Alison Nicholls

I am so unbelievably grateful that my Search terms of Africa+Safari+Watercolor led me to the very talented artist and instructor, Alison Nicholls. I recently returned from an unforgettable experience at Kambaku Lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve which shares a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park. This lodge offered stunning accommodations and exceptional service from truly devoted staff that enhanced my safari experience.

The game drives were nothing short of spectacular. Our tracker and guide provided us with insightful commentary while continually dialoging with Alison to provide the artists with the best opportunities for wildlife sketching. We encountered an incredible array of wildlife: elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, buffalo, kudu, nyala, steenbok, waterbucks, and leopards! One of the highlights was witnessing a lioness with her cubs and a group of three feasting lions. The diversity of wildlife is breathtaking, and I was thrilled to observe the rarely seen pangolin on my very first drive—an incredibly exciting, spiritually moving moment!

The artistic aspect of the safari was equally enriching. Under the expert guidance of Alison Nicholls, I enjoyed en plein air sketching and painting, which allowed me to capture the beauty of the African landscape and its inhabitants. The real-time sketching lessons on game drives were fantastic, followed by a daily workshop and free creative time back at the lodge to work on our art pieces. Alison provided skilled critique of our work and easily adapted her lessons to all skill levels making the creative process enjoyable. Looking back at my sketch book I can see how my sketching greatly improved over the course of six days!

Overall, Kambaku Lodge and the African Art Safari with Alison Nicholls, exceeded all my expectations. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, wildlife lover, or simply seeking a unique adventure, this experience is not to be missed!

Sarah G (2024)

I’m already thinking about my next art safari with Alison and I can’t wait! Alison’s wonderful sense of humor and her gentle approach made for a fantastic experience. Her encouragement and very helpful feedback gave me confidence in sketching from life and I could see improvement by the end of the art safari.

I learned more about watercolour techniques in the two back-to-back art safaris than I would have got in a regular studio workshop. Alison’s excellent instruction and her guidance helped me understand various painting techniques in context of what I was seeing…something which would have been so lacking in a studio or online setting. I now see wildlife and landscapes with a new perspective and I’ve discovered that I love sketching and painting from life.

For anyone thinking about joining one of Alison’s art safaris, just do it!

Tracy M (2023)

This was my fourth Art Safari with Alison. There’s a saying – ‘if you’re on a good thing, stick to it’. I’ve been to a different venue each time and it just keeps getting better! The camaraderie, catching up with previous fellow participants, meeting new ones, having fun learning about watercolour painting and seeing wild animals never gets boring. The size of the group allows Alison to observe and coach each person inside the vehicle without needing to move (or shout – definitely not recommended when an elephant is inspecting the car bonnet!). Highly recommended.

Ria K (2023)

Trip of a lifetime.

First, I have to admit that I have never been to Africa, nor have I been on a Safari. 

I was so surprised at the accommodations at the lodge, the food was outstanding, the service was great, and the tour of the animals just got better day after day.

Both Gideon and Eric (guide and tracker) were very knowledgeable and friendly. There was no time during the trip that I felt uneasy being out amongst the animals. (even when I dropped my phone and Eric had to retrieve it.)

Alison, our art instructor, was great in demonstrating how to do watercolors, and also sketching the animals while we were out on tour.

I would highly recommend any safari that was put together with Africa Geographic and/or Alison Nicholls.

Francine K (2023)

The variety of wildlife and plant life in such a short time & in such a small space was incredible, precious and overwhelming at times. We had the best line of sight, the company and expertise of our guides and trackers. And Alison was a wonderful, patient, encouraging teacher/leader/artist.

My sketchbook is filled with lines, shapes, impressions

      from the animals moving about their lives, 

My sketchbook reflects my experience at this point

      still unformed, rough draft.

South Africa, beautiful, complex, teasing, soulful

      unfinished 

Trudy D (2022)

Africa Geographic made my very first safari experience and my first visit to South Africa truly special! I was able to book everything with ease and the folks at Africa Geographic were responsive and quick to reply to help me with my travel planning and all the details. I will definitely be using Africa Geographic again in the future for all of my travels to Africa. I had met Alison at a sketching workshop prior to the art safari so I knew I was already going to have an awesome time with her and the group sketching wildlife in the Manyeleti! The bush camp and food were amazing and I will never forget the female hyena visiting us at dinner while Alison was telling one of her safari stories. Most importantly, I learned a lot from Alison and the group. I feel like this experience greatly improved my painting and sketching ability. I believe going on this safari has changed me as an artist for the better and I look forward to joining more art safaris in the future.

Deja M (2022)

This was my first art safari but I have done a few photographic safaris with professional photographers.  I have come to expect a high level of communication, creativity, and teaching skills, as well as personalized  individual attention from the instructor.  Alison was amazing!  Besides being an experienced artist, she has great communication skills and presented art exercises in easy to understand examples.  Everyone felt that they received lots of personal attention and suggestions.  She was never too busy to answer questions or to draw a quick sketch as a helpful example.  She demonstrated simple forms for each animal that were very useful as a place to start when facing a blank page and a moving subject.  Alison was able to determine our individual skill levels and to suggest improvements without us becoming overwhelmed.  The watercolor classes after lunch were fun and informative, with detailed steps to achieve the suggested results, but with her understanding of each students skill level and their personal creative vision.

We all made new friends and learned as much from each other (well almost) as from Alison. She is an inspirational artist, a dedicated and skilled teacher, an experienced guide, and a delightful travel companion.  It was a very fun and creative trip and I am looking forward to the next art safari!

Susie G (2022)

You know a trip has been great when you are sad to see it end and are already thinking about the next one shortly after. Alison’s art safari helped me reconnect with my art in an inspiring and joyful way. With Alison’s expert advice I noticed an improvement in my sketches on day one and learnt how to better observe wildlife to translate what I was seeing onto my page. The daily drives helped hone my ability to capture what I was seeing quickly, and to feel more comfortable using watercolour to sketch.
The accommodation at Kambaku was amazing – as was the food, and hospitality of the lodge staff. The AG team were also great to work with. They were very responsive and helpful with all my questions and travel logistics to ensure a positive trip. I’m so glad I signed up for this memorable experience that I will always remember.

Christine O (2022)

The art safari far exceeded my expectations. Alison was a patient and versatile teacher. She did a great job of catering to students of different levels. The accommodations were too-notch, and the game drives were truly a lifetime experience.

Betsy W (2019)