Your Questions, Answered

  • No. Our guests range from working artists to people who haven't picked up a brush since school. Groups are capped at twelve, so your artist teaches to the room — and to you specifically. Curiosity matters far more than skill here.

  • Yes, and plenty of guests do. Your partner joins everything except the workshops — both daily game drives, the elephant experience, the wine tastings, every meal, the cultural evening. While you're painting, they're free to swim, read, nap, or simply sit somewhere extraordinary and do nothing at all. Non-painting partners tend to have a very good week.

  • No. All professional-grade materials are provided — paints, brushes, paper, sketchbooks, everything your retreat requires. Arrive with nothing but curiosity. You're welcome to bring your own favourites if you have them.

  • Very. A large portion of our guests travel alone. Twelve people, seven days, shared meals and shared game drives — nobody stays a stranger past day three. Most guests leave having made real friends.

  • Seven nights at Zebra Hills Lodge, all meals and drinks, twice-daily Big Five game drives, all workshops and materials, the elephant experience, wine tastings, a Zulu cultural performance, and return airport transfers from Durban. See the full list on the About Us Page.

  • International and domestic flights, travel insurance, visas where applicable, and personal purchases or gratuities.

  • Zebra Hills Lodge, on Manyoni Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal — 23,000 hectares of private Big Five wilderness. No day visitors, no crowded viewing decks.

  • Fly into King Shaka International, Durban. We collect you from the airport and return you there at the end of the week.

  • Secure your place with a deposit, or settle in full at booking. Yes, we do have payment plans.

  • Yes. All rooms are private en-suite, and sole occupancy is available.

  • Neutral, comfortable clothing for game drives, layers for early mornings and evenings, a hat, sunscreen, and closed shoes.

  • Requirements vary by nationality and change over time. Please check with your doctor or travel clinic well ahead of departure.

  • Cancel more than 3 months before your retreat begins and you'll receive a full 100% refund. Cancel within 3 months of the start date and 50% is refunded. We recommend travel insurance to cover the unexpected.