A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms.”
Zen Shin
South Africa lends itself well to yoga retreats, as the vast open spaces and wilderness provide a necessary escape from busy city life. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature and find your inner zen, these are some of our top picks for yoga and wellness centres in the country.
Karkloof Safari Spa
One of the main reasons to travel to South Africa is to see the wildlife, so why not combine a yoga retreat with a safari by visiting Karkloof Safari Spa. This luxury retreat offers 7 days of daily yoga sessions, alongside morning and afternoon game drives and full use of the spa. For the more adventurous souls, you can sign up for exclusive helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, bush walks and more. Set amongst lush greenery beside the Karkloof River, you’ll be sure to unwind and relax in this untouched part of South Africa.
karkloofsafarivillas.com 
karkloofsafarivillas.com
- Ottos Bluff Rd, Chase Valley, Pietermaritzburg, 3231
- Prices from $3,751 for 7 days
Buddhist Retreat Centre
All images from https://www.brcixopo.co.za/
This traditional retreat focuses on zen and meditation in relation to Buddhist culture and is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of valleys, forests and the Umkomaas river. Choose from a wide range of yoga retreats, from Ayurveda, mindfulness, Hatha yoga for health and even a session on sacred drumming. If you prefer to keep your daily schedule flexible, sign up for a self-retreat, where your days remain unscheduled and you can take part in as little or as many activities as you prefer. Enjoy getting in touch with nature by exploring the labyrinth, deer park and gardens, or embrace your creativity in the art studio, meditation hall and library.
- D64 Nirodha Farm, Ixopo, 3276
- Prices from $125 for 2 days
Emoyeni Retreat Centre
This traditional retreat focuses on zen and meditation in relation to Buddhist culture and is situated in the Magaliesberg mountains. Choose from a wide range of yoga retreats lasting as little as one to two days to one or two months. Here you can practice yoga in nature, yoga and mindfulness, Vipassana, tai chi and even attend a silent retreat. If you prefer to keep your daily schedule flexible, sign up for a self-retreat, where your days remain unscheduled and you can take part in as little or as many activities as you prefer, whilst working alongside the residents. Enjoy getting in touch with nature by exploring the mountains, or embrace your creativity in the meditation hall and library.
- A65 Buffelshoek Farm, Mooinooi, 0325
- Prices from $172 for 2 days
Bodhi Khaya
This retreat uses ancient physical and spiritual traditions to take guests on a journey towards spiritual awakening. Bodhi Khaya is passionate about sustainability, providing a natural vegetable garden and making use of recyclable energy and pure water. You can enjoy the diverse wildlife and flora and fauna, as you surround yourself with the healing power of Mother Nature. Choose from a personal retreat, an intimate session with friends or family, or one of the larger communal events. The yoga retreat offers restorative and yin classes, as well as sound healing, cacao ceremonies, organic meals, swimming holes and hiking trails amongst the ancient forest.
READ: Luxury Yoga Retreats Around the World
- Grootbos Road, Gansbaai, Overstrand 7220
- Prices from $660 for 6 days
Kamala Retreat House
For a truly flexible program, book a retreat with Kamala Retreat House, where you can add as many personalized extra activities to your initial itinerary as you require. As well as two yoga sessions per day, sound healing experiences, daily nature walks and vegetarian meals, you can take part in all kinds of restorative activities, from shamanic breathing exercises to mandala art. Don’t miss out on walking one of the uniquely designed labyrinths, either as an individual or as a group, in order to reconnect with your true self.
- Laing St, Barrydale, 6750
- Prices from $305 for 2 days
READ: Yoga for Pregnant Mothers
To End
We hope you enjoyed this round up of five stunning yoga retreats worth visiting in South Africa. Do you have any other venues worth mentioning? Or had a positive experience at one of the above? Leave your comments below.
1 Comment
Mari
May 16, 2019 at 8:22 pmKarkloof Safari Spa sounds like a great option, and I just love hot air balloon rides. It’d be so neat if you can see animals from the air! Mountain biking in the wilderness there would be fun too.