Nurtured by Nature Yoga Retreat

Nurtured by Nature Yoga Retreat is a seven-night yoga retreat in the Greater Kruger, Limpopo, South Africa, that pairs daily practice with time in the bush. It suits those who want yoga, rest and wildlife in one week, without having to organise any of it. Taran leads vinyasa and restorative classes, and Cassandra teaches yin.

The week begins in the highlands of Mpumalanga and moves to a small lodge on the Olifants River, with a drive along the Panorama Route between the two.

What to Expect

Yoga shapes each day, and the other activities are built around it. The first days are slow: gentle evening practice after arrival, then a full day of morning and afternoon yoga with free time to walk the estate, use the spa or simply rest.

On the third day the group travels the Panorama Route, stopping at Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, with lunch along the way. That evening there is yoga, dinner and a campfire at the safari lodge.

The days at the lodge begin early, with meditation or gentle yoga, then a sunrise game drive and a guided bush walk. Afternoons leave room for the pool, an optional massage or a swim. Sunset game drives, a sound safari, a story circle at the fire about the reserve and its conservation work, and guided stargazing fill the evenings. There is an optional soak in an outdoor bath beneath the stars after dinner on one night. One morning has an extended outdoor yoga practice, and another day includes a visit to Koru Camp to learn about the non-profit initiatives the resort supports.

The last full day has a final sunrise outing, unhurried time to reflect, a closing circle after lunch, a special sunset experience and a farewell dinner. The group shares a last breakfast the next morning.

The Teachers

Taran leads the vinyasa and restorative yoga classes throughout the week.

Cassandra teaches the yin yoga sessions, the slower and more meditative part of the practice.

The Setting

The retreat is based at a small, intimate lodge on the Olifants River in the Greater Kruger. Guests stay in thoughtfully designed lodge suites, with a pool, open-air lounges and viewing decks. The first nights are spent in the Mpumalanga highlands, with breakfast overlooking the countryside.

All meals are plant-based, with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day and all drinks included. Expert local safari guides lead the game drives and nature walks.

Guests arrive at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport by 12:00 PM on the first day. A bus transfer takes them to Mpumalanga, a drive of roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. On the final day a bus transfer goes to Hoedspruit Airport.

Before You Go

Included in the retreat:

- Seven nights of accommodation
- Daily yoga
- Three plant-based meals a day and all drinks
- Daily access to the pool, gym and sauna
- A sound safari tour and guided nature walks
- Vehicle safari tours with expert local guides
- Travel along the Panorama Route, with visits to Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels
- Arrival transfer from Johannesburg Airport and departure transfer to Hoedspruit Airport

Massage is optional. Because the schedule starts early on the safari days, it helps to be ready for sunrise mornings and time outdoors.