Art + Design Tour | Cape Town
Insider Art + Design Tour with Heather Moore, Kirsten Sims, Megan Smith, Liezel Strauss + more!
Cape Town, South Africa| April 16 - 25, 2026
As the southernmost city of the African continent, Cape Town is one of the most naturally beautiful locations on earth; dramatic coastlines, verdant valleys and the ever striking landmark of flat-topped Table Mountain. Here you will also find a modern cosmopolitan city, culturally complex with a dynamic creative energy at its core that’s unlike anywhere else.
Join us on this insider Art + Design tour of Creative Cape Town, where you will have the chance to see the city through the eyes of the artists and designers who call this diverse and curious place home. Go behind the scenes with notable artists, visiting their studios, learning about their work, process and stories. Challenge yourself as you work directly with creatives, exploring various creative mediums such as textile printing and pattern design, natural dyeing, illustration and collage, contemporary beading and more.
Journey outside of the city as we visit and tour the world renowned Cape winelands, known for its picturesque vineyards, historic towns, and world-class wines. Discover special meals, where we’ll explore an abundance of local ingredients that top chefs use to craft unique regional flavours. Drive along one of the most beautiful ocean roads on the planet as you scout for wildlife and visit quaint villages of the rugged Cape peninsula, all while deepening your understanding of the ocean and indigenous plant life.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
April 16 - 25, 2026
10 Days | 9 Nights
PRICING
Shared Twin Room - $5,195 USD
Standard Private Room - $5,995 USD
Superior Private Room - $6,495 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
AUGUST 28, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
Amy Ayanda Lester
Jade Paton
ART + DESIGN TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Illustration + Collage Workshop with Kristen Sims
Artist Studio tours with Faith 47, Balekane Legoabe, Amy Ayanda Lester, Jade Paton & More!
Pattern Design + Commercial Textile Printing Workshop with Heather Moore of Skinny Laminx
Inside the world of Pichulik jewelry tour + workshop with Katherine Pichulik
Contemporary Beading Workshop with MonkeyBiz Collective
Mohair Education + Dyeing Workshop with Bridget Henderson
Screen Printing Workshop with Designer Megan Smith of Cloth + Print
Ocean Foraging Workshop with Lindy Taverner
Guided tour of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Guided Culinary + Wine Walking Tour in wine country
Visit to Cape Point National Park, V+A Waterfront, Norval Foundation of Art, Babylonstoren Gardens
Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Curated Meals at some of our favorite restaurants
Cape Town Airport Arrival Transfer on April 16, 2026
Transport during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Meet the Cape Town Creatives you’ll learn and explore with:
Kirsten Sims
Painter and illustrator Kirsten Sims is a master of gentle parody, using idiosyncratic characters, gestural brushstrokes, enticing color combinations and irresistible humor to draw in the viewer to consider subjects that hide – however subtly – beneath the surface. Led by a feeling or mood or subconscious observation, before even settling on any figurative topics or overt narrative, Kirsten intuitively selects and combines colors, creating a palette that then largely dictates the mood and emotive aspects of the artwork that will unfold.
Heather Moore
Heather’s playful patterns and unusual color palette are inspired by the delight she takes in everyday life, her love of midcentury style and a dose of African chic. In 2008 she started screenprinting her patterns onto fabric, just for fun. Next thing, she had a business called Skinny laMinx, and her designs were found in stores & homes around the globe.
Balekane Legoabe
Balekane draws visual inspiration from ancient rock art and cave paintings; African, Eastern and Western mythology, as well as language, metaphor, ritual and family. Her process is driven by personal interpretations and explorations around African and Eastern healing modalities as well as eclectic philosophical and religious systems.
Bridget Henderson
Bridget is the founder and creative force behind Cowgirlblues, a Cape Town–based dye house and design studio working with locally produced South African wool and mohair. What began as a personal passion for crafting and experimenting with color has grown into an internationally recognized brand. Bridget champions South Africa’s natural fibers, and creates sustainable opportunities for local women artisans.
Megan Smith
Megan is a is a textile designer, artist and the founder of Cloth and Print where she creates original designs which she hand screen prints onto natural fabrics and hand sews into accessories and homewares. Megan explores the themes of storytelling and memory through her printed craft.
Liezel Strauss
Liezel co-founded Subject Matter in 2011 - it was one of (the) the very first online art galleries. In 2018 she launched ArtGirlRising (now Rise and Repaint) in support of female artists. Liezel is also the founder of Where Are The Women Artists, an international directory for women artists globally. In 2019 Liezel was chosen to be one of only nine innovators to represent the UN Women 'Impossible to Ignore' campaign and she was named one of the UN Women's top 100 female innovators worldwide.
Mathapelo Ngaka
Mathapelo Ngaka-Mtati is one of the three founders of Monkeybiz, a company that is dedicated to reviving the tradition of African Beadwork, taking the love and knowledge that is passed down over the centuries from mother to child and becoming a bridge from traditional bead works into contemporary artworks. Mathapelo received the Acacia Global Leadership Award recognizing extraordinary leadership occurring in communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Amy Ayanda Lester
Amy’s work explores the space between abstraction and imagination, using vibrant color, intuitive mark-making, and layered forms to reimagine botanicals through painting, printmaking, and handwork. These works act as portals, offering glimpses into post-apocalyptic landscapes where exaggerated leaves, extended stamens, and distorted flora speak to both memory and possibility.
Jade Paton
Working primarily in ceramics, Jade’s practice draws inspiration from ancient vessels, natural forms, architecture, and contemporary design. Through a hand-building process, she creates sculptural pieces that merge traditional references with a modern sensibility. Her work often contrasts raw, textured surfaces with refined lines or bold color, exploring the tension between the elemental and the refined.
Lindy Taverner
Lindy has worked in nature conservation and been featured in wildlife documentaries for over a decade. She is deeply passionate about seaweed and an indigenous plants advocate. She is an expert in foraging local and sustainable ingredients from the ocean to the garden.
Katherine Pichulik
Katherine founded PICHULIK in 2013 and is Joint CEO and Creative Director. Katherine has received multiple design accolades including, Accessory Designer of the Year by African Fashion International, Vogue Italia’s top 10 jewelry brands, and is regularly featured in global publications, including Vogue US, Vogue UK, Conde Nast traveller and L” Official Mexico. Katherine is a South African Gazelle top 40 SMME, and USA VLP alumni.
Faith XLVII
An internationally-acclaimed African street and studio-based artist operating globally, Liberty began her artistic journey in the streets of South Africa in 1997, under the moniker Faith47, she quickly gained world wide recognition for her evocative graffiti. Over the years, her work has expanded beyond public spaces, from iconic murals to sculpture, video installations, tapestries, and drawings.
Kirsten Sims
MonkeyBiz Co.
Faith XLVII
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the desires of the group.
Day 1
Thursday, April 16th
Welcome to Cape Town! Arriving at Cape Town International Airport, which is well connected from major European and East Coast US airports, you will be picked up and driven to our hotel in the city center. The drive from the airport is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
This evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner. Please plan to arrive at our Cape Town hotel no later than 4:00pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Friday, April 17th
Our morning begins with a visit to Pichulik a jewelry house based in Cape Town. Rooted in contemporary African design, each piece is a talisman, handcrafted from re-imagined rope, and combined with cast-brass elements and precious stones, to create sculptural and distinctive forms. We’ll meet with Katherine Pichulik, founder, joint CEO and Creative Director, explore the atelier, and discover the story behind the brand. You’ll also get the opportunity to customize your own Pichulik bracelet!
From here, we’ll make our way towards the V+A Waterfront, an iconic neighborhood that champions art & design, supports entrepreneurship & drives positive social and economic change. Here we’ll explore the newly opened Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa with a guided tour. Set in the landmark Grain Silo building, the Zeitz Mocaa is the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world – celebrating creativity, amplifying voices, and connecting communities.
Our final stop of the day brings us to the Watershed complex, here you’ll find a variety of shops and galleries showcasing the best of local art, ceramics, jewellery, housewares, apparel and more.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Saturday, April 18th
Today we take a trip outside of Cape Town, heading roughly an hour east towards the famed Cape winelands. Our first stop takes us to the beautiful property of Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. We begin with a guided tour of their gardens. Set across 12 acres, the garden comprises 15 clusters spanning vegetable, fruit, nuts, bees, herbs, ducks and chickens. The unique design and layout was inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town, which supplied sailing ships of the Dutch East India Company with fresh vegetables and fruit during the days when the Cape was a halfway station between Europe and Asia. We’ll move to their wine tasting room next to sample a variety of their wines which are produced in their state-of-the-art winery and are made to showcase the soils and climate where their grapes are grown.
This afternoon we travel into the historic town of Stellenbosch. We embark on a guided culinary focused walking tour. We’ll meet with local chefs and restaurant owners who share a common passion and love for food. Each tasting is expertly curated just for us and will introduces you to the vibrant flavors and ingredients of Stellenbosch. Our walk will also showcase local, well-known artists and explain where some of the inspiration comes from. We return to Cape Town early evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Sunday, April 19th
Today we venture to southern most Cape Town. Driving along Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Atlantic Coast, this is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
We arrive at a small beachside village next to Cape Point park where we meet our guide for the morning, Lindy Taverner. Lindy will introduce you to some of their local edible seaweeds and wild plants. You’ll explore rock pools at low tide, and learn how to sustainably harvest and prepare seaweeds and indigenous plants. We’ll return to Lindy’s kitchen and garden to learn more about edible plants and enjoy a 4-course wild food meal.
After lunch we continue our drive south into Cape Point park. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, Elands, Ostriches, Baboons and more. From here we’ll continue our drive along the east coast of the peninsula, reaching the Boulders, a series of beautiful secluded coves and beaches near the picturesque village of Simonstown, home to the famed colony of African penguins!
Our final stop along the peninsula is the quaint town of Kalk bay. Here you’ll have some free time to wander the main street which features a variety of art galleries, shops and cafes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Monday, April 20th
This morning we visit the workshop of MonkeyBiz, a contemporary beading company and innovative project that empowers over 450 beaders from the rural townships of Cape Town. In African traditions, beaded jewellery is treasured for its spiritual significance. We’ll meet with founder Mathapelo Ngaka-Mtati, learning about the company and then have the oppurtunity to bead our own small projects.
Our afternoon is all about fibers. Did you know - 60% of the world's mohair comes from South Africa. Mohair, known worldwide as “the noble fiber,” is sought after for its exclusive qualities such as luster, resilience and color retention, which have been the key to its success. The South African mohair industry has grown into the global leader, producing the world’s best quality mohair.
We’ll visit and tour Cowgirlblues, a design studio and dye house specializing in South African merino wool and mohair. They dye their own yarns by hand and produce luxurious, colorful, natural yarns for discerning crafters across the world. We’ll meet with founder Bridget Henderson and be guided through the world of mohair, trying our hand at spinning and dyeing either scarves or skeins of wool.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Tuesday, April 21st
Late morning we stop by the small working studio of potter Jade Paton. Driven by both form and color, her work often features raw, textured surfaces that feel as though they are from the earth. These are sometimes contrasted with polished, clean lines or vibrant colors, in combinations she finds visually compelling. Jade is fascinated by the intersection of ancient and futuristic, where traditional influences meet contemporary expressions.
This afternoon, we’ve been invited into the studio and showroom of Heather Moore of Skinny Laminx! You’ll meet the team, and discover the story behind the designs with some time to shop. With Heather as our guide, we travel a short distance outside the city center to visit her commercial textile printing team. Here, you’ll learn about the different kinds of screenprinting and get the chance to try out screen printing one of Heather’s designs onto your own tea towel.
We return to the city, and this evening Heather will lead the group through a pattern design workshop. She will discuss her approach to pattern creation and everyone will get an opportunity to explore creating their own patterns using hand cut stamps.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Wednesday, April 22nd
A rare opportunity to spend the day learning with illustrator and painter Kirsten Sims. This illustration workshop will invite you to explore playful mark-making, experiment with new mediums, and start developing your own visual language.
We will start the day with a series of guided fun, warm up exercises using drawing, collage and ink to loosen up and spark some ideas. In the afternoon, you’ll be able to choose your favorite mediums and techniques from the morning and develop a more resolved illustration based on a guided prompt. Kirsten will work with each guest one-on-one, providing individual guidance and we will end our session with mini gallery showcase of our work.
This evening we visit the nearby Muese Farm for a one of a kind private dinner. Surrounded by abundant farm fields, mountain views and expansive skies, this unique dining experiences celebrates the finest local, seasonal produce grown for Cape Town’s top chefs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Thursday, April 23rd
Today we are joined by Liezel Strauss, founder, innovator, gallery owner and curator. Liezel will take us behind the scenes, introducing us to some of Cape Town’s most notable artists. We’ve been invited into the studios of Faith47, Amy Ayanda Lester, Balekane Legoabe and more.
Each of the artists we will visit practices in a variety of mediums such as painting, collage, illustration, street art, ceramics and mark-making. You’ll have the chance to learn about their individual stories, creative process and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Friday, April 24th
We’re off to our final creative workshop today with textile designer Megan Smith of Cloth + Print. Megan specializes in hand-printed and hand-sewn accessories. In this layered hands-on workshop Megan will guide you through screen printing techniques including how to layer and mix ink colors. After a bit of practice, you’ll have the opportunity to design and cut your own screen stencil then learn to print and layer colors with your stencil on a fun take-home piece.
Late afternoon we head towards the Norval Foundation, an art museum and sculpture garden with a mission to promote modern and contemporary art of Africa and the diaspora through curated exhibitions.
On our final evening, we’ll gather for a special, farewell dinner to celebrate our time together in the magical and inspiring city of Cape Town.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Saturday, April 25th
This morning we pack our bags, say our farewells, and ready ourselves to depart from Cape Town. For anyone extending their stay in the city, we’ll be sure to share a list of some of our favorite shops and galleries for you to continue exploring. Thank you for joining us on this curious and creative journey!
Meals included: Breakfast
Balekane Legoabe
Heather Moore
Kirsten Sims
Meuse Farm
Megan Smith
Cape Point Park
Where We’re Staying
Set in a 19th century property in the heart of historic Cape Town, our boutique hotel is surrounded by the iconic peaks of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. On a quiet street in the Gardens neighborhood and on the doorstep of vibrant Kloof Street, with its eclectic mix of art galleries, local fashion boutiques, fine eateries, trendy cafes and cocktail bars, this beautifully preserved heritage residence features an original balcony and courtyard – blended with contemporary-inspired décor and custom furnishings from some of our favorite South African artisans and designers.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Group Size: Minimum 10 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON AUGUST 28, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED TWIN ROOM
with ensuite bathroom
$5,195 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
Ensuite Bathroom with Rain shower. Our shared twin rooms feature two twin beds with either a private garden patio where you can sit and enjoy the view of Lion’s Head or they open onto the Victorian balcony overlooking Signal Hill.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due October 18, 2025: $2,700
OPTION 2 - STANDARD PRIVATE ROOM
with ensuite bathroom
$5,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
Ensuite Bathroom with Rain shower. The Standard rooms feature queen sized beds with either a window or small french balcony, most with glimpses of Table Mountain.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due October 18, 2025: $3,500
OPTION 3 - SUPERIOR PRIVATE ROOM
with ensuite bathroom
$6,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
Ensuite Bathroom with Rain shower. Superior rooms feature extra large king size beds and either a private garden patio where you can sit and enjoy the view of Lion’s Head or they open onto the large Victorian balcony with a view towards Signal Hill.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due October 18, 2025: $4,000
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
South Africa has a prominent meat, seafood and gluten culinary culture, vegetarian options will be available, but may be very limited. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we are unable to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, dairy- free and egg-free requirements, as well as some specific allergies. This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional ingredients and flavors.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us in advance of booking if you have any dietary questions to ensure we can accomodate them.
Accessibility
Please note this trip includes several walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, trails, hills, and stairs. You may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms. Our property and workshop space have several sets of stairs and no elevator.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape Town International Airport, airport code CPT, is located 20-22 km from the city centre. Cape Town International Airport is the primary international airport serving the city of Cape Town, and is the second-busiest airport in South Africa and fourth-busiest in all of Africa. This trip includes an airport pick up transfer on April 16, 2026.
Weather
Throughout April, Cape Town typically enjoys mild to warm days, with average daytime highs ranging from 23 °C to 31 °C (~73 °F to 88 °F), though most days hover in the mid‑20s °C (mid‑70s °F) . Evenings and early mornings cool down to 10 °C to 16 °C (~50 °F to 60 °F), offering pleasant relief from daytime warmth . We recommend packing layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket and umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers.
Included in this Trip
Illustration + Collage Workshop with Kristen Sims
Artist Studio tours with Faith 47, Balekane Legoabe, Amy Ayanda Lester, Jade Paton & More!
Pattern Design + Commercial Textile Printing Workshop with Heather Moore of Skinny Laminx
Inside the world of Pichulik jewelry tour + workshop with Kat Pichulik
Screen Printing Workshop with Designer Megan Smith of Cloth + Print
Contemporary Beading Workshop with MonkeyBiz Collective
Mohair Production + Dyeing Workshop with Bridget Henderson
Ocean Foraging Workshop with Lindy Taverner
Guided tour of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa
Guided Culinary + Wine Walking Tour in wine country
Visit to Cape Point National Park, V+A Waterfront, Norval Foundation of Art, Babylonstoren Gardens
Curated Meals at some of our favorite restaurants
9 nights Boutique Hotel accommodation in Cape Town
Transport during included meals and activities
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Supplies
All workshop supplies will be provided in Cape Town.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
Hear from Our Past Guests