Wild Creative: Kukama Rewilding Expedition (South Africa)
About This Expedition
In December, Wild Creative will be traveling to South Africa to partner with Kukama Wildlife College, located on the Olienhout Game Reserve—a landscape undergoing a powerful transformation from former cattle land back into a thriving native African ecosystem.
This is not a typical wildlife trip.
This is a purpose-driven expedition rooted in rewilding, storytelling, and impact.
Kukama and the reserve’s founders have spent years restoring this land—reintroducing native species, rebuilding habitat, and creating a model for what ecological restoration can look like when done right. Their work is real, tangible, and urgently important.
They’ve invited Wild Creative to help tell that story to the world.
Our Mission
We will bring a small team of 10 creatives (9 participants + myself) to:
Document the flora, fauna, and rewilding progress across the reserve
Capture both short-form and long-form content highlighting Kukama’s work
Build a visual ecological report through photography and film
Create a content portfolio for Kukama’s newly launched volunteer program
Help amplify their global presence and conservation mission
Beyond storytelling, we will also contribute directly to the land through:
Light volunteer work (fence repair, invasive plant removal, habitat support)
Participating in the daily rhythm of a working rewilding reserve
This is citizen science meets creative storytelling—a hands-on experience where your work will actively support conservation.
Why This Matters
Kukama is not just restoring land—they are restoring ecosystems.
Their long-term vision includes the reintroduction of the White Rhino to this region—something that hasn’t existed here in over a century.
Our work will directly support the fundraising and awareness efforts needed to make that possible.
At the same time, Kukama trains and certifies wildlife guides—creating careers that feed directly back into conservation. Every dollar and every story helps expand that impact.
What to Expect
Duration: ~1 week total (5 full days on reserve) {Might turn into 7 full days- depends}
Travel: Group pickup from Johannesburg and transport to the reserve
Stay: On-site accommodations at Kukama Wildlife College
Cost: ~$50/day (covers lodging and food)
Timing: First or second week of December (final dates TBD)
Spots will be secured once flights are booked.
We’ll also be organizing fundraising efforts to help offset costs and support the mission. As of right now with the price of fuel, roundtrip tickets to Joberg are around $2000.00.
Who This Is For
This trip is for you if:
You want to create meaningful work that contributes to conservation
You’re passionate about wildlife, ecosystems, and storytelling
You’re open to getting your hands dirty and being part of the process
You believe in using creativity as a tool for impact
This trip is not designed as a luxury safari or purely wildlife-chasing experience.
However—if you want to extend your trip and explore places like Kruger National Park to pursue the Big Five, you absolutely can.
The Bigger Picture
This is a rare opportunity to be part of something much larger than a trip.
You will help document a real rewilding effort—
Contribute to restoring land that was once depleted—
And play a role in bringing back species that belong there.
Your work will live beyond the experience.
It will help shape awareness, funding, and future conservation.
More info to come.