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Wildlife Photography Internship in South Africa
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Bring your photography skills to the next level and support conservation initiatives
Are you passionate about photography, keen to improve your skills, and have an interest in wildlife conservation? Take the next step in exploring the thrilling profession of wildlife photography with this exciting opportunity.
With this Wildlife Photography Internship in the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa, you will bring your wildlife photography skills to the next level and support wildlife conservation initiatives at the same time. Be prepared for early starts to capture daily shots of the magical scenery and incredible animals, increase your knowledge of wildlife, habitats, & ecosystems, and assist with education in the community. Photography can be used as a powerful tool to increase awareness of conservation and other local and global issues. With the guidance of a professional photographer, you’ll learn how to capture moments that can be used to make a lasting positive impact on the African bush.
ORGANIZATION
This organization is a social development company that is driven by six individual causes that have been developed through long-term relationships and experience with communities and volunteering in Africa. These causes motivate, excite, and focus their vision, and allow them to offer internships that contribute to wider causes in Africa. As responsible leaders, they are committed to creating a professional internship portfolio, with opportunities that are unique in support and celebrated results. Through cultural immersion, their internships give individuals the ability to incorporate academic and experiential learning outside the classroom.
They also have a photographic database to support conservation charities and the photographs you take during this internship will be added to their selection. They are free to use for conservation charities for awareness and fundraising efforts. Profit-making organizations have to purchase the images, and the money goes directly into wildlife research projects. You will be credited wherever possible. In addition, your pictures may be used for educational purposes at schools in surrounding communities.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Responsibilities
- Photography: your primary focus will be on wildlife photography (big and small) but you will also have plenty of opportunities to take photos of f.e. landscapes, people, star skies, etc.
- Photo editing: editing of (some) of your best photographs
- Conservation: biweekly physical conservation activities to help restore habitats and ecosystems such as clearing encroaching bush and removing invasive plants species
- Education: assist with conservation education in primary and high schools to increase awareness.
- Personal assignment: together with your mentor you will decide on your personal photography assignment.
- Attend presentations on wildlife, habitats, ecology, and threats they face.
- Attend critique sessions where you will assess others’ photographs and analyze them.
- Daily game drive along with workshops and activities. Keep in mind, wildlife viewing requires patience and dedication.
Requirements
- Creative eye: Great photography is about the imagination and ‘eye’ of the photographer, so we are looking for people with a unique perspective. While these animals, landscapes, and people can hardly ever look anything other than spectacular, it is possible to capture something in a photo that will tell a story and take your breath away.
- Camera skills: Photography enthusiasts at all levels of skill are welcome, especially those driven by a passion to learn and capture the magic of Africa’s wildlife. Your expert guides will provide comprehensive training and mentorship, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to transform your passion into stunning images. Advanced photographers may wish to explore unique skills development, such as macrophotography and atrological photography.
- Software skills: A working knowledge of editing software like Lightroom is essential. Experience of photo editing software such as Photoshop would be an added bonus.
- Positivity and Passion: While interning and living in South Africa, the bush will bring its own unique challenges that will require you to be patient, positive, and flexible!
- Equipment:
- Digital camera with a (minimum) 300mm lens
- Laptop or tablet with either Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Lightroom Classic installed and working
- Multiple memory cards, 2 x 32GB suggested
- External hard drive or SSD (ideally 1TB+)
- Charging cables and 2 spare batteries
- OPTIONAL: Tripod / Bean bag / Wide angle & macro lenses / Waterproof dry bag / Camera cleaning kit / Photoshop
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You will be staying at Kambaku 2 Camp in a big 5 game reserve. It is a traditional bush lodge set in the heart of the African wilderness with all the facilities and furnishings you need for a comfortable stay. The accommodation includes 7 large dorm rooms overlooking the Olifants River each with A/C and en-suite bathrooms. Regular events are hosted including: movie/quiz/game nights, presentations on conservation issues, outdoor braais, documentary screenings, and sundowner evenings in the bush.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Please consult your doctor with regards to vaccinations. The Greater Kruger Area is a low risk malaria zone, so there is a small risk particularly in the rainy summer months (October to April). You should seek medical advice on antimalarial medication options.
Communication
Communication
There is free Wifi at the camp to enable you to make contact with home through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc. Please note that you will be in the African bush, so the Wifi can at times be slow & unreliable. There is cell phone reception at camp, however, it is poor quality so there is no need to purchase a local SIM card.
Meals
Meals
Your meals are included with the fee and consists of a mixture of international and local cuisine. Some examples of traditional South African meals include bobotie, a potjie, a Cape Malay-style curry or the experience and excitement of cooking on an open fire with a South African braai. Or how about a local dessert such as milk tart or malva pudding, perhaps a peppermint crisp tart or sweet koeksisters. If you have an dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know upon application so that the team on the ground can prepare to accommodate your needs.
Location details
Location details
You will be based at a traditional bush lodge in a Big 5 private reserve on the shores of the Olifants River. The surrounding wilderness is known as the Greater Kruger Area and Africa’s most iconic (and endangered) animals can be found here. When you’re not out on a bush drive, you’ll spend your time relaxing by the pool or hanging out with fellow wildlife enthusiasts while watching giraffes, hippos, elephants, and other wild animals across the river.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Prices are available starting May 3, 2026
What you will pay (2026 rates)
8 weeks USD 5,950
9 weeks USD 6,800
10 weeks USD 7,650
11 weeks USD 8,500
12 weeks USD 9.350
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation based on a dorm room
- Airport transfers to your accommodation upon arrival and departure
- Three meals a day
- Wifi access
- 24/7 on-site support during your stay
- Project transport, equipment, and resources
- Optional weekend excursions (additional fees apply)
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Hoedspruit
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Laundry
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
REVIEWS
This internship has been an unforgettable experience. The work was deeply fulfilling and gave me valuable insight into what it’s like to be part of an NGO. Beyond the office, I had an absolutely incredible time in Livingstone. I've spent nights under the stars at Chobe National Park, I've gone bungee jumping and rope swinging off of the bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls, and built lifelong friendships with fellow interns and volunteers. It has been truly phenomenal—far beyond what I ever imagined.
Ty, American – Muskingum University
NGO Management Internship, Zambia
I had to do an internship for my studies, so I decided to take the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time. I did a lot of research on the internet, looking for the right organization, and finally found Roots Interns’ website which looked trustworthy. We had a lot of Zoom calls and they took the time to learn about what I was truly looking for. We discussed my requirements and my learning goals, including enhancing my English speaking and professional skills, and then they matched me with the perfect organization for my needs. For anyone who wants to do an internship abroad, I would 100% recommend Roots and I encourage you to take on this unique experience.
Auriane, French – Engineering School BCPST
NGO Management Internship, South Africa
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Greater Kruger, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Wildlife Conservation
TASK FOCUS: Photography, Conservation
LENGTH: 8-12 Weeks
COST: From USD 5,950
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Improve your (wildlife) photography skills and build an amazing portfolio
- Learn how to use pre-visualisation, production, and editing to form your own definitive photography style
- Use your photographs for a higher purpose and learn how to use photography as a conservation and education tool
- Be inspired and learn from the work of other photographers
- Learn and understand more about South Africa’s wildlife, it’s habitats and ecosystems, and the people
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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