21-Day Traditional Yoga Teacher Training Retreat in the South African Countryside

The 21-day Traditional Yoga Teacher Training at Pathways Country Yoga Retreat is an immersive course that goes beyond learning postures. The syllabus is comprehensive: it covers the meaning of yoga, spiritual life, the science and philosophy of yoga, the anatomy of both the physical and non-physical bodies (chakras, nadis, kundalini), energy balancing and pranic healing, the mind and psychological studies, asana benefits and corrections, pranayama, meditation, yoga nidra, Patanjali's Eight Limbs, mantra, mudras, shatkarmas, and the ethical lifestyle of a yogi. You won't just learn to teach yoga; you'll learn the traditions and psychology behind it.

What sets this training apart is its small size and personal attention. With no more than seven participants per intake, you get direct feedback from Jennifer and can build a close-knit community with fellow students from around the world. The setting helps—you're on a working farm, surrounded by bird life, with nature walks and meditation gardens. It's a world away from the hustle of city life, perfect for the kind of focused study and self-reflection the course asks of you.

Jennifer Fitzsimmons is your principal trainer, bringing nearly three decades of practice and two decades of teacher training experience. She's the author of several published books on yoga and yoga nidra, and she's also a qualified life coach. She teaches with compassion and discipline, drawing on her own journey from depression to wholeness. You'll also meet her partner Lee, who co-hosts the retreat and is mentioned fondly in several reviews.

The training is recognized by the World Yoga Alliance and the Yoga Teachers Fellowship of Southern Africa, and upon completion you'll receive a certificate, course manual, and the support needed to begin teaching. The course is open to all levels—many students come with no prior teaching experience, and some with no yoga background at all. The schedule allows for rest and reflection, with dedicated weekend time for excursions and assignments, so you return home brimming with knowledge and feeling genuinely rested.

What's included

- 21 days, 20 nights in luxury homely accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - 3 yoga and meditation classes per day - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Safari game drive - WiFi connection - Transportation during the retreat - Specialized workshops - Group excursions and activities - Pre and post retreat support - Teacher training course and certification - Fruit and snacks available all day - Certificate upon successful completion - Registration with Yoga Alliance/Professionals/International - Course manual

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (massages, spa packages) - Airport transfers