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7 night Safari Art Retreat,
South Africa

With Sarah Stokes 

1st-8th June 2026

Embark on an incredible Safari Adventure that beautifully combines art, wildlife & luxury...

Be part of the conservation story! ​

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.  

8 days, 7 nights 
From £6,600 per person

Start date

1st June 2026

End date

8th June 2026

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Sarah Stokes photo

South African Art Retreat Itinerary

The proposed 8 day, 7 night itinerary is shown below and all excursions are organised and included. You don’t need any art experience to enjoy this tour. With Sarah guiding you through essential painting skills and FTRA’s Trish Liggett there to help you with your photographic techniques, you’ll be in very safe hands as you bring your animal portraits to life on paper. 


Please note that the programme maybe subject to change due to the nature of the excursions.

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Day One

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 

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Day three

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 

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Day five

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 

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Day seven

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 

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Day Two

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 

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Day four

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 

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Day six

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 

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Day eight

8:00 Breakfast & farewells 

10:00 Departure to Port Elizabeth Airport.

The art experience of a lifetime

On this art safari you will be spoiled for choice in terms of the wildlife to inspire you. With the Kariega and Bushman rivers running through the reserve, together with five distinct ecosystems- including valley bushveld, savannah, fynbos, riverine forests and acacia woodland, guests are guaranteed a wonderful range of wildlife and safari trips over land aswell as on the river. 

During your stay, Sarah will gently guide you through a whole range of artistic skills using watercolour, charcoals and other mediums, to help you bring the sights and sounds of this dramatic landscape to life on the page. You will be given the time, space and skill sets to observe, sketch, photograph, forage, journal and paint on this all immersive experience. 

 

Whether you’re a compete beginner or an intermediate, by the end of your stay, you will have created a series of sketches, diary notes and paintings that will be a wonderful and lasting memory of your time in this stunning location.

 

The retreat is absolutely teaming with wildlife in all shapes and sizes, from warthogs to buffalo, from zebra to impalas, from owls to kingfishers.

 

Sarah Stokes will help you harness better control over this liquid medium, focusing on a diverse range of subjects. Building your knowledge up steadily and inspired by the sights on our safari drives, we will start our journey by depicting a characterful elephant in warm desaturated colours. Once confident we will dive deeper into watercolour exploring its magical qualities of translucency and fluidity to depict other wildlife subjects in a loose and expressive manner. Majestic big cats, iridescent birds and graceful giraffes will be our inspiration for a whole range of exciting and exhilarating techniques. The inspiring animals that we study on this retreat will give us abundant  opportunities to practice advanced techniques in depicting feathers, skin and fur as well as the environment in which they live. 

Sarah Stokes painting
Lion painting by Sarah Stokes

At this expressive art retreat, you will learn how to:

  • Better understand the role of shape, tone, perspective and composition.

  • Get to grips with timing and pigment control 

  • Create any colour you wish from a simplified colour palette and avoid muddiness

  • Embrace a playful approach to the medium to help you create loose brush marks and convincing textures utilising salt, clingfilm, and masking fluid.

  • Break down complex forms, both animate and inanimate to depict paintings that read well. 

  • Achieve depth, tone and vibrancy in a piece

  • Find a harmony between loose and realistic brushwork

  • Incorporate background washes and natural elements into your work such as water, skies, trees and foliage 

  • Paint from reference photographs and from life

  • Capture a sense of time and place

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Exclusive Use of the luxurious

Ukhozi Lodge 

The retreat will be hosted at the Award-Winning Ukhozi Lodge, a place that truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa. Nestled in the bush you will sleeping in 1 of 10 superbly appointed, air-conditioned luxury suites, crafted from log, each with a private plunge pool and deck offering panoramic views. The lodge boasts unique African-style lounges restaurant and boma for candle lit dining. 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 reaming with wild animals. Meandering bush paths connect the 10 luxurious suites. 

Tripadvisor Award

Video of the Lodge

If you haven't already seen it, here is a video of the lodge.

Suite with Double Bed

£6,600 per person

Double suites enjoy a private plunge pool and deck offering panoramic views of the valley. Each suite enjoys a spacious en-suite bathroom and is fully air-conditioned.

Suite with Twin Beds

£6,600 per person

Twin suites enjoy a private plunge pool and deck offering panoramic views of the valley. Each suite enjoys a spacious en-suite bathroom and is fully air-conditioned.

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Price & What’s included 

Each place is on a shared basis and costs £6,600 each of which £1,650 is donated directly to the Kariega Foundation to help fund its invaluable conservation work. More detailed information about its rewilding and community projects can be found here. The price includes luxury shared accommodation, all meals, beverages (alcoholic and otherwise), photographic workshops safari and boat tours and return transfers from Port Elizabeth Airport. Non-artists are welcome to accompany artists at the same cost and will still enjoy days jam packed with excursions, beautiful food and a wealth of nature to see. 

What’s Included in the Retreat:

  • Art Experiences:

    • Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with Sarah Stokes.

    • Access to a private WhatsApp group with Sarah Stokes and retreat participants at least six months prior to the event.

  • Exclusive Lodge Access:

    • 7 nights of accommodation at Ukhozi Lodge with exclusive use of the entire lodge, including common areas, workshop spaces, gardens, and swimming pool.

  • Accommodation Details:

    • Luxury double occupancy suites with king-size beds (twin or double), private plunge pool, viewing deck, en-suite bathroom with indoor shower and bath, hairdryer, air-conditioning, and tea/coffee facilities. Rooms will be shared either with a partner of your choice or a participant of the same gender. 

    • Complimentary mini-bar, WiFi, and a safe in each suite.

  • Dining and Refreshments:

    • All meals included: freshly prepared breakfasts, home-cooked dinners, and snacks/refreshments throughout the day.

    • Unique daily meal offerings, including carefully prepared dishes by a private cook.

    • Complimentary alcoholic beverages, water, coffee, tea, and juice.

  • Transportation & Fees:

    • Transfers to and from Ukhozi Lodge from Port Elizabeth Airport or The Beach Hotel in Port Elizabeth (at select times that will be advised) 

    • All tourist taxes and fees covered.

  • Activities & Amenities:

    • Conservation talk by Kariega Foundation staff.

    • All game drives, boat trips, and village excursions.

    • Access to gym and spa facilities at the Main Lodge.

    • Complimentary safari souvenir shirt and handmade tote bag.

  • Workshop Equipment:

    • Tables, chairs, glass jars, printer with ink, and paper towels provided for the art workshop.

Additional Information:

  • The retreat accommodates up to 18 art guests, and every effort will be made to ensure you stay in your chosen accommodation. In case of unforeseen circumstances, alternative accommodations will be arranged.

  • If you have any allergies or food intolerances, please inform us prior to the retreat.

  • The lodge's accommodations have been described to the best of our ability; please inquire before booking for any specific concerns about access, facilities, or other details.

Not Included:

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance (mandatory, evidence required before travel)

  • Art materials (a detailed list will be provided two months prior)

  • Spa treatments

  • Staff gratuities

  • Personal expenses such as additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and expenses before or after the event at Kariega Lodge.

Got any questions? 

Send a Message

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Location & Travel

Major International Airports: 

Oliver Tambo Airport Johannesberg or Cape Town International Airport

Internal flight to Port Elizabeth Airport. 

Transfers from: Port Elizabeth Airport at 11am on day 1 of the event & our Transport Company Pembry Tours will also pick up from the 4 start Beach Hotel, in Port Elizabeth for those arriving early. 

You'll be provided with the full details when you book. 

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Fundraising for the Kariega Foundation

We are proud to have teamed up with Trish & Phil Ligget, who run Freedom to Roam Adventures (a not for profit organisation). Their aim, like ours, is to support conservation, educational and community initiatives with trusted partners such as the Kariega Foundation. 

Sarah Stokes & Freedom to Roam Adventures have already raised £40,000 for this worthy conservation charity. You too can help this worthy cause! When you book your retreat to South Africa, £1,650 will be donated to the Kariega Foundation, a non-profit Trust pioneering the sustainable protection of biodiverse landscapes in South Africa’s, Eastern Cape Province via the unique approach of building conservation through community. 

In the words of Lindy Sutherland, CEO of the Kariega Foundation:

“As custodians of this wilderness, we understand that if it does not serve us all, the wildlife, fauna and flora as well as the neighbouring communities, we will have failed in our mission to protect it forever. Sustainable conservation demands that we build conservation through community.”

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Trish and Phil Liggett
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