As a solo traveller on this event, I almost didn't book. I'm normally extremely anxious of the unknown and I'm so pleased my husband encouraged me to give it a shot. From the point of booking to leaving for home, the trip was thoroughly thought out and perfectly executed. The group chats on WhatsApp initially helped the group gel before hand and made introductions extremely easy when meeting in person. At my arrival at the hotel, I felt I'd known these people for years. The Sarah and the event helpers Linda, Heather and Si were fantastic at making anyone feel welcome and included, so even if you're a little introvert like me, they quickly made you feel at ease and pull you out of your shell. As for the actual retreat, my goodness is was so well run by staff at Kariega and Sarah and the team. Nothing was too much trouble. I always say when reading reviews it's great when everything goes to plan, but I like to read how people manage in a crisis or if things don't go to plan. We had a couple of incidents happen that were completely out of the organisers control, from unprecedented rainfall to pesky ticks which altered the itinerary, but they were resolved before we even knew about them and it didn't impact the trip in the slightest. It has been a life changing event for me, and I feel like I've found myself again. I even found myself sobbing on our last game drive because I was going to miss everything so much. I can't praise the event and how it was run, I've come away with new skills and some fabulous artwork I'm proud to call mine. Thanks to all involved, I can't wait to join you all again at some point ❤️

This was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The entire holiday was exceptionally well organised, with clear and seamless communication throughout. A huge thank you to Sarah, Si, Heather, Linda and Trish, who made everything feel effortless—every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the experience. Thank you as well to Katie, who was always quick to respond to any question or query in the lead-up to and during the trip—her support made the whole process even smoother. From the moment I arrived, I felt incredibly welcomed. Everything was done to ensure my stay was nothing short of amazing. Ukhozi Lodge was absolutely stunning, and the staff went above and beyond with their warm hospitality, delicious food, and outstanding service. Kariega Game Reserve itself was breathtaking—rolling hills, vast open valleys, and an incredible variety of wildlife. Our guide, Brendan, was phenomenal. His deep knowledge and passion brought every game drive to life, and he had an amazing ability to position us close to the animals while sharing invaluable tips on capturing the perfect photograph. One of the most special parts of the trip was having the time and space to paint, connect and share experiences with such a wonderful group of artists. Sarah is an inspiring and gifted teacher—her way of explaining colour theory, mixing techniques, and the effective use of watercolours is both clear and engaging. She shares her knowledge with genuine enthusiasm and joy, which makes learning from her an absolute pleasure.

My trip to Africa and participation in the art retreat was one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of my life. Africa was spectacular. The wildlife, landscapes, colours, sounds, and sense of adventure were beyond anything I could have imagined. Every day brought moments of awe and wonder, however, what made this journey truly extraordinary was not just the destination—it was the people. 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. Their kindness, generosity, humour, encouragement, and genuine care for every participant were evident in everything they did. They managed to make each person feel seen, valued, and supported, while ensuring that every detail of the experience ran seamlessly. As someone travelling alone from Australia, I arrived hoping for a wonderful holiday and some artistic inspiration. What I left with was so much more - treasured friendships and a deep sense of gratitude. The retreat provided a rare opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life, immerse myself in creativity, and share extraordinary experiences with a remarkable group of people, many of whom were hilarious! It was a privilege to spend time in Africa with Sarah. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this experience and cannot recommend it highly enough.

The trip was very well planned. Great instructor and supporting team. The food and venue were amazing. It was an awesome experience to spent time with a group of like minded individuals.

This was my third trip to paint with Sarah. I keep signing up because she is a great teacher and each time I learn more. They also include local cultural visits and food and the animals and locations are remarkable. The Kariega Game Reserve is a fantastic lesson in saving the habitat AND the animals. Quite the experience, I hope you decide to sign up!