Tankwa Karoo and Cederberg Art Adventure & Retreat 2024

6-16th September 2024

Travel far enough and you’ll meet yourself.”

Escape the maddening crowds and lose yourself in the vastness of the magnificent Karoo..

A unique and exclusive opportunity to explore rarely seen parts of Southern Africa on roads less travelled and to capture the experience on paper and canvas.

Come and join me, South African Artist Sharon Kuisis on this adventure exploring the Great Karoo & Art. I am a professional artist and teacher and I have explored these areas of the country by car and motorcycle, and would like to share my love of this part of the country, its light, space and stillness with you through art & Travel Journaling.


You will come to love the Karoo plains as I have, the distant mountains blue in the morning, pink, purple and gold at sunset, and the dark Karoo night skies filled with millions of stars. For mile after the mile the great expanse is peppered with a remarkable number of plant species, the Driedoring bush which is covered with white flowers when the drought breaks, Brosdoring, Taaibos & Klapperbos and many more hidden gems that come into flower when it rains. And then we’ll explore the magnificent Cederberg Mountains, richly coloured with its spectacular iron oxide rock formations & valleys filled with fynbos and pin cushion proteas. The Karoo Biome has the largest number of succulents in the world & many will be in flower.

The Tankwa Karoo National Park especially in flower season is a visual delight!!

During this incredible 11 day journey you will be staying in comfortable accommodation in beautiful remote & unique areas along the way, savoring delightful local cuisine. You’ll gaze upon the crystal-clear expanse of stars during a mesmerizing stargazing evening in Sutherland and unearth the origins of art in the captivating Rock Art Paintings of the Cederberg. And learn how to capture the Karoo and Cederberg in your Handmade Travel Journals.

Look at what some of the previous participants had to say!

“Tankwa Karoo & Cederberg Art retreat – what an experience. Sharon’s organisational skills are the best. The trip, accommodation, art and painting techniques were well planned and executed! I traveled on roads I have never been on before, I learnt to really observe nature and surrounds. One of the best experiences in my life and hope to some day join again. Lisi van Zyl”

“We spent an amazing week in Tankwa Karoo and Cederberg with Sharon. The art retreat was filled with painting, photography, good food and lots of laughter. Thank you Sharon, for arranging this retreat, I will never forget it! Meryl”

“Tankwa Karoo & Cederberg Art Retreat – The best art adventure!
Other than the breathtaking scenery and beautiful places we got to stay at and experience, Sharon’s skills and knowledge made this retreat one to remember.
Well organised, we learned a lot, saw even more and formed bonds with mindful, strong creatives.
This was definitely a trip I’ll never forget! Magdal “

Small exclusive group – maximum of 10 participants.

Discover the Karoo like never before..

Map of Route

https://goo.gl/maps/HQgVzJG1CbLV2Ny99

Itinerary

(please note that itinerary/times might vary slightly day to day)

Day 16th September – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest farm

http://rooikloof.co.za/

3pm

Arrive at Rooikloof Guest Farm

6-7pm

Dinner will be provided at the farm or in Sutherland – Meet each other and discuss the next few days program.

Day 2 – 7th September – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest Farm

We will supply Coffee/Tea and rusks & cereals at the farm.

9.30

Lesson for the Day – Introduction to Travel Journaling & Pen & Ink lesson teaching you how to create textures using Micron Pens so that you can capture anything that you see.

5 pm

Dinner at Ou Meule Restaurant in Sutherland

8-9.30pm

Special Treat! Stargazing at at the SALT (South African Large Telescope) facility

Day 3 – 8th September – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge

https://gannagalodge.co.za/

Gannaga Lodge

7.30 am

Breakfast at the Farm and leave for Gannaga Lodge which is On the escarpment of the Roggerveld Berge

2pm

Lunch at Gannaga Lodge restaurant and settle in

5 – 6.30 pm

Decorate your Travel Journals

7pm

Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant

The Deck at Gannaga Lodge

Check out the flowers in September on the links below!

https://www.roxannereid.co.za/blog/flowers-in-the-tankwa-karoo-national-park

Riaan Wolhuter – http://www.wildscapes.co.za/home/parks-landscapes-wildflowers/tankwa-karoo

Day 4 – 9th September Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge

7.30 am

Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant

9am –12.30

Colour mixing basics and aerial perspective using a limited palette which teaches you to utilize value rather than colour, and gives you better colour harmonies. Learn how to see the colours of the Karoo. – You may do this in any medium

1pm

Lunch at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant

3 -5.30 pm

Watercolour techniques & textures

7pm

Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant

Gannaga Pass

Day 5 – 10th September – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge

8am

Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge restaurant

9.30

Go down Gannaga Pass to the old abandoned houses and use your new skills to capture what you see – may be done in any medium

2pm

Lunch at Gannaga Lodge restaurant

Continue with artworks or relax

7pm

Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant

Day 6 – 11th September – Cederberg – Kromrivier Cederberg Park

7.30am

Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge restaurant

8.30am

Leave Gannaga Lodge and make our way through the Tankwa Karoo National Park, stopping at the famously quirky Tankwa Padstal, then making our way over the Swartruggens mountains with its incredible views, over Skittery and Katbakkies Pass. We will be stopping to check out the magnificent scenery along the way. We will fill up at Die Dorp in the Berg if necessary. We then make our way into the Cederberg to our next destination.

Learn about Travel Journaling on the road!

Look out for the spring flowers on the way!

(Packed lunch along the road)

4pm

Arrive at Kromrivier Cederberg Park

5pm

Dinner at Restaurant

Swartruggens Mountains on the way to the Cederberg

https://cederbergpark.com/

Kromrivier Cederberg Park

Day 7 – 12th September – Cederberg

7.30 for 8am

Breakfast

9am

Collection & Painting Of Botanicals – may be done in medium of choice

1pm

Lunch at Restaurant

2-4pm

Join me for Landscape Painting in the field or continue with your botanical paintings

5pm

Dinner at Restaurant

Day 8 – 13th September – Cederberg

Day of Contemplation – a day to yourself!

Kromrivier offers Birdwatching, Horse Riding, Short Hikes, and fishing in the Dams Or try the wines at Cederberg Wines just down the road.

5pm

Dinner at Restaurant

Day 9 – 14th September – Cederberg

7.30 for 8am

Breakfast

9.30 am

Cyanotype Printing techniques on different materials using the local botanicals

Lunch at Chalet

Continue with printing

5pm

Dinner at Restaurant

Day 10 – 15th September – Cederberg

8am

Breakfast

9am

Discussing & Finishing off of all paintings – this takes time!

1pm

Lunch

2.30 pm

30min Drive to the Rock Art at Stadsal and/or Truitjieskraal, these are a ‘must’ for all Cederberg visitors and keen photographers could spend hours here capturing the play of light and shadows on the open caves and rock formations, taking a walk through time to where art first began.

7 pm

Braai at Chalet

Day 11 – 16th September

8 am

Breakfast and say our farewells

Times/Itinerary might vary slightly day to day.

NB – Please use a SUV with good ground clearance – NB (check route map – no low sedans)

https://goo.gl/maps/HQgVzJG1CbLV2Ny99

Cost of Tankwa Karoo & Cederberg Art Retreat

Maximum of 10 Participants

Single Package R24725.00

Sharing Package R21950.00 Non Participant – R8825,00 (sharing only)

Includes:

10 nights Accommodation ( 2 nights at Rooikloof Guest Farm – 3 nights at Gannaga Lodge – 5 nights at Kromrivier Cederberg Park Luxury Chalets)

Organization

Tuition as described in itinerary

Bespoke Leather Travel Journal

* Daniel Smith Professional watercolours

* Set of Micron pens

* 2 Watercolour Brushes

* Watercolour Travel Tin

Cyanotype Printing materials

Star Gazing evening at Sutherland

Stadsal Rocks Entrance fee

Park fees

Tote bag with art goodies & gift

Custom Information Booklet on Areas & Plants

Use of Fabric paints and pens

*Use of Oil Paints

Use of Plein Air Easels

* Bring your own Watercolour materials and get R500 off the package

Excludes:

Meals, drinks, gratuities and transport

Mandatory Travel Insurance

Excludes Materials you need to bring:

Pad of Watercolour Paper

A5 sketchbook/visual diary

Pencil

Willow charcoal

Sharpener and eraser

Bull clips (this is to clip things down during outdoor sessions)

If using oils or acylics

Canvas Panels

Paints of own choice if not using mine

Palette

Oil Paint or Acylic Brushes

Palette Knife Set – not plastic!

Transport

NB!! Please use a vehicle with good ground clearance – NB (check route map – no low sedans, preferably an SUV)

Accommodation

Please note: I have booked all the accommodation in advance and your particular rooms will be chosen on a first come first serve basis.

NB – if you book a place you will be held responsible for the monies according to their cancellation policy unless I find someone to take your place.

6th and 7th September – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest Farm

http://rooikloof.co.za/

Huis Harpuis:

This beautiful historical homestead has been restored to its former self and offers place for up to eight adults.

The artfully furnished living room has a fireplace with which you can allay the icy winters the region is known for. There are barbecue facilities where one can grill succulent Karoo lamb, one of the area’s foremost dishes. A wide long stone corridor, which provides welcome relief in the summer months, runs the entire length of the house. Sleeping accommodation consists of two large double rooms for couples and two further rooms each with two single beds.

Huis Harpuis has 1 bathroom , separate WC and seperate shower. Bedding, towels, heaters and electric blankets are provided.

Spekbossie:

Huis Harpuis also has an annex flatlet, Spekbossie. This is a fully furnished flat with 1 double bed, en-suite with shower and kitchenette with bar fridge,microwave and coffee making facilities; as well as a Welcome Dover stove for extra heat in addition to the panel wall heater and electrical blanket. This flatlet is used as a fifth bedroom of Huis Harpuis.

Renosterbos Cottage:

Here your first impression may be captured by the wide red polished stoep overlooking the farm. This cosy cottage still has its original wooden floors, high ceilings and thick walls. Above its own hearth is the old drying loft accessible from an external stone staircase. Antiques handed down over the generations are in harmony with the Victorian features. A fully equipped kitchen gives easy access to splendid outdoor barbecue facilities. Accommodation for six people is made up of two double bedrooms and a further room with two single beds. Bedding, towels, heaters and electric blankets are provided

Mossiesnes Annexure:

2 twin beds with ensuite shower

Cancellation Policy

If cancelling more than 30 days before arrival – full refund

If cancelling 15 – 30 days before arrival – forfeit 50% of the booking total.

If cancelling 14 days or less before arrival – no refund

8th – 10th September – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge in Roggerveld Berge

About

“Gannaga Lodge is situated in 20 hectares of its own ground within the Tankwa National Park. It is located in some of the most spectacular countryside in the Northern Cape, at the summit of the breathtaking Gannaga Pass. The Lodge lies 29 kilometres from Middelpos on the dirt road between there and Ceres. The lodge offers 10 comfortable rooms, situated in either the newly-restored Old Farmhouse or the converted Stable Block. It the only establishment offering B&B accommodation and restaurant facilities within the boundaries of the National Park. Unlike the Tankwa National Park, Gannaga Lodge does not offer self-catering accommodation. The reception building is newly constructed from local stone retrieved from old farm outbuildings, is air-conditioned and contains a well-stocked bar, spacious lounges, the dining room and a meeting room suitable for seminars and small conferences. From here, guests can enjoy glorious views towards Langkloof and over the Gannaga Pass.” Trip Advisor

  • A buffet breakfast is included in accommodation. Lunch and Dinner for your own costs.
  • There is a Bar Area

  • The Old Farm House – Comprises 5 bedrooms. Each bedroom features a double bed or 2 single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, 1 of the bathrooms has a bath. All bedrooms have white linen, towels, electric blankets, heater and fans. Coffee and tea is served in the lounge And the restaurant area

  • The Stable Blocks – Each available bedroom features a double bed or 2 single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, 1 of the bathrooms has a bath. All bedrooms have white linen, towels, electric blankets, Air-conditioner. Coffee and tea is served in the lounge of Farm House And the restaurant area

No cell signal but there is WiFi

Cancellation Policy :

If cancelling 60-30 days before arrival – forfeit 50% of the booking total.

If cancelling 14 days before arrival – forfeit 25% of the booking total.

If cancelling less than 14 days before arrival – no refund

11 – 15th September – Kromrivier Cederberg Park

Cederberg Park is a getaway retreat located on the Kromrivier Farm approximately 250km north of Cape Town. Cederberg Park is the oldest tourist destination in the heart of the Cederberg and is renowned for its well-kept chalets and exclusive campsite.

Surrounded by fynbos and majestic orange rock formations, Cederberg Park is considered a popular base for hiking, mountaineering and exploring. Splash around in the crystal-clear mountain streams, hike through untouched natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of the Cederberg mountain range.

No cell signal but there is WiFi

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be for your own cost

LUXURY CHALETS near the Dam

The luxury self-catering chalets have 2 bedrooms which have en suite bathrooms, a shared spacious living area, shared fully equipped kitchen, inside and outside braai as well as bedroom fireplaces for those cosy winter evenings.

All linen (bedding, blankets and towels) is provided – the luxury chalets sleeps 4

The kitchen is well equipped with:

Large fridge, convection microwave oven, induction stove plates, coffee plunger, teapot, braai equipment, a cast-iron pot as well as crockery & cutlery for 8.

At Cederberg Park we believe that one can only experience the Cederberg tranquillity with the absence of TV at your chalet. For connectivity free Wi-Fi is available, seeing that we are out of cellphone reception.

Cancellation policy and terms and conditions: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/60a5455c4c711/web/

  • All cancellation requests must be sent in writing to Cederberg Park
  • Cancellations made more than 30 days before arrival date – 100% refund
  • Cancellations made less than 30 days before arrival date and paid in full– 50% refund
  • Cancellations made less than 30 days before arrival date and 50% deposit – 1/2 deposit refunded
  • Cancellations made less than 7 days before arrival date – 0% refund

Book your Place!

Payment structure:

To book your place – R3000 deposit

1st April – R4000

1st July – R4000

The balance of Package will be payable on the 1st August 2024

Tankwa Karoo & Cederberg Art Retreat Cancellation Policy

  • 60 days or less before start of retreat (by 12 noon 8th July) Forfeit deposit plus the applicable deposits on accommodation (check cancellation policies above) unless I can find someone to take your place.
  • 30 days before start of retreat (by 12 noon on 5th August ) Forfeit 50% of Package & deposits on accommodation (check cancellation policies above) unless I can find someone to take your place.
  • 14 days or less before start of retreat – Forfeit 100% of Package and accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.

Please email your package choice and accommodation to me at courses@sharonkuisis.com with proof of payment.

Map of Route

https://goo.gl/maps/HQgVzJG1CbLV2Ny99

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE EMAIL ME – courses@sharonkuisis.com OR Whatsapp me on 0763530330