Photography Programs in South Africa

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, South Africa. As a photographer on this program, you'll learn how to document the work of local nonprofit organizations effectively, and you'll put that knowledge into practice during photographic assignments. You'll be tutored by a professional humanitarian photographer with extensive experience and a deep passion for nonprofit photography. Through personal guidance, you'll be sure to grow both in skill and confidence as a photographer. This workshop is a wonderful way to make an impact through your lens and experience South Africa in a unique way. During your stay in Stellenbosch, your accommodation, transport, and meals will be taken care of. You'll be based in a comfortable lodge in the city center, allowing you to easily explore some of the many highlights Stellenbosch and Cape Town have to offer. To qualify for this NGO photography program, you'll need to have basic camera skills and some photographic experience. The workshop runs several times a year, and you can join us for 2 to 4 weeks.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

This reserve is home to Africa's infamous Big 5 including the lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and many other key animals as well as over 400 species of birds. Staying on the reserve gives volunteers opportunities to be involved in a variety of research initiatives on endangered and other wildlife species. You will contribute to research and conservation work during your stay and play a part in vital conservation activities. A majority of the volunteer work includes going on jeep safaris to observe the animals and collect data.

This one-week program pairs perfectly with our South Africa Veterinary Service program. By adding this bonus week to an existing program, students are given a fantastic opportunity to explore the southernmost coast of Africa. Each day is sure to be an adventure, with time spent enjoying Cape Town, tasting local cuisine, spotting native animals in their natural habitats, and going on an adventure outside the city. This one-week program is the perfect way to round out an already exciting program and go home with tons of new memories and stories to share!

Explore the exceptional bird life of the southern Kruger National Park on a dedicated birding safari. Located in one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, this safari offers the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and prime bird-watching opportunities. Kruger’s mix of bushveld, riverine forest, and open savanna supports an astonishing variety of bird species. Berg-en-Dal lies in the southwestern corner of the park and is known for its varied terrain. This ecological variety attracts a wide array of bird species. Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp, serves as a hub for birding and wildlife observation. Its proximity to rivers and mixed woodland makes it an ideal location to spot both common and elusive bird species. Birding highlights in the area include the Lilac-breasted Roller, a favorite among photographers; the Southern Ground Hornbill, known for its size and red facial skin; the Hamerkop, famous for building enormous, intricate nests; and the Giant Kingfisher, Africa’s largest kingfisher species. With over 500 bird species recorded in Kruger, this region offers unparalleled birding opportunities.

This course is designed particularly for safari newcomers who would like to gather valuable, unforgettable insights during a 7 or 14-day stay in awesome surroundings. In the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa or Botswana, you will encounter Africa’s flora and fauna in their original form. An EcoQuest is a great opportunity to experience the unique natural landscape of Southern Africa firsthand within a short period. This is an ideal ranger course introduction to anybody interested in working in the field. Experienced instructors will guide and support you throughout your time in Africa. They will draw on their wealth of experience to provide fascinating insights into life in the wild. You and your team will go on trips through a fascinating landscape twice a day for close-up encounters with wild animals. These excursions will teach you how to orient yourself in a natural environment and provide valuable information about native animals and their habitats. Immerse yourself into the breathtaking landscape of South Africa and Botswana, and unleash your passion for adventure.