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Salute the sun
Yoga safaris
Yoga safaris – holidays with a spiritual bent.
© Yoga Warrior
Did you know?
Safari is a Swahili word meaning journey.
Yoga safaris are aimed at the spiritually-minded traveller who wants a bit more out of a holiday than the usual sun, sea and sand experience. There are a number of associations and individuals that organise yoga retreats to various destinations around South Africa.
Yoga safaris in South Africa take place at various times of the year and in various locations. Clara Woodburn, who runs the Yoga Warrior studio in Johannesburg, says the benefits of combining yoga with time in the great outdoors is a wonderful way to restore body and mind.
&Beyond, known for a variety of fantastic hotels and lodges around the world, have recently launched Yoga Safaris as part of their offering for health and wellness travellers. At the &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in Maputaland one can enjoy regular yoga sessions along with meditation classes and game drives.
In the Greater Kruger National park region, a company called Bush Retreats are offering yoga safaris over 3 days. The daily schedule includes regular yoga classes as well as short sessions of tai chi, qigong or meditation. All meals on offer are vegetarian and participants can also enjoy early morning and evening game drives.
Southern Africa Yoga Safaris offer retreats and holidays around the country including retreats in the winelands (Tulbagh), the West Coast and along the Elephant Coast. Morning chanting, drumming sessions an meditation sessions are all optional. The company has recently launched retreats at Heia Lodge in the Cradle of Humankind.
South African yoga safaris are also on offer through various ashrams and other yoga organisations in South Africa, but it's a good idea to make enquiries and book your space well before you journey to South Africa. The combination of yoga and South Africa's wide-open spaces, providing a balm for soul and spirit, are very popular.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Bush Retreats
Email: llbennett@vodamail.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)73 891 1751
SA Yoga Safaris
Email: cheryl@sayogasafaris.com
Tel: +27 (0)22 972 1636
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Email: safaris@andBeyond.com
Tel: +27 (0) 11 809 4400
Yoga Warrior:
+27 (0) 82 846 4339 or visit www.yogawarrior.co.za
How to get here
There are various locations for the yoga safaris. Chat to your tour operator regarding the best way to get to your location.
Around the area
This will vary according to the destination, however, most of the yoga retreat destinations offer a close-to-nature experience including walks and hikes in scenic parts of the country.
What will it cost
Costs vary from place to place. There are special package deals for specific yoga workshops.
Length of stay
Anything from an extended weekend to a 5-day safari.
What to pack
A yoga mat, comfortable clothes and shoes, water bottle, sunblock and hat.
Where to stay
Accommodation will be organised by the various organisations and ranges from rustic to luxury.
What to eat
Special meals can be ordered on request, please let the organisers or establishments know beforehand. Generally, vegetarian meals are a focus on yoga safaris.