It’s truly amazing to see how travel has changed over time. How trends emerge, some sticking and others fleeting past. A travel trend which I think is here to stay is wellness travel. Just like the rest of our lives – our wellbeing has definitely climbed up in our priority ranks due to today’s research and also due to that amazing ‘addictive’ feeling of wellness. While we might still want a traditional vacation of drinking a cocktail on the beach from time to time – many people are looking for a break which is meaningful and restful. This doesn’t mean juice detoxes, intensive exercise and a strict plan for your vacation. In fact, what we are talking about is far from that. Have you ever heard about a wellness safari?
You might have never heard of these two terms being used together. For many, a classic safari is wildlife, game drives, sitting around a fire and an adventure; and wellness a term simply referring to ones health. The more you break apart your safari experience the more you will see how linked these terms really are. A wellness safari at Londolozi will always use the classic/original safari as its backbone – but allows you to handpick the add ons and decide on the in-betweens.
If one simply looks at a classic safari you can’t help but find it full of wellness.
A traditional safari entails two four-hour game drives a day in an open-air vehicle exploring the wilderness. From breathing in fresh air, to witnessing Africa’s most spectacular wildlife – a safari is a vacation for the mind, body and soul. It’s time away from your devices and around a fire with the Milky Way as your ceiling. Wellness can be found by taking an outdoor shower whilst soaking up the view. It’s discovering the ancient art of tracking and being fed a wealth of knowledge passed down through centuries. A classic safari is wholesome and totally encompasses the word ‘wellness’. And this is before you have added on any of the wellness extras which are available at Londolozi…
The Londolozi experience allows you to tailor-make your very own Wellness Safari. For those looking to deepen your vacation and ensure you leave truly rested and reconnected to yourself – here are some wellness add-ons to your traditional safari:
1.The Healing House
Londolozi’s Healing House is at the heart of our wellness philosophy. This is a space to connect to the natural world through body-work, sound, scent and sight. Using African botanicals and extracts from oils to candles – the smell of the Healing House alone will send you into deep rest. With wellness practitioners experienced in sound healing to meditation and massage – the Healing House menu has something new for each day.
Londolozi could well be one of the most forward-thinking emotional-wellness offerings in southern Africa right now ~ CONDÉ NASTE TRAVELLER MAGAZINE, THE SPA GUIDE
2. A Wellness Safari Futuristic African Village Walk
Wellness also comes in the form of culture and knowledge. Which is why travel and exploring new places is so connected to a content state of mind. Feeling more connected to people, systems and places seems to release endorphins. Experiencing the Londolozi Village entails finding out more about the Shangaan Culture, the sustainability efforts of the lodge, meeting the children in the creche and walking amongst our food gardens. This experience truly connects you to Londolozi and makes your time with us that much more meaningful.
3. Daily Yoga Classes
Your wellness safari needs to leave you feeling fresh, connected to yourself and with a sense of harmony. Londolozi’s daily yoga classes are a wonderful way to move and stretch the body in between the game drives. Arrive to a Yoga Deck looking over the Sand River amongst the Ebony Trees. Take a seat on your mat and spot monkeys swinging in the trees above you, elephants drinking in the distance and listen to the faint sound of running water. Bring your friends and family along to greet the sun or strengthen the vital life of the body alongside the cool rush of the river.
For almost 100 years Londolozi has held the intention to reconnect the human spirit back to nature…
The Londolozi yoga deck is suspended in the trees overlooking the Sand River
4. Join A Wellness Safari Retreat
Londolozi has curated wilderness retreats with the help of the world’s leading wellness experts, life coaches, wisdom keepers and shamans. The intention of these retreats is to craft experiential learning spaces that accelerate awakening and allow people to radically shift towards a mission orientated life. Explore Londolozi’s retreats here.
As the world starts to view vacations as a lifestyle choice – where will you go for your wellness fix? To find out more about Londolozi’s wellness offerings, we recommend reading the following:
Jemma, this sounds absolutely wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
I definitely need one… Happy Easter to you all!
That is just what a person needs after working long hours and week on end. A safari wellness, just to be in open vehicle observing the animals is already a great treat.
How could safari and wellness not be intertwined? You laid it out perfectly Jemma!!
Safari itself is pure wellness. One of the best things you can have. Add a massage once in a while:a perfect cherry on the icing of the cake
Jemma, great information here! I’m ready for my wellness safari for next year, especially after the horrific year I’ve had. By then I should be in good shape and able to use my right arm/hand again. It will be great to spend at least a week out driving the property, visiting the village properly, get tracking tips, and definitely utilizing the Healing House’s varied treatments. See you then.
Oooh, sounds glorious. Can’t wait!
Thanks for the reminder Jemma! There is no doubt in our minds that we feel rejuvenated and inspired by all we see and do while at Londolozi!
You can an never have too many massages or other wonderful treatments in the wellness house!when they are finished you feel like a new person! Victoria
Guests are certainly well pampered Jemma. Sounds good. Thanks for sharing.