Project Description
This project is based in the world-renowned Greater Kruger Area – famous for the Big 5 and amazing scenery.
In this impressive setting, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your photographic skills while raising conservation awareness. If you have always wanted to take amazing wildlife pictures, there is no better place in the world!
Location Highlights
Situated in the heart of South Africa’s famous Big 5 Greater Kruger Area, we are surrounded by a number of world-renowned game reserves. The focal point of this area is, of course, the Kruger National Park, which is just 45 minutes from the lodge.
The nearest town is Hoedspruit, a 30-minute drive from our lodge. We have an optional weekly trip into town on Fridays. This will give you the chance to visit supermarkets and souvenir shops or simply spend some time relaxing with a cup of coffee or an ice-cream.
How We Make An Impact
Photography Workshop
In the first week, you will take part in an extensive workshop, where you will learn the basics of photography, get to practice your skills in hands-on activities and learn about how to edit your pictures in Lightroom.
Conservation Research
Working in conjunction with our research department, photographers will assist the research team in collecting animal identification information by taking pictures of the wildlife while out on a drive. The project is a unique opportunity to encounter some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife and people while improving your photographic skills.
Creating a Photographic Database
We have a photographic database (www.africanimpactphotography.com) for educational purposes. Images are also sold online and all proceeds go directly back into the core research projects. We will also look for every opportunity to use your images to help educate community schools about nature and the need to conserve the environment.
Conservation Education Club & Activities
In partnership with local wildlife trusts and foundations, you will be assisting in a number of exciting conservation initiatives, including clearing alien invasive plants, bush encroachment and litter picking. You will also go to local schools and hold an educational presentation on conservation, such as the importance of water, recycling and wildlife conservation.
Photographer of the Month
Every month we have a photography competition. Our photographers submit five of their favorite images with the hope of this image being voted the best by our staff and volunteers. The winning image takes pride of place as our Facebook cover shot for the month! See examples of our previous winners work below
Work You'll Be Doing
Photography Workshop
In your first week, you will take part in a workshop that is held by our professional Photographer, Tim Feherty. He will teach you the basics, secrets and highlights of photography, by explaining how to use your camera settings and what you need to focus on when taking pictures. You will get assignments to capture frames, colours, movement, portraits and many more. You will also learn how to edit your pictures in Lightroom, and how to make them stand out from the crowd.
Conservation Work
Time to understand why so much work needs to be completed on the ground. Working on defined schedules we need your help to create water holes, remove alien plants, clear fences, conduct snare sweeps and return much of the land into a habitat for the wildlife to flourish. Don’t worry about you physical abilities, we have a role for everyone and many hands are needed.
Devil in the Detail
You will spend many afternoons editing your pictures. We take pride in teaching you how to create National Geographic level photographs, and for this, you will have the best opportunity working with us. You will have assignments to complete, and at the end of the four weeks, a cover photo competition will be held, to choose the best picture of the month!
Why You Should Join
- Live in the heart of the world famous Greater Kruger area, on your own private reserve.
- Take your photography to the next level during your intensive tutoring from a professional photographer in week one.
- Develop your newly acquired/existing skills in the remaining 3 weeks by shooting pictures in the African bush.
- Add your images to our conservation database and contribute towards ongoing awareness campaigns and research.
- Educate the local communities on the importance of conservation.
- Assist the ongoing efforts in conservation initiatives, such as creating new waterholes, removing alien plants and conduct snare sweeps.
- Camp out regularly in the bush, learning the stars and eating round a bush fire.
- Explore Blyde River Cannon, take in the site of the Panorama Route or go and hike over the weekends
During your time with us, we will get you involved in different and exciting activities:
- Go on the famous Panorama Route, which is a scenic route along Mpumalanga Escarpment with Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world
- Go on an adventure in Blyde River Canyon that include extreme hiking, a boat trip or micro light flight
- Go on a day safari with an experienced guide in the famous Kruger National Park, South African’s largest game reserve
- Enjoy a fantastic day learning about the Shangaan culture, language and history through dance and music
- Go on an afternoon town trip in to Hoedspruit, grab an ice cream, do some souvenir shopping and pick up some yummy snacks for the following week
- Get an extra stamp in your passport and explore Swaziland, in the wonderful Mlilwane Game reserve filled with numerous animal species and stunning flowers
- Relax by the pool, watch a movie or challenge your fellow volunteers and staff to a game of touch rugby
Details
Duration: 4 – 12 weeks
Countries: South Africa
Experiences: Volunteering
Ages: 16 and up
Experience Requirements:
- Enthusiasm for photography and African wildlife is essential.
- Good understanding of English.
- Photographic knowledge and experience is helpful, but not necessary, as this project has been established for all levels – from complete beginners to professionals.
- Please note that you will be taught how to edit your photos in Lightroom and spend a good deal of time during the 4 weeks editing your images – for this reason a basic level of computer literacy is required
Project start: Every other Sunday (see scheduled dates below)
Dates: 28 January / 25 February / 25 March / 22 April / 20 May / 17 June / 15 July / 12 August / 09 September / 07 October / 04 November / 02 December / 30 December
Price:
2 weeks – $2,519.00
3 weeks – $3,197.00
4 weeks – $3,875.00
5 weeks – $4,553.00
6 weeks – $5,231.00
7 weeks – $5,909.00
8 weeks – $6,587.00
9 weeks – $7,265.00
10 weeks – $7,943.00
11 weeks – $8,621.00
12 weeks – $9,299.00
A Typical Volunteer Week
| Mon | AM: Photography -Waterfalls/Landscapes. Project meeting
PM: Photography – Macro Bush Walk |
| Tues | AM: Conservation – Invasive Plant Removal. Rhino Poaching Presentation followed by Photo Editing
PM: Photography – Game Drive. Overnight Camp/ Astral Photography |
| Wed | AM: Photography – Game Drive. Break Up Camp and Return to Lodge
PM: Conservation Club planning followed by Photo Editing. light painting. |
| Thu | AM: Photography – Sunrise Shoot. Photo Editing
PM: Community – Conservation Club. Sundowners Quiz |
| Fri | AM: Research – Photography – Game Drive. Photo Critique
PM: Photo Editing or Optional Town Trip. Braai Night |
| Sat – Sun | Weekend Trips – Optional |
Please contact us if you have any questions!
Accommodations
During your volunteering, you will stay at our base within the Greater Kruger Area, Dumela Lodge, a spacious thatched lodge boasting a large swimming pool and situated on 18 hectares of land.
This beautiful landscape serves as home to impala, bush pig, nyala and a great diversity of birdlife. Here, you will dine, relax and socialize. We don’t know of a better place to sit around a campfire and admire the stars.
Dumela means “hello” in Northern Sotho (pronounced “sootoo”). The lodge is situated on an 18-hectare private reserve and surrounded by wilderness and private game reserves. It is home to Vervet Monkeys, Impala, Warthog, Bush Buck, Nyla, the occasional leopard and numerous birds to name but a few.
Situated in the heart of South Africa’s famous Big 5 Greater Kruger Area, we are surrounded by game reserves including the world-renowned Kruger National Park which is just 45 minutes from the lodge.
The nearest town is Hoedspruit, which is a 30-minute drive from our lodge and a great place to spend some relaxing downtime. We run an optional weekly town trip on Fridays. This will give you the chance to visit supermarkets, souvenir shops or simply spend some time relaxing with a coffee or ice-cream
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Airport Collection and drop off on arrival and departure
Wi-Fi available for an additional fee, but you will need your own Wi-Fi compatible device. (Approx.: R350 for 2 weeks or R600 for 4 weeks)
Laundry @ R60 per load
All your daily transport to the project sites
3 meals a day (Monday to Friday) from our team of great chefs
A full-time housekeeping service and 24-hour support
Comfortable shared accommodation
A great experience with the opportunity to make new friends!
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Items of a personal nature, personal insurances, visas and gratuities
Gratuity
Optional extra activities, not specified above
Optional Tours and Trips
During your time with us, we will get you involved in different and exciting activities:
- Explore on the world famous Panorama Route; a scenic route along Mpumalanga Escarpment with spectacular natural attractions such as the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world
- Go on an adventure in Blyde River Canyon that includes extreme hiking, a boat trip or microlight flight
- Go on a day safari with an experienced guide in the famous Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife destination.
- Enjoy a fantastic day learning about the Shangaan culture, language and history through dance and music
- Go on an afternoon town trip in to Hoedspruit, grab an ice cream, do some souvenir shopping and pick up some yummy snacks for the following week
- Get an extra stamp in your passport and explore Swaziland, in the wonderful Mlilwane Game reserve filled with numerous animal species and stunning flowers
- Relax by the pool, watch a movie or challenge your fellow volunteers and staff to a game of touch rugby
Below is a selection of some of the tours you can book while on project.
Panorama Route – From R950
With one breathtaking view after another you will meander your way along the mountain tops to Gods Window. Enjoy the sights of the world’s third largest canyon, see the three rondawels, explore African curios markets, admire the circular sculptures of Bourke’s Luck canyon and much more.
Horse Riding– from R950
Go for a magical leisurely ride in the African Bush. This is your chance to experience the African Bush in a unique way and if you’re lucky you’ll have the chance to get up close with plains game. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert or a novice horse rider, anyone can join in the fun.
Bush walk and tracking adventure – from R2250
Awaken your senses and let our head guide Jason take you on a walk into the bush. Spend the night camping in Klaserie, enjoy an amazing braai cooked by the braai master himself and learn more about the bush from an exciting new perspective.
Swaziland – From R3200
As small as it is land locked, Swaziland is an exciting destination to visit. Swaziland makes up for its size with its diverse range of attractions and spectacular mountain landscapes. Spend your weekend in a plains game reserve, go on a hike, a horse ride or a guided mountain bike trail.
Kloofing/Extreme hiking – From – R750
Explore the Blyde River Canyon on foot and set your pulse racing with this unique form of hiking. It’s time to get the adrenaline pumping and is ideal for the adventurous. Hike your way down a small gorge and jump into deep crystal clear spring water.
