Artists Safari in the South African Bush
10 Days / 9 Nights - Kruger to Cape Town - Prices from £5750 pp - Activity Level: Easy
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Exclusive Art Workshop with Sophie Niemann
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Cultural Immersion with Local Artisans
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Luxury Safari Lodge & Art Retreat Stay
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Evening Fireside Discussions & Conservation Talk
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Big Five Art Safari in Kruger National Park
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Private Tour of Cape Town’s Zeitz MOCAA & Norval Foundation
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IkeBo-Kaap & Street Art Tour
Discover South Africa’s rich artistic and cultural heritage on this 10-night, 9-day journey, blending wildlife, art, and history. From the ancient San rock art and Zulu beadwork to contemporary murals and textile storytelling, South Africa’s creative legacy is as diverse as its landscapes.
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Guided by Sophie Niemann, an award-winning thread-painting artist, zoologist, and safari guide, you’ll explore the connection between art and nature. A David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 winner, Sophie’s work—exhibited globally—uses freehand machine embroidery and African fabrics to bring wildlife to life.
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Your journey begins with a Big Five safari in Greater Kruger, followed by an exclusive three-day art retreat with Sophie, where you’ll learn to translate nature into art. Then, immerse yourself in Cape Town’s vibrant creative scene, from renowned galleries to dynamic street art.
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This is more than a trip—it’s a deeply immersive artistic adventure, where South Africa’s wildlife, culture, and creativity come to life.
Day 1: Arrival & Exclusive Art Retreat with Sophie Niemann
Arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and transfer to a secluded art retreat nestled in the countryside. Settle in before meeting Sophie Niemann, who will introduce her thread-painting techniques and conservation-inspired art style. In the evening, enjoy a fireside dinner while discussing South Africa’s artistic traditions and the role of art in conservation storytelling.
Day 2: Nature Walks & Wildlife Sketching
Start the day with a guided nature walk, observing wildlife, textures, and landscapes as inspiration for artwork. Spend the afternoon sketching and experimenting with freehand embroidery techniques, using threads and fabric to bring nature to life. Later, join Sophie for a discussion on how African storytelling traditions influence her work.
Day 3: Textile Art & Conservation Themes
Begin the morning with a workshop focused on African fabric integration, learning how to incorporate traditional textiles into thread-painting compositions. In the afternoon, explore conservation themes in art, focusing on endangered species and wildlife protection. The evening concludes with a fireside talk on art’s role in environmental awareness and fundraising for conservation efforts.
Day 4: Advanced Techniques & Personal Projects
Spend the final day of the workshop refining advanced thread-painting techniques, working on a personal project inspired by the landscapes and wildlife observed. Receive personalized feedback from Sophie and prepare for a private exhibition showcase of your work. In the evening, enjoy a farewell celebration dinner at the retreat.
Day 5: Travel to Greater Kruger & Safari Begins
Depart the retreat and transfer to a luxury safari lodge near Kruger National Park. After settling in, embark on your first Big Five game drive, where expert rangers will help you observe and sketch animal movement and form. In the evening, enjoy a bush dinner under the stars, followed by an art discussion on capturing wildlife expressions through textile and thread.
Day 6: Safari, Sketching & Bush Craft Art
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, focusing on wildlife anatomy and behavior as inspiration for art. In the afternoon, take part in a bush craft-inspired art session, collecting natural materials like leaves, bark, and textures to integrate into mixed-media pieces. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a workshop on translating sketches into textile art and fabric collages.
Day 7: Final Safari, Bush Painting & Travel to Cape Town
Start the morning with your final sunrise safari, followed by a bush painting session using earth pigments and natural materials to create abstract wildlife-inspired pieces. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, take in sunset views from Signal Hill, where you’ll capture light and color through quick landscape studies.
Day 8: Contemporary African Art & Cultural Tour
Begin the day with a private guided tour of Zeitz MOCAA, Africa’s largest contemporary art museum. After lunch, explore Woodstock’s vibrant street art scene, meeting local muralists and textile artists. In the afternoon, visit a South African craft studio specializing in traditional textile work and modern design. Conclude the evening with a wine-pairing dinner at one of Cape Town’s top restaurants.
Day 9: Cape Peninsula Scenic Tour & Bo-Kaap Exploration
Embark on a full-day Cape Peninsula excursion, visiting Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, and Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. In the afternoon, tour Bo-Kaap, famous for its colorful homes and Cape Malay heritage, and meet local fabric artisans who incorporate traditional patterns into their work. The journey concludes with a farewell dinner in Cape Town.
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Day 10: Departure
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Enjoy a relaxed morning with an optional visit to the Norval Foundation, a leading contemporary art space. Spend your final hours shopping for handcrafted South African textiles and artworks before a private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for departure.
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