NAMASTE YOGA SAFARI - Squarespace
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NAMASTE YOGA SAFARI
Namibia - Africa
8-Day Yoga & Acro Safari Retreat
23-30 November 2021
Explore and discover some of the most spectacular locations in Namibia with Anna and
Marcel, whilst also focusing on your yoga practice in the beautiful natural
surroundings. The retreat will be filled with wildlife game viewing at Namibia’s greatest
Wildlife sanctuary – Etosha National Park, adventurous days along the Skeleton Coast
and a scenic flight to the iconic Sossusvlei/Deadvlei. The retreat ends at a private
Game Reserve for a chance to see more wildlife and treat yourself at their wellness
center.
Most mornings start with a
healthy buffet breakfast
to kick start your
adventurous filled days.
Time will be spent on an
excursion with
professional guides
specific to the area, a
chance to really get to see
the country and what
makes it so unique. After lunch
take some time to relax and
enjoy the “holiday” part of this
adventure or head off for
another activity. As the days
draw to a close, you will find
yourself back in nature for an
afternoon yoga practice. A few
morning yoga sessions will
also be held when there are
no activities booked.
The venues are set in unique
locations offering the most
incredible tranquil settings in
harmony with nature.
NAMIBIA - A Country that feeds your Soul
Travelling through Namibia awakens your emotions and senses – colors become brighter,
smells more intense and you taste more appreciative. Your sixth sense finds its mystical home
and above all, you feel re-connected with your soul!
Namibia, nicknamed the Gem of Africa, got its name from the Namib Desert, the oldest desert
in the world and one of the highest sand dunes in the world. Namibia boasts remarkable
natural attractions such as the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon Park
and the Kalahari Desert. Its majestic landscape and natural environment offers a unique flora
and fauna population with an abundant variety of wildlife.
Namibia’s greatest Wildlife sanctuary, the Etosha National Park is situated in the
Northern part of the country. This game park is unlike any other and photographs of
animals in front of the pan make this very unique and a special place to visit. It boasts an
impressive offer of over 114 species of mammals and 340 species of birds. Etosha has
exceptional wildlife including black Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah,
Wildebeest, Giraffe, Hyena, Zebra, Springbok, Kudu, Gemsbok and Eland.
Etosha is incredible and if the game viewing itself is not impressive enough, the Etosha Pan
definitely is, as it is even visible from space. Let that be an indicator as to it’s sheer size. It is
believed to have formed millions of years ago for the first time. As long as 16,000 years ago,
the Kunene River flowed from Angola into Namibia and all the way down to Etosha, where a
huge lake formed for a long time. But due to earth movements the river changed course and
resulted in it ending in the Atlantic Ocean instead. As the lake slowly dried up this left the salt
pan behind.The Etosha Pan covers a quarter of the entire area of the Etosha National Park
and is known to be 130km long and up to 50km’s wide in certain parts, which makes this the
largest salt pan in Africa.
Numerous waterholes are found throughout the park and these provide the much-needed
water to the animals, especially during the dry season. As the area is mostly sparse, the
animals have adapted to drink during the heat of the day when predators are mostly inactive,
making it safe for them to venture out into the open and congregate at waterholes.
Swakopmund, is a coastal city in Namibia, west of the capital, Windhoek. Its sandy beaches
face the Atlantic Ocean. Established by German colonists in 1892, with German Colonial
Architecture, palm trees, good restaurants and gift shops, it has a laid back feel to it.
A small part of the population is still German-speaking. For the more adventurous,
there are a variety of extreme sports from skydiving, quad biking, fat wheel biking,
ocean safaris, dune boarding and surfing.
The Skeleton Coast is an area that spans from the border with South Africa in the south to
the border with Angola in the north. This section runs along the coastline and is for the most
part open, vast and undiscovered, especially as you depart from the coastal town of
Swakopmund and head north through the Skeleton Coast Park. The area got its name from
the whale and seal bones found on shore from the past whaling industry, although in more
recent years, received the name from sailors who feared sailing the coast due to the epic
winds and unpredictable changing sandbanks that resulted in a number of shipwrecks, of
which some of the oldest can still be seen today.
Although it may sound like an area with an eerie past, it is indeed an area diverse and full of
animal life. The coast itself is inhabited by millions of Cape Fur Seals, of which the largest
colony, call Cape Cross their breeding ground.
Desert adapted flora and fauna are found all along the Skeleton Coast. Fog rolls in from the
coast caused by the icy Benguela Current in the Atlantic Ocean. When this meets the warm
desert air, this creates precious water for the plants and animals that miraculously survive in
this unforgiving environment. Welwitschias and Lithops flourish and more than a hundred
species of lichen can be found on the gravel plains and mountain slopes. These composite
organisms are ever changing in color as they absorb the moisture in the air from the fog
making its way inland.
A diverse array of bird life can be enjoyed in the area including many species of raptors as well
as many smaller, more common species and along the coast the sea birds such as flamingos
and pelicans. Over 247 species have been recorded in the Skeleton Coast National Park.
The famous rolling sand dunes of the Namib Desert surround the marvel known as Sossusvlei,
which is situated in the Namib Naukluft National Park, one of the largest conservation areas in
Africa. A visit to Namibia is not complete without experiencing this incredible white salt pan
and the red dunes that make it so popular. After all, these monstrous dunes are some of the
largest that can be found in the world, reaching heights of 400 meters.
In some ways the beauty of this area is eerie as you can almost hear whispers on the wind that
softly kisses the crescents of the dunes. What makes it so overwhelming is the knowledge that
the sheer size of the dunes were created by wind over millions of years. Ever changing and
growing, the dunes remain one of the most amazing phenomenon’s you will ever get to see.
Sossusvlei means “dead-end marsh”, which is fitting as this is where the dunes meet, roughly
60km east of the Atlantic Ocean, and prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further.
The Namib Desert has long last seen rain to allow the river to run this far south and for this
reason the pan is almost always dry. If very heavy rains are received then the pan can become
flooded and understandably this then offers a completely different spectacle for visitors to
travel far and wide to come and capture. Once flooded it can remain this way for up to a year
before the water disappears again.
Despite the fact that this area is dry and gets extremely hot during the peak in summer
months, there is a large amount of animal life, bird life and plant life that still thrives here.
Incredibly adapted to withstand the harsh environment they call home.
YOUR YOGA TEACHER, Anna Karides
Anna is a leading Yoga and AcroYoga teacher from the UK and has been teaching for
over a decade. She has international teaching and training experience and has been
featured in leading publications from Vogue to The Guardian and named OM
Magazine's Yoga teacher of the month. Anna has been teaching in London’s leading
yoga studios (Bodyism, Triyoga, Indaba) and is a proud Lululemon Athletica legacy
ambassador. Her classes are challenging and reflect her passion for backbends, arm
balances and inversions but can also have a therapeutic focus.
“Whether you are just starting out with Acro yoga, you will surely leave this retreat with
a deepened practice as it promotes a wide range of physical and mental benefits” .
YOUR HOST, Marcel Vosloo
Marcel found her love for yoga over a decade ago while sailing and diving all corners of
the World. Even though taught in Ashtanga yoga, she’s developed a deep understanding
of more mindful and calm practices out in nature, connecting with the energy that
surrounds her.
She has been hosting
successful retreats since
2016 when she started
Namaste Yoga Safaris,
combining the perfect blend
of yoga on safari while
focusing on slowing down
and connecting with yourself
on a deeper level. Her
groups are small, allowing
personal attention in a fun
and non-competitive
environment, making it a
peaceful healing space for
anyone joining.
Marcel also worked as a
travel consultant in Namibia,
selling various safari tours in
Southern Africa and applying what she’s learned to her own yoga safari’s. You will for
sure experience the best that Namibia has to offer, where days are filled with mindful
yoga flows in nature, stay in carefully handpicked lodges close to all the National Parks
and encounter wildlife up close and personal.
Marcel will personally pick you up at the airport on arrival and will be hosting along with
Anna on this retreat.
It’s about you and connecting with yourself and nature, being mindful and having an
adventure of a life time.
ITINERARY
Day 1/ 2 /3
23 - 25 November - Etosha National Park South, Etosha Village
Day 4/ 5/6
26 - 28 November - Swakopmund – Desert Breeze Lodge
Day 7
29 November - Windhoek area, Gocheganas Nature Reserve
Day 8
30 November - End of Retreat
ROUTE
DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 1 Tuesday, 23 November Venue: Etosha Village Location: Etosha National Park Included: All meals Activity: Sunset Yoga On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will be met and the Journey to Etosha Village will begin. If you arrived a day or so before, we will pick you up at your B&B, leaving Windhoek latest 10:00am. From Windhoek it’s an 4 hour drive, the perfect time to get to know your fellow yogi’s and an introduction to what the week has in store for you while enjoying majestic landscapes and the unique environment of flora and fauna. After a late lunch and settling into your accommodation, we will meet for a sunset yoga session followed by a welcoming ceremony and a mouth-watering dinner under the African sky…
DAY 2
Wednesday, 24 November
Venue: Etosha Village
Location: Etosha National Park
Included: All meals
Activity: 1x Yoga Session, 1x Morning Game Drive to Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: Guided Nature walk, Stargazing
Starting the day with a beautiful sunrise yoga session that will awaken all your senses, making
you feel reconnected with your soul…
After a healthy breakfast we will meet with an experienced guide that will take us to Etosha
National Park. It is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including
several threatened and endangered species such as the black rhinoceros. Elephant, Lion,
Leopard, Cheetah, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Hyena, Zebra, Springbok, Kudu, Gemsbok and Eland
are common in the park which make game viewing in Etosha a unique experience.
For lunch we will return to Etosha Village, relax by one of the 3 swimming pools, read a
book, go on a nature walk, birding or enjoy the beautiful surroundings from your own private
patio.
We will meet again for sunset yoga, ending the day with a buffet dinner.DAY 3
Thursday, 25 November
Venue: Etosha Village
Location: Etosha National Park
Included: All meals
Activity: 2x Yoga Sessions, 1x Morning Game Drive to Etosha National Park
Optional Activities: Guided Nature walk, Stargazing
Waking up to another beautiful day in Africa!!
Sunrise yoga on our open-air yoga becoming one with nature, followed by breakfast and a
Wildlife Game Drive to Etosha National Park.
After a healthy lunch and swim, you can relax before meeting for a yoga session. After dinner
we will visit the neighboring lodge for live African Music…a perfect ending to your first 3 nights
in Namibia!
Etosha has exceptional wildlife including black Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard,
Cheetah, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Hyena, Zebra, Springbok, Kudu, Gemsbok and Eland.VENUE
Etosha Village
Prime destination for nature lovers combined with excellent service and cuisine! Etosha Village
uniquely delivers the perfect safari style experience in a private and protected reserve directly
adjacent to the Etosha National Park, near Okaukuejo.
At Etosha Village nature and luxury are in perfect harmony through design and comfort.
Besides the 45 accommodation units and camping facilities, Etosha Village has three
restaurant seating areas, a sparkling pool plus two smaller pools as well as a well-stocked
utility , curio shop…and of coarse…the outdoor yoga deck!
The individual luxurious units offer a spacious air-conditioned bedroom and a modern en-
suite bathroom with shower. The patio and outside seating area create an ideal space to sit
back, relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.CUISINE
Etosha Village is well known for inspiring cuisine and many guests have claimed that it is the
best buffet dinner experience in Namibia!
Breakfast: You can start your day with a scrumptious buffet breakfast with an extensive
selection of all the favorite delectable breakfast foods and treats.
Lunch: Served a' la carte with loads of mouth-watering dishes to choose from, but we will also
have lunches at nearby lodges.
Dinner: The popular buffet dinner will leave you spoiled for choice between the salads, side
dishes, grilled meats and stir-fries - all prepared fresh and in front of every guest! For the
perfect ending there is a range of decadent dessert sensations as well as a variety of cheeses
and biscuits.
At the buffet area there is a 24 hour coffee station with a variety of coffees and teas to enjoy
at any time! Cater for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-intolerant.DAY 4 Friday, 26 November Venue: Desert Breeze Lodge Location: Swakopmund Included: Breakfast, lunch packs Not Included: Dinner Activity: 2x Yoga Sessions An early rise for Yoga as the sun starts creeping up over the horizon. A time to reflect, breathe and simply take in the peacefulness of all that surrounds you. It is then time for breakfast before heading to the picturesque coastal town of Swakopmund - where the ocean meets the desert. The driving time is around 5 hours, somewhat meditative with forever changing landscapes. Once in Swakopmund, we will enjoy sunset yoga with spectacular views of the Namib dunes followed by a German cuisine dinner.
DAY 5 Saturday, 27 November Venue: Desert Breeze Lodge Location: Swakopmund Included: Breakfast Not included: Optional activities, lunch and dinner Activity: 1x Yoga Sessions Optional Activities: Living Desert Tour, Fat Wheel Biking, Quad biking, Dune boarding, Ocean Safaris, Kayaking with seals, Horse riding, Camel riding, Surfing, Scenic Flights After yoga and a healthy breakfast, you will surely be ready for a fun filled day in Swakopmund. You can choose between a variety of optional activities, from quad biking, fat wheel biking, ocean safaris, dune boarding, horse riding, camel riding, kayaking or surfing. If you would like to observe your surroundings from above, you could even try skydiving or a scenic flight. Sunset Yoga will be on the beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert followed by dinner at your choice of restaurant. “We suggest one or more of the above activities as there will be 2 full days spent in Swakopmund. If you want to visit Sossusvlei in the South, we recommend to book the half day scenic flight with Pleasure Flights to Sossusvlei. The flight departs early morning from Swakopmund on the 27th, flying inland and the flight takes about 2 hours. Once you get to Sossusvlei Lodge, you will have breakfast and head into the Park with a Game drive vehicle and explore the surrounding area, including the iconic Deadvlei. Lunch you will be back at the Lodge, then fly back to Swakopmund via the coast.
DAY 6 Sunday, 28 November Venue: Desert Breeze Lodge Location: Swakopmund Included: Breakfast Not included: Optional activities, lunch and dinner Activity: 2x Yoga Sessions Optional Activities: Living Desert Tour, Fat Wheel Biking, Quad biking, Dune boarding, Ocean Safaris, Kayaking with seals, Horse riding, Camel riding, Surfing, Cape Cross excursion, Scenic Flights Another day at the coast. Depending on the weather, we will either have a yoga session in the desert or on the beach. After breakfast, you can relax at the beach, explore the town or go on more activities. We will meet for some fun acro yoga at the beach taking in the beautiful surrounds and magical sunset. Dinner will be at a restaurant of your choice as there are so many to choose from.
SWAKOPMUND, especially out of season, can feel like a holiday town along Germany’s
North Sea and Baltic coasts transplanted onto African soil. It has a laid-back feel to it with
palm trees, good restaurants and gift shops. For the more adventurous, there are a
variety of extreme sports, from skydiving, quad biking, fat wheel biking, ocean safaris,
dune boarding and surfing.
VENUE - Desert Breeze
Stay in Luxury and Style - In it’s prime position above the ephemeral Swakop River
overlooking a vast and sensuous apricot dune sea, Desert Breeze offers the ultimate desert
experience. A short drive from central Swakopmund, its spectacular location provides peace
and tranquility away from the bustling town, and the privilege of savoring the ancient Namib
Desert. Surrounded by the colorful and unique architecture contrasting but yet fitting in with
the desert landscape, it will sooth any soul. The luxury bungalows with their creative
atmosphere and the friendly staff will make your stay one to remember. Breakfast will be at
Desert Breeze, lunch and dinner at one of Swakopmund's many cafes’s and restaurants.DAY 7
Monday, 29 November
Venue: Gocheganas Nature Reserve
Location: Windhoek Surrounds
Included: All meals
Activity: 2x Yoga Sessions
Optional Activities: Guided game drives, guided nature walks or Spa treatments
After yoga in the stillness of the desert, we will have breakfast and make our way to
Gocheganas Nature Reserve and Wellness Centre. After lunch enjoy a much-needed massage
(optional) after 7 days of yoga and adventure. If needed, spend some more time at the Spa or
go on an afternoon game drive (optional extras).
Enjoy your last dinner surrounded by the sounds and beauty of nature.DAY 8
Tuesday, 30 November
Venue: Gocheganas Nature Reserve
Location: Windhoek Surrounds
Included: Breakfast
Activity: 1x Sunrise Yoga Session
Optional Activities: Game drive at Gocheganas, SPA treatments
Our last sunrise yoga session…
Today your safari comes to an end, but before it does, you will have one last yoga practice
and a chance to reflect on self as well as the holiday you have had thus far.
You will then have time to pack your belongings and freshen up to prepare for your flight
back to the capital city. If you flight is late afternoon, you can opt for one more optional game
drive or Spa treatment.
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight back home…
Please note: An additional night in Windhoek can be added depending on your international
flight details. A pre-night at the beginning of the tour and a post night at the end are
recommended to give you a relaxed start and end to your holiday.VENUE
Gocheganas
Situated a mere 29 kilometres south east from Windhoek on a hilltop overlooking a
spectacular landscape, GOCHEGANAS is a luxury lodge offering a unique combination of
Wildlife, Nature and Wellness experiences. With 25 different wildlife species located on a 6000
hectare Nature Reserve, game drives and walking activities are welcomed as an enriching
experience. Wellness facilities and treatments of a world class standard ensure a renewal of
mind, body and spirit. The architecture and decor of all buildings at GocheGanas
incorporates local arts and crafts in celebration of the culture of Namibia. Offering 16 totally
private chalets under thatched roof with uninterrupted and spectacular views over the
surrounding Reserve.
The GocheGanas Wellness Village
Wellness is a holistic approach to health that combines all aspects of physical, mental and
spiritual well-being to realign mind, body and soul. It is a place where the noise of our busy
lives is drowned out by the whispers of tranquility - a place where we can draw upon the
strength of a healthy body and the sanctuary of our inner calm. The GocheGanas Wellness
Village boasts a top of the range selection of wellness treatments, products and services.
Other facilities include eleven treatment rooms with state of the art equipment such as a
crystal bath, hydrotherapy bath, a vichy shower etc, as well as a heated indoor pool, a cave
sauna in a cathedral like masonry vault, a well-equipped fitness gym, fruit and juice bar, thus
making a visit to GocheGanas Wellness Village a unique experience.Retreat Rates:
• Per person shared accommodation: €2,850
• Per person private accommodation: €3,200
Includes
• 1x Private yoga teacher
• 1x Host
• Daily yoga and acroyoga
• 7 -night’s accommodation at 3 different locations
• All meals at Etosha and Gocheganas
• Breakfast in Swakopmund
• 2x Still waters per day
• 2x Game Drives to Etosha National Park
• Road transport
• 2x Airport Transfers
• Park fees
• VAT & Tourism Levy
• Welcoming gift
Excludes
• Travel insurance
• International flight tickets
• Gratuity
• Laundry
• All lunches and dinners in Swakopmund
• All drinks and alcoholic beverages
• All optional extra activitiesFLIGHTS
Please book your flights to arrive no later than 10am on start date of the retreat. If you fly in a
day earlier, have a look at our below recommendations for accommodation options.
• Daily flights to Hosea Kutako International Airport Windhoek and Walvis Bay Airport
• National airline is Air Namibia.
• British Airways, South African Airways, Air Berlin, Condo, KLM, Qatar Airways and
TAAG fly to Namibia.
• Most international airlines fly to South Africa with good connecting flights to Namibia.
CURRENCY
The Namibia Dollar (NAD) and South African Rand (ZAR) is the only legal tender in Namibia
and can be used freely to purchase goods and services.
The following are accepted as payment methods:
• Matercard
• Visa
• Maestro
• And local currency (ZAR & NAD)
TIME ZONES
• Summer time: GMT + 2 hours from the 1st Sunday in September to the 1st Sunday in
April.
• Winter time: GMT + 1 hour from the 1st Sunday in April to the 1st Sunday in September.
WEATHER
Namibia is a year-round destination. You can expect hot, wet summers and cooler, dry winters.
Generally, the days can be quite hot and the evenings and early mornings can be remarkably
cool.STAYING OVER NIGHT IN WINDHOEK
If you are considering to arrive earlier than the retreat date, have a look at the following
recommendations:
• Urban Camp: Standard/backpacking, tents with beds
• Hilltop Guesthouse: Standard
• The Olive Grove: Mid-market to luxury
• Village Courtyard Suites: Mid-market to luxury
• Naankuse: Luxury, situated between the airport and Windhoek
• Bookings.com have regular specials. Please contact us before booking as we will let
you know if it is good accommodation or not
NAMIBIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visas for Namibia are not required by the following nationals and can stay up to 3 months:
• Australia, Britain, Canada, EU and USA.
Visas required by following nationals:
• Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia,
Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia
To enter Namibia, a passport valid for six months from date of entry with one blank page
If you require a visa, you must have at least three blank pages in your passport.
Nationals not referred to are advised to contact the high commission/ embassy for visa
requirements for Namibia.
WHAT TO PACK
• Comfortable lightweight clothing, sweater or jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Sunblock, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Toiletries (some will be supplied)
• Yoga mat (will also be supplied if you don’t have one)
• Camera
• For electrical small appliances or chargers, a conversion plug to a three-pin type outlet.You can also read
