Wildlife Photography Volunteering in South Africa

I had an amazing time here. Staff were so kind and I’ve made unforgettable memories! It's an amazing experience to try once in your life. If you're passionate about animals and nature in general you'll love this project

It is great to have three months of focus on wildlife and photography. We had a lot of great moments with a variety of animals and learned a lot of them and their behavior. Improving my photography and editing skills was one of my goals, the help of the staff is really great for that. I loved being here and hope to be back.

The 6 weeks I spent there were amazing. I met some incredible people and the staff team is awesome. I got told what I needed in the emails so it’s perfect, the kitchen’s food is really good too. The researchers presentations and the inductions were really helpfull.

What an amazing experience; being immersed in the midst of a game reserve for 4 weeks, with incredibly knowledgable and passionate guides and photography experts surpassed all expectations. We learnt, we laughed and made great friends.

I signed up for eight weeks of the Wildlife Photography Internship and have been quite disappointed and disillusioned; in fact so much so that I cut my time short here and left three weeks earlier than I had planned. First, when I signed up for this, I did not expect this to essentially be a summer camp for kids mainly interested in partying whenever the bar was open and who have no common decency or respect for others and whose staff was unwilling or unable to discourage the behavior until I finally complained about it. Frequent vulgar language is tolerated and even used by the staff. I did not expect the social activities to center around alcohol and it is unfortunate that this program is based at a lodge that has a bar; after an incident during my second week, I could not bring myself to socialize at the bar anymore due to the behavior of some of the more immature participants of the program. I realize that the legal drinking age in South Africa is 18 and I have been told that because they are only 18 to 20-somethings, they can be immature, but that should not be an excuse for their irresponsible and irritating behavior, and they ARE CONSIDERED ADULTS, so they should act that way. One of my original roommates was 18 and he was an amazing young man, able to carry on an adult conversations with me and always respectful, so age should not be an excuse for the inappropriate behavior. I also have an 18-yr old nephew and other nieces and nephews who have been 18 and they know how to behave and are considerate of others and respectful, especially when with older adults. I got the impression that a number of the participants are spoiled rich kid brats being sent all over the world by their parents, on their parents money, and have never been told "no" or experienced any consequences for bad behavior. African Impact has a code of conduct which we were required to sign; however, my experience has been that the staff did not enforce them. When I spoke with the project manager, she informed me that she was not aware of the inappropriate behavior—but she is rarely around. There have been other staff around much of the time, but nothing is done. My last week here, after I had brought these issues up, I did notice some improvement with some of the behavior. On the other hand, there is a group who is here to learn, observe nature, and be a part of conservation efforts; unfortunately for me, I was not able to block out or ignore the other group of very immature individuals and it adversely affected my experience here. As a photography "intern," I expected some one-on-one time with the "professional wildlife photographer" that was supposed to teach us the skills I hoped to learn. Instead we did receive brief workshops on various photography subjects and weekly critiques of five of our submissions, but no scheduled one-on-one time for further teaching. The African Impact website that describes this program states that some of the highlights of this program are: "• Build a portfolio that will showcase your talent for wildlife and other genre-specific photography • Use your photographs to increase awareness of conservation and other local and global issues"—neither of these two were met. The first was never discussed and I have no idea if any of my photos that I submitted for critique were or will ever be used for the conservation effort. Additionally, the description of the program includes the following: "You will also have your own Professional Development Coach who will give you improved focus and effectiveness throughout your internship." There was no such coaching. The photography program was described as taking in only 6 total participants—2 "interns" max and 4 "basic" photography program "volunteers"; however, this past week, a total of 9 photography participants arrived, at least two of which are for the internship, which does not include the four interns already in the program (including me and another intern who was hired to take over the co-ordinator position once the current co-ordinator leaves in another week or two—she is NOT a professional wildlife photographer, but apparently has a history of landscape photography). The actual photography coordinator is stuck out of the country awaiting her visa and now I'm hearing that she won't be hear until May, so the current interns and volunteers should have been notified of this issue before arriving here and given the option to return at a later date once the true co-ordinator has arrived. Regarding the lodging, our roof leaked during the heavy rainstorms we had and the screen door in the back has the screen torn off the door along the bottom side and bottom of the door, essentially making the screen worthless. There essentially is no security; there is a small safe in each room, but otherwise, we cannot lock our doors. The Research and Conservation Project's laptops were all stolen from the project room the first week I was here and, as I understand it, none of the information/data that was stored in them was backed up. The drawers under the bunk beds are filthy, with dust, hair, and dead insects in the drawers, I stopped putting my clothes in them after noticing that when I pulled one of the drawers out all the way. I made the unfortunate decision at the beginning to sleep in the bottom bed of the bunk bed right across from the air conditioner and the cold air blew directly onto me (when we had electricity)—there was no way to redirect the airflow from the air conditioner. Throughout the property there are cigarette butts scattered on the ground, including on the pool deck, and by the garden across the entrance drive I found an empty cigarette pack and more cigarette butts that had just been thrown on the ground. The pool deck area was finally swept clean a couple days after I mentioned this to the project manager. There was also much litter scattered around the property around the entrance drives, including empty glass and plastic bottles. I expected the property owner to be more vigilant about the appearance of his property, but apparently not. I also did not expect the frequent power outages that occurred usually three times a day for two and a half hours or more at a time, and on at least two occasions for longer than 24 hours.

If you want to learn how to do wildlife photography, this is the place ! I enrolled in a four week course in the Greater Kruger Area and I had the best time of my life. You will learn all the basics of wildlife photography and you will go on game drives every day ! The camp was very good and had all the necessities. The staff and the guides were the most amazing persons ever ! It’s an experience of a lifetime ! Will be coming back next year !

This experience was incredible! Getting to know such amazing children and to get the opportunity to be a part in their life for a short time was incredible to me. I will forever cherish everything that they taught me and be grateful for this time! The work-days were perfectly put together with teaching, breaks, other activities and social happenings in the evenings! And being in such a beautiful town, it was easy to find something fun and cool to do on the weekdays! I did Angels pool, The Elephant Cafe, Rhino Walk and overnight safari in Chobe, Botswana! Compared to my expectations it was very safe, clean and comfortable stay at the Backpackers and the city itself! I had a lot of fun and made awesome memories that I will cherish forever. I would recommend doing a project ant African Impact in Livingstone to absolutely everyone!

I had a fantastic time on the photography program in the Greater Kruger Area. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable - lots of learnings on every game drive. I felt I was part of the community - all of the volunteers were engaged and fun. The exposure to the wildlife every day was amazing - I was able to extend my photography skills and learn the Lightroom for editing my photos. The facilities and location are just fantastic. I would recommend the program!

I had a fantastic time from start to finish. Learning so much to take my photography to the next level. All the guides were so helpful and supportive. Nothing was too much trouble. A great time in a great place. Would not hesitate to recommend to anybody. Even us older types.

This trip has exceeded my dreams and expectations! The opportunity to see South African wildlife in their natural environment is amazing. I have enormous respect and admiration for the guides and staff. Their commitment to the wildlife and their environment is truly commendable and comes across in everything they do. They all shared their extensive knowledge in creative and fun ways. The photography opportunities were extraordinary, and our instructor and assistants made each day, experience, and lesson meaningful and enjoyable. This was my first trip to Africa, I've fallen in love and will be back. I plan to visit African Imact in Livingstone next time. Combining my love of photography and wildlife with volunteering and conservation is an ideal vacation for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I had a really great time in this program! The guide and staff made my stay educational, entertaining and really fun. I learn so much in just a few days about my camera and the whole photography process! I made really good friends in the photography and the conservation groups that I will miss a lot.

The experience was absolutely incredible; all of the guides were lovely and always eager to share their knowledge with us, and Paula and Keira were amazing… we taught us about different photography styles and were always available to give us a hand when needed. I’d do it all over again!

The location is great, it’s amazing that we are living right in the bush. The guides are all awesome and lovely people. The course was very good and I learned so much from Paula, there is a good balance of workshops, presentations and game drives. Overall I had an amazing time and learned a lot.

African Impact is a place that has changed my life forever. Before coming here to the Greater Kruger Area to learn about Wildlife photography I knew that this 3 month internship would be amazing, that I would explore the African bush and learn about the animals that I love so much. What I didn't know is that I would experience an immense inner growth and discover a complete new passion, tracking. I got so immersed in it that I even own a tracking book now and am planning to do a tracking course! In the photography field I have learned a lot about theory, how to take a good photo while in the bush and in the game viewer and explored different types of photography. My growth in photography and in my own self would not be possible without the most amazing teacher and mentor, Paula. Her guidance and belief in me and my abilities as a photographer and in my photos gave me so much encouragement to better myself in the art. The photography assistant, Keira, is a great teacher and a friend who has taught me a lot.The guides at the project are full of passion for wildlife and that passion is clearly visible in how they interact with the animals. When teaching us, volunteers, about tracks or wildlife or botany they constantly push us to think for ourselves and in this way I have learned a lot. They have ignited a passion in me to become a guide and showed me a good way of how to do it. Their and Paula's constant encouragement and trust they showed in me made me a better person and because of them I know my capabilities that I can be more and achieve everything that I want. To me they are family. Before coming here I knew that I would venture outside my comfort zone but what I didn't know is that I would come back home a changed person. If you are looking into bettering yourself in photography then Paula is your teacher, she will change your life, I promise you that.

I stayed with African Impact for four weeks this summer in the beautiful Greater Kruger Area. The area is way different than I expected as the vegetation is very thick but still you can see lots of animals. Especially around the Olifants river. The camp is also beautiful situated next to the river, so you can see hippo’s and crocodiles from you balcony sometimes. The camp itself is amazing, the rooms are spacious and have everything you need, the pool area with the view is stunning and the project room and bar area are also perfect. During my four weeks here I followed the photography program. I didn’t had any experience in photography but that wasn’t really a problem. In the few weeks I was here I learned a lot about photography and I could see the improvement of my skills almost every day. The program includes many game drives, workshops, feedback sessions and presentations. It doesn’t only focus on wildlife but almost every aspect of photography will be pointed out. I really loved the course and the knowledge of Paula and Keira is amazing, special thanks to them!

I had an incredible time during my two month stay. I learned a lot and will absolutely be coming back! The photography program, Paula the photography coordinator and Keira the photography assistant are amazing. They both taught me so much and encouraged me to explore my interests in specific genres of photography. The workshops, presentations and game drives in my first month were great and gave me the correct tools to get the most out of my time here. When I became an intern during my second month I was able to use the skills I learned from the following month to do specific projects. Paula made me a better photographer and helped me realize how in love I am with photography but more specifically wildlife photography.

I loved every single day here. I learned a lot, not only about photography but also about all of the South African wildlife and nature. The guides were really experienced and they knew a lot. I would go back tomorrow if I could.

The wildlife photography course offered by African Impact starts from the basics of photography and then goes deeper into its rules. The course gives you daily opportunities to apply on the field what you learn, making it easier and quicker for you to understand it. The program leader, Paula, is a fantastic teacher and will help you improve in every possible way, boosting up your confidence.

Best 5 weeks ever!! Highly recommend this trip it was truly amazing and the people/place/wildlife is a once in a life time opportunity. Honestly was not expecting it to be as good as it was. Everything was well organized and everyone was so helpful

Did the 4 weeks photography project, met amazing people, had great sightings and had the most wonderful time. My photography skills have also improved quite a bit, great if you either have shot before or are completely new.