Join Tom Shepherd for an Exclusive Art Retreat in South Africa
Join British artist Tom Shepherd on an inspiring 8-day art retreat at the breathtaking Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Known for his vibrant and expressive watercolor and acrylic paintings, Tom has built a reputation for capturing the beauty of wildlife and nature with remarkable precision and emotion.
With years of experience as an artist and teacher, his approachable and insightful guidance will elevate your artistic skills while fostering creativity in this extraordinary setting.
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to join Tom on an unforgettable artistic adventure amidst the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of a 12,500-hectare private game reserve. Over the course of 7 nights, you’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring scenes featuring giraffes, big cats, elephants, rhinos, and countless other iconic species, all of which will inspire your artwork.
Each day is filled with a mix of exciting activities designed to spark your creativity and deepen your connection to nature. Enjoy twice-daily game drives, a thrilling riverboat safari, and magical outdoor dining experiences under South Africa’s starlit skies. Tom will provide expert artistic guidance throughout, helping you capture the essence of this incredible environment in your paintings.
The Kariega Game Reserve is a pristine wilderness and home to an array of majestic creatures, including lions, black and white rhinos, elephants, hippos, zebras, and a variety of antelope. It’s one of South Africa’s most renowned reserves, offering the perfect blend of inspiration and tranquility for artists.
Retreat participants will enjoy exclusive use of the luxurious Ukhozi Lodge, which truly captures the romance of Africa. The lodge features 10 private suites, each offering unparalleled privacy, breathtaking vistas, and a private plunge pool. The rim-flow pool overlooking the valley is an iconic centerpiece, providing sweeping views of the river plains teeming with wildlife. Kariega is family-owned, offering 5-star service and an authentic South African experience. 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!
Whether you’re an experienced painter or just starting your artistic journey, this retreat is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with fellow creatives in a setting like no other.
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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 Tom 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 Tom. 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
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 with Tom
13:00 Light lunch
13:30 Art class with Tom
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 with Tom
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
Day seven
06.30 Optional early morning game drive
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Art class: independent painting with help from Tom
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
Day Two
06.30 Optional early morning game drive
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Art class with Tom
13:00 Light lunch
13:30 Art class with Tom
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 with Tom
13:00 Light lunch
14:00 Art class with Tom
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 with Tom
13:00 Light lunch
14:00 Art class with Tom
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 as well as on the river.
The retreat is absolutely teaming with wildlife in all shapes and sizes, from warthogs to buffalo, from zebra to impalas, from owls to kingfishers.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of South Africa’s pristine wilderness, this retreat is a golden opportunity to learn the art of capturing wildlife from life. Tom’s workshops will focus on developing your skills in painting movement, light, and the essence of the majestic creatures that call South Africa home. With his approachable style and deep understanding of wildlife art, Tom will guide you through the techniques needed to bring animals to life on paper or canvas.
During your time with Tom, you’ll explore new ways to observe and sketch, working on dynamic compositions, expressive brushwork, and the use of bold, captivating colors. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, this retreat offers personalized guidance to help you grow your confidence and creativity in a supportive, inspiring environment.
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.
What you will learn from Tom Shepherd:
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Mastering Movement and Energy: Techniques to capture the vitality and character of South Africa’s iconic wildlife, from elephants to cheetahs.
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Understanding Light and Shadow: Learn to depict the dramatic interplay of light in the African landscape.
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Expressive Brushwork: Develop bold, dynamic strokes that bring your paintings to life.
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Field Sketching Skills: Gain confidence in sketching wildlife from life during game drives and other encounters.
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Colour Confidence: Explore the use of vibrant color palettes to create striking and memorable wildlife paintings.
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Composition and Storytelling: Build engaging compositions that reflect the beauty and drama of the African wilderness.
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.
Video of the Lodge
If you haven't already seen it, here is a video of the lodge.
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:
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Art Experiences:
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Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with Tom Shepherd
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Access to a private WhatsApp group with Tom Shepherd and retreat participants around 2 weeks prior to the event.
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Exclusive Lodge Access:
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7 nights of accommodation at Ukhozi Lodge with exclusive use of the entire lodge, including common areas, workshop spaces, gardens, and swimming pool.
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Accommodation Details:
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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.
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Complimentary mini-bar, WiFi, and a safe in each suite.
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Dining and Refreshments:
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All meals included: freshly prepared breakfasts, home-cooked dinners, and snacks/refreshments throughout the day.
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Unique daily meal offerings, including carefully prepared dishes by a private cook.
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Complimentary alcoholic beverages, water, coffee, tea, and juice.
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Transportation & Fees:
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Transfers to and from Ukhozi Lodge from Port Elizabeth Airport or The Beach Hotel in Port Elizabeth (at select times that will be advised)
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All tourist taxes and fees covered.
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Activities & Amenities:
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Conservation talk by Kariega Foundation staff.
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All game drives, boat trips, and village excursions.
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Access to gym and spa facilities at the Main Lodge.
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Complimentary safari souvenir shirt and handmade tote bag.
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Workshop Equipment:
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Tables, chairs, glass jars, printer with ink, and paper towels provided for the art workshop.
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Additional Information:
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The retreat accommodates up to 20 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.
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If you have any allergies or food intolerances, please inform us prior to the retreat.
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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:
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Airfare
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Travel insurance (mandatory, evidence required before travel)
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Art materials (a detailed list will be provided two months prior)
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Spa treatments
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Staff gratuities
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Personal expenses such as additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and expenses before or after the event at Kariega Lodge.
Got any questions?
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.
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.
£40,000 has already been raised for this worthy conservation organisation. 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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