweet koeksisters.

Location details

Location details

You will be based at a traditional bush lodge in a Big 5 private reserve on the shores of the Olifants River. The surrounding wilderness is known as the Greater Kruger Area and Africa’s most iconic (and endangered) animals can be found here. When you’re not out on a bush drive, you’ll spend your time relaxing by the pool or working up a sweat in the gym while watching giraffes, hippos, elephants, and other wild animals across the river.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Start dates

2023: 26 November – 24 December

2024: 21 January – 18 February – 17 March – 14 April – 12 May – 9 June – 7 July – 4 August – 1 September – 29 September – 27 October – 24 November – 22 December

What you will pay (2024 rates)

8 weeks USD 7,330

9 weeks USD 7,830

10 weeks USD 8,330

11 weeks USD 8,830

12 weeks USD 9,330

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation based on a dorm room
  • Meals: three meals a day from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi
  • Transfers from the airport to your accommodation upon arrival and departure
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • 24/7 On-Site Support
  • Project transport
  • Cultural Activities
  • Optional Weekend Excursions (additional fees apply)
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Hoedspruit
  • Visa and medical & travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Laundry
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.

What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?

During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.

Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?

Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.

Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?

Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.

Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?

Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Greater Kruger, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Wildlife Conservation
TASK FOCUS: Photography, Conservation
LENGTH: 8-12 Weeks
COST: from USD 7,330

REVIEWS

“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.”

READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Improve your (wildlife) photography skills and build an amazing portfolio
  • Learn how to use pre-visualisation, production, and editing to form your own definitive photography style
  • Use your photographs for a higher purpose and learn how to use photography as a conservation and education tool
  • Be inspired and learn from the work of other photographers
  • Learn and understand more about South Africa’s wildlife, it’s habitats and ecosystems, and the people
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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