Yoga & Acroyoga Safari Retreat - March 2022

NY
Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia
  • Email address verified
12 reviews
Mar 27 - Apr 3, 2022
Group size: 4 - 12
Yoga & Acroyoga Safari Retreat - March 2022
Namibia

Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia
  • Email address verified
12 reviews

Mar 27 - Apr 3, 2022
Group size: 4 - 12

About this trip

Explore and discover some of the most spectacular locations in Namibia with Anna and Marcel, whilst also focusing on your yoga practice in the beautiful natural surroundings.  

Days will be filled with adventure at the Skeleton Coast, wildlife game viewing at Etosha National Park, and wellness at a Private Game Reserve. The retreat is open to complete beginners and an intro to acro in a fun and playful way. 

Most days start with a morning yoga practice out in nature, the beach or desert. After a healthy breakfast to kick start your adventurous filled days, time will be spent on an excursion with professional guides specific to the area, a chance to really get to see the country and what makes it so unique. After lunch take some time to relax and enjoy the “holiday” part of this adventure or head off for another activity. As the days draw to a close, you will find yourself back in nature for an afternoon yoga practice. There is nothing quite like experiencing the sounds of nature, wide open spaces and breathtaking views to inspire relaxation and to find inner peace.



ABOUT Namibia

A country that will feed your Soul...


Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, it has something exciting to do for everyone. Whether you love animals, birds, nature, the ocean, the desert or extreme sports, its got it all.  


Travelling through Namibia awakens your emotions and senses – colors become brighter, smells more intense and you taste more appreciative. Your sixth sense finds its mystical home and above all, you feel re-connected with your soul!


Namibia, nicknamed the Gem of Africa, got its name from the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world and one of the highest sand dunes in the world. Namibia boasts remarkable natural attractions such as the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon Park and the Kalahari Desert. Its majestic landscape and natural environment offers a unique flora and fauna population with an abundant variety of wildlife.


Namibia’s greatest Wildlife sanctuary, the Etosha National Park is situated in the Northern part of the country. This game park is unlike any other and photographs of animals in front of the pan make this very unique and a special place to visit. It boasts an impressive offer of over 114 species of mammals and 340 species of birds. Etosha has exceptional wildlife including black Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Hyena, Zebra, Springbok, Kudu, Gemsbok and Eland. Etosha is incredible and if the game viewing itself is not impressive enough, the Etosha Pan definitely is, as it is even visible from space. Let that be an indicator as to it’s sheer size. It is believed to have formed millions of years ago for the first time. As long as 16,000 years ago, the Kunene River flowed from Angola into Namibia and all the way down to Etosha, where a huge lake formed for a long time. But due to earth movements the river changed course and resulted in it ending in the Atlantic Ocean instead. As the lake slowly dried up this left the salt pan behind.The Etosha Pan covers a quarter of the entire area of the Etosha National Park and is known to be 130km long and up to 50km’s wide in certain parts, which makes this the largest salt pan in Africa. Numerous waterholes are found throughout the park and these provide the much-needed water to the animals, especially during the dry season. As the area is mostly sparse, the animals have adapted to drink during the heat of the day when predators are mostly inactive, making it safe for them to venture out into the open and congregate at waterholes.


Swakopmund is a coastal city in Namibia, west of the capital, Windhoek. Its sandy beaches face the Atlantic Ocean. Established by German colonists in 1892, with German Colonial Architecture, palm trees, good restaurants and gift shops, it has a laid back feel to it. A small part of the population is still German-speaking. For the more adventurous, there are a variety of extreme sports from skydiving, quad biking, fat wheel biking, ocean safaris, dune boarding and surfing.
The Skeleton Coast is an area that spans from the border with South Africa in the south to the border with Angola in the north. This section runs along the coastline and is for the most part open, vast and undiscovered, especially as you depart from the coastal town of Swakopmund and head north through the Skeleton Coast Park. The area got its name from the whale and seal bones found on shore from the past whaling industry, although in more recent years, received the name from sailors who feared sailing the coast due to the epic winds and unpredictable changing sandbanks that resulted in a number of shipwrecks, of which some of the oldest can still be seen today. Although it may sound like an area with an eerie past, it is indeed an area diverse and full of animal life. The coast itself is inhabited by millions of Cape Fur Seals, of which the largest colony, call Cape Cross their breeding ground. Desert adapted flora and fauna are found all along the Skeleton Coast. Fog rolls in from the coast caused by the icy Benguela Current in the Atlantic Ocean. When this meets the warm desert air, this creates precious water for the plants and animals that miraculously survive in this unforgiving environment. Welwitschias and Lithops flourish and more than a hundred species of lichen can be found on the gravel plains and mountain slopes. These composite organisms are ever changing in color as they absorb the moisture in the air from the fog making its way inland. A diverse array of bird life can be enjoyed in the area including many species of raptors as well as many smaller, more common species and along the coast the sea birds such as flamingos and pelicans. Over 247 species have been recorded in the Skeleton Coast National Park.


The famous rolling sand dunes of the Namib Desert surround the marvel known as Sossusvlei, which is situated in the Namib Naukluft National Park, one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. A visit to Namibia is not complete without experiencing this incredible white salt pan and the red dunes that make it so popular. After all, these monstrous dunes are some of the largest that can be found in the world, reaching heights of 400 meters. In some ways the beauty of this area is eerie as you can almost hear whispers on the wind that softly kisses the crescents of the dunes. What makes it so overwhelming is the knowledge that the sheer size of the dunes were created by wind over millions of years. Ever changing and growing, the dunes remain one of the most amazing phenomenon’s you will ever get to see.


“The area is simply breathtaking and no words or photographs can really do it justice. At sunrise and sunset the light highlights the dunes and brings to life the multitude of colors which give it depth and dimension”


Sossusvlei means “dead-end marsh”, which is fitting as this is where the dunes meet, roughly 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean, and prevent the Tsauchab River from flowing any further. The Namib Desert has long last seen rain to allow the river to run this far south and for this reason the pan is almost always dry. If very heavy rains are received then the pan can become flooded and understandably this then offers a completely different spectacle for visitors to travel far and wide to come and capture. Once flooded it can remain this way for up to a year before the water disappears again. Despite the fact that this area is dry and gets extremely hot during the peak in summer months, there is a large amount of animal life, bird life and plant life that still thrives here. Incredibly adapted to withstand the harsh environment they call home.

ABOUT Anna Karides

Anna Karides is a leading Yoga and AcroYoga teacher based in the UK and has been teaching for over a decade. She has international teaching and training experience and has been featured in leading publications from Vogue to The Guardian and named OM Magazine's Yoga teacher of the month. Anna has been teaching in London’s leading yoga studios (Bodyism, Triyoga, Indaba) and is a proud Lululemon Athletica legacy ambassador. Her classes are challenging and reflect her passion for backbends, arm balances and inversions but can also have a therapeutic focus. 


WEBSITE: https://www.annakarides.com

INSTAGRAM: @annakaridesyoga 

ABOUT Marcel Vosloo

I have been leading yoga retreats for over 4 years in Namibia where I also grew up and worked as a travel consultant. If you want to see and experience the best that Namibia has to offer, where days are filled with adventure and mindful yoga flows in nature, stay in carefully handpicked lodges close to all the National Parks and encounter wildlife up close and personal, then you have come to the right place. 


Our retreats are taught by local and international yoga teachers and we welcome all levels from beginners to advance. Morning sessions are a combination of vinyasa flows, meditation and breathing techniques to energize you for the day, where afternoon session are more relaxed as the sun sets and animals come out to play.  All our retreats are personalised and groups are small for the perfect group experience. We’ve had beginners to advanced to yoga teachers joining our retreats and even a few repeat guests coming for a second and third time. You really don’t have to worry about anything as we’ve got you covered from day 1, so pack your bag and join us for one of our yoga retreats. Leave with gratitude, love for yourself and all living beings. 


"It's about you and connecting with yourself and nature, being mindful and having an adventure of a life time".


WEBSITE: https://www.namasteyogasafari.com/founder-host-teacher

INSTAGRAM: @namaste_yoga_safari

What’s included

  • 1
    Yoga teacher + host
  • 7
    Nights accommodation at 3 different venues
  • Breakfast and Dinners
    at Etosha and Gocheganas
  • Breakfast
    in Swakopmund at Desert Breeze Lodge
  • 2
    Game drives to Etosha National Park
  • All
    Park Fees
  • 1
    Welcoming Gift
  • Road Transport
    for the whole retreat
  • 2
    Airport transfers
  • Professional guides
    for all activities and game drives
  • Passenger
    liability insurance

What’s not included

  • Insurance
    Travel Insurance
  • Flights
    International and local
  • Gratuity
  • Laundry
  • Dinners
    in Swakopmund
  • All
    drinks, bottled water and alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities
    at all 3 locations
  • Scenic Flight
    to Sossusvlei
  • All lunches

Available Packages

Shared
€2,850
Private Room
€3,200
Anna Katsinioridou

Shared room at all the lodges

€2,200
Eranthi and Iro
€2,470
Deposit: €500
Astrid
€2,620


Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Namibia

Sunday, 7 March

On arrival at Windhoek International Airport or Walvis Bay Airport, you will be met and the Namibian Yoga Safari Adventure will begin. Our first destination is Swakopmund, a coastal holiday town where the Ocean meets the Desert. It has a laid back feel to it with palm trees, good restaurants and gift shops. For the more adventurous, there are a  variety of extreme sports, from skydiving, quad biking, fat wheel biking, ocean safaris, dune boarding and surfing.

We will be staying in luxury and style at Desert Breeze Lodge for the first 3 nights, overlooking the dunes of the Namib Desert. A short drive from central Swakopmund, its spectacular location provides peace and tranquility away from the bustling town, and the privilege of savoring the ancient Namib Desert. Surrounded by the colorful and unique architecture contrasting, but yet fitting in with the desert landscape, it will sooth any soul. The luxury bungalows with their creative atmosphere and the friendly staff will make your stay one to remember. Once at Desert Breeze Lodge, settle into your luxurious accommodation, then meet for a beautiful sunset yoga session overlooking the spectacular Namib Desert. 

Breakfasts will be at Desert Breeze, lunches and dinners at various cafes’s and restaurants.




Your Organizer


NY
Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia
12 reviews
Namaste Yoga Safari is a wellness travel company specialising in yoga holidays in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Malawi offering several unique ways to enjoy the soul of Africa and explore its diverse wonders. Whether you are in search of adventure, wildlife or transformation, all of our yoga retreats combine mindfulness, renewal, relaxation and self-reflection. You will not only leave with gratitude and love for yourself and all living beings, but as a friend for life.”

Reviews

A fantastic trip, awesome locations and lodges, excellent organisation.
By Miles J for Yoga & Acroyoga Safari Retreat - March 2022 on Apr 06, 2022
Was great having you on this trip Miles;) Sending much love from Swakopmund x
By Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia on Apr 12, 2022
NY
AMAZING - great balance of yoga, nature and adventure. Loved it. Thank you Marcel for being the perfect host and making this experience so enjoyable. Highly recommended.
By LOUISE W for Yoga & Acroyoga Safari Retreat - March 2022 on Apr 06, 2022
It was so great to finally have met you and share Namibia with you after more than 2 years of chatting about this yoga trip. And thank you for bringing Chris with - I don't think it would have been the same without all his jokes;))) Sending both of you a lot of love from Nam xxx
By Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia on Apr 12, 2022
NY
Yoga & Acroyoga Safari Retreat was the trip of a lifetime! The itinerary was very carefully curated and full of activities. Our accommodation was beautiful, very comfortable and varied. Etosha Village was right in the heart of nature. We had our yoga sessions with the backdrop of the most beautiful sunsets. The safari park was at our doorstep and both Marcel and Buzzy were very knowledgeable ( also really good company). Our Swakopmund accommodation was located at the doorstep of the desert with dune views from our windows. We had a fantastic flight above the desert at Sossusvlei and a stunning hike on top of the biggest dune. every day was special and unique. Thanks Marcel and Anna for organising, thank you for all the chats and the yoga and acro sessions, it was wonderful!
By Efi N for Yoga & Acroyoga Safari Retreat - March 2022 on Apr 06, 2022
Efi - It was so great to have you on this trip and share our Beautiful Namibia with you and every one else on this trip. So happy to hear that you liked all the lodges and activities. Sending you much love from Swakopmund - Buzzy also says howzit:)
By Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia on Apr 12, 2022
NY
What a wonderful retreat and experience, led by the attentive, passionate and knowledgeable Marcel! Traveling with Marcel, the founder of Namaste Yoga Safari, feels like meeting up with a local caring friend; it never feels you are part of a group or following a strict schedule as Marcel has a unique ability to feel the the vibe and constantly adjusts the planning and activities to fit the mood of the guests - never too much, never too little. Although she has traveled the world and seen countless wildlife, she is not blasé and is in much in awe of the wildlife as you are, reinforcing the sense of community and intimacy she creates so quickly with her guests. We saw amazing wildlife, lions were incredible, stayed with an incredible conservationist couple who gave us insights into the conservation challenges faced in SA, slept in very well equipped tents and had super good food and desserts. We laughed a lot too! It was my second trip with NYS and I am planning my third one for 2023. Thank you Marcel for hosting this wonderful retreat.
By Muriel J for 8 Day Wildlife Conservation Yoga Retreat - March 2022 on Mar 28, 2022
Muriel, where do I start - it's because of beautiful souls like you, why I do what I do, and LOVE what I do;) Without you it would not be possible to share these amazing adventures and special moments... - WE fell asleep with the roars of lions in a distance - WE woke up to the most beautiful sunrises and laid in savanasa underneath the African sky - WE moved with our breaths and grounded ourselves with the surrounding nature - WE tracked wildlife on our safari drives and saw countless stars at night - WE laughed - WE licked some sun - WE listened - WE observed - WE learned - WE had delicious meals while viewing the animals out in their natural habitat - WE had fun - WE relaxed - WE made memories - WE - WITHOUT ALL OF YOU, WE would not be possible - and I know WE will make some more great memories in the next destination... PS: Still using and loving my LUSH products:)))) xxx
By Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia on Apr 11, 2022
NY
sa
This Retreat was such a unique and fulfilling experience, it was very well organised whilst still allowed for flexibility of the group's needs. Marcel has incredible knowledge and energy which she radiates. The safari/conversation camp was a really rare opportunity to see a non-commercialised and ecologically grounded game reserve in a fairly unvisited part of South Africa. The activities were tailored around the group and the daily yoga was great, Marcel adapted it to our activities and needs throughout the week. Thank you so much, I can't wait to travel with you again.
By sophie a for 8 Day Wildlife Conservation Yoga Retreat - March 2022 on Mar 28, 2022
Ohhhhh Buffalo Soldier ;)))) This trip is one to remember - so many good times and great laughs. I just read this again about buffalo spirit animals - such great meaning to it and especially love the part where they say: " The Buffalo totem requires you to establish a deep connection to the Earth. It will ask you to support the endangered species of our planet. Thus, he will bring you ‘strength of character’ as well as an independent spirit. With this power animal, you will generate prosperity, abundance, and have plenty of resources. This manifestation cannot be pushed or forced. Therefore you must follow the most natural path". Hmmmmm - Maybe no coincidence that you were in very close contact with a buffalo while establishing a deep connection with yourself and to earth, while on a yoga & wildlife conservation retreat supporting endangered species?? ;) - Something to think about... https://www.spirit-animals.com/buffalo-symbolism/ Our paths will meet again somewhere for sure!! xxxxx
By Namaste Yoga Safari Namibia on Apr 10, 2022
NY
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