

Art Retreat in South Africa
at a Cheetah Conservation
at a Cheetah Conservation
Join a unique art retreat in November 2025, led by Lily Marfisi in collaboration with a cheetah conservation in South Africa. For two weeks, you will experience life in an ethical wildlife reserve dedicated to protecting cheetahs and other wild animals such as lions, wild cats, meerkats, and more.
The program includes painting classes with Lily Marfisi, unique moments with the animals, safari outings, and volunteer activities to help in the reserve.
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to combine volunteering and artistic practice. You will have the unique chance to paint these majestic animals live in their natural environment and spend time with them. Additionally, you will contribute to the protection and survival of endangered species by learning and engaging in various tasks.
Your stay will take place at the foot of the Magaliesburg mountains, where you can unleash your artistic creativity in close connection with the wild animals, and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the South African landscape.
This retreat is designed for all animal and nature lovers who wish to contribute to their protection, be part of a meaningful change, and capture their beauty through painting.
For more details about the retreat, please read the sections below.
Spots are limited !
To register, please fill out this form.
For any questions, feel free to email us at lilymarfisi.art@gmail.com.
€3200 per person for the 2 weeks, all-inclusive (about US$3,700).
(Please convert from euros to your own currency.)
To register, please fill out this form.
For any questions, feel free to email us at lilymarfisi.art@gmail.com.
From November 10 to November 24, 2025 (2 weeks).
You must arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, on Monday, November 10, in the morning. Departure will be on Monday, November 24.
There are 4 cabins, each accommodating 4 people in 2 separate bedrooms. You will share your bedroom with one person and your cabin with three others. Each cabin has a bathroom and a communal living space. If you are coming with a friend, please indicate in your registration if you wish to share a room.
The group will be limited to 16 participants.
This retreat is offered in French and English. Lily will do the translation.
For new participants (who have never attended a retreat with Lily), a Zoom interview will be required before finalizing your registration. Feel free to ask any questions about the retreat during this meeting or via email.
Once the group is complete, about a month before the trip, a WhatsApp group will be created, and a group Zoom call will be scheduled for practical questions before departure.
At any time, feel free to contact us via email.
To register, please fill out this form.
For any questions, feel free to email us at lilymarfisi.art@gmail.com.
Every day, you will participate in art classes with Lily Marfisi, where you will learn to capture the beauty of animals. Watercolor will be the primary medium, but you will also explore drawing and other techniques. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary, as Lily will guide you through every step. This retreat is open to both beginners and experienced artists.
Painting sessions will take place both indoors and outdoors, with special moments to paint wild animals live in their natural habitat. You will have the rare opportunity to observe them up close and sketch them on the spot. You will learn to ”see” and observe your subjects from a fresh perspective, capturing their details with precision while also exploring a more abstract and expressive approach.
Lily will support you throughout your creative process, helping you refine your technique and develop your unique artistic style.
This retreat will not only enhance your painting skills but also allow you to take home your own unique artworks inspired by the animals of the savanna and the African landscapes. It is a rare opportunity to develop your creativity while being immersed in an extraordinary natural and wild setting.
By joining the Running Wild Conservation volunteer program, you will directly contribute to the protection of cheetahs and other endangered wildlife species.
This retreat offers you a rare opportunity to work closely with cheetahs while learning about hands-on conservation efforts. The project is a pioneer in reintroducing cheetahs into the wild, preparing them for a free and untamed life. Many cheetahs raised and trained here are now living in the wild, as nature intended.
Volunteer tasks are diverse and require true commitment. You will be involved in essential activities such as cleaning enclosures, preparing animal meals, and distributing food.
Depending on the needs of the day, you may also take part in exceptional projects: welcoming a rescued animal, assisting in its care, tracking specific animals in the field, or helping train young cheetahs to hunt and protect themselves from predators. Each day brings its own set of challenges and unique opportunities. Nothing is predictable in advance, and you will be assigned tasks based on the needs of the moment.
Additionally, you will enjoy fascinating learning moments, where you will discover the principles of wildlife protection and conservation, as well as how an animal reserve operates.
The reserve is also home to other wildlife species such as lions, servals, caracals, meerkats, and more. Each animal receives personalized care, a spacious environment, and a semi-wild habitat that respects their nature and specific needs.
Joining this adventure means actively contributing to the preservation of iconic species while immersing yourself in the fascinating world of a wildlife reserve. It’s an experience that will change your perspective on animal conservation and leave a lasting impact on your life.
To register, please fill out this form.
For any questions, feel free to email us at lilymarfisi.art@gmail.com.
To register, please fill out this form.
For any questions, feel free to email us at lilymarfisi.art@gmail.com.