Retreat into Nature
Wake up in Wilderness surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains…
…Not a car hooter in earshot.
Only the sounds of birds and your breath as you welcome the morning with a sunrise meditation and a yoga flow.
Over 4-days, you’ll experience the beauty of Wilderness with daily yoga flows, hikes to waterfalls, and delicious plant-based food.
It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect, reset, and relax.
Join us on a four-day retreat into nature
And stay at one of the top boutique lodges in the Garden Route!
Who this Trip is For
Adventurer
Photographer
Wellness
Hiking
This trip is for you if…
- You’re yearning for a DIGITAL DETOX.
- You’re craving time in NATURE.
- You want to drop inside and RECONNECT with yourself.
- You want a deeper mind and body CONNECTION.
- You want time to RESET and REST.
- You want to CONNECT with like-minded individuals.
Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive at Nima Lodge between 12:00 and 14:00.
- Welcome drinks, check-in, and a light lunch.
- 60-minute sunset yoga flow.
- Delicious plant-based dinner.
- 30-minute evening yoga nidra.
About Sunset Yoga Flow
A hatha-style yoga class; moving slowly and consciously between the fundamental parts of yoga asana (yoga poses).
This class is great if you’re a beginner who wants a quick intro to yoga; or if you’re a regular yogi, it’s a time to simply come back to basics and reset.
About Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra – also known as yogic sleep is a powerful technique for controlling your body’s relaxation response.
In this style of Yoga we work to cultivate conscious relaxation, by staying “awake” but guiding our physical body and our nervous system into a deeply relaxed state which is incredibly restorative.
Day 2
- Sunrise meditation with Gerry
- Breakfast between 7:30 – 8:30
- Waterfall hike
- Lunch at Nima Lodge.
- 60-minute flow yoga.
- 30-minute yoga Q&A.
- Dinner at Nima Lodge
About Yoga Flow
A classic yoga class designed to suit all levels of students, with adjustments and modifications offered throughout.
About Yoga Q&A
Time to ask all those questions you may have about yoga, meditation, yoga poses, or even any injuries you may struggle with during class. This is a safe space to share and learn.
Day 3
- Breakfast between 7:30 – 8:30.
- Pick up at 9:00.
- Arrive at Eden Adventures for kayaking briefing.
- Paddle out and hike to waterfall.
- Return to Eden Adventures by 12:30.
- Transfer back to Nima Lodge for lunch.
- Late afternoon yoga
- Dinner at Nima Lodge
About Kayaking Adventure
Eden Adventures will pair everyone up with a paddle buddy.
Once we are geared up, we’ll make our way up the river and get to experience the beauty of Wilderness up close.
At a sandbank, we’ll park our kayaks and start a hike along a boardwalk to a waterfall hidden in the forest.
After exploring the waterfall, we’ll head back to the kayaks and make our way back.
About Late Afternoon Yoga
Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga, with the asanas (poses) being held for longer periods of time than in other styles.
The poses are supported with pillows, cushions and blankets, to allow the long-hold stretches to nourish your body and parasympathetic nervous system.
Yin Yoga allows you to move from a state of “fight & flight” towards “Rest & Digest”. It’s time to stretch those tired muscles!
Day 4
- Sunrise 15-minute morning meditation.
- 45-minute Sun Salutations yoga flow.
- Breakfast between 7:30 – 8:30.
- Check-out at 11:00.
- Transfers to George Airport.
Trip Overview
Dates: 15-18 April ’22
Check-in Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Max Group Size: SOLD OUT
Accommodation: Nima Lodge in Wilderness
What’s Included
- 3-nights in 4-star accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Entry fees and transport to activities
- Kayaking adventure
- Daily yoga classes
- Guided meditations
- Waterfall hike
- 1x tree planted on your behalf with Greenpop
What’s Excluded
- Transportation to/from Nima Lodge or George Airport
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Additional alcohol and drinks
- Additional snacks
- Airport transfers (prices available on request)
- Massages (prices available on request)
Trip Price
R8,400 pp (double occupancy)
All quoted pricing inclusive of 30% deposit (R2,520)
Monthly payment plans are available on request.
Meet Your Hosts
LAUREN MELNICK
Hi, I’m Lauren, a South Africa travel blogger, freelance writer, and course creator.
Born in Johannesburg, the travel bug didn’t bite until my first overseas trip to Italy…and it changed my life.
I quit my job, moved down to Cape Town, and became obsessed with forging a career in the travel industry and being a digital nomad.
Over the last five years, I’ve travelled to over 30 countries, worked remotely from Bali, Sicily, Nairobi (to name a few) and ticked off almost everything on my South Africa bucket list.
I’ve been hosting retreats and guided overnight hikes since Nov’ 2020 and I’m excited to show you around one of my favourite places in the Western Cape – Wilderness!
GERRY KENT
Gerry is a Joburg girl turned yogi. After studying journalism at Rhodes University and working in TV and Media, she landed a gig working as a Production Manager for WildEarth in Sabi Sands and the Maasai Mara.
During those years, she discovered yoga and meditation and her hobby turned into a calling. Gerry quit her job to pursue a yoga teacher’s qualification with the International Yoga Alliance.
Today, she’s qualified to teach Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin yoga; as well as being a certified Mindfulness & Meditation Guide and looks forward to guiding your yoga journey.
Nima Lodge
The Lodge
Private Swing
Bedroom
Nima Lodge is a boutique lodge in the heart of Wilderness. With only six chalets, it’s an intimate escape that invites you to explore.
The property is mere footsteps from Garden Route National Park and is the perfect location to disconnect from reality and reconnect with yourself.
Each chalet comes with the following amenities:
- Wi-Fi
- En-suite bathroom with a tub and shower
- Two single beds or one king
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Private deck overlooking the valley with a swing
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Outdoor shower
- Bluetooth speakers
- Outside day bed
Back at the lodge, we’ll have our meals at the communal Lapa area. It’s also where you’ll find Nima’s iconic pool and a huge boma area.
Please note: You’ll be sharing your room with another female guest if you aren’t coming with a friend or partner.
Food & Drink
During your stay, you’ll feast on delicious plant-based food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
All your three nutritious meals are included, but if you’d like to purchase additional drinks at the lodge it will go on your room number for you to settle upon check-out.
What you can expect to eat:
- 3-course vegan breakfast
- Vegan picnic basket for day 3 lunch
- Dinners with vegan desserts
Drinks that are included:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soya + almond milk
- Fruit juice
Testimonials
CELESTÉ POLLEY
Tugela Falls Hike
The Tugela Falls Hike delivered far beyond my expectations. I live for majestic mountains, fresh air, breathtaking scenery, rad humans, tasty food, magical vibes, and sunrise splendours on top of Amphitheatre, Drakensberg.
The host, guides, and yoga instructor are all beautiful humans and knowledgeable in their fields of expertise. I would definitely join another hiking adventure with The Wanderlust Movement and PathFinders_SA. Thank you for an epic adventure!
ZAKIYYA ESSACK
Wild x Wanderlust Retreat
The trip was amazing from beginning to end! Everything was incredibly well organised. The game drives were breathtaking and the workshops very informative, and the food was exceptional.
Thank you, Jemma and Lauren, for being the most amazing hosts and for making this weekend soo special for me and being so welcoming and accommodating with my dietary needs.
JESSICA-LEE DE FREITAS
Tugela Falls Hike
The Tugela Falls Overnight Hike was the most incredible experience! It honestly exceeded all of my expectations! The views were phenomenal and everyone was so friendly and helpful, I will definitely seek out more adventures with you all.
MICHAEL KLEYNHANS
Cape Point Overnight Hike
The Cape Point overnight hike was a wonderful way to experience wild places with a variety of interesting people and a super knowledgeable guide, with delicious food and arrangements all taken care of.
Truly a pleasure!
DONA VAN EEDEN
Cape Point Hike
The planning and the guiding was amazing, the food was so delicious and filling, the views were outstanding, and the conversations were thought-provoking and funny.
Many thanks to Lauren for organising, and to Blake for leading the way; I absolutely loved every minute on the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come solo?
Yes! Our retreats are for solo travellers, friends, and couples, who want to connect with a group of like-minded people and make long-lasting friendships.
However, you’ll share a room with another solo female traveller.
How much free time is there?
Depending on the day, you’ll have afternoons or mornings free to explore Nima Lodge, hang out by the pool, book a massage, or curl up with a good book. All daily activities are optional, so you’re welcome to skip something and spend that time relaxing.
Are there single occupancy rooms?
No, there are no single-occupancy rooms on this retreat.
What is the activity level?
This is a fairly active retreat. You’ll have daily yoga sessions, day hikes, and a kayaking trip. However, the activities aren’t overly strenuous. If you have a moderate fitness level, you’ll be okay.
What do I need to pack?
You’ll receive a full packing list one month before the start of the retreat. If you have any specific questions you’d like answered in the meantime, drop us an email at lauren@wanderlustmovement.org
When is payment due?
Once your booking is received and your application is approved, you’ll have 48-hours to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit.
The balance is due two months before the start of the retreat. Monthly payment plans are available on request.
What payment methods are available?
You can pay via credit or debit card with PayFast. PayPal and EFTs are also available payment methods.
Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes. You are responsible for making sure you have travel insurance or medical aid that will cover you for any accidents, theft, or lost luggage.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
The food for this retreat is 100% plant-based. If you have any other dietary requirements like Halaal or Gluten-free, please let us know on your application form.
Is there an airport pick-up?
Yes. If you are flying into George Airport, we can arrange an airport pick-up and drop-off service for you. Price available on request.
If your question was not answered here, please reach out to us.
Sign Me Up!
Ready to reconnect with yourself and nature?
Please complete the booking form to join Retreat into Nature April’22.
Please only complete the booking form if you are seriously interested in attending the trip, the price is within your budget and you can travel on the specific trip dates available.
Next steps: Once you submit your booking form, and your application is approved, we will email you with the next steps to place your deposit and secure your spot for this trip.