We're going to Kenya. You're invited.

A Safari has been on my bucket list for years, and I am so excited to announce that we are headed to Kenya next summer. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, where everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive past customs in Nairobi to the moment you get back on the plane to go back home. The fully inclusive yoga retreat is for people who want adventure without sacrificing luxury and the comforts of home. The yoga program is suitable for all levels, and we will practice both powerful vinyasa to build strength and endurance, as well as slow, restorative yoga to work on flexibility and relaxation. 

Safari Yoga Retreat Schedule

July 31, 2017

As most of us will arrive jet lagged, we'll stay for one night at Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. 

August 1, 2017

8am                       Meet and breakfast at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi

9am                       Drive up to Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages (approx. 4 hours)

2pm                       Lunch

4pm                       Vinyasa Yoga - Heart opening practice.

7pm                       Drinks around the fire

8pm                       Dinner

August 2, 2017

6.30am                Early morning game drive with bush breakfast

11.30am               Return to the cottages - Yoga - arm balance workshop

1pm                       Lunch

3:30pm                 Restorative hip opening yoga and meditation

4.30pm                 Evening game drive and sundowners on the plains

7.30pm                  Drinks around the fire followed by dinner

August 3, 2017

6.30am                 Early morning game drive and visit to Nyakio Primary School

10am                     Breakfast at the cottage

11.30am                Vinyasa yoga - core strengthening and balance

1pm                        Lunch

3pm                       Restorative yoga and guided meditation

4.30pm                 Evening game drive and sundowners on the plains

7.30pm                 Drinks around the fire followed by dinner 

August 4, 2017

6.30am                 Lion Tracking and bush breakfast

11.30am                Return to the cottages - Power flow yoga practice and meditation

1pm                        Lunch

3pm                       Gentle yoga and meditation

4.30pm                 Evening game drive and sundowners on the plains

7.30pm                 Drinks around the fire followed by dinner

 August 5, 2017

6.30am                  Bush walk

10am                      Breakfast at the cottage

11.30am                Return to the cottages - Playful power yoga class and meditation

1pm                        Lunch

3pm                       Restorative yin yoga and meditation

4.30pm                 Evening game drive and sundowners on the plains

7.30pm                 Drinks around the fire followed by dinner

August 6, 2017

6.30am                 Early morning game drive or option to visit to Endangered Species Boma and bush breakfast. The Endangered Species Boma is located in Ol Pejeta’s Eastern sector and is home to all three of the worlds last remaining northern white rhinos. It also hosts a breeding project for the endangered Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest. 

11.30am                Return to the cottages - Inversion yoga workshop and meditation

1pm                        Lunch

3pm                       Gentle yoga and meditation

4.30pm                 Evening game drive and sundowners on the plains

7.30pm                 Drinks around the fire followed by dinner

August 7, 2017

6.30am                Early morning game drive, visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and bush breakfast - The sanctuary was set up in 1993 by Jane Goodall (in association with the Kenya Wildlife Service and Ol Pejeta Conservancy), the world renowned expert in this field in an attempt to provide safe refuge for chimpanzees that had been rescued from cruel captivity and the bush-meat trade. A visit to the sanctuary is an eye opening experience where you can learn about the plight of these great animals in the wild and view them up close.

11.30am               Return to the cottages - Power yoga and meditation

1pm                       Lunch

3pm                      Gentle yoga and meditation

4.30pm                Evening game drive and sundowners on the plains

7.30pm                Drinks around the fire followed by dinner

August 8, 2017

7.30am                   Breakfast at the cottages

9am                        Drive to Nairobi (arrive approx. 1pm Ole Sereni/JKIA)

About the Venue 

The Safari Cottages are a family run establishment on the edge of the Ol Pejata Conservatory. Ol Pejeta Conservancy consists of 90,000 acres of pure wilderness and offers an incredibly uncrowded environment in which to enjoy top quality game viewing. It straddles the equator on the Laikipia Plateau, nestled between the Mighty Mount Kenya and the Aberdares Mountain range, and is East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary. It also hosts large numbers of elephant, cheetah, lion, leopard and  plains game. Within the conservancy there are also a number of rarer Northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, Jacksons hartebeest, Beisa Oryx and reticulated giraffe.

Each of the three cottages has two ensuite bedrooms. The beds have been designed in a way that they can be converted to double or single. Two bed-loungers on the veranda can be converted in extra beds and moved into the bedrooms, should the need arise. The central open plan lounge and dining area is large and comfortable with a lovely big fire place. All rooms open out onto an extensive veranda which stretches the entire length of the cottage and provides an uninterrupted view of the surrounding wilderness onto the river. Twenty four hour power is supplied through an environmentally friendly solar system.

Each cottage has a fully equipped external kitchen and comes with its own chef and waiter, so you can fully relax and enjoy your vacation.

About Kenya and FAQ

Kenya sits squarely on the Equator and so the country’s climate is mostly tropical. For the most part you will enjoy toasty weather and sunshine all year round. Although Kenya seems hot and sunny and wonderful all the time there are significant regional variations. These can be divided into two main belts: the coastal areas is hot and humid year round, but going inland you will find temperatures drop significantly. When traveling to The Safari Cottages in Kenya’s central highlands you will find temperatures ranging from 95 degrees fahrenheit during the day, to 23 degrees fahrenheit at night.

1. HEALTH - Before traveling it is recommended you speak with your doctor about the necessary vaccinations and anti-malarials that you may need before embarking on your trip. Standard vaccinations include tetanus, polio, typhoid and hepatitis A, but those are entirely up to you. Also make sure to discuss the latest advice on carrying yellow fever certificates, which are essential when traveling between most of Southern and Eastern Africa. Some of these vaccinations are a course of injections so make sure you visit your doctor well in advance.

Mosquitoes & Malaria The Safari Cottages are located on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau and at our high altitude malaria is very uncommon. However, we highly recommend taking a course of anti-malarials if you plan on traveling to other parts of Kenya. 

Drinking Water In Kenya, water from the taps is often untreated or tastes unpleasant, so it is recommended that you only drink from sealed bottled water, which is available at almost all stores, airports and camps.

2. MONEY The currency of Kenya is the Kenya Shilling, often written as KSH or with a /= symbol at the end of a figure. When shopping in Kenya you will often hear “four hundred bob” or “one thousand bob.” ‘Bob’ is a term carried over from colonial times. It is a word that the English used to use for a shilling. Most hotels and shops will accept US Dollars but please note that only US$ notes newer than 2003 will be accepted. Kenya shillings will be needed for your personal expenses such as curio shopping, eating out in Nairobi, any excursion fees if you decide on an outing while in Nairobi and buying drinks and snacks at airports. We recommend you change a number of your dollars to shillings at the start of your trip so that you have both currencies in hand.

3. SAFETY For the majority of your safari, you will be enjoying the country’s rich wildlife. Although you may come close to them, remember that these animals are all in fact very wild, and although you have no reason to fear, you do need to show them, their families and their personal space some respect. The Safari Cottages are fenced off, in order to dissuade large game from entering, especially during the day. Safety precautions will be outlined for you on arrival and it is essential that you comply with these. Whilst on your game drives and walks observe animals quietly with as little disturbance as possible and never try to attract their attention your way. Also be sure to respect your guide’s judgement with regards to proximity and don’t insist he move the vehicle closer. 

Cost and What's included

This trip is admittedly quite expensive, but literally everything will be taken care of for you from the moment you step out of the airport until the moment you're back on the plane to go home. I did it this way because I figured most people have never been to Kenya and it can be intimidating to travel to a place you've never visited before. 

Double Occupancy: The cost per person is $4,650. The rooms are shared, with en suite bathrooms. Each cottage has two bedrooms, and each cottage comes with its own staff to ensure you're well taken care of.

Single Occupancy: We have very limited single occupancy cottages available. The cost is $5,350.

• airport meet and greet at the airport
• transfer from airport to hotel 
• 1 night accommodation in Nairobi
• transfer from Nairobi hotel to Safari Cottages
• 7 night accommodation at Safari Cottages
•  8 yoga workshops and classes
• twice daily guided game drives to see the wildlife
• visit to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded by Jane Goodall
• 3 meals per day
• all drinks - water, juice, and a selection of beer, wine and liquor
• laundry service
• each cottage has a private waiter, chef, room steward
• open top 4WD game viewing vehicle and private safari guide
• conservancy fees
• transfer from Safari Cottages to Nairobi airport

What's not included

• airfare
• travel insurance
• staff tips
• personal expenses for things like souvenirs 

Terms and Conditions

• 50% deposit is required to reserve your space for people staying at the venue. The deposit is non-refundable but is transferrable. The remaining 50% is due 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. If you are booking within the 90 day window, the full amount is due, final sale.
• No reimbursement will be granted in case of early departure.
• We accept no liability for loss, damage, injury or illness, which may occur during the retreat or traveling to or from the retreat.
• All students are strongly recommended to have their own travel insurance to cover any loss or injury, including repatriation if necessary. It is advisable to take out travel insurance in the event that you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
• We reserve the right to make any changes to our program, accommodation, courses or teachers. Alternative arrangements are offered to the best of our ability but if not taken up, we do not accept responsibility for any costs incurred, including airfare.
• We take every step to ensure that students are not stretched beyond the limit of their capabilities. We ask that you speak up if you have any particular pre-existing injury or illness that is relevant. We advise that you always listen to your body, and if you are feeling any pain or illness during the class that you stop and rest.