Paint and sketch the iconic wildlife and landscapes of East Africa with Art Safari tutor Julia Cassels.

On this safari in Kenya, one of the world’s great safari destinations, we will visit the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, areas so very different in their geography, vegetation and wildlife.

A major feature of the Rift Valley Lakes are the famed flocks of flamingos that gather here to breed and feed.  Watching millions of flamingos shimmering in pinks, whites and oranges over the shallow blue lakes is truly spectacular!  We visit Lake Nakuru where endangered black and white rhino live alongside the colourful, active flamingos.

Lake Naivasha is our next stop and one of the prettiest areas in Kenya.  The lake is like a vast, sunlit sea and is surrounded by yellow fever trees with the dark outlines of Mount Longonot on the skyline.  Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala stroll along the shores and the waters are a sanctuary for many wonderful birds as well as impressive numbers of hippo.

We continue on to the glory of the Masai Mara for the full excitement and natural drama of the one of the largest open wildlife areas in Africa.  The Mara is top of many safari wish lists for good reason – big cats are abundant, cheetah sightings are almost guaranteed, tens of thousands of antelope and hundreds of thousands of zebra and wildebeest roam the savannah grasslands.   This is magnificent Africa at its best!

Our sketchbook pages will fill with sleeping lions, journeys of giraffes travelling majestically across the landscape, slowly grazing herds of zebra and wildebeest, fabulous sunsets with acacia silhouetted on the horizon… and so much more!

The Great Rift Valley cuts through Kenya and creates a backdrop for the most extraordinary wildlife.  Julia’s love of this part of Africa began a long time ago, and she will talk to you about her experiences there while painting.  The wildebeest migration in the Mara is the most impressive in the world.  You can also expect to meet Maasai warriors, watch amazing African wildlife and see timeless red sunsets.

Julia’s loose technique is a joy to be inspired by.  She is a very relaxed and generous tutor to learn from.Julia will show you how she tackles various species – including perhaps Tommy gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, acacia trees, elephant and or course flamingos!  She will show you how to make your sketches lively and loose.

We are looking forward to welcoming you there.

Why not stay longer or arrive early?

Please let us know if you would like to ease into your safari with an extra night in Nairobi before the Art Safari starts.  We could arrange a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi to learn about rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned young elephants.  We could also spend some painting time at the Giraffe Centre to challenge ourselves to capture the proportions and patterns of these elegant giants!

Or stay longer and take a trip to the coast?