South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

Johannesburg, South Africa

WW
Walker Wellness Retreats
  • Email address verified
66 reviews
Oct 1 - 10, 2025
Group size: 8 - 10
South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana
Johannesburg, South Africa

Walker Wellness Retreats
  • Email address verified
66 reviews

Oct 1 - 10, 2025
Group size: 8 - 10

About this trip

Embark on a 9-Night Luxury African Adventure with Walker Wellness Retreats!


Join us on this unforgettable 10-day/9-night, all-inclusive journey through the heart of Africa, covering South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. From the moment we greet you at the airport, everything is seamlessly taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of this experience. Transportation, meals, and activities are all included, ensuring a worry-free escape.


This retreat strikes the ideal balance between adventure and relaxation. Stay at the prestigious 5-star Senalala Safari Lodge in South Africa, where you’ll enjoy twice-daily game drives to witness Africa’s incredible wildlife up close. Feel the awe as you stand before the world-renowned Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, one of the largest waterfalls on earth, and get an unforgettable, up-close encounter with majestic elephants. In Botswana, Chobe National Park awaits, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife experiences Africa has to offer.


This active retreat covers expansive and diverse regions, allowing you to experience a range of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. Each activity is entirely optional, making it easy to tailor your experience to your preferences. Please note that our itinerary may shift slightly due to weather, as we aim to provide the best possible experience. The journey begins with a welcome dinner on the first night and concludes after breakfast on the final day.


The perfect African adventure awaits—reserve your spot with Walker Wellness Retreats today!

Helpful Information

All travelers need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Visas are issued on arrival (VoA) at the respective point of entry and vary in length depending on the traveler's needs. All travelers must obtain visas at the port of entry, as currently, there is no option of obtaining a visa through the Zimbabwean Embassy.


You do not need a visa for South Africa or Botswana at this time.


No vaccines are mandatory, but please review the suggested vaccines at least six weeks before your trip's departure. 


The best thing to do is to book an appointment at your local travel clinic and tell them you are going to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana and which vaccines they feel you should get. 


They recommend Hep A and B, Malaria (though you are going in winter, so less of a risk for sure), Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (you are good for life once you get this one).


It's good to have rabies, meningitis, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap, pneumonia, and influenza. Your primary care doctor or your local travel clinic can tell you which vaccines you've already had and which ones you need.


Please make sure your passport has at least three empty pages and is valid for at least six months after you return from your trip.


USD can be accepted, but please make sure you have new, crisp bills with no imperfections so they can be accepted.


If you would like to extend your stay in Africa, Walker Wellness Retreats can assist you. Please contact Amy Walker at amy@walkerwellnessretreats.com to review your options. After this retreat, we will be going to Rwanda and Uganda.

Game Drives at Senalala Safari Lodge

During our stay at Senalala Safari Lodge, guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives (approximately 3 hours long) in open safari vehicles that offer unobstructed views in all directions. The first game drive leaves soon after sunrise, with a stop for coffee or tea and a snack in the bush. The second game drive departs in the late afternoon with a stop for sun-downers, where guests can watch the sunset over the African horizon. After the sun sets, we continue with a drive back to the lodge aided by a spotlight for night sightings. 


The animals roam free, and we get to view them in this open habitat. In exceptional circumstances, vehicles will go off-road for unusual sightings, providing guests with a unique safari experience to get close to Africa’s wildlife. 

Packing List

 What should I bring with me to Africa?

  • Casual, comfortable clothes are key. The morning and afternoon game drives will be colder than you think, so please bring warm clothing. 
  • Bring your own shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo throughout Africa is not great and its very hard to find shampoo.
  • Wear clothes in khaki, green, beige, and neutral colors. We suggest keeping to light, neutral colors, but not white—it will get dirty and dusty very quickly.
  • Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
  • T-shirts
  • Flip flops for walking around or using the pool
  • Bathing suit
  • Poncho for the falls
  • Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
  • Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
  • During the day, it can be warm, so our advice is to pack loose, lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as linen, bamboo, and cotton that will keep you cool and are easier to wash and dry.
  • A wide-brimmed safari hat to protect your face and neck.
  • Long trousers and long-sleeved tops are best, as they protect you from the harsh sun during the day and mosquitoes at night.
  • Take comfy, practical footwear for daytime—the roads are dusty and uneven—and make sure you have sturdy, closed-in walking shoes or trainers for trekking in the bush. 
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent,  moisturizer, and lip salve.
  • Binoculars and camera equipment.
  • Leave your valuables and expensive jewelry at home. You really won't need them.
  • A pashmina or sarong is a versatile item that you can use for sun protection or to 'glam' up the simplest of outfits if you feel like a change.
  • Power converter – a universal converter can be purchased from Amazon.
  • Please backlight. The small planes we will take have weight restrictions. A soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase—it's easier to fit into small planes or transfer vehicles. Using packing cubes can also help keep your belongings tidy while compressing the volume. 
  • Use a portable phone charger to boost your battery when out and about—you don't want to miss that great photo opportunity!
  • Do not pack valuables in your checked bag.
  • Please consult with your doctor or local travel clinic at least six weeks before your adventure to Africa to find out what medications and vaccinations are best for you.
  • Please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/Africa to review safe travel tips and other information related to the country you will be visiting in Africa.
  • Please bring a credit card, debit card, and around $100-$200 in cash for emergencies. You can take out money at the ATM when you arrive, and it will be in local currency. This is an all-inclusive retreat, but you will need money for small purchases and personal tipping.
  • Please bring small bills in USD for personal tipping. USD is accepted.

Meet Your Host

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. 


Amy has a love for traveling to Africa and has led 6 group travel trips to Africa and counting!

To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website. 

Payment & Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).


Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement. 


In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. 


Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.


Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.


The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

What’s included

  • Accommodations
    10 days/9 nights in luxurious accommodations
  • Airport Transfers
    Pick-up and drop-off at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
  • Airfare during retreat
    Economy flights between Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, and Victoria Falls
  • Meals
    All meals and drinks during the retreat
  • Transportation
    All transportation during the retreat
  • Excursions
    Private excursions with a local guide
  • Gratuity
    Gratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers
  • Game Drives
    Twice-daily game drives while staying in South Africa
  • Elephant Encounter
    Get up close and personal with elephants
  • Victoria Falls
    Marvel at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on a tour of the falls
  • Chobe National Park
    Spot a plethora of wildlife in this surreal national park in Botswana
  • Zambezi River Cruise
    Zambezi River Cruise
  • Boma Dinner
    Boma Dinner in Victoria Falls
  • Retreat Gift
    Tote Bag

What’s not included

  • International Airfare
    Airfare to and from Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Additional Items
    Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
  • Additional Gratuity
    Gratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.)
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Additional alcoholic beverages enjoyed outside of Senalala Lodge
  • Insurance
    Travel insurance and medical insurance (required)
  • Travel Fees
    Any travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)
  • Visa
    Visa on arrival for Zimbabwe $30-$45

Available Packages

All-Inclusive Double Occupancy
Deposit:$1,000
Available until September 1, 2025

Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.


Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.

$6,495
Deposit:$1,000
All-Inclusive Solo Occupancy
Deposit:$1,000
Available until September 1, 2025Only 3 left

Solo occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.


Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages above. 

$7,895
Deposit:$1,000

Available options

4-Day Cape Town Extension
$1,995
Deposit: $0

Want more of South Africa? Enjoy a 4-day/3-night extension in Cape Town (see trip description for more details).

Extra Night Hotel in Johannesburg
$350

 This is for an extra night at the Intercontinental hotel in Johannesburg before the retreat starts. $350 per night. 



Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival & Orientation

Welcome to South Africa! Here you start your luxury African safari adventure! 


You will be picked up from O.R. Tambo International Airport and taken to your hotel for the evening. The retreat does not officially start until the welcome dinner at the hotel.


7:00 PM - Orientation and dinner as a group at the hotel.


Overnight at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R.Tambo Airport

Your Organizer


WW
Walker Wellness Retreats
66 reviews
Welcome to Walker Wellness Retreats! Thank you for taking the time to learn about us! We created Walker Wellness Retreats to share the positive impact travel can have with as many people as possible. Travel makes the world seem not so large. It opens your mind to new ways of thinking. Together we can use our diverse skills and experience of traveling the world to design and plan incredible adventures to bring like-minded travelers together to unique places around the globe!

Reviews

I went on the most fantastic hiking and yoga retreat in Sedona with Brian and Amy. Looking at the photos taken with our group, the trails hiked, the yoga sessions, and especially the food eaten, it's challenging to put in words a review that will ensure anyone considering going on a trip with Walker Wellness will have a magnificent time. I guess two words, no worries! No worries about anything! How do you get there? What do you wear? What will you be eating? What are the details of what you'll be doing? Do they give you enough time to hike if you are a slow hiker? Brian and Amy have thought of EVERYTHING. I did not need or want anything. Right down to the particular cream in my daily coffee. (Thank you, Amy!) And if, along the way, you would like something, a little Starbucks coffee stop and a little shopping, all good. Brian and Amy are there for you. This is not a must-stick to the schedule type of people. They are there to make sure you have a wonderful time in Sedona. Two words: NO WORRIES!
By Colleen F for Sedona Hiking & Yoga Retreat (Zen Yoga and Wellness) on Nov 22, 2024
The trip to Senalala Safari Lodge was a daily wonder and outstanding experience. Every bush drive brought unexpected wildlife experiences. Lisa, our guide, had phenomenal knowledge of all the sites, sounds and tracks that we saw each day. Our accommodations were very comfortable, well maintained and staff members made all welcome. I especially like eating the delicious meals family style and getting to know other explorers. I will return!🦒🐘🐃🦓🦏
By Marianne M for South Africa Safari on Nov 14, 2024
I recently returned from a Yoga/trekking retreat to Peru (October '24) with Cassie Paul. It was just wonderful. Cassie led this group with grace. I really appreciated and noticed how she frequently checked in with everyone to see how we all were doing and encouraged us daily. I would 100% recommend attending any retreat being led by Cassie. I hope to do this again someday.
By Ruth S for Peru Hiking & Yoga (Cassie Paul) on Nov 10, 2024
Thank you for organizing our dream private tour to Madagascar! We knew we wanted to visit such a magical country but had no idea about logistics and how to get from one place to another. By working with Walker Wellness Retreats, we were able to see everything we wanted to see during the dates we needed. Everything was easy and made planning so much more simple (as it should be for vacation!).
By Stephanie D for Madagascar (Stephanie Dang) on Nov 09, 2024
We had a great time. Best trip ever from ease of booking to the flight home. Cassie Paul was the perfect team leader. All the excursions were top notch. The food was to die for. The accommodations were more than acceptable, and the Inka Trail from start to finish was spectacular. Thanks to everyone involved in the planning and organizing. We will be back!!!
By gabriella C for Peru Hiking & Yoga (Cassie Paul) on Nov 03, 2024
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