Pilates in the Wild

South Africa with The Continental Fox Pilates

24 September–1 October 2027
7 nights · Phelwana Game Lodge · Greater Kruger
£1,960 per person · Private room · Private pool · Half board

Morning Pilates beside Hippo Dam, a full day exploring Kruger and afternoons with nowhere you need to be except beside your pool. Join Natasha, aka The Continental Fox, for a South African adventure that brings together the pleasure of movement and the excitement of being somewhere extraordinary.

For seven nights, Phelwana Game Lodge will be home. We’ll head out on safari, explore the bush on foot, cruise through Blyde River Canyon and watch the reserve change after dark. Between adventures, there’s time for thoughtful Pilates practice, an included massage and long, relaxed meals together.

Led by Natasha and supported by a Freedom host, this is a week to enjoy your body, your surroundings and the freedom of having it all organised.

A different kind of Pilates week

There’s something to look forward to every day here. Sometimes it’s an early start and the anticipation of what we might spot on safari. Sometimes it’s rolling out your mat beside the water, taking your time over breakfast or returning to your own pool after a day exploring.

Natasha’s Pilates sessions will help you build strength, awareness and confidence, with space to ask questions, explore movement and work at your own pace. Practice will take place in settings including Hippo Dam, the garden lawn and the boma, our open-air gathering space.

You’ll have the opportunity to spend more time with Pilates than your usual weekly class allows, while experiencing the wildlife and landscapes that make this part of South Africa so special. This week’s movement programme is Pilates, with no scheduled yoga or meditation.

What you can expect

• Seven nights at Phelwana Game Lodge, with your own private room and private pool.

• Pilates with Natasha, bringing over ten years of teaching experience to your week.

• Four reserve game drives, including sunset outings, a night drive and a final morning safari.

• A full-day excursion to Kruger National Park, in search of the Big Five and other wildlife.

• A guided bush walk, discovering tracks, plants and the smaller details of the reserve.

• Stargazing beneath the African night sky.

• A boat cruise through Blyde River Canyon and a walk to the waterfall.

• One included massage, with time to relax afterwards.

• Breakfast and dinner, shared in the surroundings of the lodge.

• Free time to swim, read, rest and enjoy being away.

• A final sunset gathering, farewell dinner and evening around the boma fire.

• Support from a Freedom host throughout the retreat.

Meet Natasha, aka The Continental Fox

With over ten years of experience teaching Pilates, Natasha is passionate about helping people discover their own strength and feel more confident in their bodies. Her teaching encourages you to work with your individual abilities and goals, creating an environment where movement feels supportive, empowering and enjoyable.

Her approach combines thoughtful instruction, encouragement and a genuine love of Pilates. Whether you practise regularly or are still finding your feet, she’ll help you explore at your own pace and build a deeper understanding of how you move.

In South Africa, Natasha will bring that same care and enthusiasm to a week of outdoor practice and adventure. She’ll lead the Pilates programme and share the journey with you, assisted by a Freedom host who will support the running of the retreat.

Your week in the wild

Day 1 — Bags down. Safari starts here.

Arrive at Phelwana from 1:30pm, settle into your room and take a first look around your home for the week. After meeting Natasha, your Freedom host and the group, we’ll head straight out on our first game drive. The afternoon ends at Hippo Dam as the light begins to soften, before we return to the lodge for our welcome dinner. Your first evening in the bush, with a whole week ahead of you.

Day 2 — Pilates with a remarkable view

Our opening Pilates session takes us to Hippo Dam, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the reserve. Natasha will guide you through thoughtful movement, with time to settle into the practice and enjoy where you are. Afterwards, a generous breakfast and free time at the lodge await. Later, we’ll head back out on a game drive, watching for wildlife as the afternoon turns towards evening.

Day 3 — Into Kruger, eyes wide open

An early departure takes us into Kruger National Park for a full-day safari. Keep your camera close and your eyes on the landscape as we search for the Big Five and discover what the day brings. There will be stops for breakfast and lunch during the outing, before we return to Phelwana in the late afternoon. A gentler Pilates session offers time to move and unwind after the journey, followed by dinner and a look through everyone’s photographs.

Day 4 — The bush beneath your feet

Begin with Pilates in the boma and breakfast, then enjoy a few hours with no plans to follow. Swim, read, have a nap or take your time over a conversation. In the afternoon, we’ll leave the vehicle behind for a guided bush walk, learning about the tracks, signs and plants that tell the story of life in the reserve. Tonight, we’ll gather for dinner around the boma fire.

Day 5 — Poolside rest & safari after dark

A slower start, a leisurely breakfast and your included massage. This is your day to make the most of the lodge, with plenty of time to relax before afternoon Pilates at Hippo Dam. Then we stay out as daylight fades, heading into the reserve for a night game drive and stargazing. Different sounds and the possibility of nocturnal wildlife make this a very different safari experience. Back at the lodge, a late dinner rounds off the evening.

Day 6 — Blyde River Canyon by water & on foot

Morning Pilates on the lawn and breakfast prepare us for a day beyond the reserve. We’ll travel to Blyde River Canyon, where a boat cruise takes us beneath its enormous walls and through the green landscape. Afterwards, follow a trail towards the waterfall, with time to enjoy the scenery along the way. We’ll return to the lodge for a gentler Pilates session before dinner.

Day 7 — One last sunrise, one more adventure

Our final full day begins with sunrise Pilates at Hippo Dam, followed by a morning game drive and breakfast. There’s time afterwards to enjoy the lodge and make the most of your last afternoon beside the pool. Later, we’ll come together to close the week and watch a final African sunset before our farewell dinner. We’re keeping the dinner location a surprise — wear something you love and join us for a celebration, followed by a last evening around the boma fire.

Day 8 — Take the memories home

A final morning at Phelwana before checkout at 10am. Time to pack up, swap details and say goodbye after a week of Pilates, wildlife and shared adventures. We hope you head home feeling good in your body, with photographs you can’t wait to show people and stories that will take a little longer to tell.

This is our planned itinerary; timings, practice sessions and activities may change. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Lunch during the Kruger excursion is at your own expense.

Your home at Phelwana

Set within the Greater Kruger landscape, Phelwana Game Lodge gives us the pleasure of staying in the bush throughout the week. The experience continues when we return from our outings, with the sounds of birds, changing evening light and time to take in the surroundings.

You’ll have your own private room and private pool, giving you somewhere to relax and enjoy your own company between the group experiences. Spend the morning exploring together, then settle down with your book or take a swim before dinner.

It’s that balance of company and personal space that makes the week feel like a holiday as well as an adventure.

Good food, enjoyed together

Breakfast and dinner are included throughout your stay. Expect generous breakfasts and carefully prepared evening meals, with time to eat slowly and share the day’s stories.

Lunches and alcoholic drinks are payable separately, including lunch on excursion days. Please let us know about allergies or dietary requirements before booking so we can confirm arrangements with the lodge.

Who is this retreat for?

This week is for you if you’re drawn to Pilates, excited by wildlife and ready to experience somewhere completely different. Perhaps you already love your regular classes and want time to explore the practice further, or you’re looking for an active holiday with thoughtful movement woven into your days.

You’re welcome to come on your own or with someone else. Shared meals and adventures offer plenty of opportunities to get to know people, while your private room gives you space whenever you need it.

There will be early starts, time travelling in safari vehicles and walking excursions. If you have questions about the Pilates sessions or the physical demands of the outings, please get in touch before booking. We’ll help you work out whether the retreat suits you.

What’s included

• Seven nights’ accommodation at Phelwana Game Lodge.

• Your own private room and private pool.

• Half board: breakfast and dinner.

• The scheduled Pilates programme with Natasha.

• Four reserve game drives, including a night drive.

• A full-day Kruger National Park excursion.

• A guided bush walk.

• Stargazing.

• A Blyde River Canyon boat cruise and waterfall walk.

• One massage.

• The closing gathering, farewell dinner and final evening celebration.

• Support from a Freedom host throughout the retreat.

What’s not included

• Flights.

• Travel insurance.

• Lunches, including lunch during excursions.

• Alcoholic drinks.

• Additional massages, treatments and extra amenities.

• Personal spending and optional activities.

• Any transfers not explicitly listed as included in your booking information.

Your questions, answered

Do I need to be experienced at Pilates?

Natasha works with people of different experience levels and encourages you to progress at your own pace. If you’re new to Pilates, returning after a break or have an injury or particular requirement, contact us before booking so we can talk through the programme with you.

Is there yoga on this retreat?

No. This week is led by Natasha and focuses on Pilates, alongside safari, walking and time to relax. There are no scheduled yoga or meditation sessions.

Can I come on my own?

Absolutely. You’ll have your own private room and plenty of opportunities to meet people through our practices, meals and adventures. You don’t need to bring a travel companion to enjoy the week with others.

Will we see the Big Five?

Our full-day Kruger safari gives us the opportunity to search for them, but sightings are never guaranteed. Every outing is different, with plenty of wildlife to look out for throughout the week.

Will I have free time?

Yes. We’ve left space between outings and practice sessions so you can enjoy the lodge, spend time by your pool and have a proper rest.

How do I arrange my travel?

Contact us for the arrival airport and transfer arrangements before booking flights. Arrival at the lodge is from 1:30pm on 24 September, with checkout at 10am on 1 October.

Join us in South Africa

Friday 24 September–Friday 1 October 2027
Eight days / seven nights at Phelwana Game Lodge
£1,960 per person

Private room, private pool, breakfast and dinner, Pilates with Natasha and the experiences listed above.

If you’ve been imagining a holiday with a little more adventure, we’d love to have you with us.

Questions before you book? Email hello@freedomyogaandretreats.com and we’ll be happy to help.