How it all started

Hiya, Fiona here,

It all started with love… love of place, love of people….

There was a camel in the early days.... the snake is a recent friend and entirely optional for you to meet, although he/she was rather amazing!

From day one all our tours have been researched on location  [that sounds nicer than I run around like a crazy woman checking things from many angles - doesn't it?]

We look for accommodation that’s not just comfortable but also makes it easy for you to explore in your free time - hate those isolated hotels on the edge of town we want to be in the exciting locations.

We meet the people we’ll visit, take the time to get to know them, after 20 years of visiting we feel like we are taking you to meet old friends.

We sift through countless details; fine-tuning everything to craft an experience that captures the unique people and place our tour is all about.

Creative Arts Safaris offers craft, textile and travel sketching tours to exotic locations.

We offer small group tours, fully escorted by our team of Tour Hosts and supported by expert guides when needed.

 All traveling workshops led by respected tutors are carefully managed by a dedicated Tour Host.

On tour, we love to roll up our sleeves - taking workshops, exploring fascinating locations, and immersing ourselves in the local culture.

Our tours combine iconic sights with authentic local experiences, reflecting our passion for crafts, travel sketching, and textiles.

Our friendly groups are inclusive, companionable, and well-organised, creating a relaxed adventure that’s perfect for solo travelers.

We take care of the details: airport pickups and drop-offs, accommodation, group travel, sightseeing, workshops, and most meals.

The only thing we don’t include is the shopping—that’s all yours! Support the local economy  while finding your treasures.

Our Mission

Our mission, should you choose to join us, is to embark on a fun-filled adventure to some of the world’s most interesting and beautiful places. By choosing how we travel and where we go, we can contribute positively to our world.

We aim to make this journey effortless for you by handling all the trip details and nurturing your sense of adventure, allowing you to uncover the hidden secrets of our destinations.

Our goal is to forge local connections through interactions with artisans and local businesses. By taking the time to observe, interact with, learn from in workshops, and perhaps sketch everyday life in new and fascinating locations, we develop an appreciation for our shared humanity - recognising how we are all essentially the same, yet uniquely different.

Why should you do this? What is the advantage for you?

George Moore offers a clue: “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” By supporting local economies, you not only do good for others but also enrich yourself. Travel helps you learn more about who you are, what you have, and where you come from. Taking time out grants a perspective that is difficult to attain from home.

Our world is vast and beautiful, and developing an appreciation for its nuances fosters connections and care. This experience is not only enriching for us but beneficial for the world as a whole.

Interestingly, while the largest industry in the world is armaments and war, the second largest is travel.

Think about all the people we touch in some way as we travel. While there is big business in airlines and large hotels, we choose to make our itineraries locally centred as much as possible, primarily focusing on the developing world. This helps boost the local economy and benefits many small enterprises and people.



Local Choices

We prefer family-run hotels, riads, havelis, and palaces whenever possible and partner with locally owned support companies that manage transport and translators. Seeking out good examples of local cuisine leads us to the best restaurants where locals enjoy the food, and many home-cooked meals where supplies come from nearby farms.

The fun of using tuk-tuks, rickshaws, canoes, camel carts, and similar modes of transport is that we meet locals, often have interesting chats, and support microbusiness owners.

Artisan workshop visits, home cooked meals and all things local

Making the effort to forge connections means we meet the maker, buy at a fair price, and take home much more than just a souvenir. We carry with us a connection and a story that makes it truly special.

Take time for yourself to smell the roses

Our calendar is brimming with opportunities to chase the roses and enjoy many other travel treats.

The Team

Our team at Creative Arts Safaris comprises a diverse collection of individuals from around the world.

Leading our motley crew is Fiona Wright, the convener who brings us all together. Fiona has been on the road for the last 20 years, you might enjoy some of her tales on this Blog.

Guiding us through our adventures are our hosts, guides, translators, and the remarkable individuals who warmly welcome us into their workshops and homes - these connections are the true heart and soul of Creative Arts Safaris.

David Pratley  is our Home Base.  He is dedicated to ensuring our guests are well-prepared and supported, enhancing their experience and confidence for the journey ahead.

We have  a growing Team of CAS hosts ready to look after you,  along with excellent local guides, experienced tutors and Traditional Artisans.

As our team continues to grow, we are excited to offer even more fun and adventurous experiences.

Check out our calendar for where we are off to next.

Still have a question?