2nd – 10th September 2022
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 & to capture the experience on canvas.
Come and join me, South African Artist Sharon Kuisis and Horticulturist Laura Klapwijk on this adventure exploring the Great Karoo & Art. I am a professional artist and teacher and we have explored these areas of the country by car and motorcycle, and would like to share our love of this part of the country, its light, space and stillness with you through art.
You will come to love the Karoo plains as we 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. Along the way Laura will share her knowledge of some of the 6000 plus species of plants found in the Karoo, which also has the largest number of succulents in the world.
The Tankwa Karoo National Park especially in flower season is a visual delight!!
During this incredible 1100km journey you will be staying in comfortable accommodation in beautiful unique areas along the way, enjoying good local food, learning about the incredibly clear & great expanse of stars above in Sutherland during a stargazing evening, exploring the surrounding scenery and the beginnings of art in the Rock Art Paintings, and learn how to capture the Karoo and Cederberg on canvas.
Small exclusive group – maximum of 8 participants.
Discover the Karoo like never before..
Itinerary
(please note that itinerary/times might vary slightly day to day)
Day 1 – 2nd September – Tankwa Karoo – Rooikloof Guest farm
11.30 am
Meet at Cape Town Airport – I will collect rental SUV cars from Cape Town Airport, meet everyone and we will drive to Sutherland via a scenic route through Ceres, stopping for lunch along the way.
4.30 pm
Arrive in Sutherland – staying over Accommodation – Rooikloof Guest Farm
6.30pm
Dinner will be provided at the farm – meet each other and discuss the next few days program.
8pm – 10pm
Special Treat! Stargazing at Sterland with Jurg – The star gazing session is max 2 hours long where you will be able to watch through 1 of 6 telescopes. Remember to “dress up for the occasion”. Evenings are cool so in order for you to enjoy the program more thoroughly, being warmly dressed is essential. Once you are outside, Jurg uses a very powerful laser to point out the stars and different constellations as well as to teach you how to find South with the aid of the Southern Cross and Magellan clouds before looking physically through one of the five telescopes.
Day 2 – 3rd September Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge
8am
Breakfast and leave for Gannaga Lodge which is in the Roggerveld Berge
https://www.roxannereid.co.za/blog/gannaga-lodge-at-the-top-of-gannaga-pass-tankwa-karoo
12pm
Lunch at Gannaga Lodge restaurant and settle in
2-5pm
Basics of Landscape painting – composition etc a lesson using sketchbooks and pencils
5 – 6pm
Learn how to take good landscape photos using the golden hour light with your camera or cellphones! (introduction to sun calculator app)
7pm
Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
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 3 – 4th September Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge
Optional
Get up early and meet me at 6.45 am to take beautiful photos
8am
Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
9.30 –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. Start painting quick study sketches in watercolour or oil washes using photos taken or examples I have brought along.
1pm
Lunch at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
2 -5 pm
Continue with painting
7pm
Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
Day 4 – 5th September – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge
8am
Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge restaurant
9.30
Mixed Media techniques and using them in your paintings Demo!
12.30
1pm
Lunch at Gannaga Lodge restaurant
2.30 – 5.30
Continue with your artwork
7pm
Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
Day 5 – 6th September – Cederberg – Kromrivier Cederberg Park
8am Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge restaurant
9am – Leave Gannaga Lodge and make our way through the Tankwa Karoo National Park, stopping at the famous quirky Tankwa Padstal, then making our way over the Swartruggens mountains with its incredible views, over Skittery and Katbakkies Pass. We will be stopping along the way. We will fill up at Die Dorp in the Berg and go to the local shop so you can buy any supplies. We then make our way into the Cederberg to our next destination.
Look out for the spring flowers on the way!
(Packed lunch along the road)
4-5pm Arrive at Kromrivier Cederberg Park
7pm Dinner
6.30 Enjoy a true South African Braai
Day 6 – 7th September – Cederberg
8am Breakfast
9am Drive to a different location
9.30 – 12.30 Introduction Plein Air Painting demo – set up, photograph, plan and paint
1pm Light Lunch
2-5pm Continue with painting or explore the area around us
6.30 Enjoy a true South African Braai
8pm For those interested, a lesson on Star Photography!
Day 7 – 8th September – Cederberg
8am
Breakfast
9.30 –12.30
Find a beautiful spot and paint the local scenery or the smaller things!
1pm
Light Lunch
2-5pm
Continue with painting
7pm
Dinner
Day 8 – 9th September – Cederberg
8am
Breakfast
9am
Discussing & Finishing off of all paintings – this takes time!
1pm
Light Lunch
2pm
45min 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.
7pm
Dinner
Day 9 – 10th September – CT Airport
7 am
Light Breakfast and leave for Cape Town Airport
11am
Drop off at Cape Town Airport
Times/Itinerary might vary slightly day to day.
Map of the Route – https://goo.gl/maps/pyhb1aoUVTViDZj66
Cost of Tankwa Karoo & Cederberg Art Retreat
Maximum of 8 students
Packages
Full (excludes accommodation, flights and car rental)
R14700
Includes:
Tuition as described in itinerary
Canvas panels or Watercolour paper and use of Oil Paints or Watercolours
All food (drinks and gratuity not included) * as described below *
Star Gazing evening at Sutherland
Rock Art Entrance fee
Park fees
Excludes:
All meals exclude drinks and gratuity – you are welcome to bring your own drinks or you can buy along the way when we stop.
Accommodation and transport (SUV rental as described below) and flights
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Excludes Materials you need to bring:
Visual diary or A4/A5 sketchbook
Pencils
Willow charcoal
Sharpener and eraser
Bull clips (this is to tie things down during Plein Air)
Oil Paint Brushes – Good quality – flat or filbert hog sizes .. 2, 4, 6, 10 – Synthetic flat or filbert size 2, 4, 6 – Synthetic Fan brush size 4 or 6 and a small Round size 2
OR basic set of Watercolour brushes – flats & rounds, a large flat and a medium size mop brush.
Basic STEEL Palette Knife Set – not plastic! (for oils only)
* if you have your own preferred painting materials I can send them down with my things with courier but will need them 2 weeks before we leave. No deducted cost from package.
** Non Participant
NB : Full Packages will take preference – There will be no space in the vehicles if all 8 full packages booked. Then you would have to rent/drive your own car
R8500 – excludes accommodation, flights,car rental & travel insurance
Includes: Food, park fees, Stargazing at Sutherland, Rock Art Trip & organization
Excludes accommodation and transport (SUV rental as described below) and flights.
All meals exclude drinks and gratuity – you are welcome to bring your own drinks or you can buy along the way when we stop.
Transport
There will be 2 alternatives depending on how many people book, this is to keep costs to a minimum.
The cost will be divided between the number of participants.
Alternative 1 – 6 bookings – Using my 2021 Jimny plus rental of an SUV & petrol for 2 vehicles – approximately R3600 each at time of print
Alternative 2 – 8 bookings – Rental of 2 SUVS plus petrol approximately R3500 each at time of print
Transport is from Cape Town Airport, Ceres, Sutherland, Gannaga Lodge, Cederberg and drop off at Cape Town Airport – no unscheduled trips
Subject to a specific time frame (11 to 12) that cannot be changed – pick up at 11/12 am at Cape Town Airport and Drop off at Cape Town Airport at 11/12am
NB – please note there will be luggage restrictions!
Alternatively you may bring your own car or rent your own car – NB (check route map – no low sedans)
https://goo.gl/maps/NnL9sQeQdpgWPjxy9
Accommodation
8 nights (1 night Rooikloof Guest Farm, 3 nights Gannaga Lodge, 4 nights Kromrivier Cederberg Park)
Sharing – R4650 (Kromrivier luxury tent )
or R5850 (Kromrivier luxury chalet)
Single – R5440 (Kromrivier luxury tent )
or R7440 (Kromrivier luxury chalet)
Please note that I will book 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.
2nd September – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest Farm
2 Houses
Huis Harpuis has 5 bedrooms (the annex flat included): 3 x double and 2 x twin single.
Renosterbos Cottage: 3 bedrooms, 2 x double and 1 twin single.
* packed lunch and dinner included *
50% deposit and balance due 15 days before arrival
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
3rd – 5th September – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge in Roggerveld Berge
http://gannagalodge.co.za/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
* buffet breakfast is included in accommodation and lunch and dinner to the value of R300/person per day at the restaurant. *
- 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.
- The Stable Block – 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.
No cell signal but there is WiFi
50% deposit and balance due 15 days before arrival
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
6 – 9th September – Cederberg – 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
50% deposit and balance due 15 days before arrival
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be partly at restaurant and partly provided by us *
There are 2 options for accommodation, the Luxury Chalets or the Luxury Tents.
OPTION 1
LUXURY CHALET FACILITIES
The two bedroom luxury self-catering chalets have en suite bathrooms, a spacious living area, 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+2.
Please indicate if sleeper couch bedding will be required (for persons 5/6).
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.
OPTION 2
LUXURY TENTED CAMP
The two bedroom luxury self-catering tents have 1 bathroom with a shower, a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen, an outside braai as well as a fireplace for those cosy winter evenings.
All linen (bedding, blankets and towels) is provided – they sleep 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 4. 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:
- Full Package deposit – 50% of accommodation and R3000 – **Non Participant Package deposit– 50% of accommodation and R3000
- 50% of accommodation payment 3rd March 2022
- The balance of Package chosen, accommodation and transport will be payable on the 25th July 2022
Tankwa Karoo & Cederberg Art Retreat Cancellation Policy
- 60 days or less before start of retreat (by 12 noon 4th 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 3 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, transport and accommodation unless I can find someone to take your place.
- The deposit will be worked into this final amount.
Please email your package choice and accommodation to me at courses@sharonkuisis.com with proof of payment.
Map of Route
https://goo.gl/maps/c6bRV3Xs72wYGYYq6
or fill in the registration form below: