This trip is now guaranteed to go ahead.
In early 2024, Sarah Stokes led 2 highly successful art retreats at the Kariega Game Reserve, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Working with the UK non-profit organisation, Freedom To Roam Adventures, over £40,000 for the Kariega Foundation was raised which is helping to fund the ongoing repopulation of endangered species, such as, lions, cheetahs, white and black rhino and a host of other animals and indigenous plant species. We've raised the bar and each retreat will raise a massive £30,000!
Now’s your chance to join Sarah on an extended 8 day stay on the 12,500 hectare private game reserve. During this retreat you will get to spend 7 nights in the most stunning of locations with giraffe, big cats, elephants and a myriad of other iconic species to inspire your artwork. You will be treated to a whole host of activities with twice daily game drives, an exhilarating riverboat tour, magical dining experiences under the starry night skies and the opportunity to paint a host of South Africa’s majestic creatures.
The Kariega protected area comprises approximately 12,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, home to all manner of wildlife including big cats (lion), rhino, both black and white, elephant, zebra, hippo, giraffe, a variety of antelope, and much, much more. It will be led by the renowned British artist Sarah Stokes.
The course participants, and staff will have exclusive use of the luxurious Ukhozi Lodge, which truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa. Views are spectacular and the beautiful rim-flow pool on the valley edge is simply iconic – offering guests an unequalled panoramic view of the river plains teaming with wild animals. Meandering bush paths connect 10 luxurious suites, each offering complete privacy with their own breath-taking vistas and private plunge pools. Kariega is known as one of the very best game reserves in South Africa. This lodge is family owned and of the highest, 5 star, standard.
1 Female Spot Left!
11:00 onwards: Collection of guests from Port Elizabeth Airport or The Beach Hotel late morning.
14:00 Arrival at Kariega’s Ukhozi lodge. Guests shown to rooms to drop off bags.
14:30 formal welcome by Lindy, Trish and Sarah. Light lunch.
15:15 students gather their equipment, cameras, note pads and so on.
15:30 Safari drive
19:00 Free time to freshen up
19:30 Welcome meal
06.30 Optional early morning game drive
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Art class: creating a watercolour elephant part 1
13:00 Light lunch
13:30 Art class: creating a watercolour elephant part 2
15:30 Safari drive with journals/cameras
18:30 Free time to freshen up
19:30 Evening meal with guest speaker
07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Riverboat tour with the chance to photograph water birds such as kingfishers and storks.
11.30 Art class: creating a water bird in watercolour part 1
13:00 Light lunch
13:30 Art class: creating a waterbird in watercolour part 2
15:30 Safari drive with journals/cameras
18:30 Free time to freshen up
19:30 Evening meal
06:30 Optional Safari drive with journals/cameras
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Art class: painting a big cat part 1
13:00 Light lunch
14:00 Art class: painting a big cat part 2
15:30 Safari drive with journals/cameras
18:30 Free time to freshen up
19:30 Evening meal
06.30 Optional early morning game drive
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Art class: masterclass on colour mixing and trouble shooting
13:00 Light lunch
14:00 Trip to village school to see community projects
15:30 Safari drive with journals/cameras
18:30 Free time to freshen up
19:30 Evening meal
06.30 Optional early morning game drive
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Art class: painting a giraffe part 1
13:00 Light lunch
14:00 Art class: painting a giraffe part 2
15:30 Safari drive with journals/cameras
18:30 Free time to freshen up
19:30 Evening meal
06.30 Optional early morning game drive
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Art class: independent painting with help from Sarah
13:00 light lunch
14:00 Finish work and set up mini exhibition
15:30 Safari drive with journals/cameras
18:30 Free time to freshen up
19:30 Final celebration meal
8:00 Breakfast & farewells
10:00 Departure to Port Elizabeth Airport.