Release The Wild Within
Safari & Yoga Retreat
August 25-September 2, 2025
Join us for 9 days and 8 nights of adventure in arguably one of the most stunning nature locations in South Africa: Hoedspruit, located in the Greater Kruger National Park region.
The laid back atmosphere and surrounding bushveld of Rafiki Bush Lodge makes this the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and our daily lives. It’s the perfect way to spend your bush holiday. The Rafiki Bush Lodge is located right in the heart of the Greater Kruger area, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the South African bush.
Rafiki Bush Lodge is located within a private wildlife estate in Hoedspruit and is home to all the usual suspects: wildlife, beautiful sunsets, majestic mountain views, and rare sightings of leopards. Rafiki means "friend" in Swahili - and that's how you’ll be treated.
Imagine - waking up to the sounds and smells of the African bush and watching the big red African sun slowly rise above the horizon. Enjoying an outdoor yoga practice that will guide you to connect deeply to your true nature and that of the surrounding wildlife. Then journey via game vehicle into the bush with expert safari guides and trackers who will teach you about zebras, elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, birds of prey and much more. You’ll hear stories from the local residents. You’ll go on walking safaris through the bush, eat picnics under the shade of acacia trees, swim in the pool, relax on the sun deck, enjoy sundowners while watching impala run across the plains, sing around the campfire, and leave your everyday life far, far behind.
If you've always dreamed of going to Africa, experiencing the culture and immersing yourself in the rhythm of the natural world - here is your chance to make those dreams a reality.
This is a special curated intimate trip only available to no more than 8 participants. So if you're interested, SAVE your spot today!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
8 nights/9 days in luxury accommodations
Transfers between Hoedspruit Airport and the Retreat Center
Daily Breakfasts
Mid-Day Snacks
Nightly Dinners
Daily yoga classes
Daily Guided Game Drives (1-2 per day)
Elephant Encounter
One Massage
Sundowners
Campfires
Pool
Free use of yoga equipment (mats & blocks)
Free use of bikes
Unlimited Internet
Laundry Service
Daily Housekeeping
Support throughout the Retreat
Surprise Gift
YOGA CLASSES:
Each yoga class will be customized for active recovery. Classes will be taught for all levels. Keri will provide modifications for beginning yogis and also opportunities for advanced practitioners to grow their practice. Even if you have never practiced yoga, you will find these sessions fun, energizing, and reviving.
SAMPLE DAILY ITINERARY
6AM to 9AM - Game Drive
9AM to 10AM - Brunch
10AM to 1:00PM - Free Time
1PM to 2PM - Vinyasa Flow
2:30PM - Midday Snack
3PM to 6:30PM - Game Drive & Sundowners
7PM to 8PM - Dinner / Braii (campfire!)
RETREAT RATES:
Price Includes:
7 nights lodging at Rafiki Bush Lodge, 1 night lodging at the airport hotel, in country round trip flights, transfers, daily breakfasts and dinners, mid-day snack, yoga classes, guided game drives, elephant experience, one massage, retreat swag, laundry facilities, & unlimited Internet access.
Not Included:
Airfare to Cape Town/Johannesburg, additional hotel nights pre and post retreat, alcoholic beverages, other activities, gratuities, taxes and fees.
REGISTRATION FEES:
Premiere King Room- Buffalo Room
$6200 - Single Occupancy
$7600 - Double Occupancy
Queen Room- Elephant Room
$5400 - Single Occupancy
$6800 - Double Occupancy
Queen Room- Giraffe Room
$5400 - Single Occupancy
$6800 - Double Occupancy
Twin Room- Leopard Room (can be converted to a Queen)
$5400 - Single Occupancy
$6800 - Double Occupancy
*Payment plans available
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WITH ONLY A $500 DEPOSIT!
*Inquire about flights and travel insurance by emailing jen@jennymactravel.com
*Inquire about an optional pre-retreat Cape Town add-on by emailing jen@jennymactravel.com
CANCELLATION POLICY:
All fees associated with Release the Wild Within are non-refundable. This includes but is not limited to registration fees, booking fees, administrative fees, and any other charges incurred. Once payment is made, it is considered final and non-negotiable. Refunds will not be issued for any reason, including but not limited to cancellation or no-shows.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel Insurance is mandatory for all attendees involved in Release the Wild Within. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to procure adequate travel insurance coverage for the duration of their involvement in the retreat. This insurance should cover, but not be limited to, trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, loss or damage of personal belongings, and any other unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Failure to provide proof of valid travel insurance may result in denial of attendance at Release the Wild Within. We strongly recommend that attendees thoroughly review their insurance policies to ensure they meet their individual needs and circumstances.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS:
JEN McVeay is our resident safari expert and owner of JennyMac Travel Adventures! She has spent the last six years traveling to South Africa every chance she gets, to pursue her hobby as a wildlife photographer. Her passion is travel, and she has managed to combine her jobs as an event director and travel agent with her obsession for wildlife… When not traveling, Jen lives in Kailua, Hawaii, along with her 15 year old blind dog, Toby.
KERI Mandell is the owner and founder of emPOWERyoga. Keri is a 500 hour RYT and a Running, Triathlon, & CrossFit coach. Keri’s high energy and go get ‘em attitude is infectious and challenges her students to want to do and be their best. Keri’s classes are fun, energizing, and empowering!
QUESTIONS?
Please contact jen@jennymactravel.com or keri@empoweryoganj.com
