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, obtain inspiration and reference imagery to take back home with you, and just 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 work in response to an extraordinary place.
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 very much that you work at your own pace and in your own way.
Kujwana Camp
The setting is a huge part of what makes this retreat special. Kujwana sits on an island of the Xudum river in the south western side of the Okavango Delta. The camp is nestled into the island's woodland where we will be surrounded by the calls of our incredible birdlife. Expect to visited by the vervet monkeys and enjoy a wake up call from an elephant casually grazing the marula fruits along the river bank. With a total of 6 luxury tents, your home for the week will be a small, exclusive camp perfectly designed for anyone who wants a true wilderness experience with a touch of comfort and elegance.
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.
(And hopefully, to notice things we might otherwise have missed.)
A few days might look like this…
Your morning coffee delivered to your tent, followed by a guided mokoro excursion, watching the the sunrise while gliding through the delta’s flood plains to the sounds of the bush coming alive with your watercolour set and nature journal at the ready.
Lunch back at camp with any dietaries you may have specially catered for.
A few hours to paint, draw, make a few inspired notes in your journal, set up a little plein air session on your private deck or relax at the pool overlooking the flood plain.
An afternoon game drive with sketchbooks and cameras on hand, stopping for sundowners (and perhaps a quick plein air oil sketch as the light starts to change to those deep pinks and purples African skies are known for!).
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 of all levels inspired by wildlife, landscape and horses, but creatives working in any medium or subject are most 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. Your sketchbook. Or use those we’ll be providing for you.
About the retreat
5–7 days at Okavango Horse Safaris
Accommodation and meals
Game drives and wilderness activities
Mokoro excursions
Time for wildlife and plein-air drawing and painting
Art materials including watercolour set, sketchbook / nature journal housed in beautifully handmade leather bound covers, pencils, a limited palette of oil colours, palette knife, a range of brushes, fast drying medium, solvent, canvas and easels.
Creative guidance by me where desired
A small 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 landscapes and wildlife.
This is the first official Artists Retreat in the Okavango Delta - and I'm very excited to be leading what’s sure to be an extraordinary adventure!
March 7 - 11th, 2027
Pricing: ZAR xxx GBP xxx USD xxx
Interested?
Click the link below to reach out with any questions you may have. We’d love to hear from you.