Alison Nicholls

Since 2011 I have been leading Art Safaris for Africa Geographic. The safaris are designed to teach wildlife-sketching and watercolor painting skills to artists, or aspiring artists, of any level. We have a maximum of 5 guests on each safari, and non-sketching friends or partners are welcome.

Each day we go out on 2 drives in the reserve – one in the early morning and another in the afternoon/evening – optimal times for viewing wildlife. Drives last approximately two and a half to three hours each, with a stop midway for refreshments.  Before we set out I do a drawing demonstration to explain how I start my wildlife sketches, then during the drives I sit in the middle row of seats, so I can easily communicate with everyone. Throughout the drives I share advice and instruction and show examples of my own sketches to help you with animal anatomy. Some days we will stop and paint a watercolor landscape while we’re out on the reserve too. 

After a lovely brunch back at the lodge we freshen up then I lead a 2-hour watercolor workshop. The workshops cover a variety of topics including watercolor washes, how to include animals in your landscapes, and how to use your sketches to create finished paintings. The sessions are friendly and informal, and everyone works at their own pace on their own choice of subject. We decide the exact timing of the workshop each day at brunch, and I make sure you have time to relax afterwards before we set out on our afternoon/evening drive. 

On the afternoon drive we continue sketching and have a stop for sundowner drinks on the reserve. We then have a short night drive and come back to the lodge ready for a wonderful dinner. Drinks by the fire and a chat about the next day’s activities are usually followed by a fairly early bedtime, so you can rise the following morning and start another day of art!

If you're ready to join an Art Safari, your booking will be handled by Africa Geographic, an African travel company with offices in South Africa and the UK. They have specialist staff who have lived and worked in Africa since 1991 and will be happy to help with your Art Safari booking and payment, as well as any other travel arrangements you may require in Africa. They can also arrange private, custom Art Safaris for small groups.

Reserve your place: The next step is to email Africa Geographic for a booking form.  Reservations can only be confirmed by the completion of the booking form and the receipt of a deposit. As our groups are small, they can fill up quickly. Please email Christian Boix on [email protected] for details or telephone: +27 (0)21 762 4974.

Can’t attend this year?
Art Safaris are small and fill up very quickly, so if you are interested in a future date, please contact me by email [email protected] and I will ensure that you receive details as soon as they are available.

Read more testimonials here.