Have you ever wondered why you feel deeply recharged after spending time in nature? You might also notice that although you’ve been on holiday, you didn’t truly rest and recover because you didn’t allow your self the opportunity. It’s like comparing the feeling of a swim in the sea to that in a pool. We often feel captivated and at peace by the raw beauty of nature, rather than the artificial alternative. Just like the allure of a natural lake, stream, or the sea, which gives us a thrill and allows you to fill up your tank. The experience is unlike anything an artificial pool can offer—it feels deeply alive, earthy, and free. It’s a reminder of our instinctive connection to nature, a phenomenon that modern science now calls “nature therapy.” This concept of biophilia—our innate affinity for the natural world—echoes through our lives in powerful and often subtle ways.

“A new wellness trend is reverting back to Mother Nature to find the best medicine for the mind and body.” ~ Condé Nast Traveler

Nature therapy is not new. It’s rooted in practices that have grounded humans for centuries, reconnecting us to the wild world. It could be a walk in a dense forest, feeling a tree’s bark, gazing out over vast landscapes, or simply breathing in untamed air. In a world where urban life has taken centre stage, we must make a conscious effort to rekindle this connection with nature. When was the last time you fully immersed yourself in the wilderness?

“It’s estimated that two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050.” ~ Condé Nast Traveler

Most of us spend our days surrounded by concrete and digital screens, which may slowly chip away at our well-being. Even if we find city life energizing, it’s often mentally and physically draining in ways we don’t realize. Studies now show that regular immersion in green spaces can enhance cognitive function, boost our mood, and even bolster physical health.

The Profound Benefits of Nature Therapy

Nature therapy offers numerous well-being benefits, especially in a fast-paced world that often increases stress and anxiety. Here are just a few scientifically backed benefits:

• Reduced Stress: Time in nature has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, lowering stress and anxiety.
• Enhanced Mood: The peacefulness of natural settings promotes calm, happiness, and clarity.
• Increased Focus and Creativity: Nature boosts our concentration and creative thinking, providing mental respite.
• Strengthened Immune System: Forests, in particular, release compounds that improve immune function, helping our bodies resist illness.

“In one randomized, controlled trial of German managers, going away for a short break resulted in significant increases in well-being and a reduction of perceived stress levels—effects which lasted 45 days after their return home.” ~ Condé Nast Traveler

Reconnecting Families with Nature

Today’s children spend less time outdoors than previous generations, a concerning trend in light of the benefits that outdoor play provides. Choosing family activities in natural settings can rekindle a child’s sense of wonder and foster their connection with the earth. Nature therapy can be as simple as an unhurried weekend surrounded by wild spaces or a safari adventure that reintroduces both kids and adults to the beauty of untamed landscapes. By encouraging children to experience nature, we help them develop a lifelong respect for the environment and their role in its preservation.

Nature Therapy and the Wild Self

At Londolozi, we often speak about the “wild self”—that authentic part of us that emerges when we’re free from our daily roles and expectations. Nature strips away the outer layers, leaving us to simply be. We call it the “Londolozi Effect,” a profound feeling of peace and adventure that comes from immersing ourselves in the wild. It’s that sensation of being fully alive, unhindered by modern labels, and feeling part of the broader natural world.

“By developing a greater mindfulness of our experiences in the natural world through our bodies and senses, we can become more attuned to our needs and ‘hear what truly matters to us.’” ~ Condé Nast Traveler

Londolozi’s Nature Therapy Experiences

Londolozi’s approach to nature therapy is all about experiencing the wild self in simple yet powerful ways. Here are a few ways to dive into nature’s healing embrace:

• Feel the cool, dappled sunlight and listen to leaves rustling as you drive through the Leadwood Forest, or maybe stepping out to the vehicle to immerse yourself in forest bathing.
• Ground yourself in nature with bare feet in the coarse, sandy riverbed, connecting with the earth during a coffee break.
• Pause on the airstrip after a sunset safari, look up at the star-studded Milky Way, and feel the vastness of the universe around you.
• Climb to the top of Ximpalapala Koppie, breathing in the endless horizon and feeling profoundly at peace with the earth.
• Watch as children collect stones, feathers, and leaves to make nature-inspired art, fully present and joyful in their surroundings.
• Encounter wildlife up close, cultivating a deep respect and appreciation for our shared planet.
• Savor the moment as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the land, filling you with contentment as day transitions into night.
• Sit by a crackling fire under a blanket of stars, sharing stories and feeling a profound connection to the natural world.

In our modern lives, it’s easy to feel distant from nature. But our connection to the natural world is there, waiting to be reawakened. Whether you’re planning a safari, taking a hike in the forest, or simply enjoying the waves at a beach, remember that nature therapy can be as accessible as we allow it to be. What small moments at Londolozi would you define as ‘nature therapy’?