Author: Fiona Wright

At Creative Arts Safaris, our mission is to foster sustainability and celebrate diversity through the enriching world of craft, textiles, and travel sketching. Each of our tours is crafted with purpose, blending hands-on workshops and local experiences with iconic sightseeing to offer more than just a trip—we provide a journey into the heart of every destination we visit. We believe in responsible travel that respects the environment and uplifts local communities. By working with local artisans, staying in locally-owned accommodations, and embracing cultural traditions, we support sustainable practices that have a positive impact. -Fiona Wright, Founder

I ran a business community of textile and fiber art creatives for about ten years (2010-2020).  Fiona was a member and living in India, running workshops on the history of different textile traditions and introducing people to local artisan workshops.  She had bright red hair back then! We have both gone white since then, but she has not slowed down. In fact, Fiona has since moved to Australia and created an amazing tour company that provides such an interesting combination of crafts, food, architecture and local experiences.  Most of the tours explore Asia and Africa and all of them create experiences that will never be forgotten!  Fiona is currently a Sponsor, so I have the delight of keeping up with their adventures regularly.

I asked Fiona to share how she shaped this wonderful business and she took some time out of her busy schedule to tell us a bit about it.  Thank you, Fiona!

–Rachel Biel

Rachel asked me to write a little about the “how” and “why” behind Creative Arts Safaris.  Sure, it’s a tour company – but it’s really the sum of all my past incarnations. I’ve been a Waldorf Steiner school teacher, an exhibiting artist, and a wandering tutor working with adult groups. And now, all that creative energy is poured into crafting journeys that are so much more than tours.

It all started about 22 years ago. I was with a group of textile people, sharing stories from a recent trip to India, when someone said, “I want to do exactly what you’ve been doing!” At that very moment, I was bending down to pick something up – and I was so surprised, I fell over! Literally sprawled on the ground, I thought, “Yes! I can do that. I love excursions!”

Let’s backtrack a little. As a Steiner teacher, you stay with the same group through all of primary school. Around that time, my own children were growing up and becoming wonderfully independent. As a single mother, it was a huge moment – realising I needed to take a step back and give them space to blossom. But then came the big question: what do I do now?

I freaked out (as you do), bought a return ticket to India, booked two nights’ accommodation, and jumped into the unknown with no idea what to expect. Long story short – it was fabulous. The sense of freedom, the excitement of discovering somewhere totally new, the gentle chaos of it all. I was hooked.

So when I said, “Yes, I can do excursions,” it wasn’t just about showing people amazing workshops or beautiful places. What I really wanted to share was that feeling of adventure – the kind that sets your spirit alight. That thrilling reminder that the world is a wonderful place, full of extraordinary people. And when you start meeting them, you realise we’re more alike than different.

I love a good look around – gorgeous architecture, beautiful spaces – but even more, I love eating local food, sitting quietly to watch the world go by, observing how people interact, and getting a sense of how their world works. Walk through a busy street and you instantly feel the rhythm of a place. Every destination has its own pace. If you don’t adjust, you bump into people or block the flow. But once you move with the local current, you’re in the groove—you’re in it.

What brings me the most joy, though, is meeting people and spending time together. Workshops are perfect for this. You learn something, gain an appreciation for how much skill and experience it takes to make it look easy, and you share moments – through words, gestures, smiles. It’s about connection.

By February 2026, I’ll have been on the road for 20 years, but my journey really began when I was six, flipping through National Geographic and making a mental list of all the places I wanted to go. Now, I get to create experiences full of gentle adventures and wonderful people.

I understand that not everyone wants to leap off a plane and “see what happens” (don’t worry – I save that part for my research trips!). But many people do want to go somewhere different, filled with little surprises and meaningful moments. So that’s what we offer. We get everything organised: hotels in great locations so guests can explore, airport transfers, thoughtful details… and in between, I want it to feel like we’re a bunch of mates off on an adventure. One that’s filled with inspiring people, beautiful places, and heartwarming experiences.

Our world – and the people in it – are amazing. Let’s appreciate them!

Over time, I became we. Creative Arts Safaris is now a team effort, powered by a group of warm, enthusiastic hosts who share the same spirit of adventure and deep appreciation for connection. Together, we look after our guests – and the wonderful people we meet along the road.

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