Name: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana
Start: 2024-07-18T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-07-26T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Walker Wellness Retreats

Email address verified

54 reviews

Jul 18 - 26, 2024

Group size: 8 - 10

South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

Johannesburg, South Africa

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Walker Wellness Retreats

Email address verified

54 reviews

Jul 18 - 26, 2024

Group size: 8 - 10

Join Walker Wellness Retreats on this 8-night/9-day all-inclusive luxury adventure to Africa! We will visit South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. From the time we pick you up at the airport, everything will be taken care of. All transportation, meals, and activities are included.

The great part about visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana during July is that it is winter there, which means there are very few to no bugs!

Please note that everything is entirely optional. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather. This retreat is a little more active as we will be moving from place to place. We cover a lot of land, but we hope to provide you with a nice mixture of relaxation and excursions. Please also note that the retreat officially starts on the first day of the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Accommodations
9 days/8 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

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

All-Inclusive Double Occupancy

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.

$6,395

Deposit:$1,000

Past Trip

All-Inclusive Solo Occupancy

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

Past Trip

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

$108

This is for an extra night at the hotel in Johannesburg before the retreat starts.

Additional Airfare

$400

Airfare from Johannesburg to Cape Town

Day 1 July 18th, 2024
Day 1 July 18th, 2024
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 Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport. Just a short 6 minute drive from the airport.
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Day 2 July 19th, 2024
Day 2 July 19th, 2024
Senalala Safari Lodge
Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

10:30 AM- Airlink 4Z 871
Departure 19 July 10:30 Johannesburg, (O.R. Tambo Intl ) (+) Terminal: B
Arrival 19 July 11:25 Hoedspruit, (Afb) (+)

Our second day in Africa takes us on a journey to luxurious Senalala Safari Lodge. After breakfast, we will board a flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit Airport near Kruger National Park. There we will be greeted by a private driver who will take us to our home for the next 4 days.
The drive from the airport in Hoedspruit to the safari lodge is approximately 45 minutes.

2:00 PM- Lunch at the lodge.

Set in a vast wilderness area, our visit to Senalala Safari Lodge will be hosted by some of the most professional and respected people in the industry who will make our stay a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With a maximum of only 16 guests, it is an extremely private experience whether on a game drive, eating the delicious food, or relaxing with a beverage of your choice in the various tranquil areas of the camp. Your stay includes luxury accommodations, twice-daily game drives, walking safaris, all meals, a diverse selection of South African wines, beers, selected spirits (both domestic and imported), and refreshments, WiFi, limited laundry, and access to all the amenities. At any time, you can help yourself to any beverage, hot or cold, just as you would if you were in your own home.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon followed by an evening game drive, our first of the trip at 3:30 PM. Please pack layers. It gets chilly during morning and evening game drives.

Enjoy a delicious dinner after the game drive.

Overnight at Senalala Safari Lodge
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Day 3 July 20th, 2024
Day 3 July 20th, 2024
Game Drives
6:00 AM-Wake up early to enjoy a warm beverage and an authentic South African snack before setting out on your first game drive of the day (approximately 3 hours long). While on the game drive, enjoy coffee or tea and a snack in the bush.

Upon returning from your morning game drive, enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by time to relax. Around noon, take a break from the relaxing to enjoy lunch and some socializing. After lunch, enjoy more free time.

3:30 PM-The second game drive of the day 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.

Enjoy dinner after our second game drive of the day.

Overnight at Senalala Safari Lodge
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Day 4 July 21st, 2024
Day 4 July 21st, 2024
Explore the Bush
6:00 AM-Start the day early with a warm beverage and a snack before setting out on a walking safari. Senalala has a reputation for its team of highly skilled guides, who have extensive experience in leading walking safaris that allow for the opportunity to experience the bush from a very different perspective. This excursion includes studying animal tracks and signs, as well as learning more about the ecology of the surrounding environment. While out on a walk, there is always a chance of tracking and finding animals on foot. Experience nature in its primal form – a unique way to experience the bush. This adventure lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, and guests should be in good physical condition (able to walk 5-7 km).

Upon returning from your morning walking safari enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by time to relax. Around noon, take a break from the relaxing to enjoy lunch and some socializing. After lunch, enjoy more free time.

3:30 PM-The second game drive of the day 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.

Enjoy dinner after our afternoon game drive.

Overnight at Senalala Safari Lodge
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Day 5 July 22nd, 2024
Day 5 July 22nd, 2024
Game Drives
Wake up early to enjoy a warm beverage and an authentic South African snack before setting out on your first game drive of the day (approximately 3 hours long). While on the game drive, enjoy coffee or tea and a snack in the bush.

Upon returning from your morning game drive, enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by time to relax. Around noon, take a break from the relaxing to enjoy lunch and some socializing. After lunch, enjoy more free time.

The second game drive of the day 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.

Enjoy dinner after our second game drive of the day.

Overnight at Senalala Safari Lodge
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Day 6 July 23rd, 2024
Day 6 July 23rd, 2024
Victoria Falls and Zambezi River Cruise
This morning we bid farewell to Senalala Safari Lodge. We will be met at the lodge and transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for our onward flight to Victoria Falls (a 3 hour drive to the airport). Breakfast boxes will be arranged for us as we will have to depart from Senalala at around 6 AM.

11:30AM: Airlink 4Z 476
Departure 23 July 11:35 Nelspruit, Kruger Mpumalanga Intl
Arrival 23 July 13:25 Victoria Falls
Transfer is at 13:25

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, we will be met and transferred to Ilala Lodge, one of the most highly rated lodges only steps from Victoria Falls. Included in your room is breakfast and the first stock of the mini bar in your room. The drive is approximately 20 minutes from the airport to the hotel.

The National Park borders the front of the small property, with the spray of the Falls as the backdrop to the wildlife grazing on the lawn.

3: 30 PM: Tonight we will explore the luxurious Zambezi Royal, a single-level cruise boat that offers a unique and intimate way to view the Zambezi River. The boat is the first of its kind, custom-built to maximize comfort, style, practicality, and service. Please pack layers and binoculars for possible wildlife viewings.

During the premium two-hour guided sunset cruise, we can look forward to 5-star service on board, consisting of imported wines and spirits and gourmet hot and cold canapés. We will relax in the lush furnishings of this modern and contemporary vessel, as we coast upriver taking in the stunning scenery and surroundings of the upper Zambezi River. A variety of game is consistently spotted as well as a vast plethora of bird species.

7:00 PM: Dinner at the Casia Restaurant at Ilala Lodge

Overnight stay at the Ilala Lodge Hotel
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Day 7 July 24th, 2024
Day 7 July 24th, 2024
Elephant Encounter and Victoria Falls Tour
Breakfast at your leisure before departing for our Elephant Encounter experience!

8:30 AM: The Elephant Encounter affords you the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine wilderness environment overflowing with raw natural beauty. We will spend time and connect with elephants in the most positive and natural way possible.

We will have an opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed (physically and metaphorically) incredible distances with these elephants and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures. We will learn about the elephants as well as their history and how they came to be in our care as well as the threats facing elephant populations today, in an interesting and informative talk.

Venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephants and the sight of the gentle grey mammals up close and personal will be imprinted on your mind long after you have returned home. Witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animals and become a part of it.

We will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another. After the encounter with these amazing creatures, enjoy a selection of refreshments in the cool of the Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow, and from there transfer back to the hotel.

1:00 PM: Lunch at The Lookout Café. Please meet in the lobby at 12:50 PM for transfer from Lee Taxi. Its a 5 minute drive away from the lodge.

3:00 PM: We will take a 2 hour guided tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Please pack a poncho or rain jacket as well as shoes with a good grip as the pathway can get slippery when wet.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Baines Restaurant. Please meet in the lobby at 6:50 PM for transfer from Lee Taxi. Its a 5 minute drive away from the lodge.

Overnight stay at the Ilala Lodge Hotel
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Day 8 July 25th, 2024
Day 8 July 25th, 2024
Chobe National Park
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before departing for Chobe National Park in Botswana. We will be enjoying a full day tour there.

7:20 AM: Pick up for our day trip to Botswana! Please do not forget your passport as we will be crossing through immigration on both borders. Please pack layers and binoculars.

Chobe National Park is well known for its large herds of elephant that frequent the Chobe River on a daily basis. In the dry season an estimate of up to 85,000 elephants can be dispersed within the Chobe National Park, where the majority of them can be found along the river.

Apart from the herds of elephants, Chobe also has lots more to offer. The Park has lion, leopard, buffalo and a whole host of antelope like sable, puku, kudu, eland, roan and many others which you can get to see. The river is filled with big pods of hippos and some of the biggest crocodiles in Africa.

This tour departs daily to the Chobe National Park in Botswana. We will will be transferred to the Kazungula border where their Botswana guide will meet us. We will proceed straight to the morning cruise where we will spend the morning game viewing along the Chobe River. The cruise will end at around 12h30 and we will go to a hotel on the riverbank for lunch.

After lunch, we will board safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive in the Chobe National Park. Following this we will be taken back to the Kazungula Border where we will be met by their Zimbabwean guide for the return transfer to Victoria Falls.

6:50 PM: We will be picked up to be transported to our Boma Buffet dinner with entertainment.

This is not just another ethnic restaurant, but a unique cultural experience. Excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes, is accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional dancers, the Sangoma (story teller) and a local fortune teller who is available for fortune telling.
The Boma nestles in a Gusu Forest and is partly open to the spectacular African night skies. A feast of nightly entertainment incorporates Shangaan dancers and singers and a local fortune teller. Guests are welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona and Ndebele, the local languages. They are invited to take part in a hand washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer and snacks, as a prelude to dinner.

Overnight stay at the Ilala Lodge Hotel
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Day 9 July 26th, 2024
Day 9 July 26th, 2024
Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg for your departure flight home. Your retreat officially ends after breakfast this day.Airport transfers at 10:45 and 15:00

For those of your flying from Victoria Falls International Airport you will be flying on 4Z 495 departing at 2:00 PM and arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 3:40 PM.

For those of us continuing on to Rwanda, airfare from Victoria Falls to Rwanda has been arranged for you. You will fly KQ 793 departing Victoria Falls International Airport at 6:05 PM, arriving at Joma Kenyatta International Airport at 10:20 PM. We will then fly KQ 478 departing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 1:40 AM, arriving at Kigali International Airport at 2:10 AM.

We are so happy to have experiences this wonderful adventure with you and hope to see you at a future Walker Wellness Retreat!
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Day 1 July 18th, 2024

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 Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport. Just a short 6 minute drive from the airport.

Walker Wellness Retreats

54 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!

Working with Brian was the most incredible experience I could have had. He made my first yoga retreat run flawlessly. All the guests raved about the accommodations and the food prepared by our wonderful chef Amber. Everything was taken care of and that put all minds at ease. I highly recommend working with Walker Wellness Retreats, and I look forward to hosting another retreat with them.

By Mary-Allison B for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga (Mary-Allison Bauer) on Oct 17, 2024

Thank you so much for your kind words! We loved hosting you and your yoga students. You had such a fun group! We'd be honored to have your crew come out again.

By Walker Wellness Retreats on Oct 18, 2024

We loved Greece. Athens was amazing, so much to see and do. Santorini was beautiful and a wonderful place to see the sunset. The Fira to Oia walk offers wonderful views. Crete was everything we wanted it to be. Walking the Imbros Gorge did not disappoint. The food was outstanding and the people are extremely friendly.

By Bruce F for Greek Islands Yoga (Nectar Yoga) on Sep 25, 2024

Seeing Italy was a trip of a lifetime! It was absolutely amazing to not have to worry about the incidentals, which Amy took complete care of like the pro she is! Meals, accommodations, taxes, tipping and places we went to were all prearranged and all we had to do was enjoy our trip! We're actually doing another trip with Amy next year! Thanks Amy for a most wonderful experience!

By Jan P for Highlights of Italy on Sep 19, 2024

An amazing trip that exceeded my expectations! Brian was a wonderful host, making sure we knew all of the hiking details, schedules and more. Amber made us the most delicious food that I already miss! I cannot wait to book my next trip with Walker Wellness Retreats, it was a seamless and wonderful experience!! Zion and Bryce National Parks are magical places!