Meditation and Nature Wellness Retreat in the Ngong Hills, Kenya

The retreat unfolds over eight days and seven nights at Pumua Village, a purpose-built practice center in a quiet, rural area next to the Ngong Hills, about an hour and a half from Nairobi. The name 'Pumua' means 'breath' in Swahili, and that's the whole point: this is a place to stop, breathe, and come back to yourself. The accommodations are simple but comfortable, with shared rooms and private terraces overlooking the hills.

Daily life follows a gentle rhythm. Most days begin with a seated meditation session, followed by breakfast, a teaching, and then a mindful walk or a period of walking meditation. The center has its own library and garden, spaces for group practice, and places to just sit and watch the landscape. Three of the eight days are entirely dedicated to walking meditation, taking you through the countryside and into the Rift Valley, where the views are wide and the air is fresh.

Midweek, there's a 'centered practice day'—a quiet day at the center for rest and group practice, letting the previous days of walking settle. Towards the end, there's a safari day in Nairobi National Park, a unique experience where you can see lions, giraffes, and zebras with the capital's skyline in the background. You'll also visit a Maasai village and a local market, so the retreat isn't just internal—you get a genuine taste of Kenyan life and culture.

The teaching is led by Fabiano Gentile, a former monk from Italy who trained for ten years in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. He brings a quiet, compassionate presence and a lot of practical wisdom. He's joined by Mercy, a Kenyan psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in Nairobi. Together, they weave meditation, psychology, and neurotherapy into a program that is both ancient and modern, gentle and effective.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in shared triple/quad room - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Snacks - Daily meditation classes - 3 days of nature walking meditation in the Rift Valley - Safari day in Nairobi National Park - Visit to a Maasai village and local markets - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Transportation during the retreat - Pre and post retreat support - Free Wi-Fi - Parking

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (massage, spa packages) - Laundry service (available for a fee) - Private shuttle airport pickup (€34 per person) - Extra nights before or after the retreat - Personal expenses - Tips for guides and staff