SOUTH AFRICA

WILDLIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY

& CONSERVATION

WORKSHOP

with CHARLEE WILd ▲

SOUTH AFRICA PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP OVERVIEW ▲

AUGUST 2025

Duration: 13 days

Language spoken: English

Spots available: 12

We are very proud to share that our Trip will be donating $2500 to The Endangered Wildlife Trust to help safeguard the future of their most endangered carnivores.

We will also be sponsoring a Carnivore Immobilization to the value of $2000, a Rhino donation to the value of $2500, and a Cheetah Donation to the value of $2000.

WELCOME To the South Africa Wildlife Photography Workshop ▲

Get ready for an unforgettable South African adventure!

We’ll immerse ourselves in breathtaking landscapes and encounter incredible wildlife, all while working alongside renowned conservationists. On our South Africa trip, we going to see and photograph some amazing wildlife and landscapes. But that’s not all. This unique experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at crucial conservation efforts and provides opportunities to support endangered species.

Unlike typical tours, this journey takes us beyond the ordinary. We'll explore private areas inaccessible to the public, capturing stunning images and contributing to vital conservation work. We will not be joining tours. Everything we will be doing and all of the wildlife we will have the opportunity to photograph will either be in the African bush or in private areas closed to the public with non-profits.

As with all my workshops, your engagement is key. Let me know your photography goals, and let's collaborate to create stunning images and lasting memories while learning and growing together.

South Africa Trip Highlights ▲

  • Join Charlee for a 13-day photography safari in the heart of Africa.

  • African bush adventures: Track cheetahs and rhinos on foot.

  • Exclusive experiences: Spend a day with a Wildlife Veterinarian during a carnivore immobilization or collaring procedure.

  • Iconic wildlife destinations: Explore Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve for multiple days.

  • Elevate your photography: Learn advanced post-processing techniques in a dedicated post-processing & editing workshop.

Together, we'll make a difference ▲

Through our South Africa Wildlife Photography & Conservation Workshop, we will be supporting the Endangered Wildlife Trust and The Dinokeng Foundation to protect endangered carnivores including rhinos and cheetahs.

join us as we EMBARK ON A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CONSERVATION WORKSHOP IN SOUTH AFRICA in august 2025.

For 3 nights, we'll immerse ourselves in the heart of Kruger National Park, one of the world's premier wildlife destinations. This vast 2-million-hectare wilderness is home to Africa's iconic Big 5: elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards.

Our days will be filled with wildlife encounters and outdoor adventure as we explore the park in open safari vehicles. We'll have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs and experience wildlife up close and personally. To get those perfect photos, each of us is guaranteed an end-seat in the vehicle. Afternoons will be dedicated to refining your photography skills in informative workshops.

We'll spend a day with a dedicated Wild Dog expert from EWT, who is working tirelessly to protect South Africa's remaining Wild Dog population of 600. This unique experience will offer insights into their conservation efforts. We'll also embark on an exclusive night drive in Kruger National Park.

Following our Kruger adventure, we'll journey to the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve for 4 nights. Known for its exceptional leopard sightings, Sabi Sands offers the ultimate safari experience. The elusive leopard, often considered the most challenging of the Big 5 to spot, is frequently seen here. Beyond the Big 5, the reserve boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including over 300 bird species. Sabi Sands is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers alike.

We will then spend 3 nights in Hoedspruit after our Sabi Sands experience. Charlee will host a comprehensive full-day photography and editing workshop at the lodge. During our time here we wil join the EWT Carnivore team for a Wild Dog tracking experience, utilizing telemetry equipment.

Our last two nights we will spend at Dinokeng Game Reserve. Upon arrival, we'll have the unique opportunity to track cheetahs on foot. The next day, we'll join the Dinokeng Wildlife Team and a veterinarian for a carnivore immobilization and rhino tracking experience. These exclusive activities are reserved solely for our group only.

MEET YOUR SAFARI INSTRUCTOR, CHARLEE.

I’m Charlee Wild, a British wildlife photographer and videographer with a decade-long passion for capturing the beauty and fragility of our planet. As a Sony Alpha Collective member, I share my work with a global audience.

With extensive experience leading safaris in Africa, I'm deeply committed to wildlife conservation and sharing the wonders of this incredible continent.

THIS WORKSHOP IS PROUDLY SPONSORED & SUPPORTED BY LEXAR.

Lexar supplies every one of my workshop students with a brand new Professional SSD memory card.

SOUTH AFRICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ITINERARY ▲ DAY 1: WELCOME!

Meet Charlee and the Inspired Team at KMI Airport, Nelspruit.

Our journey to The Kruger National Park begins promptly at noon, so we suggest arriving before this time. For those unable to make the early arrival on the same day, we recommend flying in the previous day and staying at one of the convenient airport hotels in Johannesburg or Mbombela.

Step into the magnificent Kruger National Park, a pristine wilderness spanning 2 million hectares and proudly hosting Africa's legendary Big 5: Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard. Known as one of the world's premier wildlife destinations, Kruger boasts the most diverse array of wildlife species of any African national park. Your photographic safari begins the moment we cross through the park gates, where we embark on a 2-hour game drive. You'll travel in our specially designed open vehicles, with each photographer guaranteed a prime end seat for capturing perfect wildlife shots!

As dusk approaches, we'll arrive at our securely fenced camp, where you can freely and safely explore the various lookout points and facilities. Your accommodation consists of authentic safari canvas tents, each shared between two people and equipped with quality mattresses and pillows for a comfortable night's rest. The camp offers modern amenities including hot showers, clean bathrooms, comfortable camp chairs, and a well-equipped gazebo kitchen featuring a refrigerator, cooking facilities, and storage space. Charging points are also available throughout the camp.

Gather around the crackling campfire beneath the vast African sky, and later drift off to sleep accompanied by nature's nocturnal symphony – the distant roar of lions, the distinctive grunt of hippos, and the gentle chorus of riverside frogs.

Evening meal included.

DAY 2 AND 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK ▲

Immerse yourself in an authentic wildlife experience as we venture through the park in our open safari vehicles on a guided adventure, bringing you into the heart of Africa's untamed wilderness where we will get to be up close and personal with the park’s residents.

Your journey will be enriched by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic Kruger guides, who share fascinating insights about the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife behavior as we travel along the animal tracks. Each day begins with a warming cup of tea or coffee and traditional rusks at camp before we set out for our morning photographic expedition. Winter in the Kruger is particularly rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts - the cooler temperatures and sparse vegetation enhance visibility, while animals frequently gather around water sources, creating exceptional viewing and photography opportunities.

The park's remarkable biodiversity includes an impressive 147 mammal species, 500 bird species, and 114 different reptiles, offering endless possibilities for wildlife encounters in their undisturbed habitat. Beyond the famous Big 5, you're likely to encounter the cheetah, hyena, wild dog, giraffe, vast herds of zebra and wildebeest, and a diverse array of antelope species.

A highlight of day 3 features a meeting with a leading expert from the Endangered Wildlife Trust Carnivore Conservation Programme. Join them on an exciting tracking expedition to locate collared Wild Dog packs - these remarkable creatures are one of Africa's most endangered carnivores, surpassed only by the Ethiopian Wolf.

Your daily meals take place at scenic picnic spots throughout the park, where local wildlife roams around us. After capturing the magic of golden hour, we return to camp in the late afternoon. Unwind on the elevated wooden deck overlooking the river as the sun sets, before gathering for a memorable dinner around the glowing campfire.

All meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - are included.

DAY 4 TO 7: SABI SANDS ▲

Following our final morning drive and breakfast in The Kruger National Park, we'll journey to Sabie Game Reserve, nestled within the Sabi Sands - widely recognized as South Africa's most famous private game reserve and an unrivaled safari destination.

Your wildlife experience continues with 4 nights at the charming Umkumbe Bush Lodge. Here, we'll embark on private morning and afternoon game drives in our dedicated open 4x4 vehicle, exclusive only to our group and accompanied by seasoned rangers who bring vast expertise to our photographic adventure. Sabie Game Reserve and Sabi Sands are adjacent to legendary Kruger National Park, creating a unique safari landscape - there are no boundary fences between these wilderness areas, allowing wildlife to roam freely across this vast natural environment.

What sets this area apart is its reputation for exceptional leopard viewing - the most mysterious and elusive of the Big 5 is frequently spotted during game drives, making Sabi Sands and Sabie Game Reserve a photographer's paradise. The rich biodiversity extends beyond the Big 5, with abundant wildlife populations including over 300 bird species, creating a captivating environment for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and birding aficionados alike. Sabie and Sabi Sands have rightfully earned their reputation as South Africa's best wildlife photography safari destination.

Your stay includes all meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 8: HOEDSPRUIT ▲

As we bid farewell to Sabi Sands with one last sunrise, our journey continues to Hoedspruit. Here, you'll experience an engaging Photography Workshop and meet with a leading Wild Dog specialist from The Endangered Wildlife Trust - an organization committed to protecting endangered species and their habitats throughout East and Southern Africa.

Take the afternoon to unwind and recharge at your own pace, preparing for more adventures ahead.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

DAY 9: EDITING WORKSHOP ▲

Recharge, Edit, Learn - Understanding our guests' need for balance on photography expeditions, today offers a gentler pace. Sleep in and savor a leisurely breakfast before joining Charlee for an insightful editing masterclass where she'll share her techniques and provide personalized guidance with your own editing process. For those seeking alternative experiences, this free day presents perfect opportunities to restore your energy, explore local hiking trails, experience a Hot Air Balloon ride, or spend time at an Elephant Sanctuary.

Round off the day with a dinner presentation hosted by The Endangered Wildlife Trust team.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included.

DAY 10: TRACKING WILD DOGS ▲

On day 10 we will meet with a leading carnivore specialist and senior member from the EWT Carnivore Conservation Programme.

Together we'll explore diverse territories tracking collared Wild Dog packs - these remarkable creatures rank as Africa's second most endangered carnivore after the Ethiopian Wolf. You'll witness their vibrant social dynamics and discover how these close-knit families use extraordinary teamwork and collective strength to thrive in the African wilderness.

Much like human fingerprints, each Wild Dog displays its own distinctive coat pattern. Through years of dedicated observation, our expert guide has developed deep personal knowledge of the monitored packs and their individual members, offering unprecedented insights that go far beyond conventional wildlife literature. Our tracking mission employs radio telemetry to assess pack members' wellbeing, document identifications, and monitor pack dynamics and hierarchies.

South Africa's Wild Dog population faces numerous challenges - from snaring incidents and vehicle collisions to disease outbreaks and predator competition. Their numbers have dwindled dramatically, with only 200 remaining in Kruger National Park and approximately 600 across South Africa's entire territory. Throughout our expedition, you'll learn about their fascinating hunting strategies, unique meal-sharing customs, and remarkable behaviors like food regurgitation for pup feeding. After an engaging day of Wild Dog tracking, we'll return to our lodge to enjoy a satisfying dinner.

All meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - are included.

DAY 11: TRACKING CHEETAH ▲

Our journey continues as we travel together to Dinokeng Game Reserve, "a place of rivers" - aptly named for its location between two major waterways that flow through the Olifants and Limpopo Rivers before reaching the Indian Ocean.

This remarkable reserve emerged from an innovative partnership between the Provincial Government and over 170 dedicated landowners, united by a shared vision: harnessing eco-tourism as a catalyst for rural community development through sustainable job creation.

Dinokeng stands as a pioneering example of modern conservation, demonstrating how wildlife and human communities can thrive together. The reserve's success in transformation is evident in its creation of more than 800 permanent positions for residents of neighboring communities, setting a promising precedent for future conservation initiatives.

Upon arrival and lunch, we'll settle into our accommodations before embarking on an extraordinary adventure - tracking Cheetahs in an open safari vehicle (OSV) as part of the reserve's wildlife conservation experiences. Cheetah expert Matt Templey will provide behind-the-scenes insights into the intricate work of protecting these magnificent cats. Using specialized telemetry equipment to track the collared cheetahs, Matt will guide us through their world.

The experience culminates in an incredible opportunity to follow these graceful predators on foot - a truly unique wildlife encounter.

Your stay includes all meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 12: CARNIVORE VET EXPERIENCE AND TRACKING RHINOS ▲

Begin your day with an authentic African safari experience as we set out in our two open vehicles for an early morning game drive. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, where every sense awakens to the natural world around you. We'll pause during our morning expedition to savor fresh coffee and traditional home-baked rusks, either surrounded by pristine bush or overlooking a peaceful riverbank.

Following breakfast, you'll have the exclusive privilege of joining The Dinokeng Wildlife Team and their veterinarian for a vital Carnivore conservation procedure - whether it's fitting tracking collars or addressing other immediate needs. This behind-the-scenes experience is reserved solely for our group.

The afternoon brings another extraordinary conservation encounter as we board our open safari vehicle (OSV) to track Rhino populations. This intimate experience offers unique insights into the complex challenges and dedicated efforts required to protect these magnificent endangered creatures.

Your day is complete with all meals included - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 13: FAREWELL ▲

After breakfast, we will take shuttles directly to Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Please only book flights from 13h00 onwards.

Breakfast is included.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 12 nights shared accommodation 

  • Exclusive participation in a Carnivore Immobilization Experience

  • Private Cheetah Tracking on foot

  • Full board dining as detailed in your daily itinerary

  • All game viewing activities at Dinokeng, Kruger National Park, and Sabi Sands Game Reserve 

  • Airport transfer from Johannesburg International Airport

  • Private vehicle transfers throughout the journey

  • Professional guidance and hosting throughout your adventure

  • All necessary reserve entry and conservation fees

  • Supporting conservation through contributions to The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Dinokeng Reserve, local Rhino preservation, and Cheetah protection initiatives

  • Departure transfer to Hoedspruit Airport

WHAT’S not INCLUDED?

  • All personal items

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Any beverages and meals not listed in the daily itinerary

  • Your flights both domestic and international

  • Medical and travel insurance for your trip 

  • Your travel Visa

OUR CHARITY PARTNERS

THE ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST ▲

A warm welcome from the Team at The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in South Africa. Our purpose is to boldly prevent carnivore extinction in southern Africa. Carnivores are one of the most charismatic yet threatened orders and require innovative strategies to ensure their survival. We boldly implement large-scale, collaborative, field-based projects to increase the range, numbers, and status of Africa’s threatened carnivores. We achieve this by re-establishing, maintaining, and expanding safe spaces for carnivores, actively reducing threats to carnivore survival and persistence, ensuring positive changes in human-based values to carnivores, and supporting legislation to protect carnivores. We should, we can, and we do save carnivores. We are proud to have partnered with Charly to host you on this behind-the-scenes expedition. Our highly skilled field staff are looking forward to hosting you in South Africa. Your trip will directly help to safeguard the future of our most endangered carnivores, Lions, Cheetah, and Wild Dogs. Thank you for your support.

- The Carnivore Conservation Team.

REVIEWS FROM PREVIOUS SOUTH AFRICA TRIPS ▲

“My wife and I participated in the South Africa Workshop and were blown away by how incredible everything was. You should know that I like to take photos, but my wife loves wildlife, so we were thrilled when Charlee said (even before the trip) that we would both love it... and she was correct. Honestly, it is a little difficult to put into words how wonderful the trip was because every day brought another amazing opportunity to experience South Africa and all it has to offer. From watching wild dog puppies and tracking cheetahs to rhino conservation and eating incredible food, the trip was electric. Charlee's style and expertise allowed for great discussions and camaraderie within the group and there was an ease that lasted the entire trip. Each day would end and we'd think "there's no way we can top that" but then the next day came and we did. And it happened all the time. Then there's the professionals she brought in to talk and teach us about lion, cheetah, rhino, and wild dog conservation efforts happening in South Africa. Charlee's passion for conservation and environmental change was on display through her work with these organizations, so to have that embedded into a workshop like this was an absolute pleasure. I can tell you that my wife and I would take another workshop/trip with her in a heartbeat. It was an amazing adventure and we can't wait to see where she's going next.... so we can go too.”

— matt sutton

“A workshop with Charlee is unlike any trip you could experience on your own. With a focus on conservation and ethics Charlee makes sure her trips not only teach valuable skills in photography but inspire you to get involved beyond just taking a photo. While we are still in uncertain times with the pandemic and all else going on in the world, Charlee and the team have streamlined their processes so much that even when complications occur, things still feel very organized and safe. Our recent trip to South Africa provided some exclusive and unforgettable opportunities to work with some of the world's most revered wildlife while simultaneously creating lifelong friendships. A trip with Charlee goes so far beyond just the basics of photography and instead creates an experience you'll never forget. I can't wait for another trip in the future.”

— Rachel Baxter

“A workshop with Charlee is unlike any trip you could experience on your own. With a focus on conservation and ethics Charlee makes sure her trips not only teach valuable skills in photography but inspire you to get involved beyond just taking a photo. While we are still in uncertain times with the pandemic and all else going on in the world, Charlee and the team have streamlined their processes so much that even when complications occur, things still feel very organized and safe. Our recent trip to South Africa provided some exclusive and unforgettable opportunities to work with some of the world's most revered wildlife while simultaneously creating lifelong friendships. A trip with Charlee goes so far beyond just the basics of photography and instead creates an experience you'll never forget. I can't wait for another trip in the future.”

— Kyle Rohlfing

BOOK YOUR SOUTH AFRICA PHOTO WORKSHOP SPOT NOW ▲

To book your place on this trip please click “Join” below.

The price of the trip is USD 7995.
A deposit of USD 2500 will be due upfront, followed by monthly installments.

This trip will be operated in partnership with Inspired Ventures who will be the principal for the trip. The booking conditions can be found here.