South Africa

safari + culture + adventure

A soul-stirring 7-day luxury safari retreat to reconnect to your untamed true nature.

October 4–10, 2026

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THE RETREAT

A woman practicing yoga on a wooden deck with a scenic view of a lake, trees, and hills in the background, a giraffe standing near the water, and a singing bowl on the deck.

An unforgettable 7-day Yoga & Luxury Safari Retreat in the wilderness of the Greater Kruger biosphere. This once in a lifetime retreat is open to all levels of practice. Our retreat theme, Awaken Your Wild, is a call to reconnect with your untamed, instinctual, fully alive self.

Twice daily game drives, a day trip up Blyde River Canyon, and evenings of cultural immersion all offer opportunities to fully experience the magic of the land and it’s locale. Indulge in a massage or spend your free time spotting wildlife from the saltwater pool. A three day Cape Town add-on is also available to extend your journey further.

Group of gazelles grazing in a savannah with large flat-topped acacia trees and a blue sky in the background.
A herd of elephants walking along a dusty path beside a river at sunset, with trees and a bird flying in the background.

DESTINATION: 24°04'39.3"S 31°05'33.1"E:

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest game reserves and one of the most wildlife-dense regions on the continent, home to thriving populations of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.

The iconic wildlife of Africa roams freely over 2.5 million hectares of protected wilderness. The terrain is a mix of open savannah, riverine bush, and woodland.

Spring is the perfect time to visit South Africa. It’s warm during the day, crisp and clear in the evenings, with nearly no mosquitoes due to the elevation. The skies are expansive and ideal for stargazing, we may even spot Saturn's rings or the Southern Cross constellation.

Being the end of the dry season, animals gather around the waterholes, and in front of the lodge, where the Olifant river flows year-round, making game viewing excellent. 

People relaxing on outdoor canopy beds with pillows on a wooden deck surrounded by trees and greenery, with the sun shining through the leaves.
Interior of a modern restaurant with wooden furniture, green plants, and large glass windows showing a natural outdoor view.

ACCOMODATION & NOURISHMENT

Sashwa River Of The Stars

Sashwa opened their doors in October of 2024 and we have exclusive access to the entire retreat center just for our group. The property features 12 standalone suites, each with their own unique viewing decks and private en-suite bathrooms with air conditioning.

The Wholeness Center includes a full service spa, gym, and infrared sauna. You can also find a library, lookout deck, saltwater pool, and meditation on the grounds, all of which are free for us to use for the week.

Peter is the passionate conservationist behind our Retreat Center. What started as a personal love for Africa’s wild landscapes has evolved into a lifelong mission to protect them. Sashwa was created with the intention to transform the land into a protected haven for wildlife and a place that uplifts local communities. Multiple tribes are represented on the Sashwa staff.

Most of our meals will be plant-based, African-inspired cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from the on-site organic permaculture garden. We’ll enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef and sit for a reflective tea ceremony. The restaurant will also have nourishing bites available between meals. 

People dancing on a wooden deck with a black railing, outdoors under large green trees near a house with a metal roof, on a grassy slope.

The Experience

YOGA & PROGRAMMING

After morning munches and sips, we’ll embark on a sunrise drive in an open air safari vehicles. Wilderness experts guide these conscious safaris and provide deep knowledge on the interconnectedness of the ecosystem.  Sunset drives are golden hour adventures to observe nocturnal cats as they awaken and enjoy sundowners on the horizon.

Mid-week, we’ll embark on a full-day boat adventure up the Olifants River to the top of the Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in the world, where we’ll swim in waterfalls, share a forest picnic, and walk through the heart of the mountain at Echo Caves.

Our cultural evening features the Roots of Rhythm show group, for a vibrant celebration of Limpopo’s tribes under the stars and gathered around fire. The night is a deep connection to the cultural heritage of the region, expressed through song and dance, energy and spirit. 

Mornings will begin with yoga and meditation, carrying a sense of movement and balance into the day’s adventures. The retreat itself is about connecting with the energy within and around us, exploring ourselves through the wild nature that surrounds us.

Three giraffes standing on a dirt road in a savannah landscape.

Itinerary

  • Pickup from HDS for First Game Drive to Retreat Center

    Lunch & Lodge Orientation

    Opening Ceremony Circle

    Welcome Dinner

  • Early Morning Munches & Sips

    Game Drive

    Breakfast

    Yoga Practice

    Lunch With a View

    Game Drive & Sundowners

    Dinner

    Bonfire & Star Gazing

  • Mindful Munches & Soothing Sips

    Game Drive

    Breakfast

    Yoga Practice

    Lunch

    Sunset Game Drive

    Community Cooking Class & Dinner

    Community Connection

  • Breakfast

    Day Trip to Blyde River Canyon

    Picnic Lunch in the Forest

    Nourishing Dinner

    Bonfire & Star Gazing

  • Morning Munches & Sips

    Game Drive

    Bush Breakfast

    Yoga Practice

    Lunch

    Game Drive & Sundowners

    Dinner

    Cultural Evening with Local Tribes

  • Mindful Munches & Soothing Sips

    Morning Game Drive

    Breakfast

    Yoga Practice

    Lunch

    Tea Ceremony

    Evening Game Drive

    Dinner

    Community Connection

  • Mindful Munches & Soothing Sips

    Final Game Drive

    Farewell Breakfast & Closing Ceremony

    Check Out & Departure to HDS Via Private Bus

  • (Thu Oct 1)

    Arrive at CPT at your leisure and drop luggage at hotel, then meet up for shopping and snacks at Mojo Market.

    Sunset Dinner in Sea Point

    Community Hang at Hotel

  • (Fri Oct 2)

    Nourishing Breakfast

    Historical Bo Kaap Neighborhood Tour, Shopping, & Snacks

    Free Time & Choice for Lunch

    Table Mountain Sunset Hike & Cable Ride Down

    Choice for Dinner

    Kloof Street Night Out

  • (Sat Oct 3)

    Morning Movement & Breakfast

    Neighbourgoods Market Shopping & Snacks

    Free Time & Choice of Lunch

    Sunset Ocean Cruise

    Rooftop Dinner at 5 star restaurant

    Early morning transport Oct 4 to HDS for Safari Retreat

Investment

Your retreat experience includes everything you need to immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey. From accommodations to fresh, nourishing meals, and every adventure in between, it’s all taken care of. Just show up, and enjoy.

7 Days / 6 Nights (Oct 4 – Oct 10)

All-Inclusive Pricing

  • $3800 (shared room)

  • $5300 (single room)

Secure your spot with a $1000 non-refundable deposit. Your remaining balance is due 90 days before the retreat start date, and flexible payment plans are available to make this investment work for you.

  • Sample Payment Plan: $1000 deposit + 4 payments of $700

Cape Town Add-On (Oct 1 – Oct 4)

We are so excited to kick off our South Africa adventure with a 4 day / 3 night curated exploration of Cape Town before heading into the bush for our safari. This add on includes 3 nights boutique hotel stay in the heart of city, daily breakfast and two group dinners, all tours, cultural excursions, and guided activities, and direct one-way flights (2.5 hours) from Cape Town to Hoedspruit (safari departure point).

This experience is only available as an add-on to our Awaken Your Wild Safari Retreat and must be reserved at the time of deposit. Spots are limited and will fill quickly.

What’s Included

  • Accommodation at our luxury safari retreat center

  • Fresh, locally-prepared and seasonally inspired meals and snacks each day

  • All yoga practices, workshops, and meditations

  • Daily safari game drives and guided wilderness walks

  • Unlimited access to riverfront saltwater pool, sauna, and gym

  • Use of the Creative Studio on a self creative basis

  • Drinks, including local selection of Painted Wolf conservation wines

  • Transportation to & from Hoedspruit airport (HDS)

  • Custom retreat journal for reflection

This is more than a retreat experience, it’s an investment in yourself, your balance, and your well-being. Make this your opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and explore the landscapes of your inner wild.

 FAQs

    • International airfare to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)

    • Travel insurance (recommended)

    • Spa and massage services

    • Souvenirs and purchases outside of retreat activities

    • Gratuity for the retreat center staff ($50-$100 recommended)

  • Absolutely! Most of our retreats come alone and leave with lifelong friendships. If you choose a shared room, you’ll be paired with a same gender roommate.

  • If you’re not joining for our 3-day Cape Town adventure, you’ll fly directly into Hoedspruit, Eastgate International Airport (HDS).

    Drivers will meet us at HDS with refreshments to take us through the Greater Kruger entrance gate, a scenic one-hour drive enjoying some wildlife spotting en route to the lodge.

    At the end of our retreat, we will take a private bus for our final game drive back to HDS airport.

  • We will enjoy a mix of locally-sourced vibrant & nourishing vegetarian and meat options. Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

  • In early October, the South African bush is warm and dry. Expect sunny days with average temperatures around 82°F (28°C) and cooler mornings and evenings dipping to 52°F (11°C).

    This time of year is mostly dry and layers are essential. Pack breathable clothing for daytime safaris and a warmer jacket for early mornings and sunset drives.

    A wide-brimmed hat, sun protection, and neutral colors are ideal for blending into the environment.

  • Not at all. While The Balance retreats are always structured to included breaks for free time to journal, rest, or keep socializing if you choose, nothing is mandatory and you can take time to yourself as you need. This is your time to recharge.

  • A complete travel packet will be sent to you upon registration. This will include information on traveling to the retreat center and a packing list specific to your retreat.

save your spot
 
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A living room with wicker furniture, decorated with tropical-themed pillows, a wooden sideboard with jars underneath, green plants, and black woven wall hangings and art on a dark wall.
Sunset over a river with trees and a hill in the background.
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