Art of the Okavango

A 5–7 day creative immersion into one of Africa's wildest landscapes

Okavango Delta, Botswana
2027 | Limited to 12 guests

Come and spend a few days completely immersed in one of Africa's wildest landscapes, with time to slow down, observe and create.

Set within a 90,000-hectare unfenced private concession, Okavango Horse Safaris gives us an incredible base from which to experience the Delta; by mokoro, on foot, out on game drives and (for experienced riders only), on horseback.

And, of course, with plenty of time to paint, draw, photograph, gather inspiration and simply take it all in.

This isn't an art workshop.

There are no assignments, critiques or pressure to produce. It's a creative immersion. A chance to step away from everyday life and spend some uninterrupted time making and responding to what you find around you.

You might find yourself sketching elephants from life, painting waterlilies from a mokoro, working in the landscape, photographing wildlife or just sitting somewhere beautiful with your sketchbook. I'll be there throughout to offer guidance and encouragement, but the idea is that you have the freedom work at your own pace and in your own way.

Kujwana Camp

Kujwana is a small, beautiful camp tucked into an island of the Xudum River in the south-western Okavango Delta. With just six luxury tents, it feels wonderfully intimate. Comfortable and considered, yet much part of the wilderness.

The horses are part of camp life. Wildlife moves freely through the concession. Days might bring elephants in the floodplains, wild dogs, giraffes, incredible birdlife, changing skies and those quiet moments when you suddenly realise you've been watching something for twenty minutes without moving.

We'll make time to experience all of it.

A few days might look like this…

Morning coffee delivered to your tent, followed by a sunrise mokoro excursion, sketchbook and watercolours at the ready.

Lunch back at camp, then a few hours to paint, draw, edit a couple of photographs or relax at the pool overlooking the flood plain.

An afternoon game drive with plein air gear, sketchbooks and cameras on hand, with a magnificent sundowner stop as the light starts to change.

Then back to camp, dinner, a glass of wine or two and stories around the fire.

Nothing is too rigid.

The Delta gets a say in the itinerary.

Who is it for

The retreat is aimed particularly at artists and creatives inspired by the wildest parts of Africa; her vast landscapes, open skies and abundant wildlife, but anyone with a creative practice is welcome.

You should have some experience with your chosen creative practice, but you don't need to be a professional artist by any means.

Bring your own paints and sketchbook, or make use of the materials we'll provide.

About Joni-Leigh

I'm a South African wildlife artist with a background in graphic design and photography, and a particular love of wild places and the stories they hold. Much of my own work begins in the field; observing, photographing, sketching and collecting the moments that eventually become paintings back in the studio.

Art of the Okavango grew out of that way of working, and my belief that the most meaningful pieces of work are often created by spending uninterrupted time absorbing these wild places, and allowing nature the time and space to come to you.

To me, this is the greatest luxury of all, and I'm really looking forward to sharing a little of that process with you.

What’s included:

5 nights at Okavango Horse Safaris

  • Accommodation and meals (full board)

  • All game drives and wilderness activities

  • Mokoro excursions

  • Horseback experiences for experienced riders

  • Dedicated time and opportunities for wildlife and plein-air drawing and painting

  • A carefully curated selection of art materials

  • A handmade leather-bound sketchbook / nature journal

  • Creative guidance from me whenever you'd like it

  • An intimate group of no more than 12 guests


Art of Africa

Art of the Okavango is part of Art of Africa's growing collection of creative experiences across Southern Africa, bringing artists and curious creatives together with some of the continent's most extraordinary places.

This is our first official Artists Retreat in the Okavango Delta, and I'm very excited to be leading it.


7 – 11 MARCH 2027

Okavango Delta, Botswana
5 nights | Maximum 12 guests

USD 5,800

*Does not include international flights.

Interested in joining us?

There are just 12 places available for this retreat.
If you'd like the full itinerary, pricing and booking information, get in touch below and I'll send it through.