A Wilderness Sketchbook with Katie Wilson
3rd-11th November 2026 - South Africa -$3400 Early Bird
Manyoni Private Game Reserve · KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
7 nights · 8 days · All-inclusive
Maximum 12 guests · Small group only
Where the wild meets the page
Step into the South African wilderness with a sketchbook in your hands and an artist by your side — and discover what it feels like to truly see.
Over seven transformative days at Manyoni Private Game Reserve, you'll develop a daily sketchbook ritual guided by internationally acclaimed illustrator Katie Wilson. Morning game drives bring you face to face with Africa's Big Five. Mornings are then spent translating what you've witnessed into colour, and texture.
This retreat is for the curious, the nature-loving, and the creatively adventurous — whether you're just beginning your sketchbook journey or returning to deepen a practice you already love. No prior experience is needed. Only a willingness to slow down, observe, and play.
"My sketchbook pages are rarely finished pieces. They are pages of notes — palettes, observational drawings, messy experiments that hold memories of places and records of moments in time."
— Katie Wilson, Artist
MEET KATIE
Katie Wilson is an internationally recognised artist and illustrator whose commercial work — created for clients around the world — all originates in the experimental pages of her sketchbook.
From in New Zealand and based in Canada, Katie works in the spaces where nature, colour, texture, and story meet. Her commercial illustration spans stationery, books, and textiles. But it is her role as a sketchbook educator that draws people to travel halfway across the world to draw alongside her.
"I love to share my techniques and methods with students — watching them loosen up and play with art materials, discovering methods of drawing that work for them." Her teaching philosophy is rooted in confidence-building and exploration, never perfection.
When not in her studio, Katie is likely sewing her own clothes — another way, she says, to play with colour and texture. It is this deeply personal relationship with making that infuses every workshop she runs.
WHAT AWAITS YOU
7 nights luxury bushveld accommodation
Daily art workshops with Katie Wilson
Professional-grade art materials provided
Morning and evening game drives with experienced rangers
All meals, drinks, and snacks throughout your stay
Wine tastings featuring South African wines
Elephant Connection Experience.
Meet Rachel & Rambo.
Return airport transfers from King Shaka International Airport
Cultural experiences including traditional Zulu dancing
She encourages play, exploration, and drawing from nature. I've loved experimenting with materials and techniques I wouldn't usually put together, and learning to be more loose and free in my style. Her clear explanations and engaging lessons make every session a joy. Highly recommended!
— Shaney
Katie really helped me to improve my drawing and observation skills and gave me confidence in using some new materials in new ways. I'm so pleased when I flip through my sketchbook and see the progress I've made.
— Darlene R
THE SETTING
Manyoni Private Game Reserve spans 23,000 hectares of KwaZulu-Natal wilderness and is home to the Big Five, over 400 species of bird, and some of the most paintable landscapes in South Africa. It's remote enough to feel like another world. It's comfortable enough that you won't want to leave.
This is where Pathway Partners hosts all its artist retreats, chosen deliberately for its scale, its wildlife density, and the quality of light that artists keep coming back for.
THE DETAILS
Dates: 3rd - 11th November 2026
Location: Manyoni Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Group size: 12 guests maximum — intentionally small
Investment: $3400 per person
What's included: Everything listed above
What's not included: Flights and travel to/from South Africa, VISA (if applicable) & travel insurance
SECURE YOUR PLACE
Spaces are strictly limited to keep this experience intimate. To reserve your spot or ask a question before booking:
📧 info@pathwaypartners.co.za 📞 076 123 3493
Frequently asked questions
While some basic art experience is helpful, our retreats welcome artists of all levels. Our artists tailor instruction to meet you where you are, whether you're a beginner eager to learn or an experienced artist looking to refine your techinque.
Absolutely! Many of our guests travel solo and find the intimate group size perfect for forming meaningful connections.
Yes, we do. We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs, making it easier for you to experience the retreat without added financial stress. If you'd like to discuss a payment option, please get in touch and we will find a solution that works for you.