Wild Creative South Africa Expedition

Rewilding Through Science, Conservation & Storytelling

Expedition Dates: December 7–15

Join Wild Creative and Kukama Wildlife College for an immersive conservation expedition documenting one of South Africa's most exciting rewilding projects. This is not a safari or photography tour—it is an opportunity to become part of a creative team working alongside conservationists to tell stories that inspire the protection of wildlife and wild places.

Throughout the expedition, participants will contribute through photography, filmmaking, podcasting, writing, conservation journalism, citizen science, campaign development, and visual storytelling while learning directly from the professionals managing a private wildlife reserve preparing for the future reintroduction of rhinos.

Whether you're a photographer, filmmaker, scientist, writer, designer, marketer, educator, or simply passionate about conservation, there is meaningful work for everyone.

Expedition Mission

Our goal is to help Kukama Wildlife College document and share their conservation story while creating educational content that inspires others to support wildlife protection around the world.

Together, our team will help produce:

  • Documentary films

  • Photography essays

  • Podcasts

  • Conservation writing

  • Educational resources

  • Social media campaigns

  • Grant and fundraising media

  • Scientific storytelling

  • Creative campaign strategy

  • Interviews with conservation leaders

  • Citizen science documentation

  • Behind-the-scenes expedition content

Rather than simply observing conservation, we'll become active participants in helping tell its story.

Travel Information

December 7

Depart the United States

Our recommended flight is Delta's nonstop service from Atlanta (ATL) to Johannesburg (JNB), departing at 8:55 PM.

Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare.

December 8

Arrival in Johannesburg

The group will arrive in Johannesburg at approximately 7:00 PM.

The team will spend the evening in Johannesburg before departing for Kukama the following morning.

Estimated overnight accommodations:

Approximately $120-$150 USD per person

December 9

Travel to Kukama Wildlife College

Christiaan, founder of Kukama Wildlife College, will personally transport the group to the reserve using a vehicle and equipment trailer.

This allows everyone to travel together safely while accommodating camera gear and luggage.

Estimated Round-Trip Transportation

Approximately $157 USD per participant

(Based on a full expedition team of 10 participants.)

Upon arrival:

  • Welcome to Kukama Wildlife College

  • Settle into accommodations

  • Evening welcome dinner around the boma

Conservation Schedule

Every day combines hands-on conservation with opportunities to document, interpret, and communicate the work being accomplished.

Our creative schedule is intentionally flexible so participants can capture authentic moments while producing meaningful conservation media.

December 10

Conservation Management

Morning

  • Fence patrol

  • Fence maintenance

  • Wildlife monitoring

  • Rhino fence planning and education

Participants will learn firsthand how wildlife managers respond to real conservation challenges, including fence damage, escaped wildlife, habitat security, and future rhino preparations.

Brunch at camp.

Afternoon

  • Alien invasive plant removal

Wild Creative Studio

Following conservation activities, participants will collaborate on:

  • Documentary filming

  • Photography assignments

  • Podcast recording

  • Writing and field journaling

  • Conservation interviews

  • Educational storytelling

  • Daily editing sessions

December 11

Wildlife Monitoring

  • Wildlife game counts

  • Snare sweep

  • Removal of old fencing wire

  • Habitat cleanup

  • Bush picnic lunch

Wild Creative Studio

Afternoon and evening may include:

  • Image critiques

  • Video editing

  • Social media content creation

  • Campaign planning

  • Podcast production

  • Conservation storytelling workshops

December 12

Habitat Restoration

Morning

  • Black thorn removal

  • Firewood processing

Afternoon

  • Road maintenance

  • Mitre drain repairs

Wild Creative Studio

Participants may continue producing:

  • Documentary interviews

  • Photography projects

  • Educational content

  • Conservation campaign assets

  • Podcast episodes

  • Scientific observations

  • Creative collaboration sessions

December 13

Field Excursion

Day trip to:

  • Witsand Nature Reserve

  • Kalahari Wildlife Project

Participants will learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts protecting endangered South African species.

This day offers outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography, filmmaking, interviews, and environmental storytelling.

December 14

Final Conservation Projects

The final full day allows the team to complete:

  • Remaining conservation work

  • Documentary interviews

  • Photography assignments

  • Drone and cinematic footage (where permitted)

  • Podcast recordings

  • Creative collaboration

  • Group reflections

Farewell dinner around the fire.

December 15

Return to Johannesburg

Depart Kukama Wildlife College.

Transportation back to Johannesburg.

Recommended Delta departure:

9:55 PM

Arrival in Atlanta:

December 16 — 1:00 PM

Participants wishing to extend their South African adventure are welcome to arrange additional travel after the expedition.

Expedition Costs

Participants Are Responsible For

Roundtrip Airfare

Booked individually.

Delta's nonstop Atlanta–Johannesburg route is our recommended flight.

Johannesburg Overnight Stay

Approximately $120-$150 USD

Round-Trip Ground Transportation

Approximately $157 USD

(Based on a team of 10 participants. This is from the airport to Kukama and back)

Kukama Wildlife College

Accommodation & Meals

  • R900 per day

  • 6 days

Total: R5,400 ZAR
(Approximately $350.81 USD, exchange rate dependent.)

This payment is made directly to Kukama Wildlife College and includes:

  • Six nights of accommodations

  • Three meals daily

  • Coffee and tea

  • Participation in conservation activities

  • Access to Kukama Wildlife College facilities

Your place is reserved once Kukama receives your accommodation payment.

Helping Offset Your Costs

One of Wild Creative's goals is making meaningful conservation experiences accessible to as many creatives as possible.

Throughout the months leading up to the expedition, we will organize fundraising efforts designed to help reduce participant travel expenses.

These may include:

  • Fine art print auctions

  • Photography print sales

  • Social media fundraising campaigns

  • Conservation presentations

  • Community events

  • Corporate sponsorships

  • Individual donor campaigns

Friends and family can also donate directly through the South Africa Expedition page on the Wild Creative website.

Funds raised specifically for participant travel will be distributed among expedition members to help offset travel expenses. As fundraising goals are met, eligible participants will be reimbursed accordingly. All donations are tax-deductible.

If you would like to help with fundraising by donating artwork, photography, handmade crafts, merchandise, professional services, or by volunteering your time, we would love to have your support.

Reserve Your Spot

Expedition space is intentionally limited to approximately 10 participants to maximize collaboration and hands-on conservation experiences.

If you're ready to join us, your first step is submitting your Kukama accommodation payment to reserve your place.

Once your reservation is confirmed, Wild Creative will provide:

  • Packing lists

  • Camera gear recommendations

  • Flight guidance

  • Project assignments

  • Team communication

  • Fundraising resources

  • Conservation background materials

Together, we'll help tell one of South Africa's most inspiring conservation stories while creating work that inspires others to protect wildlife for generations to come.

Stay Wild.