𓄇 Join us in the Greater Kruger National Park to rewild, reconnect, and reconsider the natural world around you.

This Unruly trip offers a rare and unique way to go beyond traditional safari and experience the brush through the eyes of the Ju/'hoansi, Indigenous trackers of Namibia. Here they remind us that some skills are older than words, allowing us to witness ancient wisdom passed down through generations in real time.

WHAT: Spend 3 days on foot on foot learning to use sight and sound alongside intuition to track and protect wildlife with of one of the oldest tracking cultures in the world. Settle and tap into your senses as you learn how to read the land alongside Ju/'hoansi elders. We'll be spending up to 5 hours a day in the wilderness, guided and learning from our welcoming hosts every step of the way.

𓄃 Please note: Some days include more walking to follow an animal’s trail, while other days are spent observing prints in the sand, piecing together their story. No special fitness is required, just that you're comfortable on your feet!

Game drives are added midweek allowing us to see more of the African bush and the wildlife within it. Free time back at SASHWA invites deep peace, rest, and meaningful reflection among like-minded travelers. Walk away from this experience with not only tracking techniques but a new way of seeing yourself in nature.

WHO: This experience is for anyone who is excited to learn ancient tracking techniques in a supportive environment; prefers learning through hands-on experience rather than lectures; and is passionate about rewilding projects. This trip is vegan and LGBTQ+ friendly but you don't have to be either to join.

⋆˙⟡ ABOUT SASHWA - River of Stars

SASHWA is a carefully curated safari retreat 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, their lodge offers a rare, tranquil sanctuary, with the freedom of a fenced camp, for a truly transformative safari experience. All proceeds fund their life-changing Koru Camp.

⛰︎ ABOUT UNRULY TRAVEL

We craft experiences that take travelers off the beaten path, creating a container for deeper connection, timely social change, and joyous play. Through volunteer work and eco-minded tourism we dive deep into new ways of life, creating long-lasting relationships that transcend borders.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

*3 days with the Ju/'hoansi trackers

*Mid-week safari drives at dusk & dawn

*Three wholesome, seasonal vegan meals a day

*Curated yoga & meditation classes

*Sauna and pool time

*Creative co-working in the studio

*Meaningful star-filled discussions by the campfire

📍We understand that South Africa is a long haul for many of you. We're currently working on a potential trip add-on to extend the trip to Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Johannesburg. Either way, we'll provided travel recommendations for those who want to extend their trip.

INCLUDED: Airport pickup and drop off from the Hoedspruit Airport; 3 wholesome, vegan seasonal meals per day, including beverages; all activities with the Bushmen; guided yoga and meditation; laundry; and use of practice spaces and facilities, including riverfront deck, yoga sanctuary, gym, infrared sauna, pool, meditation room, creative studio, and sunset deck.

TRIP OVERVIEW 

Trip Dates: 1st - 6th, September 2027

Start Location: Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

End Location: Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

*Listed below is an example retreat schedule. Activities may vary based on season, climate, and weather to cultivate the best experience possible.

TRIP DETAILS

👉 Vegan-friendly

👉 Queer-friendly

👉 Volunteer trip

👉 Supports local, vegan, queer and female-owned businesses

 🌎 View our other upcoming Unruly Adventures here!

ITINERARY NOTE

The itinerary below is an example. Schedule may change based on weather but all activities will still be included.

PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY

This trip can be paid for upfront or in 3 installments. At least 25% of full trip price is due at booking. The last payment is due 2 months before the trip start date. Inquire about customized payment plans by hitting "ask a question" or emailing Calen at calenotto@gmail.com.

SPOT PENDING:

25% Down Payment - REFUNDABLE

Additional Payments - REFUNDABLE

SPOT CONFIRMED:

25% Down Payment - NON-REFUNDABLE

Additional Payments - REFUNDABLE

90 DAYS PRE-TRIP:

25% Down Payment - NON-REFUNDABLE

Additional Payments - NON-REFUNDABLE

PACKING LIST & LIABILITY

After confirmation a packing and trip recommendation list (that includes resources for travel insurance & how to find affordable flights) will be sent to you. You will be required to sign a liability waiver before attending this trip.

What fitness level is required for this trip?

Travelers must be able to traverse uneven terrain for up to 5 hours. There's lots of stopping and observing along the way, so it's a gentle pace rather than a hike!

Can you accommodate my dietary requirements?

Yes! All of the food is vegan, but we can absolutely accommodate gluten-free and other dietary requirements. Be sure to share your allergies and sensitivities when booking.

Can I book with a friend/lover/spouse/family member?

Of course. If you don't see an option to book as a pair, reach out to Calen at calenotto@gmail.com or submit an inquiry above. Please note that prices are the same for single and double occupancies.

Welcome to SASHWA, a thoughtfully curated safari retreat nestled in the wilderness of the renowned Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa.

A private driver will pick you up from the Hoedspruit Airport and deliver you to River of Stars eco lodge.

Perched on the banks of the Olifants River, where the daily flow of wildlife can be witnessed on the floodplain below, we'll be welcomed into a tranquil sanctuary. Get settled in your private room before a cozy welcome dinner where you'll meet your fellow travelers.

For those ready to rise and shine, the day starts early with morning meditation on the yoga platform. Stretch your body, awaken your mind, and release any travel aches and pains.

As the sun rises our first lesson will begin with the Ju/’hoansi trackers. Hailing from north-eastern Namibia, meet one of the San ethnic groups of the Kalahari and belong to the oldest tracking cultures in the world. Their knowledge doesn’t come from books; it comes from generations of living closely with the land, reading signs, understanding movement, noticing what most people pass by.

Here we'll meet your guides, go over safety guidelines, and begin our first official tracking session with the Bushman.

9 AM brings a wholesome and grounding breakfast. Late morning brings more Bushman skills in the boma.

Return for a delicious seasonal lunch prepared by SASHWA private chefs. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to rest, swim in the saltwater pool, or get to know fellow travelers before we're on foot with the Bushman.

7 PM welcomes us with a candle light dinner, followed by a starry night show around the campfire.

Start the day with a gentle movement class on the platform or continue resting until it's time to being our session with the Bushman.

Through tracking we'll immerse ourselves in the natural world and everything it reveals: a footprint in the sand, a tree pushed over, a hair caught in the bark. Keep your eyes peeled for giraffes, elephants, rare birds, and more.

Lunch and dinner are delicious offerings of local, nourishing, and seasonal plant-based meals. Savor each bite knowing that eating plants is the best way to protect the natural world that surrounds you.

Utilize free-time throughout the day to relax in the yoga sanctuary, workout in the gym, sweat it out in the infrared sauna, or let your creative juices flow in their artist's nest.

As the sun goes down we'll climb into the jeep for a special evening safari experience, see animals in their natural habitat after dark.

Enjoy an enlivening breakfast before spending your final day with the Bushman. Tap into your senses, ground into the rhythms of nature, and use the skills that you've cultivated to soak up the fullness of the bush.

Lunch and dinner one again bring delicious offerings of once-in-a-lifetime creative vegan meals. Share your favorite memories, moments, and wisdom with your new-found friends at our goodbye dinner.

Night time brings a special event, closing out the trip and giving gratitude for our adventure together.

Savor one last terrific meal at SASHWA, soaking in the views, as you prepare for departure.

When it's time to go a private driver will return you to the Hoedspruit Airport where you will return home or continue on your epic adventure in South Africa.