Wild Within
SOUTH AFRICA
ABOUT
Wild Within: Yoga & Safari Immersion in Greater Kruger
Join us for an unforgettable retreat that weaves together the stillness of yoga with the untamed beauty of the African bush. Over seven nights, we’ll move, breathe, explore, and connect under wide skies, beside watering holes, and within ancient landscapes.
YOUR ITINERARY
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Here’s the rough flow of the week — a simple rhythm of daily practice, real rest, and a few standout experiences that connect you to the place. Think sunrise Tai Chi, yoga in the shala, nourishing meals, time to swim and reset, plus a couple of bigger adventure days (kayak, boat trip) woven in without overpacking the schedule.
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Arrive via Hoedspruit and transfer into the bush. Unpack, exhale, meet the group, and land gently.
Evening: welcome circle, light practice, dinner, early night.
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Ease into the retreat flow.
Morning: yoga + meditation (open-air).
Afternoon: pool + rest / journalling.
Evening: sunset game drive, dinner, grounding practice by firelight.
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A day for presence and pace.
Morning: practice + nourishing breakfast.
Late morning: guided bush walk (learn tracks, plants, animal behaviour).
Afternoon: rest, reading, pool.
Evening: optional gentle yoga / breathwork + dinner.
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A bigger adventure day.
Early departure for a full-day Kruger National Park safari — wide landscapes, long sightings, and the full cinematic feeling of the wild.
Return for a slow dinner and soft reset practice.
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Integration day to balance the intensity.
Morning: yoga + meditation.
Afternoon: free time (pool, nap, journalling, 1:1 chats).
Evening: sunset drive or lodge experience, dinner, closing circle-style practice.
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A day rooted in people and place.
Morning: practice.
Midday: cultural visit to the Shangaan village — storytelling, learning, and connection (led respectfully by local hosts).
Evening: shared meal + reflections by firelight.
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A final standout experience.
Travel to Blyde River Canyon for a boat safari — dramatic scenery, still water, and a different kind of awe.
Return for a celebratory final dinner and closing practice.
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A calm final morning.
Morning: optional sunrise practice + breakfast.
Transfers back to Hoedspruit for onward flights — leaving with a quieter mind and a fuller body.
ACCOMMODATION
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You’ll stay in private, beautifully appointed villas at Phelwana Game Lodge, designed for deep rest between adventures. The spaces are tranquil and nature-rooted, with comfortable lounging areas and a private pool for moments of quiet reflection, reading, or post-practice relaxation.
This retreat is hosted on a half-board basis, meaning breakfast and dinner are included daily. Mornings begin with a wholesome buffet — fresh fruit, cooked options, grains — to fuel your day. In the evenings, we come together for three-course dinners, with meat, fish, or vegetarian choices, always prepared with care. Lunch is available à la carte when we’re at the lodge or between excursions.
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Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Johannesburg, followed by an internal flight to Hoedspruit, then a private transfer through the bushveld to Phelwana Lodge. From the moment you arrive in the region, the experience is held for you — transfers, logistics, and on-the-ground movement are all arranged.
Throughout the week, all local ground transfers and excursions are handled, so you can simply arrive, breathe, and drop into the rhythm of the retreat, without having to plan or navigate anything yourself.
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Food is part of the retreat’s grounding rhythm — nourishing, plentiful, and thoughtfully prepared. With half-board included, you’ll enjoy daily breakfasts and three-course dinners that balance comfort with quality, featuring meat, fish, and vegetarian options.
Lunch is available à la carte, either at the lodge or around excursions, so you can choose what suits your appetite and schedule each day. Dietary requirements are happily catered for — just let us know in advance so everything is seamless from day one.
INFO
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September 16th to September 23rd 2026
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September 16th to September 23rd 2026
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£1895
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Jax founded Freedom Yoga & Retreats as an exploration of inner and outer worlds, guiding people to feel more alive through yoga, nature, and meaningful connection. Her work is shaped by the landscapes she travels through and a deep respect for the places and people she encounters.
South Africa’s vast skies and wild rhythm offer a powerful setting for her retreats. Here, Jax blends embodied yoga practice with moments of stillness, adventure, and reflection - allowing the land itself to lead the experience.
With an MA in Global Development, Jax is deeply committed to ethical, intentional travel. She works closely with local hosts and communities, creating retreats that honour place, culture, and the natural world, while offering guests space to slow down, reconnect, and return home feeling truly alive.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Daily yoga and meditation in wild, open-air settings, luxury villa accommodation with pool, chef-prepared half-board meals, private game drives and guided bush walks, a full-day Kruger excursion, Shangaan village visit, Blyde River Canyon boat safari, plus all local transfers and lodge amenities — so you can arrive, breathe, and be.
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Daily yoga + meditation in open-air, nature-rooted spaces
Practices designed to meet you where you are — grounding, energising, restorative
Optional evening wind-downs (breathwork, gentle movement, reflection)
A supportive group rhythm with space to rest, integrate, or opt out
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Private villas at Phelwana Game Lodge — tranquil, beautifully appointed, and surrounded by bush
Each villa includes lounging areas, garden space, and a private pool for downtime
Half-board included:
Breakfast buffet (fresh fruit, cooked options, grains)
Three-course dinner each evening (meat, fish, or vegetarian)
Lunch available à la carte at the lodge or between excursions
Dietary needs catered for — let us know when booking
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Unhurried time for deep rest between safari and practice
Poolside downtime, journal space, and quiet corners to reset the nervous system
Evenings often end together by firelight — stories, presence, and gentle grounding
A retreat designed to balance adventure + restoration without overpacking the days
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Private game drives and guided bush walks in Greater Kruger landscapes
A full-day Kruger excursion
Cultural visit to a Shangaan village
Blyde River Canyon boat safari
All local ground transfers included (airport-to-lodge + throughout the week)
Use of lodge amenities and hosted support for the full experience
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights, travel insurance, and any personal spending or optional extras outside the listed itinerary.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Freedom Retreats are built on reciprocity — the places that host us should benefit from our presence, not carry the cost of it.
For Wild Within, we work directly with local lodge teams, guides, and partners in Greater Kruger, prioritising fair pay, local procurement, and long-term relationships over one-off transactions. A portion of retreat profits is returned through local sourcing, support for community-led initiatives agreed with our hosts, and employment that contributes to livelihoods beyond the retreat week.
We also encourage lower-impact travel choices and share guidance on responsible safari and wildlife ethics — so the experience honours the land, the animals, and the people who call it home.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
We hope the following provides answers to any questions you might have. If not, please contact us.
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No — we offer yoga retreats, yoga teacher trainings, wellness retreats, adventure and nature-led experiences, plus creative and cultural elements depending on the trip.
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No. Most retreats suit all levels. If a retreat has specific fitness/experience requirements (e.g., hiking intensity), we’ll state it clearly.
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Yes. Many guests arrive solo. We create a welcoming group environment with plenty of space for quiet time.
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Each retreat page lists inclusions, but typically: accommodation, a curated programme, and some or all meals. Some trips also include transfers and excursions.
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Usually flights, travel insurance, alcohol, and personal spending. Any optional add-ons will be clearly listed.
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A balance of guided sessions/experiences + free time. You can join as much or as little as you want — the retreat is designed to feel spacious.
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No. Most activities are optional. Rest, explore, join in — your choice.
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You’ll get a tailored packing list, but generally: comfortable layers, swimwear, walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle.
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We send a clear arrival and transfer guide after booking, with recommended routes and timings.
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Cancellation terms vary by retreat. The exact policy is shown at booking, and we strongly recommend travel insurance.