Join me for an unforgettable and exclusive Travel Journaling Art Retreat across Botswana – a journey where creativity meets the wilderness. Over 10 days, we’ll sketch, paint, and record our experiences as we travel through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and campsites. Ronnie and Sandra will be our expert 4×4guides through Botswana on this adventure and I will be your artistic guide along the way. This is a true wilderness art adventure – you will need to be self sufficient and bring your own 4×4 vehicle, tent, and food for some of the places.
LIMITED TO 6 VEHICLES & 2 PEOPLE PER CAMP/TENT/CHALET
Itinerary & Route
5th June – Zwakala River Retreat –
https://www.zwakalariverretreat.co.za/the-river-cabins
We will start our adventure at Zwakala River Lodge in one of their River Cabins with large windows for breathtaking views and modern amenities. We will meet at Ronnie’s Farm, Koppie Alleen which is 5km from Zwakala for a Braai to discuss our journey into the wild…
6th June – Khama Rhino Sanctuary
https://www.khamarhinosanctuary.org.bw/home
450 km
After crossing over the border into Botswana (takes about an hour) we will stop at Serowe Spar to buy food and drink and fill up with fuel, then make our way to the camp in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Camping with ablutions.
7th and 8th June – Kubu Island
274 km
We will leave at the crack of dawn and make our way to Kubu Island where we will spend 2 nights, camping under the stars on the mystical Makgadikgadi salt pans under ancient baobabs. This is proper wild camping with only decent pit toilets available, so you will need to bring your own water & camp shower! But the once in a lifetime experience on this island is absolutely worth it… we will explore the island on foot, sketching and painting these giant baobabs amongst the giant boulders.
Take photos of the Milky Way..
9th June – Maun Audi Camp
300km
https://www.africanreservations.com/Audi-Camp
After a full day of driving we will spend a night of luxury after our taste of wild camping in one of the Mini on- suite double tents with 2 beds, and will have the option to eat dinner at the restaurant. Recharge in comfort before the next camp. Includes a breakfast. Fill up with Fuel
10, 11, 12 and 13th June – Khwai River Camp – Okavango Delta
166km
We will use Khwai River Camp as a base to explore the surrounding Moremi Game Reserve. Immerse yourself in Botswana’s untamed Okavango wilderness, surrounded by elephants, lions, and many other fascinating African creatures providing you with endless sketching subjects. I will give a demo/lesson each day. You will be camping in your own tent again, but this time you will have ablutions! A roof top tent or thick canvas tent is advisable.
With the moon showing only 3.7% of its crescent its the perfect time to take a photo of the Milky Way – so bring your camera and tripod!
14th June – Nata Lodge Camp
468km
Our last evening together on the retreat with reflections of the last few days discussed under the wide Botswana skies.
There is limited accommodation available – only 3 off 2 bedroomed chalets and 5 campsites with ablutions.. so 1st come 1st serve! We will spend out last evening together dining at the Restaurant.
Fill up with Fuel.
15th June – Return to Civilization..
Say our goodbyes & till we meet again!
It is 830km to Pretoria and it is approximately a 10 hours drive, so perhaps book a place halfway on your way home!
🎨 What to Expect on this Adventure –
Pre Art Retreat – A 2 day weekend session at my studio in Pretoria/online or otherwise a recording thereof for those unable to attend in person in pen and ink techniques & watercolour techniques which will be tailored specifically for this journey. This will be a month before (in May) and will give you time to practice. It will allow you more time to sketch and paint on the journey!
Daily teaching and guidance throughout your journey through Botswana in travel journaling, pen & ink sketching, watercolour and charcoal inspired by your surroundings.
A handmade leather travel journal and materials to capture all you see, plus a bag full of art goodies…these will be sent to you via courier before the 2 day session. Discount will be given if you have your own pens and watercolour materials (you will still get the journal!)
You are welcome to bring other drawing and painting mediums with.
🚙 Important Notes
Limited to 6 vehicles /campsites /tent/chalet with 2 people in/on each. NB: one of these 2 must be a participant. Maximum of 12 people – if you are happy to share your vehicle please let me know.
This is a true wilderness art adventure – you will need to bring your own 4×4 vehicle, tent, and food for some of the places. You will also need water for Kubu Island.
There is a Restaurant at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Maun Audi Camp and Nata Lodge.
Fuel at Serowe, Maun and Nata
COST
INCLUDES
4×4 Tour Guide – Ronnie
2 days tuition in travel journaling for Botswana a month before art retreat or a recording
Daily tuition on the retreat covering travel journalling, working with pens, ink and charcoal.
All accommodation as described on itinerary
All park fees
Dinner at Ronnies Farm – Koppie Alleen
Dinner at Maun Audi Camp Restaurant
Dinner at Nata Lodge Restaurant
Meat for 2 nights of Braai’s – Kubu and Khwai
Botswana Info Map
Materials: Handmade Leather Journal, Branded Bag and Travel Mug and T-Shirt, Micron pens, Gelli pen, 12 Piece Daler Rowney Aquafine Watercolour Set, White gouche, Set of 3 Watercolour Travel Paintbrushes, Masking fluid, Clutch pencil, Erasers, Viewfinder and Colour wheel, Bookmark, Kraft Book, Notebook, Handmade paper, Watercolour paper, Mixed Media paper, Preppy Fountain pen and cartridges, Pencil Case, Ruler, Folder, Charcoal,information booklet, extras and a special gift.
NB – if you have a foreign passport you will be charged additional fees and you may need a Visa.
EXCLUDES
Transport, fuel, mandatory travel insurance, border crossing fees, food, drinks, gratuities, extra activities, any costs relating to breakdowns.
Please note for the last night of 14 June, there are only 3(2 bed) chalets available at Nata and 5 campsites with ablutions so pricing is different – these will be allocated on a 1st come 1st serve basis.
Single Participant
Night of 14 June Nata – Chalet R34900
Night of 14 June Nata– Campsite with ablutions R32350
Sharing Participants
Night of 14 June Nata– Chalet R27800
Night of 14 June Nata – Campsite with ablutions R26500
Non – Participant sharing with a Participant
Night of 14 June Nata – Chalet R17250
Night of 14 June Nata – Campsite with ablutions R15950
Payment Schedule:
Deposit – R8600
1 December – 2025 R6250
1 March 2026 – R6250
1 April 2026 – R4500
1 May 2026 – Balance
Cancellation Policy of the Botswana Art Retreat and Travel Journalling Adventure
Any time before the start of the art retreat – Forfeit R2000 admin fee and all non- refundable deposits according to the specific accommodation cancellation policy unless you/I can find someone to take your place.
46-60 days before the retreat – Forfeit deposit of R8600 plus applicable percentage of accommodation according to the specific accommodation cancellation policy unless you/I can find someone to take your place
31-45 days before the retreat – Forfeit R15600 plus applicable percentage of accommodation according to the specific accommodation cancellation policy unless you/I can find someone to take your place
30 days and less before the retreat – Forfeit 100% unless you /I can find someone to take your place.
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