Unleash Your Creativitiy at Belmond Safaris, led by World-Renowned Botanical Artist Vicki Thomas

Savute Elephant Lodge and Eagle Island Lodge, both Belmond Safaris lodges in Botswana, invite you to embrace the contemporary nostalgia of sketching, drawing and journalling amongst Botswana’s untamed wonders.

Launching for the first time from 12 – 17 November 2025, the five-night, six-day Sketchbook Safari encapsulates slow luxury at its finest. Each enthralling day is spent creating a journal filled with quick sketches, paintings, fine drawings and written observations as a lasting record, and evoking memories of Botswana for years to come.

Engaging instruction, thrilling game drives and enchanting nights around the campfire are all part of this enriching safari experience.  Led by acclaimed botanical artist Vicki Thomas, guests will gain a unique perspective on the region’s flora and fauna whilst enjoying the magic of being on safari in a mindful way.  

LIFE AT BELMOND’S TWO LUXURY LODGES  

Located beside the mysterious Savute Channel, Savute Elephant Lodge puts you in the land of Africa’s giants. From the lookout hide, you can watch elephants, hyenas and cheetahs as they gather at the watering hole. Relax in raised tented rooms with four-poster beds and shaded outdoor lounges and take cooling dips in the swimming pool – always with majestic animals in your sights.  

At Eagle Island Lodge, guests are equally close to the extraordinary wildlife of the Okavango Delta. On this island perch, enjoy light-filled tented rooms with plunge pools, sundowners at the bar listening to the call of the fish eagle, and enticing dining experiences in the heart of the bush. When the waters are high, glide out on mekoro canoes to witness hippos, kingfishers and brightly coloured frogs in their element.  

A MULTI-LAYERED EXPERIENCE

The Sketchbook Safari will focus on the art of journalling. Vicki Thomas will introduce the concept and start off with some light sketching. As the week unfolds, there will be safari drives to sketch elephants and other wildlife, watercolour training, leaf and plant collecting, photography, and sunset sketching to master shadows. Learn how to depict palm trees, fish eagles, feathers, waterlilies and the insects that live on them, and have ample time to sit contemplatively whilst painting, happily letting the day develop.  

“What I’m planning to do is multi-layered, it’s not just about drawing,” says Vicki. “It’s about looking at what’s in front of you – noticing things that you might previously have skipped over or missed. The act of drawing is very mindful. Your brain and eyes focus to such an extent that there is automatically a deep connection with the plant or animal you’re drawing. This creates a fuller, richer experience of what is happening around you in the wild.”     

DATES AND PRICES

The 8-person Sketchbook Safari takes place from 12-17th November 2025 and includes all flights to/from Maun, two nights at Savute Elephant Lodge and three nights at Eagle Island Lodge. All meals, art materials and activities are included.  

Costs: $13,150 per person for a single room for five nights including flights to and from Maun, and $9,100 for a double room per person sharing for five nights including shared light aircraft flights to and from Maun and between the Belmond lodges 

All levels of artists, from novice to experienced, are welcome, with activities tailored to various talents and tuition evolving to match progress.  

Booking enquiries can be sent to: safaris@belmond.com; or contact us on +27 21 483-1600 

www.belmond.com/safaris/africa/botswana/belmond-eagle-island-lodge 

www.belmond.com/safaris/africa/botswana/belmond-savute-elephant-lodge