5 -15 September 2023
“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 canvas & paper.
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 I 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 & Travel Journaling.
You will come to love the Karoo plains as they 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 & many will be in flower.
The Tankwa Karoo National Park especially in flower season is a visual delight!!
During this incredible 10 day 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 magnificent scenery and seeing the beginnings of art in the Rock Art Paintings in the Cederberg, and learn how to capture the Karoo and Cederberg on canvas & paper.
Look at what some of last years participants had to say!
“2022 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..
https://goo.gl/maps/HQgVzJG1CbLV2Ny99
Itinerary
(please note that itinerary/times might vary slightly day to day)
Day 1 – 5th September – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest farm
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 – 6th September – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest farm
8am
Breakfast
9am
Exploring Sutherland & Lunch
2-5pm
At the farm – Basics of Landscape painting – composition, tonal value sketches etc – a lesson that teaches you what to focus on (using sketchbooks and pencils/charcoal)
5.30 pm
Dinner
8-9.30pm
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 3 – 7th September – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge
8am
Breakfast and leave for Gannaga Lodge which is in the Roggerveld Berge
12pm – 1pm
Lunch at Gannaga Lodge restaurant and settle in
5 – 6.30pm
Golden Light – Learn how to take good landscape photos with camera or phones
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 4 – 8th September Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge
7.30 am
Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
9am –12.30
Go down Gannaga Pass – 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.
1pm
Lunch at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
3 -5.30 pm
Pen & Ink Techniques
7pm
Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
Day 5 – 9th September – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge
8am
Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge restaurant
9.30
Mixed Media techniques and using them in your paintings Demo!
1pm
Lunch at Gannaga Lodge restaurant
2.30 – 4.30
Continue with your artwork
4.30 -6pm
Optional – Watercolour experiments with salts etc Demo
7pm
Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant
Day 6 – 10th September – Cederberg – Kromrivier Cederberg Park
8am
Buffet Breakfast at Gannaga Lodge restaurant
9.30am
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 and go to the local shop so you can buy any supplies. 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)
4-5pm
Arrive at Kromrivier Cederberg Park
7pm
Dinner
Day 7 – 11th September – Cederberg
7.30 for 8am
Breakfast
9am
Introduction Plein Air Painting demo – set up, photograph, plan and paint
1pm
Lunch at Restaurant
2-5pm
Continue with painting
7pm
Dinner
Day 8 – 12th September – Cederberg
8am
Breakfast
9.30 –12.30
Painting Botanicals
1pm
Lunch
4-6pm
Plein Air – Set up in a beautiful spot and paint the late afternoon scene.
7pm
Dinner
Day 9 – 13th September – Cederberg
Day of Contemplation – A day to yourself!
Kromrivier offers Birdwatching, Horse Riding, Short Hikes, and fishing in the Dams!
Meet in the evening for a Braai
9pm – For those interested, a lesson on Star Photography!
Day 10 – 14th 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.
7pm
Dinner
Day 11 – 15th September
8 am
Breakfast and say our farewells
Times/Itinerary might vary slightly day to day.
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
Full Package – R13700
Package less materials – R12900
Includes:
Organization
Tuition as described in itinerary
Daniel Smith Professional watercolours
Set of Micron Pens
Mediums for mixed media projects
Star Gazing evening at Sutherland
Rock Art Entrance fee
Park fees
Bespoke Leather Travel Journal
Bag to paint on
Custom Information Booklet on Areas & Plants
Use of Fabric paints and pens
Use of Oil Paints
Use of Pastels
Use of Plein Air Easels
Excludes:
Accommodation and transport
Meals (if you have chosen accommodation only), Lunches, drinks and gratuity – you are welcome to bring your own drinks or you can buy along the way when we stop.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Excludes Materials you need to bring:
Paints of own choice if not using mine
Palette for specific medium
Watercolour Paper or Canvas Panels
A5 sketchbook/visual diary
Pencil
Willow charcoal
Sharpener and eraser
Bull clips (this is to tie things down during Plein Air)
Oil Paint Brushes
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)
Transport
Please use a SUV with good ground clearance – NB (check route map – no low sedans)
Accommodation
10 nights (2 nights Rooikloof Guest Farm, 3 nights Gannaga Lodge, 5 nights Kromrivier Cederberg Park)
Accommodation Costs per participant.
Single – 10 nights
Option 1 – 10 days Accommodation only R9400.00 (Kromrivier Luxury chalet option)
Option 2 – 10 days Dinner, Bed and Breakfast R13900
OR
Option 1 – 10 days Accommodation only R8150.00 (Kromrivier luxury tent option)
Option 2 – 10 days Dinner, Bed and Breakfast R12650
Sharing
Option 1 – 10 days Accommodation only R7385 (Kromrivier Luxury chalet option)
Option 2 – 10 days Dinner, Bed and Breakfast R11885
OR
Option 1 – 10 days Accommodation only R6300 (Kromrivier luxury tent option)
Option 2 – 10 days Dinner, Bed and Breakfast R10800
Please ask me for a quote if you want specific accommodation at each place.
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.
Accommodation Specifics
5th & 6th September – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest Farm
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: Booked
2 twin beds with ensuite shower
50% deposit and balance due 30 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
7th – 9th 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. Lunch and Dinner for your own costs
- 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.
- The Kliphuis – Booked
No cell signal but there is WiFi
50% deposit and balance due 30 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
10 – 14th 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
50% deposit and balance due 15 days before arrival
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be for your own cost
There are 2 options for accommodation, the Luxury Chalets or the Luxury Tents.
OPTION 1
LUXURY CHALETS
https://cederbergpark.com/accommodation/luxury-self-catering-chalets/
The two bedroom luxury self-catering chalets have en suite bathrooms per room, 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 TENTS
https://cederbergpark.com/accommodation/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
1 room with double bed
1 room with 2 single beds
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 – R3000 and 50% of accommodation
- 50% of accommodation payment due on the 1st July 2023
- The balance of Package will be payable on the 30th 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/HQgVzJG1CbLV2Ny99
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE EMAIL ME – courses@sharonkuisis.com OR Whatsapp me on 0763530330
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