Wildlife Photography Internships: Who Are They For?

Everything you need to know before taking the leap

Doing a wildlife photography internship abroad can be a great way to break into the world of professional photography. Combining travel, skill development, and the building of a portfolio, these programs offer far more than a traditional classroom experience. But who exactly are they for? And are they worth it? In this guide, we’ll explore what wildlife photography internships involve, who benefits most from them, and how opportunities (like those offered by us) can help shape a career in photography.

What is a wildlife photography internship?

Unlike a photography holiday or guided safari, a wildlife photography internship is a structured program with learning outcomes, assignments, and mentorship built in. Interns typically spend weeks (sometimes months) embedded in a wildlife environment, combining daily fieldwork with technical tuition, portfolio development, and a realistic look at what life as a professional wildlife photographer actually involves.

The best programs blend hands-on shooting in the field with instruction on editing, delivering to briefs, understanding light, and developing an authentic photographic eye. They’re less about capturing a handful of beautiful shots on a once-in-a-lifetime trip and more about building the skills, habits, and confidence to do this professionally.

Who are wildlife photography internships designed for?

The short answer: anyone who is serious about wildlife photography as a pursuit, whether that means turning it into a career, deepening a passionate hobby, or making a significant leap in skill and knowledge. The types of people who tend to get the most from these programs include:

• Aspiring professionals – those who want to work in wildlife media and need both the skills and a portfolio to get there
• Photography students – looking to gain real-world field experience to complement academic training
• Career changers – professionals who want to transition into wildlife photography or conservation media
• Conservation enthusiasts – passionate about wildlife who want to use photography as a tool for storytelling
• Serious amateurs – skilled photographers ready to push their craft to the next level with expert guidance
• Gap year travellers – wanting a purposeful experience abroad that builds genuinely transferable skills

What level of experience do you need?

This varies depending on the program. Some wildlife photography internships are designed to be accessible to all levels (beginners included) with structured tuition that builds foundational skills from the ground up. Others expect a degree of existing photographic knowledge and are focused on refining craft and developing a professional edge rather than teaching the basics.

What matters most isn’t the camera you own or the number of years you’ve been shooting – it’s your commitment to learning and your enthusiasm for the natural world. A strong internship program will meet you where you are and give you a clear path forward.

“This internship has undoubtedly opened new doors for me in my career and ignited a passion to pursue wildlife photography full-time. I wholeheartedly recommend this internship to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through their photography.” – Kendra Stone, Wildlife Photography Intern, Kruger

What does a wildlife photography internship typically include?

While every program is structured differently, most serious wildlife photography internships will offer a combination of:

• Daily fieldwork: Game drives, coastal shoots, or reserve-based assignments timed around the best light conditions.
• Technical instruction: Covering camera settings, composition, understanding animal behaviour, working in challenging light.
• Post-processing tuition: Editing to a professional standard, developing a consistent workflow.
• Portfolio development: Building a cohesive body of work with purpose and direction.
• Mentorship: Regular one-on-one guidance from experienced photographers who work in the field professionally.
• Industry insight: An honest look at the business side of wildlife photography, from licensing and clients to pitching and career paths.
• Conservation context: Understanding the ethical dimensions of photographing wildlife, and the role of photography in conservation storytelling.

Short or long: which duration is right for you?

Internship programs come in a range of lengths, and the right fit depends on what you want to achieve. Shorter intensive programs typically two to four weeks are excellent for photographers who want a structured, high-impact experience without committing months of their time. You’ll cover a lot of ground, develop real skills, and leave with a meaningful portfolio.

Longer programs, running from eight weeks to three months or more, offer something different: depth. Extended time in one environment means you start to develop an intuitive relationship with the landscape and its wildlife. You’ll photograph the same subjects across different seasons and conditions, take on greater responsibility within the program, and gain the kind of experience that genuinely reads on a CV. Both have their place. The key is choosing a duration that aligns with your goals and your circumstances.

Our Wildlife Photography Internships in South Africa

South Africa is a prime destination for wildlife photography internships, and the reasons are compelling. The country offers an incredible wealth of wildlife (including the famous African Big Five) and landscapes that shift dramatically from region to region. There’s also a well-developed ecosystem of private game reserves, conservation projects, and professional photography operators that makes structured internship programs logistically viable in a way that’s harder to replicate elsewhere. Year-round accessibility means regular start dates throughout the calendar, rather than a single narrow window.

We run two distinct wildlife photography internship programs in South Africa, each designed for different needs and timeframes:

Wildlife Photography Internship, Mossel Bay

A two or four-week intensive internship based near Mossel Bay on the Garden Route. Combines coastal and reserve-based shooting with professional mentorship, real client assignments, and training in the technical, creative, and business skills needed for a career in wildlife media.

• Led by photographer Frikkie Kapp
• 2 or 4 weeks, starting the 1st of each month
• All photography levels welcome
• Groups of up to 8

Wildlife Photography & Conservation Internship, Greater Kruger

An eight to twelve-week immersive internship based in the Greater Kruger area. Daily Big Five game drives, professional photography tuition, an active role in on-site conservation programs, and mentorship throughout. Ideal for those ready to commit to a transformative experience.

• Led by photographer Thomas Robinson
• 8, 10, or 12 weeks; regular start dates
• Intermediate level
• Groups of up to 6

Is a wildlife photography internship worth it?

That depends entirely on what you put in, and what you’re hoping to get out. If you approach it as a spectator, you’ll come home with some great images and a good experience. If you approach it as a professional in training – asking questions, embracing feedback, pushing yourself technically and creatively – you’ll leave with something genuinely career-shaping.

If you’re asking yourself whether a wildlife photography internship is right for you, the honest answer is probably this: if the question even crosses your mind, it’s worth exploring. Spending weeks in the African bush, developing your craft under professional guidance, and building a portfolio you’re proud of, that’s a rare opportunity. It just depends whether now is the right time to take it. Our team is here to help advise you on your photography journey!

Browse through all our photography internships & volunteer programs