Travel for The Experience

(23 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Angie Matthews

Amaranth, ON
Safari & Cruising Specialist

 I have been in the travel industry for over 7 years. I am passionate about nature and I love travelling to different countries to experience some of the most amazing sunrises or sunsets this world has to offer. I share my experiences and offer in...

viewing rhino in Klaserie private game reserve

Many of us travel for recreation, relaxation or just to see the destination. Recently I had the pleasure of combining my trip with an incredible experience. I have just returned from a Safari in South Africa, something many of you may have done but on my safari we went out and sketched the animals live on location.


We spent 5 days at the small bush camp Africa on Foot, along the borders of Kruger National Park with professional artist, Alison Nicholls. As a small group of 6, we had full use of the camp complete with guides and staff who cared for all our needs. Traveling alone to Africa seemed quite daunting at first but once I arrived and met Alison and the rest of our group I felt right at home.


Africa on Foot is a small rustic camp with all the necessary comforts, completely isolated in the bush on the Klaserie Private Game Reserve. After 5 days it was like coming home when we pulled into the camp from a busy game drive. Nadia greeted us at the jeep with refreshments and warm face clothes to wipe away the dust each and every time.


We had our first game drive the afternoon of our arrival and spotted these 2 bull elephants almost immediately. We eagerly took out our sketch pads and began drawing. Alison gave us some pointers before we went out and continued to assist while we drew. The bush was so quiet!


We quickly settled into our routine of morning game drive sketching, breakfast, painting, lunch and then back on a game drive. There was lots to see and much to learn, we were never bored!


We would draw the basic shapes of the animals, since they were constantly moving it was difficult to get very detailed. This was a great exercise for me! We would return to camp and put some colour to our sketches. Alison made it look so easy!


The best part of this experience was how close we came to the animals, In the private reserves we could leave the roads for close encounters.  I was able to take some  great pictures to work from when I returned home. Viewing the animals live, watching how they move and seeing where they live has given me great insight in sketching and painting them. There is also something very special about painting a picture of an animal you actually witnessed yourself.


Our Afternoon game drives included a sun-downer, we would stop at sunset to enjoy a drink and discuss the game viewing of the day.Our final sun-downer was set at their very own bush bar. My recommendation, try the Amarula!


Spending time at one location, getting to know everyone and enjoying the artwork has made this an unforgettable experience. The next time you travel, why not consider adding a remarkable experience to your journey? 


 

My Travel Albums

Blue Waters Antigua
The Master bedroom and Infinity pool
A stay at Africa on Foot in South Africa
Zebra grazing
Iconic Danube with Scenic
Admiring the Cathedral in Linz
A Day in Kruger
The elusive king, the only wild lion I saw
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Spectacular views of elephants near iconic trees
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
Exploring the Me Cung Cave
Lake Nakuru Kenya
Daphane Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Nairobi Kenya
Kiasa coming home for evening meal.
Alaska
Searching for bears.
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