Join The To Go List for a 7-day luxury yoga and safari retreat at the breathtaking Sashwa River of Stars in South Africa, where adventure and restoration exist in perfect harmony. The Awaken the Wild retreat invites you to reconnect with your intuition, embrace wonder, and rediscover what it feels like to be fully present.

Each morning begins with sunrise meditation overlooking the African bush and a light breakfast before heading out on unforgettable morning safari through the Greater Kruger region in search of elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and countless other incredible species. Upon returning to Sashwa, a full breakfast will be served. Yoga will be in the early afternoon, followed by lunch and time to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, journal, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. Later in the day we'll head out on a game drive before returning to Sashwa once again for a three-course dinner.

This retreat is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience one of the world's most extraordinary destinations alongside a community of adventurous travelers.

Whether it's a dream you've held for years, or you're leaping into something new, you'll leave South Africa with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and a renewed appreciation for both the wild landscapes around you and the wild spirit within.

About Your Leader:

Lauren Baughman of The To Go List has been teaching yoga since 2020, and leading retreats since 2023, each at a new destination. With over a decade of experience in professional travel and event planning, you are in great hands. You can find Lauren on Instagram and Tik Tok @TheToGoList and at www.thetogolist.com.

Accommodations:

Sashwa – River of Stars is a pristine wilderness oasis where sunlight sparkles and shimmers on the flowing water and nights reveal the ethereal beauty and vastness of the Milky Way. This carefully curated safari retreat is nestled in the wilderness of the renowned Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Perched on the banks of the Olifants River, where the daily flow of wildlife can be witnessed on the floodplain below, the lodge offers a rare, tranquil sanctuary, with the freedom of a fenced camp, for a truly transformative safari experience.

Sashwa's luxury accommodations each offer unique designs and character, with the comforts of air conditioning and hot water. Please scroll to the packages portion for specific details on what each room features.

Food:

At Sashwa, food is more than just nourishment; it is medicine, art, and a path to sustainability. Designed by Chef Arabella Parkinson of Eat to Thrive Consultancy, their food philosophy reflects a deep commitment to personal health and environmental stewardship. Each meal at Sashwa is carefully designed to ground and energize. Sashwa prioritizes stabilizing blood sugar levels and sustaining energy through diverse plant proteins, whole foods, and high-fiber grains. The menu is plant-based, free from processed sugar, refined carbohydrates, and seed oils, ensuring a luxurious food experience that promotes personal health. Made entirely from scratch, the menu focuses on reducing waste and packaging where possible while celebrating a high-end culinary journey.

Getting to Sashwa:

Flights are not included in the retreat cost. You will fly into Cape Town or Johannesburg, and from there take a 1-2 hour domestic flight to Hoedspruit airport (HDS). Your host will provide guidance on specific flight times.

Sustainability:

100% of Sashwa’s profits support Koru Camp, a conservation and education project on the shared reserve. Learn more here: https://korucamp.org.

This Retreat Is For You If...

• South Africa has been sitting at the top of your bucket list.

• You've always dreamed of experiencing an authentic African safari.

• You're craving both adventure and deep rest.

• You want to reconnect with yourself through yoga, mindfulness, and time in nature.

• You love meaningful travel and authentic experiences.

• You're ready to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with the wild within.

• You're excited to meet incredible people who value adventure, wellness, and personal growth.

Passports: All visitors to South Africa require a passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure. For each entry into South Africa, your passport must have at least two consecutive pages that are completely blank (not including the final page or endorsement pages). You may be refused entry if these conditions are not met.

Visas: Visitors from the USA, most Commonwealth countries, most Western European countries, and Japan don’t require visas, and will be issued a free entry permit on arrival, valid for up to 90 days. Visitors of other nationalities will need to obtain a visa from a South African embassy or consulate prior to travel. Please ensure that you check the entry requirements for the passport you will be traveling on in advance of your departure.

Travel Insurance: To protect your investment, you are required to purchase and provide proof of travel insurance to The To Go List. You can purchase travel insurance through WeTravel upon booking, or through an alternative provider.

Drinking water: The water at Sashwa goes through a specialized filtration system on site and is mineralized and healthy for you. It runs through the entire system at the lodge so every shower or bath you take or tap you open is optimal for your health. Sashwa bottles still and sparkling water on site.

Malaria and Vaccines: Sashwa is located in a low-risk malaria area, please discuss with your health care provider what precautions to take. You will need a yellow fever vaccination if you are visiting from a yellow fever zone. Please consult with your health care provider on any recommendations and precautions before your travels.

Wi-Fi and connectivity: There is Wi-Fi in dedicated areas of the lodge, but you are encouraged you to unplug as much as possible during your stay.

Charging and plug points: You will find charging points in all rooms. Sashwa has USB and USB-c SA and European round and two pin plug points.

Additional costs: Spa treatments, star bath experience, purchases from the curio shop & Sashwa staff gratuities.

Please book an international flight that arrives in either Cape Town or Johannesburg on the morning of August 16th. From there, you'll book another flight (1-2 hours) to Hoedspruit Airport. These flights generally land at Hoedspruit between 11am-2pm.

From Hoedspruit Airport, transportation is provided to Sashwa River of Stars. The transportation is a 1-hour, slow, bumpy drive.

Once at Sashwa, you'll have time to settle in and relax before dinner. After dinner, we'll have a welcome circle and restorative yoga.

5:45am Sunrise meditation overlooking the African bush + light breakfast

6:30am Morning Safari

9am - Full breakfast

11:30am - Yoga

1:00pm Lunch

Free time to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, journal, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

4:00pm - Game drive

7:00pm - Dinner

5:45am Sunrise meditation overlooking the African bush + light breakfast

6:30am Morning Safari

9am - Full breakfast

11:30am - Yoga

1:00pm Lunch

Free time to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, journal, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

4:00pm - Game drive

7:00pm - Dinner

5:45am Sunrise meditation overlooking the African bush + light breakfast

6:30am Morning Safari

9am - Full breakfast

11:30am - Yoga

1:00pm Lunch

Free time to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, journal, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

4:00pm - Game drive

7:00pm - Dinner

5:45am Sunrise meditation overlooking the African bush + light breakfast

6:30am Morning Safari

9am - Full breakfast

11:30am - Yoga

1:00pm Lunch

Free time to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, journal, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

4:00pm - Game drive

7:00pm - Dinner

5:45am Sunrise meditation overlooking the African bush + light breakfast

6:30am Morning Safari

9am - Full breakfast

11:30am - Yoga

1:00pm Lunch

Free time to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, journal, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

4:00pm - Game drive

7:00pm - Dinner + Closing Circle

5:45am Meditation

9:00am Breakfast

10:00am Checkout + Transfers to airport