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Home / Penda Tours / Wildlife Photography & Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa

Contribute to conservation projects while sharpening your skills.

Photograph African wildlife while contributing to conservation efforts – it’s possible during this exciting photography volunteer project. Set in South Africa’s Greater Kruger area, you’ll get to hone your wildlife photography skills during a comprehensive week-long photography workshop. You’ll then put your skills into practice by photographing wildlife such as lions, elephants, and leopards on daily game drives in the stunning African bush, while being guided by a professional photographer. 

To support important wildlife conservation work, you’ll have the chance to contribute your pictures to environmental and wildlife NGOs – and you’ll get your hands dirty by working on general conservation projects in the area. This photography volunteer project is a unique opportunity to develop your photography skills, enjoy incredible photographic opportunities, and give back at the same time. There are regular start dates between May and December. 

Start Dates: in 2026: 3 & 31 May | 28 Jun | 26 Jul | 23 Aug | 20 Sept | 4 Oct (4 weeks stay or less only)
Rates:4 weeks: $3,945| 5 weeks: $4,745| 6 weeks: $5,545| 8 weeks: $7,145|  10 weeks: $8,745| 12 weeks: $10,345

Start Dates: in 2027: 2 & 30 May | 27 Jun | 25 Jul | 22 Aug | 19 Sept | 3 Oct (4 weeks stay or less only)
Rates:4 weeks: $3,945| 5 weeks: $4,745| 6 weeks: $5,545| 8 weeks: $7,145|  10 weeks: $8,745| 12 weeks: $10,345

Quick Facts

Greater Kruger, South Africa

Regular Start Dates

Min. 4 Weeks

Wildlife Photography
Photography Guide: Thomas Robinson
Group Size: Max 12
All Photography Levels

Tour & Destination Highlights

  • Wildlife photography in the Greater Kruger area. Capture Africa’s Big Five and abundant wildlife on daily game drives.
  • Professional photography mentorship. Receive hands-on guidance and workshops to grow your skills, whatever your level.
  • Contribute to conservation. Assist with practical tasks like removing invasive plants, collecting wildlife data, and supporting local NGOs.
  • Bush lodge living on the Olifants River. Stay immersed in nature, with wildlife often visible from the lodge.
  • Flexible durations. Join for a few weeks or longer, with regular start dates
  • Diverse photographic subjects. From wildlife and birdlife to landscapes, river scenes, and night skies - perfect for building a varied portfolio.
  • Impactful photography. Your images support conservation awareness and can be used by partner organisations for outreach and fundraising.

Quick Facts

Greater Kruger, South Africa

Regular Start Dates

Min. 4 Weeks

Wildlife Photography
Photography Guide: Thomas Robinson
Group Size: Max 12

PRICING OVERVIEW

from USD $3,945GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $
USDGBPEURZARAUD

At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly


per person sharing

INCLUDING

  • Accommodation
  • All meals at the lodge
  • All transportation & Airport Transfers
  • Photographic tutoring

EXCLUDING

  • International flights
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visa
  • Any additional weekend activities
EXPLORE

Photography in South Africa

This project will give you an amazing variety of photographic opportunities in the African bush

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wild dog walking along in south africa_10
shadowy silhouette of animals walking along at night on photo safari_2
elephant curling his trunk against his mother_1

WHAT TO EXPECT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Your Photographic Experience

This photography volunteer project is based in the world-renowned Greater Kruger Area – famous for the Big 5 and amazing scenery. As a photography volunteer, you’ll go out on game drives for wildlife and landscape photography most weekdays. These drives will give you an amazing variety of photographic opportunities, as the African bush presents a constantly changing but ever-exciting scene of wildlife. You’ll have a chance to encounter Africa’s big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards), as well as elephants, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and many other species. There will also be opportunities for photographing the smaller, but no less photogenic animals, such as chameleons, frogs, and other reptiles and insects. In addition, you’ll be able to capture African scenery during focused landscape photography sessions. The project provides an amazing opportunity for photographers of all levels to improve their skills and put them into practice straight away. During your first week, you’ll be taught a photography workshop that covers a wide range of techniques, including aperture, shutter speed, long exposure techniques, and composition. Though you will be mainly out photographing and volunteering from the second week, you will receive photographic guidance and tutoring throughout your stay.  On top of the wildlife photography you’ll be doing, you’ll have a chance to participate in general conservation work in the area. In partnership with local wildlife trusts and foundations, we assist with hands-on field work, such as clearing alien invasive plants and removing snares, and with the collating of data and compiling of animal identity-kits that are part of larger conservation research. You’ll also help raise awareness on conservation issues in surrounding communities. Happily, this project is open to photographers of all levels - all you need is a camera, a willingness to learn, and a passion for wildlife and conservation. 

I had an amazing time! Great photography course and an amazing place to spend your time! Highlights for me were learning so much more about my camera and becoming a more experienced hobby photographer, plus the incredible settings and of course the photography — WOW!

Anne Poulson

OLIFANTS RIVER MAGIC

Your Accommodation

swimming pool view from the accommodation in Kruger, South Africa

During your placement you will stay in comfortable shared accommodation within the Greater Kruger Area. Volunteers and project staff meet and carry out inductions and research updates in our base – a spacious lodge situated on the banks of the Olifants River. It’s a lovely safari-style camp with a swimming pool, viewing deck, WiFi, hot showers, and an outdoor communal area. Here, you’ll dine, relax and socialise. You can also expect to do some wildlife viewing from the lodge, as many animals come to drink from the river. The lodge is staffed with cooks and cleaners and all bed linen and towels are provided. All meals are included in the price. Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals, toast, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be prepared for you. You’ll share the lodge with other volunteers on the photography project, as well as volunteers on general conservation and education projects. It’s a great social setting, and an opportunity to meet people from many different cultures. Rooms are shared with up to five other volunteers. Single rooms are available at an additional fee.

WORKSHOP LEADER

Thomas Robinson

Thomas Robinson

WORKSHOP LEADER

Thomas Robinson

Thomas is a passionate wildlife photographer hailing from the vibrant city of Liverpool, England. Currently living and working in South Africa. He has forged a symbiotic relationship with SONY, who of which have featured Thomas’ work regularly on their social media platforms. He has also been featured by the esteemed BBC Earth on their social channels as well cementing his commitment to showcasing the magnificence of the natural world.

EXPERIENCE

Your Time With Us

Day 1HELLO in Hoedspruit - welcome to South Africa

You’ll fly into Hoedspruit, South Africa. You’ll be met by one of our team members and driven to the lodge, where you’ll have a chance to settle in, meet the other volunteers, and relax.

Day 2 - 7ORIENTATION PROGRAM

We’ll start the project with a 3-day orientation program, which will give you a comprehensive photography workshop that covers everything from technical use of your camera to composition and post-production. It’s a great opportunity to improve your photography skills, before going out and putting all this into practice. The introduction will also introduce you to the area, the aims and methods of the project, and the local cultures.

Day 8 - 27PHOTOGRAPHY DRIVES AND CONSERVATION

Most of your weekdays will be spent going out on photography drives, participating in conservation and conservation education work, and editing your images. Your schedule will be varied and exciting, and the photography opportunities will be bountiful. Weekends are off, and a chance to relax at the lodge, or explore the area on some of the many excursions you can join.

Day 28Good Bye & Departure

After saying goodbye to the lodge and the team, you’ll be driven back to Hoedspruit airport.

Wildlife Photography & Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa

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Wildlife Photography & Conservation Volunteer Project, South Africa FAQs

What is this project about?

It’s an immersive program that combines wildlife photography with hands-on conservation work. You’ll photograph a wealth of wildlife (in a Big Five area) while assisting local NGOs with meaningful conservation activities.

Do I need to be an experienced photographer to join?

No. The project is suitable for all levels. You’ll receive professional mentorship and workshops, covering camera techniques, composition, storytelling, and post-processing.

What wildlife can I expect to photograph?

Expect elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, antelope, and abundant birdlife. Small wildlife, reptiles, and insects also provide excellent photo opportunities. And if you’re lucky, you’ll encounter leopards, too.

Can I use the photos I take for my portfolio?

Yes, participants are encouraged to use their images for personal portfolios, provided they also share them with the partner NGOs. This is a great way to build a socially conscious photography portfolio.

Where will I stay during the volunteer project?

You’ll stay in a comfortable bush lodge along the Olifants River, often with wildlife visible nearby. The lodges are chosen for proximity to game drives and shooting locations.

How large is the group?

Groups are capped at 12 participants to ensure personalised support, a strong community environment, and plenty of opportunities to photograph wildlife and landscapes.

Conservation Photography

At Penda, we're all about creating incredible photographic opportunities.

Our photo tours and safaris will take you to the right place, at the right time, to get that epic shot. You'll be guided by a professional photographer, who will help you take your photography to the next level, and we keep our trips exclusive by traveling in small groups. Whether it's in Kenya's sprawling savannahs, Yellowstone's snowy interior, or the jungles of India, your journey will be filled with photography magic.

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Read reviews from some of our guests, have a look at the images taken by them, and get some insider tips from the professionals.

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