Photography Programs in South Africa

A big personal takeaway was learning to establish and build trust with your subjects and the people you work with. More than just the photography involved, I was really immersed with people's stories and how I would want to best portray them through my lens. In a sense, this enables me to have a greater internal purpose and obligation with my work. Having Anna Lusty as my mentor grew my photography skills and knowledge immensely over the span of three weeks. Her acknowledgement of my growth as a photographer made me very proud to have joined this program.

Being there with Anna who works with nonprofits on a daily basis just solidified the fact that I need to follow in her footsteps in a way here in Canada. I was kind of living in a bit of a bubble for the past decade plus, and working in the communities and townships where there is so much need, beyond what I can even imagine, was really good for me. My bubble had burst and I needed that. There is so much need everywhere and if I can make even the slightest difference, then that is what I want to be doing.

I took the NGO photography program because it has a combination of things that are close to my heart and have my keen interest: giving back, Africa and its people, improving my skills in photography and discovering new places (this program allowed me to discover places I would never have visited as a tourist). The program was truly enriching. First, the program definitely helped me advance as a photographer. The teacher Anna was great! She's a professional humanitarian photographer and really makes you experiment. I learned a lot about different aspects of photography; technical aspects, but also how to make a connection with people before taking pictures so that the character of the person transpires in the picture. Second, it made me 'richer' as a person because I had the opportunity to see many different sides of Cape Town, meet lovely people and better understand the societal complexities (and beauty!) of South Africa.

I had the most educating and in depth experience with Penda Photo Tours. There was never a moment where I felt like I knew to little or that I wasn't supposed to be there, they really do teach you so much about Photography and make sure that you know it's okay to make mistakes. The Organizations we visited really stole my heart, everyone was so warm and nice, I wish I could be apart of this program forever.

Staff at the zoo and Loop Abroad were amazing to work with and were so helpful in every aspect! We unfortunately got sick on our trip and had to miss a few days of the experience but the staff at the zoo made sure to video everything for us and do everything in their power to make us comfortable. 10/10 recommend.

I volunteered at Nakavango in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as part of the IVHQ Wildlife Conservation Project. It truly was one of the highlights of my life. And I’ve had some pretty remarkable experiences so that says a lot. The staff a Nakavango was incredible and extremely knowledgeable. They create the perfect balance of hard work and joyous moments playing with the children at Masuwe School, observing wildlife in the bush, and taking in the sights of one of the seven wonders of the world. We each had our own room, were provided three yummy meals a day with great care to accommodate those who have special diets. Highlights of my stay included morning and evening game drives, sitting around the fire pit under the stars, camping out in the bush, and completing a work task feeling that we had made progress on a project. Yet, the most outstanding aspect of this experience for me, was bonding with my fellow volunteers. Prior to arriving at Nakavango, I thought I’d be the senior member of the crew so I was a bit apprehensive even though I had worked for weeks to get in shape physically so I could contribute equally. Well, I wasn’t the most senior. In fact, we had a wonderful range of ages, nationalities, and personalities. We became a family, caring for and respectful of all. That truly blew me away. And now, we continue to stay in touch. I am so grateful for the IVHQ program at Nakavango. It changed my life!

I volunteered in Bali- Ubud, through IVHQ. Bali was an incredible experience. I made life long friends, taught a class of 6th graders, and got to experience a beautiful new culture. The staff were amazing, and helped out all the volunteers with whatever needs they had. The location was beautiful, we were situated in a village 20 minutes outside the town of Ubud. This allowed us to integrate in a real Balinese community. The people (the volunteers, locals & staff) were second to none. I volunteered for five weeks- by the end of those 5 weeks I was wishing I had 5 more! The only downside to this programme is missing the children you taught and the friends you made after you leave! A member of the IVHQ team was on hand from the minute I booked the trip. She answered any questions I had, and checked in with m to make sure everything was going well during the volunteer programme. Volunteering with IVHQ in Bali was absolutely the best thing I ever done. I thoroughly recommend anyone interested in volunteering abroad to consider IVHQ Bali. You wont regret it.

Bonus week in Cape Town was easily one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Our accommodations were clean, safe, and fun! We spent a few days exploring as tourists, but were also given the chance to experience South Africa as the locals do. The Cape Town experience isn't just adventuring, we also learned about conservation, history, the people and cultures, poverty, and the effect we can have on the lives of others. Between touring Robbin Island and Table Mountain, visiting so many beaches (including the penguins), going to a rugby game, and even just relaxing at the backpack; I couldn't have asked for a better experience! My favorite part of the trip had to have been the day spent at the southern tip of Africa. It was so relaxing and the views were stunning. It was also a nice little bonus that we happened to be there during FIFA 2018, and nothing brings people together quite like soccer. It was absolutely awesome! I would gladly do it again.

Our trip to Capetown, though it was only a week long, was incredible and unforgettable! We were able to do many incredible things. We did a guided bus tour of Capetown and traveled to the top of Table Mountain where we got an incredible view of Capetown and encountered dassies (also known as rock hyraxes). We also visited Robben Island, and were even able to see Nelson Mandela's cell, on a tour given by a previous prisoner. We ate at various fantastic restaurants, including Addis in Cape, an Ethiopian restaurant. We visited the African Penguins at Boulders Beach as well. We spent one night in Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, and visited its beautiful beaches where we even saw an old shipwreck. We had lovely accommodations there in the Agulhas National Park. We also had the fantastic opportunity to attend a South Africa V England rugby game. We purchased rugby shirts, painted our faces and got geared up for the game! Even though South Africa lost, it was an incredible experience. One of the most important experiences in this Bonus Week, was visiting the black township called Langa. During our tour, we were educated on the lives and hardships of the people there, as well as given the opportunity to purchase their art and pottery. It is truly humbling and important to see this part of Capetown -- not just the luxurious houses and apartments on the water. I honestly can't recommend this bonus week enough - it is an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity.

The ABW in Cape Town was one of the best weeks of my life. What was so cool about this experience was that we not only got to take part in some touristy activities, but we got to live life as a true Capetonian. Everything was brilliant from the housing accommodations, to the food, to the cultural experience. Would recommend to anyone. Wish I could go again!

This was the best experience of my life! I have always wanted to travel and volunteer abroad and IVHQ made this so fun and easy. During the week we were able to volunteer and take in the experiences we wanted while leaving plenty of time to explore the country for the weekend. Highly highly recommend this organization if you want a new way to travel and give back.

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewJuly 03, 2018

Hi Deanna. Thanks for such an awesome review! It's fantastic to hear our program offered you one of the best experiences in your life and that we made the process of volunteering easy and fun for you. Thanks for being a great volunteer and please join us on another program soon. ^Claire - IVHQ South Africa Program Manager

I went to Cusco in June-July, for 5 weeks! I volunteered 3 weeks in a school with kids and 2 weeks in the zoo of the University. Both of programs was so much fun ! Just a little warning : don't accept the food at the school , the kid and the teacher can put some pression but it's important to say NO! I said yes and i've made an indigestion 2 hours after, for 5 days... nice ! Additionally, the staff is really amazing and always there if you need help! My host-family was really cool and we were 13 volunteers in the same house , so its easy to make activity with them during the evening! In perou, I've discover some wonderful people, amazing places, good food and a different culture! My best memories was to visit Plaza del Armas, the Macchu Picchu, rainbow mountain, moray, salt mines and the lake Titicaca during the weekend. The organisation American Inca Trail is a great staff to organize your tour! Finally, Just do it !

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewMay 21, 2018

Hi Florence, It's nice to hear from you! It sounds like you had a wonderful experience across your projects and exploring the wonders of Peru. Thanks for your feedback and for being a wonderful volunteer. We hope you'll join us again in the future. ^Andrea - IVHQ Peru - Cusco Program Manager

I was able to volunteer at a special needs orphanage in Lima, Peru. I helped the Physical Therapist do range-of-motion with the children. It was wonderful to get the kids out of their wheelchairs and help them loosen up and relax. The best was seeing smiles on their faces from just having more stimulation. I traveled on the weekends with the other volunteers. Such an awesome experience making memories with new friends. We went sand boarding in Huacachina, hiking in Huaraz, and exploring in Cusco and Machu Picchu.

My time in Madagascar was amazing! Could not have asked for a better 3 months. All the staff are all open and welcoming and the people are just the coolest! Im glad i did the 3 months because i cant imagine doing anything shorter. The huts on camp are really nice along with the living area and the beach right below. But yea either way would highly recommend!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewDecember 04, 2017

Hi Nathan, We are stoked to hear that you had an amazing 3 months in Madagascar! Thanks for sharing and for recommending IVHQ.<br/>Claire - IVHQ Madagascar Program Manager

Even if I dont speak their language the time I spent with the kids in Rio de janeiro was amazing. The smiles on their faces showed how much they apreciated what we did. I truly enjoyed the time playing soccer/football with them. Before I volunteered in Brazil I went to Colombia (Cartagena and Bogota) with IVHQ. I wanted to help these kids, but I didnt expect that they have an impact on me. I learned that there is always a reason to be happy no matter how hard life is. This time gave me so much that I took the chance to volunteer with IVHQ for the third time. If you are open minded, volunteering is the best way to travel. Living in the volunteer house felt like beeing part of a family. The work with the kids gives more experiences about culture and life than sightseeing can ever give. Brazil and also Colombia were amazing. Thank you IVHQ, I had the time of my life!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2016

Hi Leon, What a wonderful review! Smiles are universal and we are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time connecting with the children at your placements in Colombia and Brazil. Thanks for being an awesome volunteer and we would love to have you join us again in the future.