SOUTH AFRICA

WILDLIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY

& CONSERVATION

WORKSHOP

BY CHARLEE WILD ▲

SOUTH AFRICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP OVERVIEW ▲

AUGUST 17-29, 2025.

Duration: 13 days

Language spoken: English

Spots available: 9

Rhino rescued by Care For Wild photographed by South Africa wildlife photographer Charlee Wild

HELLO AND WELCOME

TO THE SOUTH AFRICA WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ▲

I am so glad you could join me on this wild adventure we are about to go on in South Africa. Not only are we going to see and photograph some amazing wildlife and landscapes in South Africa, but we are also going behind the scenes with some of the top conservationists in the world, supporting nonprofits, learning about conservation, and helping endangered wildlife as much as we can.

This is a very special trip with several elements you can’t book on even the most exclusive trips to Africa. These are not tours we are joining. All the work we will be doing and the wildlife we will photograph will be either in the African bush or with non-profits in private areas closed to the public. 

With workshops I always say, you get out what you put in. With that said, please let me know what you would like to learn from me and don’t be afraid to speak up! Let’s create some beautiful photos together with some amazing memories, and learn and love along the way!

SOUTH AFRICA TRIP HIGHLIGHTS ▲

  • Spend 13 days with Charlee in the African Bush on a photography safari.

  • Track cheetahs and rhinos on foot.

  • Spend the day with a Wildlife Veterinarian on an exclusive Carnivore Immobilization or collaring.

  • Spend 3 nights in The Kruger National Park.

  • Full day of Post Processing / Editing Workshop.

  • Spend 3 nights in the incredible Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

  • Spend 2 nights at Tshukudu Bush Camp.

  • We will be donating  $7000 USD to various NGOs  who work tirelessly on the ground

    • Contemplated Wild who help safeguard the future of the most endangered carnivores.

    • The Dinokeng Foundation who safeguards Black Rhino and Cheetah.

    • The Metapopulation Initiative who strive to create a sustainable metapopulation of wild cheetahs across their historical range.

Photo of Lion photographed on a South Africa Wildlife Photography Workshop by south africa workshop photographer Charlee Wild

IN AUGUST 2025 WE WILL EMBARK ON A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CONSERVATION WORKSHOP IN SOUTH AFRICA ▲

On this 13-day trip, we will spend 3 nights on a camping safari in the Kruger National Park home to Africa’s iconic Big 5; Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard. The Park covers an area of 2 million hectares of African wilderness and has a greater variety of wildlife than any other African National Park, earning it the classification as one of the world’s super-parks.  It will be all about wildlife and outdoor adventure, spending the day in open safari vehicles, where we will get up close and personal with wildlife and spending the afternoons in photography workshops in camp. Each guest will be allocated an end seat in an open vehicle to capture the perfect shot.

During our time at The Kruger National Park, we will spend one day with a Wild Dog and Carnivore Expert, from Contemplated Wild who works tirelessly to save the last remaining 600 Wild Dogs in South Africa. 

After Kruger we will take a short drive to the Sabi Sands Reserve where we will spend the next 3 nights. The Sabi Sands and Sabie Game Reserve is particularly well known for their amazing leopard sightings. The most elusive animal of the Big 5 is frequently spotted when going on a game drive in the reserve. Sabie and Sabi Sands offer the ultimate photographic safari one can think of. Besides the Big 5, other game species occur in great numbers, among which are over 300 bird species. Sabie and Sabi Sands possibly make the best South African safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers alike.

After our Sabi Sands safari, we will spend 2 nights on the family-run Tshukudu Game Reserve. Their journey began in 1980 on land that once echoed with the lowing of cattle. Tshukudu, through hard work and conservation efforts, has since blossomed into a thriving game reserve and sanctuary, its name is a tribute to the Rhino, one of its first reintroduced species.

Ater Tshukudu we will spend 2 nights in Hoedspruit.  We will go on a private tour of Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned wildlife, create awareness, and provide a safe haven for animals that cannot be returned to the wild. We will take some time to unwind from our previous adventures with a full-day Photography and Editing Workshop hosted by Charlee at the lodge in Hoedspruit.

Our final 2 nights will be spent at Dinokeng Game Reserve. On our arrival afternoon, we will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to track Cheetahs creatures on foot. On our 2nd day we join The Dinokeng Wildlife Team and veterinarian for a Carnivore immobilisation and to track Rhinos in the afternoon. All three activities will be an exclusive experience for our group only. 

I am very proud to share that Our Trip will be donating  7000 USD  to Contemplated Wild, The Dinokeng Foundation, and The Metapopulation Initiative as part of our adventures and focus on furthering conservation.

Leopard cub in a tree with prey photographed by south africa photographer Charlee Wild

MEET YOUR SAFARI INSTRUCTOR, CHARLEE ▲

I’m Charlee Wild & I am a British wildlife photographer, videographer, & conservationist who has documented the beauty & plight of our planet for over ten years. As a Sony Alpha Collective member, I capture the imagination of a global audience. I currently reside in the beautiful state of Arizona where I am focused on capturing the beauty of the desert & the conservation of its wildlife, as well as minimalist moments that invoke a sense of calm. I have led many trips to Africa & am very passionate about its wildlife & conservation.

THIS WORKSHOP IS PROUDLY SPONSORED & SUPPORTED BY LEXAR ▲

I’m so happy that Lexar supplies each one of my students with a brand new Professional SSD memory card.

Portrait of wildlife photographer Charlee Wild in South Africa.

SOUTH AFRICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ITINERARY ▲

DAY 1: WELCOME!
august 17

Meet Charlee and the Inspired Team at KMI Airportin Nelspruit . 

We aim to depart at 12 PM straight to The Kruger National Park so if you are unable to arrive before this time we recommend you fly in a day earlier and overnight at an airport hotel in either Johannesburg or Mbombela.  

The Kruger National Park is home to Africa’s iconic Big 5; Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard. The park covers an area of 2 million hectares of African wilderness and has a greater variety of wildlife than any other African national park, earning it the classification as one of the world’s super parks. Starting our photographic safari as soon as we enter the park gates, enjoying a 2-hour game drive in an open game drive vehicle. We will have two open-game vehicles with each guest enjoying an end seat, the perfect position to catch your shot!  

 On arrival into camp, we settle in and relax around the campfire under the African night sky. The camp is fully fenced and it is safe to walk around and explore the different viewpoints and attractions. We will camp in 2 person canvas safari tents with a comfortable mattress and pillows. There are hot showers and clean toilets, camp chairs, a gazebo kitchen complete with fridge, cooker, and storage boxes, as well as charge points in camp. 

Tonight we will get to fall asleep under the stars to the sounds of roaring lions, snorting hippos, and the soft croaking of frogs in the river.

Dinner included.

photo of Rhino photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on south africa wildlife photography workshop
photo of zebra photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on south africa wildlife photography workshop

DAY 2 AND 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK ▲
August 18 & 19

This safari is all about wildlife and outdoor adventure, so we'll experience a guided adventure in open safari vehicles, where we will get up close and personal with the park's residents. 

Our professional and passionate Kruger guides will explain and interpret what is going on in the natural environment around us as we travel along the tracks. Our mornings will start with tea, coffee, and rusks in camp, before heading out on an early morning photographic safari. Avid bush enthusiasts love the Kruger in winter as the cooler temperatures and thinner bush make it easier for game spotting. Animals also tend to spend more time around watering holes giving us the chance for some incredible sightings and photographic opportunities.  

The park has approximately 147 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, and 114 species of reptiles, so there are plenty of opportunities to experience wildlife in their natural habitat. In addition to the Big 5, cheetah, hyena, wild dog, giraffe, large herds of zebra and wildebeest, and an impressive variety of antelope are among our usual sightings.  

On day 3 will meet with a senior member from Contemplated Wild. We'll head out into the reserve to track packs of collared Wild Dogs and look for large Endangered carnivores. 

Breakfast and lunch will be at remote picnic sites within the park, where animals roam around us. We’ll arrive back at camp in the late afternoon after a golden hour and enjoy the sunset from the camp’s wooden deck overlooking the river, followed by dinner around the campfire.  

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.

photo of Lioness looking directly into camera photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on south africa wildlife photography workshop
photo of lioness photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on south africa wildlife photography workshop
photo of Kudu, a species of antelope photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on south africa wildlife photography workshop
photo of an African wild dog photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on her South Africa wildlife photography workshop.

DAY 4 TO 6: SABI SANDS ▲
August 20-22

After our morning drive and last breakfast in The Kruger National Park, we will transfer to Sabie Game Reserve, which is situated within the Sabi Sands. The ultimate South African safari destination and the most famous private game reserve of all.   

On this photographic safari, we will spend 3 nights at Umkumbe Bush Lodge. During our stay at Umkumbe, we will go out on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle, exclusive to our group only. Knowledgeable rangers with tons of experience will guide us during our photographic safari. Sabi Sands and Sabie Game Reserve, are adjacent to South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, offering a safari experience found nowhere else in the world. Game viewing possibilities are simply unparalleled, including the much sought-after 'Big 5'. There are no fences between Kruger National Park, Sabie, and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, so wildlife roam freely in a huge natural environment.  

The Sabi Sands and Sabie Game Reserve are particularly well known for their amazing leopard sightings. The most elusive animal of the Big 5 is frequently spotted when going on a game drive in the reserve. As such, Sabie and Sabi Sands offer the ultimate photographic safari one can think of. Besides the Big 5, other game species occur in great numbers, among which are over 300 bird species. Sabie and Sabi Sands possibly make the best South African safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and bird watchers alike.    

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.

Roaring lion at Charlee's South African conservation & wildlife photography workshop.
lion looking directly into camera photographed at south africa wildlife photography workshop by Charlee Wild

DAY 7 & 8: TSHUKUDU BUSH CAMP ▲
August 23 & 24

After catching our final sunrise in the Sabi Sands it’s time to head over to Tshukudu Bush Camp.

After catching our final sunrise in the Sabi Sands it’s time to head over to family run Tshukudu Bush Camp and immerse ourselves in the authentic bush experience. Tshukudu Bush Camp is a beacon of wildlife conservation and family heritage. Their family journey began in 1980 on land that once echoed with the lowing of cattle. Tshukudu has since blossomed into a thriving game reserve, its name a tribute to the rhino, one of its first reintroduced species. It’s a tale of passion, family, and the wild heart of Africa. The family envisioned a reserve and sanctuary where nature thrives and visitors learn and connect. We will engage in unique wildlife experiences, from exclusive game drives spotting the Big Five to exclusive time in a photography hide.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.

photo of painted wolf photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on south africa wildlife photography workshop
African wild dog at the South African conservation & wildlife photography workshop photographed by south africa photographer Charlee Wild

DAY 9: MOHOLOHOLO REHABILITATION CENTRE ▲
August 25

After breakfast, we will depart to Hoedspruit and spend the morning at  Moholoholo Game Reserve on a private tour.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, orphaned, and poisoned wildlife while creating awareness of the urgent challenges facing conservation today. They provide a safe haven for animals that cannot be returned to the wild, using them as ambassadors to educate the public about the threats to their species. Through research initiatives, such as tracking leopards and vultures, and successful breeding programs for endangered species like Servals, Moholoholo actively contributes to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity. By fostering harmony between humans and wildlife, they aim to inspire global action for a sustainable and thriving natural environment.

After Moholoholo, we’ll settle into our lodge in a private estate, our home for the next 2 nights. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy, relax, unwind, look through your photos, and take the much-needed time to recharge.

Breakfast and Dinner Included.

Blyde River Canyon South Africa landscape photo by photographer Charlee Wild

DAY 10: EDITING WORKSHOP ▲
August 26

Rest, Edit, Learn - The biggest feedback I hear about any photography trips: so this morning we will enjoy a lie-in and a late breakfast. After a relaxing morning, Charlee will teach her editing process, as well as help you with yours. Not into photography or editing? 

No problem! You are still welcome to join or take the day to rest, go hiking,  Hot Air Ballooning, boat cruise on the Blyde or visit an Elephant Sanctuary.

In the evening we will be joined by Kulani from The Metapopulation Initiative who will host a talk on Cheetahs and share insight into their rewilding initiative across Africa.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.

Lion photo taken by Charlee Wild on South Africa wildlife photography workshop
photo of lioness laying down photographed by South Africa photographer Charlee Wild on south africa wildlife photography workshop

DAY 11: TRACKING CHEETAH ▲
AUGUST 27

We will load up the vehicles and travel as a group to "a place of rivers" Dinokeng Game Reserve. The Reserves lie in the catchment area of two rivers that flow into the Olifants and Limpopo Rivers and onto the Indian Ocean. 

The Reserves story centers around conservation, as a project started by the Provincial Government and the efforts of more than 170 landowners. Together they developed the concept that eco-tourism could become the source for the upliftment of rural communities through sustainable employment. 

Dinokeng Game Reserve has the potential to become a model for future conservation where people and wild animals live in harmony. And it is on the way to proving itself as an example of successful transformation with so far more than 800 permanent jobs created for people living in the adjoining communities.   

After lunch and settling into our accommodation we will depart on an OSV (open safari vehicle)  to track Cheetah as part of Dinokeng's observing wildlife conservation experiences. Cheetah monitor Mike Daymond will take us behind the scenes to give insight into what it takes to conserve these beautiful cats. Mike will use telemetry to track the Cheetah as all are collared. 

We will then have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to track these creatures on foot.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Giraffes in South Africa photographed on a Wildlife Photography & Conservation Workshop by Charlee Wild

DAY 12: CARNIVORE VET EXPERIENCE AND TRACKING RHINOS ▲
August 28

Head out early on our first African Game Drive. Our game drive will be in two open safari vehicles, where we will be able to smell and experience nature. During our morning drive, we will stop for coffee and enjoy some home-baked rusks  in the middle of the bush or on the riverbank  

After breakfast, we join The Dinokeng Wildlife Team and veterinarian for a Carnivore immobilisation which will either be collaring or whatever needs to be done at the time. This will be an exclusive experience for our group only. 

After lunch, we will depart on an OSV (open safari vehicle) to track Rhino as part of Dinokeng's observing wildlife conservation experiences. We will be taken behind the scenes to give us an insight into what it takes to conserve these Endangered Species.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Elephant photo on Charlee Wild's South Africa Wildlife Photography & Conservation Workshop

DAY 13: FAREWELL ▲
AUGUST 29

After breakfast, we will start shuttles to directly to Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Please only book flights from 1 pm (13h00) onwards.

Breakfast Included.

Leopard on South Africa Wildlife Photography Trip photographed by Charlee Wild

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 12 nights accommodation on a twin basis 

  • Carnivore Immobilization Experience - Exclusive

  • Cheetah Tracking on foot - Exclusive

  • Meals as indicated on Itinerary 

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

  • Airport Pickup at Johannesburg International Airport

  • Private transfers throughout the tour

  • Guide and hosting services during the tour 

  • Entrance and conservation fees to the reserves where applicable

  • Donation to The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Dinokeng, and local Rhino conservation and Cheetah conservation initiatives. 

  • Airport Drop-off at Hoedspruit Airport

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

  • All items of a personal nature 

  • Gratuities and Tipping

  • All Meals and beverages not mentioned in Itinerary

  • Domestic and International flights

  • Travel and Medical Insurance 

  • Visa

OUR CHARITY PARTNERS

THE ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST ▲

CONTEMPLATE WILD ▲

Contemplate Wild is a non-profit organization based in South Africa with a primary objective of fostering the conservation of endangered species and habitats. 

Their mission goes beyond simply embracing innovation. They strive to excel in the real-world integration and implementation of technology in conservation. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology, science and practical application, they aim to unlock the true potential of these advancements, enabling conservationists to make informed decisions that have a lasting positive impact on wildlife and their habitats.

Contemplate Wild supports  vital veterinary assistance within conservation areas to ensure the well-being and preservation of vulnerable species. 

*We will spend an exclusive day in the Kruger National Park with Grant Beverley (Endangered Carnivore Manager)*

METAPOPULATION INITIATIVE ▲

The Metapopulation Initiatives mission is to conserve a cheetah metapopulation in habitat fragments that would otherwise result in local extinction. Their vision is  to ensure the recovery of cheetah populations for future reintroductions into the species’ former range. 

Human activity has reduced wild cheetah populations from approximately 100,000 to 7,000 individuals over the past 13,000 years.

Their metapopulation approach is reversing this decline, expanding from 217 cheetahs on 41 South African reserves in 2011, to a current population of 537 cheetahs on 75 reserves in five countries.

*During our trip we will meet Kulani Nyakane (Cheetah Metapopulation Manager)  who will host an evening talk on Cheetahs*

THE DINOKENG FOUNDATION ▲

The Dinokeng Foundation was initiated by a group of passionate Conservationists with the mission to expand the territory of the Dinokeng Game Reserve (DGR). This Non-Profit Organisation is  engaged in nature preservation. Their vision is to grant future generations an island of biodiversity within the urban area of the Gauteng Province. 

Today the reserve covers a surface area of approximately 19,000 hectares. To become self-sustainable, and to foster more biodiversity, environmental impact studies indicate the Reserve should continue to grow and incorporate properties in multiple directions, to achieve a minimum area of 40.000 hectares.

By strategically helping to increase the Reserve, their aim is to further increase the number of permanent jobs for north-Gauteng based citizens to several thousand. This of course has a positive impact on  the well-being of large numbers of people, including the young and old, across local communities. 

*We will join the reserve management team for 2 days in the field. We will track Cheetahs and Rhinos on foot, and sponsor a carnivore immobilisation procedure exclusive to our group*

REVIEWS FROM PREVIOUS SOUTH AFRICA TRIPS ▲

Photo of workshop students on Charlee Wild's wildlife tour.

  • “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.”

    ▲ Kyle Rohlfing

  • “The South Africa Photography Workshop was an incredible introduction to Africa. The experience and the people I met continue to provide endless inspiration, both personally and professionally. Charlee’s passion is unmatched. And that passion is reflected in the students who seek to learn from her. The talent and enthusiasm of everyone on the trip left a lasting impression, and the community built around this workshop was one of the best things about the whole experience. This trip was a perfect balance of photography and conservation education. While being able to focus entirely on all things photography, we also got to learn directly from conservationists about their work and mission for protecting African wildlife; something that you would be hard-pressed to find in other workshops. Even though I am a novice, this added conservation aspect is helping me inform my photography work as I move forward. For example, I don’t just have nice pictures of wild dogs or lions, I have portraits of these threatened species with stories behind them. As creative, finding this kind of meaning in your work is everything; I’m so grateful for this workshop’s takeaways.”

    ▲ Rachel Bater

  • “Attending Charlee’s photography & conservation workshop in South Africa was the most incredible experience. We spent time with leading conservation specialists, got hands-on exclusive experiences with non-profits, learnt so much from Charlee on how to create our own personal style, and made the BEST memories out in the bush. Charlee has such incredible photography, post processing and business knowledge that you’re bound to learn from no matter your skill level. It was truly the trip of a lifetime with people I will now cherish forever!”

    ▲ Kate Newman

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 $7995.
A deposit of $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.