Wild & Wise Retreats at Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve

You’re invited to join our Wild & Wise Retreats, hosted throughout 2026 at our Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve.

 

Here, experts in their fields, from well-known photographers and ecologists, to chefs and artists, will offer immersive, hands-on classes.

Over two days, enjoy getting in touch with the wise and the wild: Ancient and modern wisdoms connected to your hobbies and lifestyles, all on our wild, pristine and peaceful reserve. Delve into the theory on topics such as birding and photography, wildlife tracking, art, cuisine and eco-printing, and more. And then practise your new-found skills on site.

2026 Calendar

 

22–24 May 2026
NASTASHA SALE
Eco-printing experiences

24-26 July 2026
DEE ROBINSON
A Masterclass in Indian Cuisine.

29–30 August 2026
NELIS SINGELS
Transferring wildlife tracks to Raku pottery

4–6 Sept & 18–20 Sept 2026
WILLIE SCHLECHTER
Two botanical art retreats with award-winning artist

9–11 October 2026
LIZAR VAN REENEN & ERI-KAH VAN BREDA
Bos kultuur: Fynbos & fire cooking.

23–25 October 2026
DR ALAN LEE
Learn your Fynbos and other important South African birds.

6-8 Nov 2026
THINUS VAN STADEN
Black Harrier photography retreat.

13-15 Nov 2026
LEE-ANN LOUW
Yoga & Pilates: Move mindfully in nature. 

20-22 Nov 2026
RIA KOTZE
Nature Journaling.

27-29 Nov 2026
ERI-KAH VAN BREDA
Asian-inspired veldkos cooking experience.

The courses are fully catered by the amazing Dee Robinson of TuckTuckZA, Napier. Accommodation is included (either in our research centre or guest house on the reserve) on a first-come, first-served basis, while camping options can be made available for courses that can take more bookings.

 

Here are some of the fun workshops to look out for in 2026:

22–24 May 2026
Eco-printing experiences, using the magic of plants. WITH NASTASHA SALE

 

Join multi-disciplinary artist Nastasha Sale for an immersive eco-printing experience, using raw silk and natural dyes. You will leave with your own printed scarf and a workbook. No art experience or skills required – just a curiosity for the magic of plants. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing.  @the_ad_orned

24-26 July 2026

A Masterclass in Indian Cuisine.
WITH DEE ROBINSON

 

Learn the basics of spice classification & blending for various curries and other dishes, plus the art of Indian flat-bread making, as well as how to make accompaniments including raita and chutneys. Explore flavour combos while enjoying the meals that you prepare together. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing. @tucktuckza @deezspice

 

28–30 August 2026
Transferring wildlife tracks to Raku pottery.
WITH NELIS SINGELS

Nelis will show you how to identify animals tracks during a guided walk through Haarwegskloof, and then make casts of the tracks. He will then guide you replicate animal tracks in clay and incorporate it into an art piece. A portion of the retreat will focus on decorating and firing ceramic wares in a Raku firing – a thrilling Japanese technique of producing pottery. The weekend concludes as you clean and wax the pottery from the previous day’s firing. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing. @rewild_art

4–6 Sept & 18–20 Sept 2026
Two botanical art retreats with award-winning artist WILLIE SCHLECHTER

 

Undertake your own botanical art journey and discover your creative self, right inside the renosterveld in spring. This introduction to botanical illustration is for beginners and experienced artists alike, as Willie caters for all levels. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing, camping options available if course is filled. www.willieschlechter.com

 

9–11 October 2026
Bos kultuur: Fynbos & fire cooking. WITH LIZAR VAN REENEN & ERI-KAH VAN BREDA

In this fun yet enlightening educational fire & fynbos retreat, Lizar & Eri-kah share their knowledge of edible fynbos plants – including delicious ‘veldkos’ recipes. Think the tasty use of waterblommetjies, dune spinach on the fire, sour fig desserts and much more. They use traditional open-fire cooking methods as a platform to increase awareness of our natural heritage foods. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing. 

 

23–25 October 2026
Learn your Fynbos and other important South African birds. WITH DR ALAN LEE

 

(Science and Innovation Programme Manager at BirdLife South Africa) Practise your citizen science skills, including how to get involved with SABAP2 and Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts, and use the BirdLasser app. Learn how and why we ring birds with a hands-on practical session (weather permitting). Cost: R3900 per person or R3400 per person sharing. www.birdlife.org.za

 

6–8 November 2026
Black Harrier photography retreat.
WITH THINUS VAN STADEN

Join us for an exclusive photography retreat dedicated to the elusive Black Harrier – Bird of the Year 2026. Guided by wildlife photographer Thinus van Staden, you’ll have rare access to perfect harrier habitats and ideal viewing opportunities. Capture intimate moments of one of South Africa’s most endangered raptors while deepening your understanding of its fragile world. This retreat is a chance to create remarkable images while contributing to its protection. Cost: R4700 per person or R4200 per person sharing. www.thinusvanstadenphotography.com

13-15 November 2026
Yoga & Pilates: Move mindfully in nature. WITH LEE-ANN LOUW

 Step away from the rush of daily life and reconnect with your body and the quiet rhythms of the natural world. Join Lee for a restorative weekend of mindful movement, combining hiking, yoga, Pilates and stretching through her signature MoveMindfulLee approach. Includes meals & refreshments. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing.  @leewaylab

20-22 November 2026
Nature Journaling WITH RIA KOTZE

Ria will guide you into the world of Nature Journaling, blending birdwatching with mindful observation of the small wonders around us. You’ll discover how to create your own journal (or “Playbook”), practice recording your sightings, and learn simple techniques to identify birds by their sounds and shapes. No prior experience or special skills are needed—just curiosity and a love for nature. Includes meals & refreshments. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing. @followyouryarn

27–29 November 2026
Asian-inspired veldkos cooking experience. WITH ERI-KAH VAN BREDA

Eri-kah from Bos Kultuur takes you on a journey to experiment with locally indigenous veldkos and Asian-inspired flavours whilst sharing her knowledge of these ancient foods. From the past, learn how indigenous people sourced foods; from the present, elevate your veldkos with Asian-inspired flavours; and from the future, learn sustainable planting practices for harvesting purposes, while taking pride in indigenous foods. Cost: R4200 per person or R3700 per person sharing.  @erikahvanbreda

Additional courses will be added to our exciting 2026 line-up, so keep an eye on our social media for new announcements.

For more information regarding our Wild & Wise Retreats, or to secure your spot, please contact Sharon on 072 056 9253 or email: bookings@overbergrenosterveld.org.za.

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