South Africa Art Retreats Raise Over £70,000 for Wildlife Conservation

At Olive & Plum, we believe that travel can do more than create wonderful experiences – it can make a genuine difference to the world around us.

Our South Africa Art Retreat combines safari experiences, expert wildlife art tuition and meaningful conservation. Following our inspiring retreat at Kariega Game Reserve in June 2026, we are incredibly proud to announce that our guests have now helped raise more than £70,000 for wildlife conservation in South Africa, including £32,000 raised during our latest retreat alone.

Every guest who joins our South Africa Art Retreat becomes part of something much bigger than a holiday. Together, we are helping to protect Africa's extraordinary wildlife while creating memories, artwork and friendships that last a lifetime.

Supporting Conservation Through Freedom to Roam Adventures

One of the things that makes our South Africa Art Retreat unique is that every booking contributes towards wildlife conservation.

Through our partnership with Freedom to Roam Adventures, our guests help support conservation initiatives that protect South Africa's remarkable wildlife and the landscapes they call home.

Freedom to Roam Adventures works with conservation organisations that are committed to preserving natural habitats, protecting vulnerable species and supporting the long-term future of Africa's incredible biodiversity.

When you join one of our art retreats, you're not simply booking a painting holiday—you are helping to protect elephants, rhino, lions, giraffes, antelope and countless other species for future generations.

That is something every guest can be incredibly proud of.

More Than a South Africa Art Retreat

People often ask what makes our South Africa Art Retreat different.

The answer is simple.

It is so much more than an art holiday.

Each day combines expert wildlife art tuition with incredible safari experiences.

You'll spend your mornings and evenings on game drives through the spectacular Kariega Game Reserve, watching wildlife in its natural environment before returning to the lodge to paint the scenes you've experienced.

Led by internationally acclaimed wildlife artist Sarah Stokes, guests enjoy relaxed and inspiring tuition suitable for both beginners and experienced artists.

Alongside painting, guests experience:

• Daily safari game drives

• Incredible wildlife photography opportunities

• Luxury accommodation at Ukhozi Lodge

• Delicious South African cuisine

• Time to relax and reconnect with nature

• Inspirational demonstrations from Sarah Stokes

• Friendly, supportive tuition

• A welcoming group of like-minded people from around the world

It is the perfect combination of creativity, wildlife, adventure and relaxation.

An Art Retreat That Changes Lives

Every Olive & Plum retreat is special, but the feedback from our June 2026 South Africa Art Retreat has been truly overwhelming.

Many guests described it as one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.

One guest said:

"This was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life."

Another wrote:

"It has been a life changing event for me, and I feel like I've found myself again."

For many people, travelling alone can feel daunting.

One solo traveller admitted she almost cancelled before travelling.

Instead, she discovered a welcoming community and wrote:

"From the point of booking to leaving for home, the trip was thoroughly thought out and perfectly executed... At my arrival at the hotel, I felt I'd known these people for years."

Perhaps the comment that touched us most came from a guest who travelled all the way from Australia:

"Olive and Plum created something far more meaningful than an art retreat. They created a warm, welcoming community where complete strangers quickly became lifelong friends."

That sense of friendship and belonging is something we work incredibly hard to create.

Expert Organisation Every Step of the Way

From the moment guests book, we want them to feel excited, informed and supported.

Our dedicated team carefully plans every aspect of the retreat—from providing comprehensive pre-departure information and welcoming WhatsApp groups to coordinating accommodation, safari experiences and painting sessions. As an ABTOT-protected tour operator, guests can also book with confidence, knowing their holiday is financially protected.

Guests particularly praised the organisation throughout the week, with one saying:

"The entire holiday was exceptionally well organised, with clear and seamless communication throughout."

Another guest commented:

"Nothing was too much trouble."

Even when unexpected situations arose—including exceptionally heavy rainfall and itinerary changes beyond anyone's control—our team and the staff at Kariega adapted quickly to ensure guests continued enjoying their experience.

As one guest explained:

"Everything was resolved before we even knew about it and it didn't impact the trip in the slightest."

Why Kariega Game Reserve Is the Perfect Location for a Wildlife Art Retreat

Choosing the right location is essential for a successful South Africa Art Retreat.

Kariega Game Reserve offers an extraordinary combination of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, luxurious accommodation and outstanding hospitality.

Guests regularly encounter elephants, giraffes, zebra, rhino, buffalo, antelope and an incredible variety of birdlife—all providing endless inspiration for artists and photographers alike.

Expert safari guide, Brendan, received glowing praise from guests for his incredible wildlife knowledge and his passion for conservation.

Combined with the exceptional hospitality of the Kariega team, it creates an experience that is difficult to put into words.

Creating Art Inspired by South Africa

There is something incredibly special about painting wildlife after observing it in its natural habitat.

Instead of working from photographs alone, guests experience the colours, atmosphere, sounds and behaviour of the animals first hand before putting brush to paper.

Under Sarah Stokes' expert guidance, artists develop confidence in colour mixing, composition, observation and watercolour techniques while creating artwork inspired by genuine safari encounters.

Whether you've never picked up a paintbrush before or have years of artistic experience, our South Africa Art Retreat is designed to inspire creativity at every level.

Thank You to Everyone Who Joined Us

To every guest who travelled with us this June…

Thank you.

Thank you for embracing adventure.

Thank you for trusting us with your holiday.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, kindness and creativity.

Most importantly, thank you for helping us make a real difference to wildlife conservation.

Together we have now raised over £32,000.

That is an incredible achievement, and one we hope will continue to grow for many years to come.

South Africa Art Retreat 2028 – Be part of the next adventure!

The response to our June 2026 South Africa Art Retreat has been extraordinary.

We're delighted to confirm that our next South Africa Art Retreat will take place in 2028, and interest has already been exceptional.

If you've ever dreamed of combining a luxury African safari with inspiring wildlife art tuition while knowing your holiday is helping protect some of the world's most remarkable wildlife, we'd love you to join us.

At Olive & Plum, we believe holidays should leave a lasting impression—not only on the people who travel, but on the places they visit too.

Come and be part of the story. Create art. Experience extraordinary wildlife. Help protect South Africa's future.

Find out more: https://www.oliveandplumretreats.com/south-africa

Art photos provided by Laura Jayne Smith and Jaime Moore, who are both artists who will be joining us in South Africa 2028 as supporting artists.