Discovering Your Inner Yogi on a Rejuvenating Yoga Safari

Om. Defined by Dictionary.com as:

noun Hinduism .

a mantric word thought to be a complete expression of Brahman and interpreted as having three sounds representing Brahma or creation, Vishnu or preservation, and Siva or destruction, or as consisting of the same three sounds, representing waking, dreams, and deep sleep, along with the following silence, which is fulfillment.

Now, imagine going to one of the most beautiful and natural places on earth to meditate, perform yoga, and soak in the therapeutic essence of nature. Not only will your stress melt instantly as you step onto African soil, but you’re also likely to enjoy some self-reflection and –discovery while on a wellness-themed safari trip.

So, if you have a group of friends who love to take part in yoga and are in desperate need of a much needed vacation (let’s face it, we ALL are), then I invite you to take a look at a customized yoga safari itinerary that we’ve created:

Featured destinations: South Africa and Seychelles

Day 1: Tswalu Kalahari

After you have arrived at Tswalu Kalahari in the Northern Cape Provence, you’ll be escorted to your luxurious suite / private cottage, where you’ll unwind and enjoy the beauty of your natural surroundings before enjoying a private group dinner beneath the stars.

Day 2: Tswalu Kalahari

You will awake to a hearty breakfast that is served near a watering hole for optimal game viewing experiences. Tswalu has a residential Southern Pride of black-manned lions, which frequent the watering hole in the early morning hours.

After a delightful breakfast you will enjoy a guided one and a half hour session of meditation and yoga in complete natural surroundings. This yoga class will be followed by an exciting game drive where expert field guides will open your eyes to exotic and endangered creatures, as well as the famous Big Five.

Lunch will be served in the bush this afternoon and will be followed by a trip back to the lodge. Here you can prepare for your second session of meditation and yoga.

After a rejuvenating and peaceful hour of meditation and flow, you’ll embark on your evening game drive to witness a new take on the natural surroundings of the Kalahari.

Upon arrival back to the lodge, you will enjoy sundowners and a private group dining experience as you discuss the day’s events.

Day 3: Tswalu Kalahari

After a revitalizing breakfast, overlooking the watering hole, you’ll enjoy a one and a half hour meditation and yoga session before exploring the Kalahari yet again. Today you will witness nature by foot and not by vehicle.

During your bush walk, you’ll have the ability to witness fauna and flora at an incredibly close range, crouch down to view burrows and paw and hoof prints, and investigate the birds and bugs that call Kalahari home.

Lunch will be served in the bush.

Upon arrival at the lodge you’ll enjoy one hour of meditation and yoga before retreating to your room to freshen up for a traditional boma braai (similar to our version of barbecue) dinner.

Day 4: Tswalu Kalahari

Today you will begin your morning with breakfast on the patio, followed by a one and a half hour session of meditation and yoga as you clear your mind and connect with the power and tranquility of nature.

After your yoga session, you’ll enjoy a guided horseback safari across the Kalahari where you’ll melt into your surroundings as you walk across the vast orange landscape. You’ll venture across dunes and grass plains, witnessing some of the most spectacular views on earth, including the Korannaberg Mountains, which are nestled in the backdrop of your adventure.

After your horseback safari you will enjoy lunch at the lodge before taking your second yoga / meditation class of the day. This revitalizing session will be followed by an afternoon in the Tswalu Kalahari Spa where you’ll choose from a menu of signature treatments to help alleviate stress and tension in the mind and body.

Many of the signature treatments are inspired by the nature of Africa and traditional healing methods. You may choose to have your spa treatments performed in the outdoor gardens, complimented by the soothing sounds of nature. You may also choose to experience your treatments in one of the spa’s indoor treatment rooms.

Your spa experience will be followed by a private group dinner beneath the stars.

Day 5: Wilderness Safaris’ North Island Lodge

Today you will awake at the Tswalu Kalahari lodge to enjoy a energizing breakfast before departing to your next destination, Seychelles.

Celebrated for being one of the most romantic and breathtaking places on earth, Seychelles is the perfect place to take part in yoga, sunbathing, watersports, and wildlife viewing.

Upon arrival at Seychelles, you will be brought to the North Island of Seychelles where you will stay at the Wilderness Safaris’ exclusive North Island villas. Each of the villas is situated on the tropical beaches of North Island, allowing you to soak in the ebbing and flowing ocean at all times.

Once you have unpacked and taken some time to relax you will take part in your first yoga and meditation class on Seychelles. The one and a half hour class will be followed by lunch on the beach, comprised of fresh local ingredients.

After lunch, you’ll experience a guided mountain bike tour along the island, where you’ll witness tortoises, exotic birds, and unique flora.

Sundowners will be served on the beach after your bike ride and will be followed by a private group dinner in the dining room.

Image above taken from www.north-island.com

Image above taken from www.north-island.com

Day 6: Wilderness Safaris’ North Island Lodge

This morning, breakfast will be served in the restaurant and will be followed by one and a half hours of guided meditation and yoga.

You are free to take part in any activities you want today, whether it’s sunbathing, walking along the unspoiled beaches, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, or fly fishing.

After a day of excitement in the outdoors, you will enjoy a medley of island-inspired spa treatments at the North Island Spa, where you will have a personalized consultation with the therapist to determine which treatments are best suited for your individual needs. Each of the treatments is designed to detoxify, relieve stress, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Your private group dinner will be served on the beach beneath the stars.

Day 7: Wilderness Safaris’ North Island Lodge

After breakfast you will enjoy your morning yoga and meditation ritual before taking a group snorkeling safari. As you dip your head beneath the water, you’ll witness a vast array of reef fish, and a variety of eel, ray, and turtle species.

Your snorkeling safari will be followed by lunch at the Sunset Bar.

For the early part of the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to relax on the beach, experience more snorkeling, or take an island buggie for a spin.

After some rest and relaxation, you’ll enjoy a second yoga and meditation session before retreating to your villa to freshen up. Your private group dinner will be had in the restaurant.

Image above taken from www.north-island.com

Image above taken from www.north-island.com

Image above taken from www.north-island.com

Day 8: Wilderness Safaris’ North Island Lodge

Today, breakfast will be served on the beach before you are escorted to the airport for your trip back home.

Does a wellness safari sound like something you would enjoy? We’d love to hear your thoughts on a trip that incorporates safari and yoga into one!