Africa’s riches in terms of natural wonders, wildlife, and mind-boggling landscapes means the continent also offers a one-of-a-kind setting for holistic and wellness retreats. Picture your group tour involving a few days of stretching and meditating on lush grasslands; the cool evening breeze gently blowing the mental stress away and the world-famous African sunset bathing the scene in its warm orange glow. There’s also the backdrop of giraffes, zebras, and maybe even elephants dotting the savannah — a picture-perfect moment that’s as unique as they come. The thrill alone adds a whole new experience and creates one more highlight of their safari trip.
Wellness in the Wilderness
This idea of wellness in the wilderness will definitely appeal to visitors looking for an unparalleled and authentic experience with spiritual travel and a sense of adventure. The good thing is that it doesn’t really require so much infrastructure to set up in the African bush. Several tour operators all over the world agree that wellness travel is still a relatively untapped opportunity for Africa, so this could be a good way to spice up the usual itinerary and throw in some delightful and nourishing surprise.
Of course, tour operators do not usually provide these holistic and wellness retreats by themselves, rather they arrange it along with the tour leader of the guests, agree on the menu with the group organizer, set up space specifically for their use and combine a variety of safari and wellness.
What African Countries Should You Start With?
Kenya and Tanzania have great accommodation facilities to accommodate safari and wellness retreats with international chefs who can work out their menus (vegan, gluten-free, etc..) and they have the best setting for the objective of retreats. Africa offers the encouragement to unplug and harmonize yourself with nature, experiencing earth-based healing practices coming from natures primordial rhythms that can be incorporated into your daily life back at home.
Holistic Retreats Meets Safari
Holistic retreats are of immense benefit to our wellbeing, our minds, body and soul. It reduces healthcare costs, makes for a healthier lifestyle, reduces absenteeism, improves memory retention, productivity and healthy behavior. Combining holistic and wellness retreats with safaris, on the other hand, lends itself to superb wellness experiences due to its proximity to nature and wildlife. Being able to see animals in their natural habitat is a great complement to holistic and wellness retreat activities. Examples of holistic and wellness retreats that can be combined with safaris include:
Yoga Groups
Each day starts out with a group morning yoga sessions in unique locations offering the most incredible tranquil settings in harmony with nature. Followed by wildlife game viewing in prime locations and ends with a bonfire where you can sit with the group and gaze at the starlit skies. Mindfulness, renewal, relaxation and self-reflection in the wild provides the perfect balance of yoga and safari.
Traditional Healing Practices
Other holistic retreats for self healing like chiropractic and osteopathic medicine, body movement therapies, Taichi and massages can also be taken to the wild by group organizers instead of the use of regular massage tables. By adjusting everything to the setting of the wild, programs for self healing can still be achieved by group organizers.
Meditation Courses
Practicing meditation and yoga in the cradle of humankind is truly a life-changing experience where you get to detach from everyday stress, indulging in the wonders of the landscapes and the beauty of wildlife. A true marriage of traditional African safari adventure to yoga and meditation. Group organizers can organize a typical day consisting of a morning wake up call with tea/coffee as the sun rises with some yoga/ meditation in the morning. In the afternoon, they can go on a game drive or do a picnic and have a short meditation in the wilderness before proceeding with another game drive. Late afternoon, before dinner, guests can either carry on with their meditation courses in proximity to wildlife and also opt for a restorative yoga session at sunset after their afternoon activity.
Digital Detox
Detached afar from the world of technology, authentic safaris are a true retreat. Remote areas with little to no phone coverage compel you to “turn off” from the normal modern device-based culture, allowing you to get immersed and re-connected with the physical world of the awe-inspiring African plains. There are no social networks available, the only social networks you’d be able to interact with are those of the indigenous communities, expert guides and wild animals where the sound of nature awakes you, rather than mobile notifications.
Wildlife Appreciation Programs
Africa is a natural habitat to keystone wildlife species that are facing extinction. These species include the mountain gorilla, the Grevy’s zebra and Ethiopian wolf. Wildlife appreciation programs should be put together to protect populations from further decline. The retreat is a great way to spread awareness and garner invaluable support for the program. Wildlife must be allowed to survive in their natural habitats, therefore, there is need to empower local communities through conservation-friendly developments and also work with international agencies to help protect Africa’s natural resources.
Safaris and wellness travel creates a sweet spot for Africa. Safari holidays are one of Africa’s most significant segments and group organizers may want to consider taking their events to the wild for a better feel of connection and oneness with nature.
