Differentiation & Upsell

Stand out among competitors by offering a distinctive program that highlights the lodges’ commitment to conservation and cultural enrichment.

Supporting Your Mission

Delivering an experience that goes beyond sketching and painting nature, and embraces the understanding of wildlife’s role in the environment.

This program fosters collaboration, innovation, and an understanding for the interconnectedness of art, humanity, and the environment, contributing to the preservation and stewardship of our planet.

Promoting Conservation

Using art as a medium to educate and inspire guests about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.

Enriching the Experience

Offering guests a unique opportunity to turn their photos and experiences into keepsake paintings and sketches.

Guests are invited to:

  • Learn painting and sketching techniques
  • Commission personalised artworks based on photos and experiences
  • Arrange private art sessions
  • Live field sketching instruction as arranged by the lodge

Motivated by Nature

Our artists work with various mediums to highlight conservation challenges, advocate for sustainable practices, and celebrate the wonders of nature. The art created reflects the wildlife and landscapes of the lodge and its surrounding environment, offering art for sale, with the lodge receiving a commission of sales.

Each sketch and painting tells a story, not just of artistic expression, but also of our commitment to protecting and understanding the animal kingdom.

    TRAVEL, ART & TEQUILA

    Cynthia & Steve Adams

    ward winning professional artists, writers, travelers, cat lovers, and tequila drinkers ...combining three things close to their hearts, they created their company Travel, Art & Tequila. More than a business, it’s a state of mind.

    Original founding members of the now national Naples Art District, Cynthia and Steve relocated to Tanzania from Naples, Florida in 2021. Embracing the constant inspiration that is Africa, it shows up in their colourful mixed media art. Volunteering with school art projects, teaching art workshops and developing art safaris in the bush are just a few of the things that keep them busy these days. Incorporating culture, conservation, , and creativity into their work brings them the greatest joy!

    STUDIO NGONG

    Annie Thomsen

    Annie is an award winning creative conservationist, surface designer and animal portrait artist, living in Germany. She is devoted to wildlife conservation and communities through her business, Studio Ngong.

    Annie is a partnered sponsor of several conservation organizations, including: David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Grévy’s Zebra Trust and Endangered Wildlife Trust. She is an Ambassador for Game Rangers International, a Corporate Sponsor of the Friends of Nairobi National Park, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Loisaba Community Conservation Foundation in Laikipia County, Kenya.

    Studio Ngong is a corporate sponsor of the 2024 David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition.

    Fight • Protect • Engage

    David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

    Founded by David Shepherd CBE in 1984, to channel his wildlife conservation efforts. David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is an effective and emphatic wildlife conservation charity operating across Africa and Asia to end wildlife crime and protect endangered species in their natural habitat.

    By showcasing the breathtaking talent of wildlife artists and sharing their powerful messages, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for wildlife and a sense of responsibility to protect and conserve our natural heritage for future generations.

    DSWF
    • Art Workshops in Africa

      supports the following conservation organisations through gross profits:

    • GZT believes communities must be at the centre of designing and driving conservation efforts.

      GZT 
    • FoNNaP is works closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the community members adjacent to the park on helping to develop and implement conservation projects.

      FoNNaP 
    • David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), Registered charity 1106893. Their mission is to increase awareness around the world about the need to protect and conserve wildlife and their habitats.

      DSWF 
    • Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is committed to conserving threatened species and ecosystems in southern and East Africa to the benefit of all

      EWT 

    Ümran

    Kilindi, Zanzibar Artist in Residence

    Hello my name is Ümran and I was for the first time on Zanzibar at the Hotel Kilindi and I can only say it was a dream ..... the drawing course with Anne and Cynthia which was offered by the sweet Hotel, was an extraordinary beautiful experience for me ☺️! I can draw a little, but the colour technique and little tricks she taught me helped me a lot to successfully finish my picture .....also the mood was very nice Anne is very calm person and has a very nice personality. Drawing with her was a lot of fun ❤️😘! Thank you Anne

    saskia r.

    Arusha, Tanzania PAINT 'N SIP 2024

    I was lucky enough to be part of the paint and sip in Usa River, guided by Annie and Cynthia. I’ve always wanted to paint but find it hard to get started as I am not familiar with tools, paints and techniques. In one afternoon Annie and Cynthia managed to teach us so much, and in such an easy and uncomplicated way. The session was well prepared and very encouraging to all participants. It has opened a new world for me where I now feel comfortable continuing to practice painting on my own. However, I hugely look forward to the next session for more learning. Thank you Annie and Cynthia.

    albane b.

    ART SAFARI 2023

    As a new artist, I had an incredible experience on the Art Safari. It was a resounding success, thanks to our fantastic instructor Anne, who made the experience not only informative but also incredibly enjoyable. Her excellent tips and the overall welcoming atmosphere fostered a creative environment, and I felt a noticeable improvement in my sketching abilities.

    Enquire how we can be part of your lodge experience.