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Wings & Wilderness - Rita Gould

11th -18th March 2027 - South Africa - $3600 Early Bird

Reserve My Spot

A watercolour nature retreat at Manyoni Private Game Reserve with Rita Gould

Some people look at a moth and walk past. Rita Gould stops, sits down, and paints it. 

This retreat teaches you to do the same. 

Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Big Five country. One of South Africa's most extraordinary wilderness settings — and for seven days, your studio and your field journal. 

Pathway Partners has brought together nature illustrator and watercolour artist Rita Gould and 
placed her in the African bush. Each day, surrounded by wildlife, wild flora and extraordinary
Light, you'll learn to observe the natural world the way Rita has since childhood — with patience, curiosity, and a paintbrush in hand.

This isn't an art class. It's a return to something you forgot you loved.

MEET RITA

Rita Gould grew up in Russia, spending whole summers at her family's dacha — a summer
village surrounded by forests, lakes and nature. As a child she kept a special journal filled
with paintings of moths and butterflies from the garden. That journal never really closed.

She trained in journalism, graphic design and web design before realising she wanted to put 
down the screen and pick up a brush. Watercolour brought her back to what she'd always loved — the intricate, the detailed, the alive. 

Today Rita teaches online through Patreon and in-person workshops in Staffordshire,UK. She has published her own book, Painting Woodland Watercolours, and built a following of nature 
lovers who share her obsession with moths, butterflies, plants the quiet details most people overlook. 


At Manyoni, she won't be short of inspiration. Neither will you. 

SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW

"I love gardening and challenge myself by trying to grow roses from just cuttings

— which I collect whenever I travel or visit a garden."

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each day moves to the rhythm of the reserve. Mornings belong to the bush — early game drives, golden light, and the kind of wildlife encounters that stop you mid-breath. Then you come back, sit down with Rita, and you learn to translate what you've witnessed onto paper.

Rita leads daily watercolour workshops rooted in close observation of the natural world. Moths, butterflies, birds, plants, landscape — the African bush offers more subject matter than you could paint in a lifetime, and Rita will teach you to see all of it.

Her philosophy is simple: paint through passion. Not through perfection. Her workshops are warm, detailed and deeply encouraging — you will leave believing you can paint, because she won't let you leave until you do.
Evenings are for sharing work, swapping stories, and watching the African sky remind you why you came.

Rita's workshops are built around one idea: that passion is the only thing that will carry you through the difficulties of learning watercolour. Every session is rooted in close
observation — looking at what's actually in front of you and learning to trust what you see. 


Each session explores:
— Watercolour techniques for nature illustration
— Observational drawing and painting — wildlife, flora, insects and landscape
— Colour mixing, texture and intricate detail work
— Field journaling — capturing quick studies and colour notes in the bush
— Building confidence through repetition and passion, not perfection
— Nature-inspired composition and storytelling through illustration

Rita's ideal participant is anyone aged 30–70 who is passionate about nature, open-minded
and willing to look closely. No experience required — just curiosity and a love of the living world. 

All materials are provided.

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.

YOUR WEEK INCLUDES



7 nights luxury bushveld accommodation


Daily painting workshop with Rita Gould


 
Professional-grade paints, brushes, paper, and all 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

THE DETAILS

Dates: 11th - 18th March 2027 

 Location: Manyoni Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 

Group size: 12 guests maximum — intentionally small

 Investment: $3600 per person 

What's included: Everything listed above 

What's not included: Flights and travel to/from South Africa, VISA (if applicable) & travel insurance

12 spots. One Week. Are You In?

If you're ready for a week of art, wildlife, and connection in one of South Africa's most extraordinary places, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Now 

Have Questions?

Contact Us

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.