What is an Art Safari?

An art safari is a creative journey to look at animals, nature and landscapes, with the express aim to capture images on paper by direct observation.  You can expect to be taught to see the world in a different way, taking in detail and vibrant energy as you look.  Through your art you will learn about the natural environment.  You will return with many unique images which will encapsulate your holiday and will inspire your art work at home.  In addition you will have had opportunities to see the creativity of Malawi and learn about the peoples, history and culture of the warm heart of Africa.  

Can my non-painting partner come too?

There are plenty of activities for non-painting partners to do while you are painting.  

Can I come on my own?

Many people choose to paint and travel with us on their own.  You are always part of a group and looked after by your guide and by your art tutor throughout the entire trip.  There is absolutely no problem travelling as a single woman. 

Isn't it dangerous to sit outside painting in Africa? 

On excursions into the game parks you  are accompanied by trained safari guides and, if necessary, an  armed game scout.  They will ensure that we are not putting ourselves in any dangerous situations and will watch the bush as we work.  On arrival you will be advised how to act around wild animals.

What is the balance between art tuition and free time? 

In the National Parks you will spend most of the time with your sketch book and your binoculars, with two sessions per day.  There will also be ample rest time for you to relax and enjoy your surroundings on your own or in the company of your group.  On booking you will be able to discuss what you would like to get out of the tuition and your holiday, and the teaching will be geared accordingly.  In general the teaching will focus on ways of seeing rather than prescribed techniques and thus is suited to all levels of skill.

How many other people will be in the group?

The group size is kept small, with 8 people as the maximum group size, (larger groups only by arrangement).  The small size of the group ensures that you benefit from the art tuition and from the interaction with other artists on your trip.  Non-artist partners are of course welcome to join the art safari (nature-watchers, writers and book worms would particularly appreciate the environment). A minimum of four people are needed to ensure that the trip goes ahead.

Where will we be staying?

Your accommodation is at all times comfortable, safe, clean and well located to enjoy the best of the places we are staying in.  You can be confident of personal service and exceptional locations - and a room with a view.  Accommodation includes hotels, lodges and tented safari camps.

How does our visit benefit our host countries? 

Art Safari endeavors to follow eco-tourism guidelines.  Your visit to Africa contributes to the income of at least 25 African people, even before you have bought any souvenirs directly from the makers.  Everyday you spend in the country you will be helping the economy and stability of the tourism industry, one of the largest employment sectors.

Most importantly your art safari helps to strengthen the artistic worth of the country and boosts the artistic community enormously.  Every artist-in-residence is likely to gain as much from the experience as you and their participation may have a profound effect on the recognition and artistic value of Malawian artists.

What insurance do I need? 

You will need to have valid travel insurance cover for your trip.  We can advise you of good travel insurance companies if you do not already have one.  You own personal travel insurance cover is a compulsory part of joining one of our groups.  While in Malawi you are within 2 hour's drive from BUPA hospitals.  Both Liwonde and South Luangwa in Zambia also have airstrips.  

What art materials do you advise taking?

A detailed list of what to bring with you will be given to you when you book.  In general we will be using pencil and water-based paints on a variety of papers.  It will be useful to bring a quantity of paper and sketch books as we anticipate you will be filling the pages fast. 

What kind of food will be eating?

Vegetarians and meat-eaters will both be happy in Malawi, there is always a delicious selection of fresh food (the majority of fresh produce is grown or reared within a few miles of the camps we stay at).  The style of preparation is homely Western/European, with many of the vegetables we know well at home, plus many exotic fruit and fresh bread and cakes.  

How did Art Safari start?

Mark Sprong of Land and Lake Safari and the UK-based artist Mary-Anne Bartlett first had the idea of art safaris in 1999.  Mary-Anne was artist on an expedition to Malawi and the travel was arranged by Land & Lake Safaris.  They ran their first art safari a few months later.

What wildlife are we likely to see?

Liwonde National Park is a time-warp, it is a park that has changed little since David Livingstone and John Kirk first walked through the area in the 1850s.  The wildlife is wild but abundant; including elephant, hippo, crocodile, impala, bush buck, reed buck, sable antelope, hartebeest, dik-dik, buffalo, lion, black rhinoceros, leopard, waterbuck, zebra, baboon, vervet monkey and warthog to name but a few.  The Shire River attracts not only these animals, but also astonishing numbers and a vaste variety of birdlife. Liwonde has recently been nominated the fourth best bird-viewing destination in Africa.   

Mammals tend to be shy on Zomba, though leopards have been  seen just outside the Lodge.  

South Luangwa National Park has excellent game viewing throughout the year.  Game is in abundance; on our last trip we saw lions, leopards, an enormous herd of over 800 buffalo and a migrating flock of over 1000 carmine bee eaters.  These amongst elephant, giraffe, hippo, zebra, antelope of all kinds and an array of mesmerising birds.

As anywhere in the world, and especially here, the wildlife is wild and there are never any guaranteed sitings!

Is it possible to see the Big Five in a day?

Sadly, due to poaching, you would be very lucky indeed to see  lion, rhinoceros, buffalo, giraffe and elephant in a single day.  The rhinoceros population in South Luangwa National Park has plummeted due to poaching in recent years and no rhinoceros have been seen there for some time, despite the efforts of Save the Rhino.  In Liwonde black rhinoceros have been re-introduced and there is a growing population inside a specially protected area (funded principally by J&B and the Frankfurt Zoological Society).  Liwonde does not however have giraffe!!!  As with all wildlife watching you can never guarantee sightings of any animal, especially the rare.

What medical precautions do I need to consider?  Are there malarial mosquitoes in Malawi and Zambia? 

You will need to protect yourself against malaria and make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations.   Consult your local surgery or visit the NHS Tropical medicine site at  www.uclh.org/services/htd/advice.shtml for preliminary advice.