SEEK & SAFARI
Yoga Retreat with Hanan & Heather
Was September 4-18, 2023 in Africa
We Explored Namibia - nicknamed the Gem of Africa, with the oldest desert in the world, Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast (where the desert meets the ocean) We also spent a day in Cape Town South Africa and 2 days both in ZIMBABWE and botswana.
The vastness and beauty of the Namibian landscape is a place that is inspirational and that gets into your Soul. It brings peace, stillness and healing to your spirit. Its energy and magic are hard to explain but were definitely experienced by our group of 12.
Marcel of Namaste Yoga Safari lovingly curated a superb itinerary that allowed us to see a lot of all four countries and their WILDLIFE While being PAMPERED at stunning RESORTS.
our First Stop was Cape Town, South Africa, where we experienced the richness of the natural resources and the beauty of the country and its people.
Next we flew to Windhoek for the start of our Namibian Exploration and stayed at the Naankuse (“God Protects”) Wildlife Sanctuary where plenty of Sable, Zebra, Springbok and Baboons roomed while we practiced sunset myofascial release yoga on our deck. The Preserve also has Cheetahs, Leopards and Lions that were have rescued. In addition, They also run a school for the community children and train dogs to catch poachers.
Next we loaded up and headed out to Onguma and Etosha Village where we had our first sightings of giraffes, elephants and the rare white rhino. We later shared our pool deck with roaming Kudu but first sat silently for at least an hour watching females interact with the young elephants. Their care was so endearing. Meanwhile the bull elephants live on their own. We practiced sunrise slow flow and became more adventurous by sampling the Springbok, Impala, Kudu and Zebra. Namibia is prized for its grass fed beef and game worldwide.
Our amazing guides, Marcel and Buzzy got us back on the road to Swakopmund, a little German town, with an African Market. Here we bundled up and went Whale & Dolphin watching, canoeing with Seals and Pelicans and dune bashing on the Skelton Coast. Of course we had to sample the fresh seafood and beer and do partner yoga.
Next we traded the mist for red dust as we traveled past the Tropic of Capricorn to mystical Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. We climbed big daddy and hiked down a canyon, then practiced yoga with swirling Sand which definitely took us out of our comfort zone - but also gave us quite a story to tell. We had a 5 star Sundowner & Bush Dinner in the middle of nowhere and ended the night huddled around the fire to star gaze and sing songs.
We returned to Windhoek for much needed spa treatments at GocheGanas then flew to Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe we took a Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River where we saw Crocodiles, Hippos and Elephants. We also hiked along Victoria Falls or Mosi Oa Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”), one of the 7 wonders of the world. This is also where we met solomon, a true servant leader that is being called by Christ to make a difference in his community.
Our last 2 days in Botswana at the chobe elephant reserve were absolutely the best! we saw thousands of elephants, Buffalos, a leopard on the hunt and an entire pride of lions! Then we took a water safari on the chobe river (which divides Botswana and Namibia) and saw more elepants, rhinos, hippos, CROCODILES and soo many birds. While all of the people we encountered in Africa were outstanding, the staff at chobe were over the top in their joy and desire to serve. I was always stunned that while we were in the middle of no-where, we had every creature comforT we desired. our guide Ot was even more concerned that we have our sundowner drinks before he changed our flat tire in the mddle of a safari!
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13