About Wild In Africa

 

Located in the heart of Hoedspruit, our retail store is nestled in a charming bush town known as the 'gateway to Kruger National Park.'

(Scroll down to read our origin story)

Hoedspruit’s vibrant community and natural beauty make it the perfect home for our handcrafted beaded bracelets and accessories, each supporting vital wildlife conservation efforts. Visit us to discover unique, meaningful pieces that also make great, lightweight gifts to take home.

Our studio space allows you to see our skilled beaders at work while you shop, giving you a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind each piece.

Our beading workshops are a wonderful way to connect with the local culture – whether you're a resident or a visitor exploring the wonders of Kruger.

Perfect for families, friends, and team-building experiences, our workshops invite you to learn the art of bracelet making in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

 

How It Started

Wild In Africa was founded by Shannon Wild, an Australian-born National Geographic filmmaker and photographer, inspired by a life-changing experience in Kenya. After relocating to Africa in pursuit of her passion for creating wildlife documentaries, Shannon faced incredible challenges, including a near-death encounter that left her bedridden for months.

During her recovery, she discovered a creative outlet in designing beaded bracelets, which led to the launch of Wild In Africa in 2017.

"I've always loved animals—whether fluffy, scaly, or feathered—so it was never a question that our bracelets would raise money for wildlife conservation."

 

 

A Dream of Africa

Growing up in Australia, Shannon dreamed of Africa, inspired by countless wildlife documentaries. In 2013, she turned her dream into reality, leaving behind a thriving photography career, financial security, and the comforts of home to move to a continent she'd never visited. Armed with her camera and unshakable determination, she set out to make a name for herself in wildlife filmmaking.

Starting from scratch, Shannon worked tirelessly in some of Africa's most remote regions, often under harsh conditions with only the bare necessities. Over the next three years, she pushed her limits physically and emotionally to build her reputation in a competitive field.

 

A Life-Altering Experience

While on assignment in Kenya’s Masai Mara, Shannon’s body finally gave in to the relentless pace. She was found unconscious on a dirt path in lion territory and medevacked to Nairobi, where she was hospitalised in a critical state.

With the help of her mother, who flew in from Australia to care for her, Shannon spent three months bedridden, fighting to recover her strength. It took another three months of gradual rehabilitation before she could even hold a camera again, let alone return to the field.

During this challenging time, Shannon sought a creative outlet. Using beads she had collected during her travels, she began redesigning bracelets. What started as a personal project soon evolved into a passion—and a new chapter.

  

 

The Birth of Wild In Africa

Shannon began sourcing beads from around the world, crafting unique designs, and selling them on Etsy. To her surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Drawing on her background as a graphic designer, she honed her marketing skills, and soon, Wild In Africa was born.

"I knew early on that if I was going to sell these bracelets, I wanted them to give back to wildlife conservation—specifically to organisations I’ve worked with and witnessed making a real difference."

Since its launch in 2017, Wild In Africa has grown into a thriving business. Every bracelet sold supports wildlife conservation and reflects Shannon’s lifelong love for animals.

 

Giving Back Together

"Animals have given my life so much joy and purpose. Supporting their conservation is the least I can do."

Today, Wild In Africa continues to make a meaningful impact, raising funds for conservation projects through its charity bracelets. Shannon is incredibly proud of how far the journey has come and is even more excited about what lies ahead.

 

 

Thank you for joining us on this mission. Together, we can protect wildlife and wild spaces for generations to come.

Stay Wild,