7-Day Wildlife Wellness Escape: Yoga & Safari in the South African Bush

The retreat runs for seven days and six nights at Namaskar, a family-run reserve with over 15 years of conservation-focused management. It's home to more than 49 species, including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, oryx, and wildebeest, all moving freely across the sweeping grasslands. The lodge is set within the original manor house, keeping its character while offering en-suite rooms and daily housekeeping.

A typical day starts early. You're up before sunrise (there's a light snack first) for a short game drive, then back for an energising vinyasa flow on the yoga deck. After brunch, the rest of the morning is yours – rest by the pool, read, or book a treatment. In the late afternoon, there's another game drive, this time as the light softens and animals become more active. Evenings are social, with sundowners at scenic spots and a shared dinner in the boma.

The yoga programme is led by Hanneke, who traded a career in engineering for teaching. She's studied Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin in India and Cape Town, and has taught at retreats worldwide. Her sessions run the gamut from grounding power flows to deep restorative practice, with yoga nidra, meditation, and pranayama woven through the week. Reiki and other energy healing are available on request.

What makes this different from a standard safari is that you're living in the reserve, not visiting it. Wildlife roams right past the lodge, and because the retreat caps numbers, you see things in a quiet, unhurried way. There's no packed schedule – the intention is space, and it shows in how the days unfold. Special touches include a traditional bushveld lunch cooked over an open fire and candlelit dinners under the stars.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a safari-style lodge - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Daily yoga, meditation, and pranayama classes - Twice-daily safari game drives - Guided bush walks and nature hikes - 1-hour full-body massage - Airport pickup and drop-off at Kimberley Airport - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - Cooking class - Group excursions and activities - Professional event photos - Pre-and-post retreat support - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage, parking, and wifi

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (e.g., Reiki, longer massages) - Optional horseback safari - Alcoholic beverages (unless part of sundowners) - Personal expenses