About The Retreat
Our 7-night trip begins with two nights in Victoria Falls. We’ll have a tour of the falls, lunch at the famous Lookout Cafe and a dinner cruise on the Zambezi river before we fly to Mana Pools National Park for a five-night safari. Our boutique, luxury accommodation at Vundu Camp in Mana Pools is right on the river bank and we’ll enjoy yoga on the deck serenaded by grumbling hippos, lazy crocodiles and whooping fish eagles before embarking on boat, walking and vehicle-based safari activities each day. Join us for this ultimate all-inclusive, week-long safari retreat to Victoria Falls and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe to raise funds for wildlife conservation.
Itinerary
1Day 1
11:00PM - 12:00AM
On arrival you will be met at the airport and driven to Batonka Guest House in Victoria Falls to check in and relax for the night. Dinner tonight is at your own expense.
2Day 2
7:00AM - 8:30AM
Breakfast at the lodge where we’ll all have the chance to meet and discuss the adventures ahead.
9:00AM - 2:00PM
We'll bicked up from Batonka Guest House for a guided walking tour of the falls and lunch at The Lookout Cafe (drinks not included).
4:00PM - 7:00PM
We'll be picked up from Batonka for a sundowner river cruise and dinner on the Zambezi.
3Day 3
6:00AM - 2:00PM
After breakfast at Batonka we will transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for our flight to Mana Pools (time TBC). On landing we’ll be driven to the camp, arriving for lunch and an afternoon yoga class or siesta.
3:00PM - 8:00PM
We'll head off into the bush for our first game drive, enjoying a sundowner then returning to camp for drinks around the fire and dinner. Over the next few days as well as yoga, boat safaris, game drives and bush walks we’ll also have a talk with Nick Murray which will allow us the opportunity to learn more about the history of Mana Pools and the issues that wild dogs and other animals face here. All activities are optional.
4Day 4
5:15AM - 8:00PM
Our schedule on safari is kept flexible, because you never know what you will find and sometimes we'll linger longer at sightings or leave a little later depending on the group's energy levels. Here's a general outline of what our days will look like... 6.15AM: Sunrise meditation & vinyasa yoga 7.30AM: Morning activities (game drive, bush walk, conservation talks and activities) with breakfast in the bush or back at camp 1PM: Lunch at camp and a siesta 3PM: Restorative Yoga (45 mins) 4PM: Afternoon game drive or boat cruise & sundowners 8PM: Dinner
5Day 5
5:15AM - 8:00PM
Our schedule on safari is kept flexible, because you never know what you will find and sometimes we'll linger longer at sightings or leave a little later depending on the group's energy levels. Here's a general outline of what our days will look like... 6.15AM: Sunrise meditation & vinyasa yoga 7.30AM: Morning activities (game drive, bush walk, conservation talks and activities) with breakfast in the bush or back at camp 1PM: Lunch at camp and a siesta 3PM: Restorative Yoga (45 mins) 4PM: Afternoon game drive or boat cruise & sundowners 8PM: Dinner
6Day 6
5:15AM - 8:00PM
Our schedule on safari is kept flexible, because you never know what you will find and sometimes we'll linger longer at sightings or leave a little later depending on the group's energy levels. Here's a general outline of what our days will look like... 6.15AM: Sunrise meditation & vinyasa yoga 7.30AM: Morning activities (game drive, bush walk, conservation talks and activities) with breakfast in the bush or back at camp 1PM: Lunch at camp and a siesta 3PM: Restorative Yoga (45 mins) 4PM: Afternoon game drive or boat cruise & sundowners 8PM: Dinner
7Day 7
5:15AM - 8:00PM
Our schedule on safari is kept flexible, because you never know what you will find and sometimes we'll linger longer at sightings or leave a little later depending on the group's energy levels. Here's a general outline of what our days will look like... 6.15AM: Sunrise meditation & vinyasa yoga 7.30AM: Morning activities (game drive, bush walk, conservation talks and activities) with breakfast in the bush or back at camp 1PM: Lunch at camp and a siesta 3PM: Restorative Yoga (45 mins) 4PM: Afternoon game drive or boat cruise & sundowners 8PM: Dinner
8Day 8
6:00AM - 8:00AM
A relaxing morning and breakfast at camp.
8:00AM - 10:30AM
We'll pack up and say our goodbyes to meet our light aircraft flight to Victoria Falls (landing at midday - connects with midday flights to Jo'Burg).
What’s Included
2 nights at Batonka Guest Lodge (bed and breakfast) + 5 nights at Vundu Camp
Breakfast at Batonka, lunch at Lookout Cafe, dinner on the Zambezi cruise and all meals on safari in Mana Pools
Water, tea and coffee at Batonka and a selection of white and red wines and spirits, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee and drinking water on the cruise and at Vundu Camp
All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers as outlined in the itinerary including flights too/from Mana Pools
Not Included
International flights and any other travel not outlined in the itinerary
Additional meals in Victoria Falls and drinks in Victoria Falls, luxury spirits and champagne in Mana Pools
Any additional activities not mentioned
Travel Insurance (required) eg. World Nomad
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Zimbabwe?
Yes, all international guests are required to purchase a visa to enter into Zimbabwe. The current cost is USD55 paid on arrival. We recommend you carry the exact amount in USD cash as card services are not used and you will not provided with change. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of your arrival and have three blank pages left in it.
Do I have luggage restrictions?
Yes. Our local flights are on small aircrafts which have a baggage restriction of 15kgs per person in soft shell bags only. You may also be required to share your weight.
Do I need any vaccinations?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Other vaccinations are optional and personal choice. We recommend you consult with your doctor and visit the CDC website to get the most up to date medical advice that is relevant to your personal circumstances.
Do I need to talk anti-malarials?
Both Victoria Falls and Mana Pools are malaria risk areas so a course of anti-malarials for the duration of your trip is recommended. Consult with your doctor on various types and which will best suit you.
Reviews
Vern
June 2023
Kat and Laura run a fantastic retreat for the socially conscious and curious yogi. They led a well balanced yoga and safari schedule, partnering with local business and communities to deliver a unique, reflective experience in a precious part of the world.
Diana
June 2023
So much more than just a yoga holiday. I'd recommend anyone interested in yoga and animal conservation to try and join Laura & Kat on their next adventure. You will never forget it.
