Wellness and Safari Escape: Yoga, Wildlife, and Luxury in the South African Bush

This retreat is set on a family-run private game reserve in the Free State province of South Africa, about 40km from Kimberley. The property has been managed for conservation for over 15 years, so the wildlife is genuinely wild and free-roaming. You're not visiting a safari park; you're staying inside the reserve, with animals moving through the landscape around the lodge, the yoga deck, and the dining areas. Expect to see buffalo, giraffe, zebra, oryx, wildebeest, sable, and roan, along with over 49 species that call the reserve home.

The daily rhythm is simple. A sunrise game drive kicks off the day, followed by a light breakfast snack and a morning yoga session. Hanneke's classes mix Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin, with a focus on grounding, mobility, and relaxation, and they're suitable for beginners through advanced practitioners. After a big brunch, the afternoon is yours — sleep, read, swim, or book an extra massage. A second game drive at sunset offers prime wildlife viewing, and evenings wind down with dinner in the outdoor boma, often accompanied by the sounds of the bush at night. On select evenings, there are optional cacao ceremonies, fire ceremonies, or Yoga Nidra sessions.

This isn't a retreat that tries to pack in every possible activity. The structured sessions — yoga, meditation, breathwork, bush walks, and game drives — are balanced with generous free time. The intention is to give your nervous system a real break. All meals are included and prepared fresh, with everything from vegetarian to keto to halal catered for. A traditional bushveld lunch cooked over an open fire is a highlight, as are the sundowners at scenic spots around the reserve. Every guest also gets a full-body Swedish-style massage as part of the package.

The lodge itself is a character-filled manor house that has been adapted for guests, with five en-suite rooms and shared living spaces. There's also a separate Deluxe Private Suite and a Deluxe Private Villa with its own terrace overlooking a watering hole. Whichever you choose, the setting is the same: open grasslands, big skies, and wildlife at your doorstep. It's remote, quiet, and far from any city noise, yet the transfers from Kimberley Airport are included, so getting there is straightforward.

What's included

- 6 nights' accommodation in your chosen room option - 3 daily meals (breakfast, brunch, dinner) plus snacks - Daily yoga classes with Hanneke - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama (breathwork) sessions - Twice-daily safari game drives (sunrise and sunset) - Guided bush walks - 1-hour Swedish-style massage per guest - Traditional bushveld lunch over an open fire - Airport transfers from Kimberley Airport - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Cooking class - Group excursions and activities - Professional event photos - Pre- and post-retreat support from the team - Luggage storage - Wifi connection - Free parking - Nature hikes with a trusted guide

What's not included

- International and domestic flights to Kimberley - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional spa treatments or private classes - Childcare - Laundry services (available at extra cost) - Extra night before the retreat - Horseback safari