Presented by Sharon Kuisis in collaboration with Elsie Weich.

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 us, South African Artists Sharon Kuisis & Elsie Weich on this adventure exploring the Great Karoo & Art. Sharon & Elsie are professional artists and Sharon has explored these areas of the country extensively by car and motorcycle and this will be her 4th Art Retreat here! Elsie and Sharon would like to share their 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. The Karoo Biome has the largest number of succulents in the world & many will be in flower.

Over the next ten days, we will offer you the creative freedom to immerse yourself in the unique beauty of the Karoo and Cederberg, drawing, painting, and experimenting with a variety of artistic techniques. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, you will find plenty of inspiration as we explore these regions and their rich natural landscapes.

Each day, we will guide you through different activities, from travel journaling with pen and ink, capturing the Karoo landscape with watercolour, experimenting with natural pigments found in the Karoo. You will have a choice to paint on a large-scale canvas or to zoom in on detail with botanical drawing. You’ll learn how to create textures, mix colours, and capture the essence of these extraordinary places through your own artistic expression. 

The programme is flexible, so if you prefer to work on your own at times or explore other local activities, feel free to do so. Some highlights include dyeing a scarf using natural pigments and dyes, painting landscapes in both realistic and abstract styles, and even stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the world.

We’ve designed this adventure to be both enriching and relaxing. From quiet moments sketching in the veld to hands-on painting sessions, this is a time to experiment, connect with nature, and reflect on your artistic process. 

Packages

• Single Explorer: R25,900
• Shared Adventurer: R23,500
• Non-participant Companion (sharing only): R9,200

Includes:

10 nights Accommodation: ( 2 nights at Rooikloof Guest Farm – 3 nights at Gannaga Lodge – 5 nights at Kromrivier Cederberg Park Luxury Chalets) – Important: Once your booking is confirmed, you are responsible for the full payment in accordance with the cancellation policies of each accommodation, unless we are able to find someone to take your place. (Please read our cancelation policies in the section How do I book my place and Accommodation details below)

Expert Guidance & Tuition:
Learn from two professional artists, with hands-on lessons tailored to both beginners and seasoned creators.

Bespoke Leather Travel Journal:
A handcrafted journal to capture your sketches, thoughts, and travel memories, beautifully bound for you to treasure forever.

Professional Art Materials:
Everything you need to bring your vision to life, including:

Daniel Smith Professional watercolours

Set of 3 Micron pens for detailed ink work

2 high-quality watercolour brushes

Watercolour travel tin

4 sheets of A3 watercolour paper

Pencil and erasers for sketching

Dipping pen and nib for fine inkwork

Portrait Jam placemat for our portrait session

Scarf dyeing kit with a silk scarf to design your wearable masterpiece

Branded adventure mug

Unique Experiences:

SALT Day Tour (optional) – witness the universe through the lenses of South Africa’s greatest telescope.

Stargazing at Sterland with Jurg 

Explore the Stadsaal Caves – an iconic Cederberg landmark with ancient rock art.

All park fees and guided tours included.

Branded bag with art goodies & gift

Custom Information Booklet on Areas & Plants

Use of Fabric paints and pens

Use of Plein Air Easels (you will need to bring a tripod)

* Bring your own Watercolour materials & Paper and get R700 off the package

* Optional – Branded A3 Portfolio Bag with leather front– R800 

What’s Not Included:

• Transport: You’ll need to arrange your own transport. Please note you will need a car with good ground clearance as we will be travelling on gravel roads after Sutherland and down a rocky pass – a SUV is preferable. 
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory for the trip.
• Meals & Drinks: Please note that each accommodation has a meal option or restaurant facility and that all meals are payable by yourselves and are optional. You are welcome to bring your own meals for Rooikloof Lodge and Kromrivier Cederberg as the units have a kitchen. Gannaga Lodge does not have self-catering facilities.
• Gratuities: Not included.

Materials You’ll Need to Bring:

• Pad of watercolour paper
• A5 sketchbook or visual diary
• Willow charcoal
• Sharpener
• Bulldog clips (for outdoor work)

For those working with oils or acrylics, please also bring:

• Canvas panels
• Paints of your choice
• Brushes (oil or acrylic)
• Palette and palette knives (metal, not plastic)
• Any preferred mediums for your paints

NB !! Please note you will need a car with good ground clearance as we will be travelling on gravel roads after Sutherland and down a rocky pass – a SUV is preferable – see link to map below

https://goo.gl/maps/HQgVzJG1CbLV2Ny99

Program

Get ready for an artistic adventure unlike any other, where the dramatic landscapes of the Karoo and Cederberg become your canvas! Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

Each lesson is optional, you are more than welcome to let me know if you’d prefer to paint on your own on some of the days.

Day 1 –  12 October– Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest Farm

2 to 5pm
Arrive at Rooikloof Guest Farm, where the vast Sutherland skies and rugged landscapes will greet you. Settle in and take a moment to breathe in the quiet before we dive into our artistic journey.

5pm
Kick off your adventure with the Portrait Jam led by Elsie Weich. Together, we’ll create spontaneous portrait sketches—an exciting way to loosen up your creativity for the days ahead.

6.30pm
Dinner will be served on the farm. Savour local flavours under the open sky—R300 per head (bring your own drinks). The perfect chance to relax and bond with fellow adventurers.

Day 2 – 13^th October – Sutherland – Rooikloof Guest Farm

Breakfast: We will supply Coffee/Tea and rusks & cereals

9.30am
Today’s lesson takes you into the world of Travel Journalling & Pen and Ink. Sharon will guide you in mastering the art of capturing textures and details with Micron pens, as you learn to sketch anything that catches your eye—whether it’s the gentle sways of the Karoo flora or the grandeur of the landscape.

2.30pm
Optional SALT Tour—immerse yourself in the mysteries of the universe as you explore the Southern African Large Telescope. Let the cosmos inspire your sketches.

5pm
Enjoy dinner at the historic Ou Meule Restaurant, followed by a mystical session with Elsie, as we dive into The Zodiac. Let the stars guide your creativity tonight.

8-9.30pm
End the day with a magical stargazing experience at Sterland. Jurg will introduce you to some of the clearest night skies on Earth, a natural wonder that’s bound to leave you awe-struck.

Day 3 – 14^th October – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge

7.30am
After a self-serve breakfast, we’ll hit the road towards Gannaga Lodge, crossing the dramatic escarpment of the Roggeveld Mountains. The journey is as beautiful as the destination—prepare for spectacular views that will ignite your imagination.

2pm
Arrive and settle in with lunch at the lodge. Then, it’s time to personalise your travel journals—adding your unique touch to this creative companion.

5-6pm
Join Elsie for a creative session, where you’ll learn to dye a scarf using natural Karoo pigments. Watch the colours swirl and transform as you make your own wearable art.

6.30pm
Dinner at the lodge, as we wind down and reflect on the first few days of adventure.

Day 4 – 15^th October – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge

8.30am-12.30pm
Today’s session is a deep dive into Colour Mixing & Aerial Perspective. Using a limited palette, we’ll explore the subtle, dusty hues of the Karoo, learning how to use value and tone to create harmony in your work. Paint in any medium as we focus on capturing the vastness of the landscape.

2.30-5pm
Optional: Explore Watercolour Techniques & Textures—delve into the intricate details of the Karoo’s unique textures, from rocky outcrops to desert plants, under Sharon’s guidance.

6.30  Dinner at Gannaga Lodge Restaurant

Day 5 – 16^th October – Tankwa Karoo – Gannaga Lodge

9am-12.30pm
Today, we venture down Gannaga Pass to the old, abandoned houses scattered across the landscape. Use your newly sharpened skills to capture the rugged, forgotten beauty of these remote structures, working in any medium of your choice.

5.30pm
As the sun dips low over the escarpment, we’ll toast the day with sundowners at the top of Gannaga Pass, an unforgettable moment to reflect and relax.

7pm
Dinner at Gannaga Lodge.

Day 6 – 17^th October – Gannaga Lodge to Kromrivier Cederberg Park

Pack a breakfast & lunch for the road

8am Leave Gannaga Lodge and make our way through the Tankwa Karoo National Park, stopping briefly 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 stop at Die Dorp op Die Berg for fuel & Groceries.

We then make our way into the Cederberg to our next destination.

We will be stopping along the way to take photos and do quick sketches in the travel journals.

5-6 pm Arrive at Kromrivier Cederberg Park – dinner will be waiting at our Chalet

Day 7 –  18^th October– Kromrivier Cederberg 

9am-12.30pm
Today, we turn our attention to Tonalistic Landscape Painting. Choose between two distinct styles: realism with Sharon or abstract with Elsie. This session invites you to interpret the Cederberg landscape in your own way, using any medium you prefer.

2.30-6pm
Optional: Join Elsie and get your hands dirty with Experimental Landscape Painting on a grand scale—work on a canvas placed directly on the ground and let your creativity flow under the expansive Cederberg skies.

Day 8 – 19^th October – Kromrivier 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.

Activities

Day 9 – 20^th October – Kromrivier Cederberg

8.30am
This morning, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Stadsaal Caves, a site that takes you back through time. As light dances through the ancient rock formations, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to photograph, sketch, and soak in the magic of this timeless place.

Our afternoon will be spent painting landscapes in colour. Once again, you can choose between realism with Sharon or abstract with Elsie, as we aim to capture the extraordinary Cederberg.

Day 10 – 21^st October – Kromrivier Cederberg 

9am-12pm
Optional: Join Sharon for a session of Botanical Painting, where we’ll zoom in on the intricate details of the Cederberg flora, using delicate brushstrokes to immortalise these natural wonders.

3-4pm
We’ll gather together for a reflection session, where we’ll discuss the artworks of each participant—sharing, learning, and celebrating the unique artistic voices that have emerged throughout our adventure.

6pm
A farewell braai at the chalet, under the stars, to close our incredible journey on a warm, communal note.

Day 11 –  22^nd October – Home

8am
A final breakfast, as we savour the memories and say our goodbyes. Safe travels home, and may your hearts and sketchbooks remain full of inspiration!

*Times/itinerary might vary slightly day to day.

How do I book my place!?

Ready to embark on this unforgettable artistic journey? Here’s how to secure in your place:

1. First step of commitment: Please email Sharon Kuisis at courses@sharonkuisis.com to enquire availability as well as your package choice and accommodation preference.
2. Secure your booking with a R3000 deposit. 
3. Make a second payment of R4000 on the 1st of April, to keep your adventure on track.
4. A third instalment of R4500 must be paid on the 1st of July, to bring you closer to the magic.
5. Your final payment, the balance of your package will be due on the 1st of September 2025. Once your payments are in, the creative adventure of a lifetime is officially yours!

Cancellation Policy (Please read):

• 60 to 31 days before the retreat: Forfeit your R3000 deposit, plus any applicable accommodation deposits (refer to the cancellation policies above) unless we find someone to take your place.
• 30 days before the retreat: Forfeit 50% of the package cost, along with accommodation deposits (refer to the cancellation policies above) unless we find someone to take your place.
• 14 days or less before the retreat: Forfeit 100% of the package and accommodation costs unless a replacement is found.

We can’t wait to see the artwork you will create and to share this unforgettable experience with you!

Acommodation

Please note that each accommodation has a meal option or restaurant facility and that all meals are payable by yourselves and are optional. 

You are welcome to bring your own meals for Rooikloof Lodge and Kromrivier Cederberg as the units have a kitchen. Gannaga Lodge does not have self catering facilities.

12 & 13^th October– 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 separate 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 en-suite 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

14^th – 16^th October – 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 
• 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
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be for your own cost

Weak Vodacom cell signal but there is WiFi

Cancellation Policy :

If cancelling 60-30 days before arrival – forfeit 25% of the booking total.

If cancelling 14 days before arrival – forfeit 50% of the booking total.

If cancelling less than 14 days before arrival – no refund

17^th – 21^st October – Kromrivier Cederberg Park

Home

Luxury Chalets

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 

Luxury Self-catering Chalets

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 &b Electric Blankets

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.

* NB – if booked as a single you will be sharing the chalet with another participant. You will have your own en suite bathroom and will share the living and kitchen area.

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 – ½ of 50% deposit refunded
• Cancellations made less than 14 days before arrival date – 0% refund

Book your Place!

Payment structure:

To book your place – R3000 deposit

1. 1^st April – R4000 

0. 1^st July – R4500

The balance of Package will be payable on the 1^st September 2022

Tankwa Karoo & Cederberg Art Retreat Cancellation Policy 

• 60 days to 31 days before start of retreat Forfeit deposit of R3000 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. 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 Sharon at courses@sharonkuisis.com to request a registration form.