Kenyan Yoga and Safari Retreat

The Kenyan Yoga and Safari Retreat is a week-long yoga retreat on the coast near Malindi and Watamu in Kilifi County, Kenya, followed by two days at a safari lodge on the edge of Nairobi National Park. It is led by Emily Gilchrist and Lucy, and suits yogis of any level, solo travellers included, who want daily practice alongside time at the beach and in the wild.

What to Expect

The first part of the retreat is spent at a beach villa, with six nights and six days of practice and rest. There are two yoga sessions a day: an invigorating class in the morning and a restorative one in the evening. Daily meditation and pranayama are part of the programme, and afternoon or early evening sessions may include mini workshops and yoga philosophy. On one evening there is a cacao ceremony and ecstatic dance.

Between morning and evening practice, days are left open for sea swims, reading by the pool, beach walks, massage or exploring Watamu. Two afternoon excursions are included: a sunset dhow cruise along Mida Creek and a trip to the Marafa Canyons.

Midway through the week the group flies back to Nairobi and moves to Ololo Safari Lodge. There is an evening yoga session on arrival, two private game drives in Nairobi National Park, and a closing practice the next morning set against the savannah. The final day is unscheduled, for rest, journaling or treatments, before a transfer to the airport for the late-evening flight to London for those on the group booking.

About Emily Gilchrist

Emily Gilchrist is a yoga teacher, energy healer and mindfulness coach, and a mother. Yoga found her in 2001 while she was living in India, at a hard turning point in her life. She went on to a first teacher training at an ashram in south India and has worked in the healing arts for over 20 years. She describes her aim as creating safe, nurturing spaces where people can show up exactly as they are.

About Lucy

Lucy is a certified 200-hour yoga teacher and an experienced travel agent. Having lived abroad for many years, she came to love Kenya for its landscapes and natural beauty. She co-curated the retreat with Emily, blending mindful movement with cultural exploration.

The Setting

The villa, known as the Beach Palace, sits halfway between Malindi and Watamu. It has sea views, a shaded terrace for yoga overlooking the ocean, and an infinity pool. Rooms are described as light, airy and spacious. Watamu, about 15 minutes away, is known for white sand beaches, clear water and marine life, with a mix of Swahili, Italian and English influence in its food and architecture.

Meals include brunch, dinner, snacks, and water and juices throughout the day. Vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options (fresh local fish) are available, and allergies can be accommodated on request. At Ololo, meals are farm-to-table, drawn from the lodge's own gardens.

Room options include a twin room shared with a guest of the same sex, a family twin room with a shared bathroom, and private master suites, including one with an ensuite.

Before You Go

The retreat is open to all levels, ages and body types, and classes are adapted to the people in the room. Ages in past groups have ranged from the mid-20s to the early 70s. Groups are usually mostly women, and men are welcome. Around 12 to 14 people are expected, with a maximum of 18. Yoga equipment, including a mat, brick, bolster and belt, is provided, and you are welcome to bring your own.

The fee covers accommodation, meals as scheduled, daily yoga, meditation, pranayama, workshops, the listed excursions, the game drives, the domestic flights between Nairobi and Malindi, and all transfers. International flights, visas, travel insurance, additional treatments and massages, and any extra trips or food are not included.

A portion of the fee supports the Africa Yoga Project, and the group donates its yoga equipment to trainees there.