Rewilding Yoga Retreat Botswana

COMFORT

The Lone Tree Wilderness Camp in the Tswehe Wildlife Reserve is a nature-close wilderness camp that accommodates a total of 10 people in 5 tent units. The exclusively solar-powered camp features an incredibly well-equipped kitchen, relaxation areas on loungers, hammocks, and a dining area. This yoga and wilderness retreat offers a varied programme with daily yoga and meditation, wildlife encounters inside and outside the camp, and insights into the life of the local community in Botswana.

The Tswehe Wildlife Reserve spans over 11,000 hectares in the Tuli Block region. The Tuli extends from the southeastern corner of Botswana, where the Shashe and Limpopo rivers converge, down to the Notwane River north of Olifants Drift in the southwest. The entire conservation area, including the adjacent safari area bordering the Tuli Circle, covers about 800,000 hectares. The Tuli Block is distinctly different from all other areas of the country. It is known as Hardveld because of the rocky landscape and the abundance of stones and pebbles in all shapes and sizes. The red sand of the Tuli area is an unforgettable feature, as are the massive trees that stand along the banks of the large, grey-green Limpopo River. Free-roaming wildlife species are commonly encountered in this reserve, and guests have the privilege and opportunity to observe elephants, zebras, giraffes, an incredible birdlife, and predators.

Most meals are vegetarian/vegan and are sometimes prepared on an open fire. Occasional communal barbecues (Braai) are held. Brunch consists of a selection of fresh fruit, cereals and yoghurt, smoothies, porridge, and continental dishes (bread, spreads, cheese). High Tea (a lighter and later lunch) consists of either a salad, a soup, or a selection of finger food snacks. Dinner includes a selection of salad, vegetables, and plant-based protein sources.

Lynette Gouws resides in a quaint town called Tzaneen in the Limpopo province. From the moment she first stepped onto a yoga mat, yoga has been her "Ananda" (a Sanskrit word meaning divine joy, complete bliss, and happiness). Lynette is an advanced yoga teacher RYT 500hr with specialised training in:

• Vinyasa - Progressive Practice & Yin Yoga
• Breathwork Instructor / Facilitator
• Meditation Teacher / Facilitator
• Sound Healing

Lynette is South African, and her practice is inspired by the divine, infinite joy or Ananda that she experiences when teaching and/or practicing yoga.

Hosts

The philosophy of your hosts - Isabel Wolf-Gillespie and Lloyd Gillespie - at the Tswehe Wildlife Reserve is rooted in deep ecology and the transformative power of the wilderness. The retreat takes place in the wilderness of Botswana, where all yoga sessions, meditations, and/or other activities are conducted in areas where guests may encounter wildlife. Under the watchful, gentle eye of the wilderness guide, the experiences will be safe and rewarding, enriching the lives of the retreat guests.

The wilderness is transformative and healing. The concept of Rewilding is not only aimed at reintroducing wildlife species to an area but also at restoring the innate connection between humans and nature, leading humanity back to wholeness, health, well-being, harmony, and peace.

The lodge offers a variety of cosy corners where you can retreat and read your favourite book, or where you can sit together and chat or play games. Visit the underground hide for wildlife viewing and photography, or relax in your hammock. The centre of the lodge is the Lone Tree itself, an ancient Nyala Berry tree, beneath which is a fire pit and Boma, opposite an outdoor pool with a terrace for the hot summer days in Tuli. The camp is all about getting closer to nature, taking a much-needed break in our hectic daily lives, and fully experiencing the beauty of the wilderness and its inhabitants.