Claycation with Tania Babb
An inspiring trip for six sculptors from Cape Town to Marakele National Park
19th – 29th September 2024
On this journey
See and experience the best of two worlds: one of the most beautiful cities on the continent and the wilderness luxury of the African bush.
Tania Babb, world-renowned sculptor, ceramicist and teacher, will meet us at her studio in Cape Town. You’ll have the chance to get your hands in the clay as we discuss technique and form for your own piece: your favourite animal. You need no previous experience of working with clay, only enthusiasm and imagination.
With all your accommodation, transport, clay and materials provided, you need only pack your bags to join us on this incredible journey.
ITINERARY
Day 1, Thursday 19th September
Cape Town
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Bed & Breakfast
Welcome to the Mother City! Backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents a lively combination of wilderness and culture. Spectacular beaches and mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub filled with heritage monuments, music, art and internationally-acclaimed restaurants and wine routes.
We’ll meet you at the airport and drive to the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa; your luxurious cliff-side home. With views west across the South Atlantic Ocean, the sunsets here are astonishing. You’ll have plenty of time to settle in before we have dinner together this evening at your hotel (own expenses).
Day 2, Friday 20th September
Cape Town
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Bed & Breakfast
This morning we’ll meet Tania Babb at her studio. This is a chance to play with some clay and learn techniques in preparation for creating your own ceramic animal.
Lunch (own expenses) will be at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens – sitting in the eastern lower slopes of Table Mountain, it is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent gardens in the world. Alternatively, return to the hotel for some rest and relaxation in the spa, or explore a little more of the city. We’ll recommend some of our favourite places for dinner and you’ll have a designated Uber driver to take you where you wish to go.
Remember to pack your soft-sided bag for tomorrow. Your remaining luggage will be kept securely until your return.
Day 3, Saturday 21st September
Marakele National Park
Marataba Mountain Lodge, Full board
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the airport for our 2-hour flight to Johannesburg. From there, we journey north with our 4-hour drive taking us through some of the breath-taking landscapes of the Limpopo.
Marakele, ‘place of sanctuary’ in Tswana, is set in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains. Marking the transition between the dry western region and the wetter climes of the east, the park is teeming with biodiversity. The reserve is home to elephants, rhino, big cats and the largest colony of the endangered Cape vulture.
Arriving at Marataba Mountain Lodge in time for the afternoon game drive, you can stretch your legs exploring views across the reserve. We’ll have dinner together at the lodge.
Day 4, Sunday 22nd September – Day 6, Tuesday 24th September
Marakele National Park
Marataba Mountain Lodge, Full board
These few days will be spent enjoying the African wilderness and working alongside Tania to craft your animal sculpture.
One of just two lodges on this vast reserve, Marataba Mountain Lodge is both secluded and spectacular. Each day two games drives are included to look for the animals you would like to sculpt. One the lodge’s expert guides will accompany us on the drives and walks as well. Be inspired by the wildlife you encounter living in this exquisite biosphere.
Back at the lodge, work with Tania to sketch and plan your animal before using the clay to give it form. You’ll be taking your sculpture home as a memento of your experience.
Between this, enjoy fabulous meals under the canopy of stars, the infinity pool and luxurious hospitality of the lodge.
Day 7, Wednesday 25th September – Day 10 Saturday 28th September
Cape Town
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Bed & Breakfast
We return to Johannesburg this morning and our flight back to Cape Town, arriving back the Twelve Apostles in time for either Tea or dinner.
As your sculpture is fired in Tania’s workshop kiln, we’ll spend a couple of days exploring the city and the surrounding winelands. We might visit the Cape of Good Hope, an important stop on historical trade routes, the penguin colony of Boulders Beach, hike up Table Mountain and a wine tasting at the Stark-Condé vineyard in Stellenbosch. We also have some exclusive visits to selected artists’ studios booked for you.
The hotel stay includes breakfast – all other meals are at your own expenses.
On the evening of the 28. we meet for a last dinner and farewell where we also receive our sculptures back from Tania.
Day 11, Sunday 29th September
Departure
Ensure your sculpture is well-wrapped for the journey home.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to the airport for your international departure. If your flight is later in the day, you can venture into Cape Town to enjoy a stroll in the Waterfront or visit the Old Biscuit Mill.
With your souvenir pottery animal safely stowed, we wish you farewell.
TRIP SUMMARY
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Transfers
- Domestic return flight CPT – JNB
- Meals, as detailed here
- Excursions in Cape Town
- Materials for drawing and clay work
- Multilingual tour guide
What’s not included?
- International flights arriving CPT
- Meals, other than those included here
- Spa treatments
- Tips
Price
EUR 6.780⎪ GBP 5,780 ⎪ USD 7,345
Prices are per person based on sharing a room. If you would prefer a room to yourself, we will be happy to quote. We are also able to offer this as a private group
trip if you would like to travel exclusively with friends or family.
We ask that 50% deposit is paid to secure your place, with the outstanding balance paid 21 days before the start of your trip.
What will I need?
Light and comfortable clothes are best for temperatures 10-30°C. We also suggest bringing a hat, sunglasses, swimming attire, a light sweater, a pair of sturdy adventure sandals or walking shoes for hiking, and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
On safari, neutral tones of clothing are best, and layers for early morning game drives and open-air suppers. You might also want to bring a camera or binoculars.
Only one piece of soft luggage (such as a duffle bag) is permitted on the Marataba leg. Remaining luggage will be securely stored until your return.
Date | Departure/Arrival | Accommodation | Meals & board |
19 Sep | Arr. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) | Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa | Bed & breakfast |
20 Sep | Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa | Bed & breakfast | |
21 Sep | Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa | Marataba Mountain Lodge | Full board |
22 Sep | Marataba Mountain Lodge | Full board | |
23 Sep | Marataba Mountain Lodge | Full board | |
24 Sep | Marataba Mountain Lodge | Full board | |
25 Sep | Marataba Mountain Lodge | Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa | Bed & breakfast |
26 Sep | Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa | Bed & breakfast | |
27 Sep | Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa | Bed & breakfast | |
28 Sep | Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa | Bed & breakfast | |
29 Sep | Dep. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) |
