Madikwe Art Safari, South Africa
12-19 Sept 2024.
Timbavati Art Safari, South Africa
21-27 Sept 2024.
“For anyone thinking about joining one of Alison’s art safaris, just do it!” Tracy M. 2023
“Hmmm… what can I say? 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!”
Ria K. 2017, 2019, 2020 & 2023
“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.”
Christine O. 2022
“Trip of a lifetime.”
Francine K. 2023
“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. 2020 & 2022
Questions?
Email me at alison@artinspiredbyafrica.com
In 2011, I began leading Art Safaris for Africa Geographic in South Africa. The safaris are designed for those who would like to learn, or improve, their wildlife sketching and painting skills. We have a maximum of 5 guests on each safari and they are suitable for any level. Non-sketching friends or partners are always very welcome.
On an Art Safari, much of our sketching is done from an open safari vehicle, giving guests unrestricted views of the numerous wildlife species. I sit in the middle row of seats, so I can easily communicate with everyone during drives. Drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon, optimal times for seeing wildlife. They last approximately two and a half to three hours each, with a stop midway for refreshments.
Back at the lodge in the midday hours, guests can take part in an art workshop. The workshops cover a variety of topics including watercolor & sketching techniques, how to add animals to a landscape, 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. Workshops usually run for 2 hours, to give guests time to relax before we set out on our afternoon drive.
“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. 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. The watercolor classes after lunch were fun and informative, with detailed steps to achieve the suggested results, but with her understanding of each student’s skill level and their personal creative vision. 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
“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
Kambaku Safari Lodge
“I have just experienced the adventure of a lifetime. Africa Geographic and Alison Nicholls have put together a trip for Africa rookies and old timers alike. Being a budding artist, I stumbled across an offer to go to Kruger park in South Africa on sketching and watercolor safari. I have had Africa on my radar for years and here it is. The opportunity. I could not have created a better forum for Africa and my art. The unexpected bonus of the human connection on safari was also handed to us. One, and now both, are my passions . I will return to Africa, often. Thank you Alison and Africa Geographic (Christian).”
Kelly G. 2019, 2022 & 2023
“Art Safari with Alison Nicholls was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! Alison was able to easily identify the areas where my sketching needed to improve. She had quick tricks and skills that made my ability to sketch moving animals much better. I also worked on spending less time on details and working on whole animals, which improved my proportions and overall sketching.”
Linda M. 2019
Questions?
Email me at alison@artinspiredbyafrica.com
“Thanks for such a wonderful workshop! I gained a lot from it, especially how to sketch with the moving objects. I have more confidence now than before for sure.
Kambaku is a beautiful lodge. The staff were all wonderful and helpful. The safari drives were such amazing experiences and I will cherish those sweet memories forever. But most importantly, during this journey, I met so many new friends from different places. They made my journey very special and hope we can keep in touch for a long time.”
Emily S. 2019
“I really can’t say enough good about the Art Safari; it was FABULOUS! All that I had hoped and more, and I am still reveling in the memories and reliving it through my sketches. I LOVED the game drives (including the anticipation of early morning outings)! It was wonderful having so much time to sketch wildlife, and your guidance, encouragement, and instruction, Ali, was very helpful for improving my sketching of live, active animals. I also really appreciated your midday workshops and am eager to put what I learned into practice with my sketches from our game drives and with my ongoing sketching here at home (including with all the deer in my yard). In addition to all that, the whole safari experience, including the meals and the lodge was just fabulous and refreshing. I have no suggestions for improvement, because I thought it was perfect.
Thank you for all you did to make this such a wonderful experience!
Melissa F. 2019
“An Art Safari with Alison takes one on a life journey where one becomes a sensitive naturalist, ones drafting skills are honed and one is exposed to mindfulness. It’s a marvellous package. Alison not only gently guides one in illustrating mammals as they authentically behave with simple pen or pencil lines, she calmly nudges with ideas on how to compose a satisfying composition. Within seconds she suggests what will improve a muzzle shape or what will better capture the muscle and bones carried by a subject. She coaxes one to observe and appreciate animal forms with new clarity and perception. In the process one begins a deeply intimate engagement with wildlife in the South African bushveld.”
Kirsty T. 2018
“After a wonderful first two legs of our trip (Cape Town and Victoria Falls), I honestly thought that the trip could not get any better. Boy was I wrong. The art safari was one of the greatest experiences.”
Sarah L. 2019
Kambaku Safari Lodge
Booking and payment details: Once you have decided to join an Art Safari, you will need to email Africa Geographic for a booking form. Reservations can only be confirmed by the completion of a booking form and the receipt of a deposit. As our groups are small, they can fill up quickly. Please email Christian Boix on travel@africageographic.com for details or telephone: +27 (0)21 762 4974.
Africa Geographic handles all reservations and payments and will be delighted to help you with any other travel arrangements you may require in Africa. They can also arrange private, custom Art Safaris for small groups.
Can’t attend this year?
Our safaris are small and can fill up very quickly, so if you are interested in a future Art Safari, please let me know. I can then ensure that you, along with other interested guests, receive future itineraries before they are made available to the public.