Wildlife Photography & Conservation South Africa

Wildlife Photography & Conservation in South Africa

St. Lucia is located in the heart of the Zulu culture, and is home to many different South African Zulu tribes, who have an especially vibrant and colourful culture. The songs and dances of the “people of the sky” are a part of everyday life, which is cultivated alongside other traditions.

As a volunteer, you will live directly in St. Lucia, working in the framework of a wildlife photography project here, with the goal of wildlife conservation in South Africa. You will be working to conserve a fascinating world of animals: This part of South Africa is home to rhinoceroses, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes, as well as an enormous number of bird species.

Orientation days in St. Lucia

After your arrival in St. Lucia, you will begin with a three-day photography course, led by an experienced wildlife photographer. You will become familiar with the various projects, take a short Zulu language course, and explore St. Lucia and its surroundings.

Accommodation in St. Lucia

Together with other volunteers, you will live in a shared room in the volunteer house, located directly in St. Lucia. The spacious house is equipped with:

• A living room,
• Pool,
• Garden, and
• Grilling area.

A cook will prepare your lunch and dinner during the week. You will need to provide your own dinner Saturday evening and your own lunch on Sundays. You will prepare your own breakfast each day using provided food,
which is covered in the programme price.

Wildlife photography in South Africa

• Activities: Helping to strengthen people’s awareness of wildlife conservation in South Africa with the help of wildlife photography in schools and community centres, assisting in the development of a photo databank of wildlife photography in the region around St. Lucia.
• Free Time: At the weekend.
• Duration: 4 weeks.
• Application: As early as possible, at least 2-3 months before departure.
• Starting Dates: Once each month, excluding December: 25 July, 22 Aug., 19 Sept., 17 Oct., 14 Nov. 2010. Please note: During the school holidays, the photography project will not take place. You will instead organise free time activities for the children. School holidays 2010: until 12 Jan., 27 Mar. - 11 April, 10 June - 12 July, 24 Sept. - 3 Oct. & after 10 Dec.
• Practical Experience: Photography experience is an advantage, but is not required.
• Other: Patience, independence, flexibility, adaptability, and personal initiative are very important. You will also need to be able to handle very basic living and work environments. Travel experience is an advantage. Each participant must bring their own photography equipment. A single lens reflex camera is necessary for your wildlife photography in South Africa.