Journey into Growth: 18th - 26th March 2023
Led by Julie Montagu, a top yoga and nutrition coach in London, and named one of the Top 10 holistic icons in the world, The Journey into Growth retreat is an unprecedented high-end luxury yoga retreat that blends top-notch yoga instruction with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the serene, transformational African wild.
Your host
Julie Montagu
is a television presenter and international yoga teacher. Her most recent series is ‘An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates’ which has aired in the UK and US.
Julie is also one of the world’s top yoga instructors. According to Cosmopolitan: ‘Among London’s taut-buttocked set, the name Julie Montagu is talked about with the sort of reverence reserved for the Dalai Lama.’
Fringed with doum palms and overlooking the Yatta Plateau, Galdessa offers a luxurious yet wild magical experience for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in a hidden and untouched corner of Tsavo East National Park. Enjoying a position on the Galana river, wildlife sightings are frequent, whether guests enjoy a game drive or remain at the camp watching the resident hippos, elephants and more as they come to cool off in the river.
Here's what is included on your retreat...
-
Yoga & Wellness
Led by Julie M.
Daily: Yoga classes
Daily: Workshop sessions
Tools: Journaling, visualization and mindset
Early morning: Meditation
Gift Bag
-
Safari Activities
Hosted by Galdessa Camp & Shwari House
Game drives within the unique southern area of Tsavo East.
Guided walks.
Foster parent to one of the Sheldrick Orphans.
Access to the elephant orphans at the Voi stockades.
Relaxation in camp, enjoying the resident wildlife.
Lodge activities: Swimming pool
Sundowners.
-
Travel & Accommodation
Organised by The Safari Retreat.
Accommodation: 1 night in Nairobi on arrival, 3 nights at Galdessa Camp, 4 nights at Shwari House
Food: Breakfast, lunch & dinner each day (vegetarian and vegan available).
Beverages: Soft drinks, beers, spirits, non-premium wine.
Transport: Airport pick up, taxi to Wilson airport, return charter flight transfers from Nairobi to Tsavo & Watamu, all internal transfers, final day taxi transfer back to JKIA.
Our newest retreat, Galdessa offers an atmospheric location from which to explore a hidden, unspoilt and wild corner of Tsavo.
THE VENUE
GALDESSA CAMP - TSAVO NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo is home to the largest population of elephants in Kenya, and the southern area of the park is particularly renowned for the size of its herds. Across the open plains, find scores of buffalo, giraffe, eland, oryx, zebra, and more. This quiet corner is a place where big cats thrive, from the infamous Tsavo lions to stealthy leopards and speedy cheetahs.
At the heart of it all is the picturesque Galana River, a lifeline for wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Galdessa Camp sits on its banks, facing the landmark Yatta Plateau, which is the longest lava flow in the world. The camp offers a unique glimpse into this natural world: at any given moment, you might see hippos wallowing in the mud, elephants strolling down the shore, or crocodiles soaking up the sun’s rays.
Galdessa, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s newest property, is composed of two separate camps: Galdessa Camp and Galdessa Little. With its safari-style setting and front row view of all the wildlife activity on the Galana River, Galdessa Camp invites guests to immerse themselves in the untouched corners of Tsavo. Foster parent guests also have special access to the SWT’s Voi Reintegration Unit with prior written permission from Nairobi office, where they can have a firsthand look at our work raising and rehabilitating orphaned elephants.
Galdessa was originally built in the early 1980s, but it was later purchased by SWT. It was completely rebuilt in 2018, incorporating luxury touches while preserving the integrity of the property and the old-world charm it evokes.
Galdessa Camp and Galdessa Little along with four other properties, makes up the SWT’s not-for-profit portfolio of ecolodges. By staying at our eco-lodges, you are directly contributing to the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem: all revenue generated is put towards conservation initiatives within the Tsavo Conservation Area.
SHWARI HOUSE - WATAMU
This private luxury villa offers you the perfect beach getaway. Ideal for a holiday with family and friends or simply for the perfect end to your safari.
Shwari is nestled in 3 acres of tropical gardens overlooking Watamu beach, and combines natural beauty, priceless seclusion, incredible cuisine, endless activities, and unparalleled luxury into a getaway destination.
Shwari provides a carefree environment for relaxation and recreation that is the definition of paradise.The name Shwari comes from Swahili meaning peace and tranquility.
Watamu has many areas of outstanding natural beauty, including the Watamu Marine Reserve, sandy beaches and warm lagoons, the calm waters and mangroves of Mida Creek, and the unique ecosystem of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. These rich and varied habitats are ideal for a wide range of activities from running and biking, to fishing, birdwatching, and all manner of watersports.
The natural beauty of Watamu is excellent as a tranquil retreat, and Shwari set in lush tropical gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean, is a peaceful getaway where guests can enjoy all manner of spa treatments, or just relax and unwind in the infinity pool and watch the dhows sail past.
THE ITINERARY
You will be met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the 18th March 2023 and transferred to the Four Points by Sheraton hotel for one night. Vehicles will leave at 7AM on the 19th March for Wilson airport where you will take a charter flight to Tsavo East National Park, around a one hour flight. The final hour will be a safari through the beautiful Conservancy, so your safari will start here!
You will stay at Galdessa Camp for 3 nights.
Once at camp, you will be shown to your rooms and enjoy lunch all together. The afternoon will include introductions, a swim in the pool and a gentle yoga session to stretch and relax after your travels. Afternoon tea will be served after which you will head out on your evening safari or visit to the Elephant Orphanges, finishing at a beautiful view point for a gratitude led meditation as the sunsets. Evening meals will be served at the lodge.
Days will consist early morning sadhana, morning and/or evening yoga and meditations sessions that consist of a variety of class offerings. Your yoga practice will include power yoga, vinyasa flow, restorative yoga, meditation, journaling, alignment, inversion, and community connector workshops.
Early morning and evenings are for safari excursions. The middle of the day will be for other trips or yoga sessions and/or relaxing in camp, swimming, activities etc.
After 3 nights, you will transfer via road through the Park and onto the Watamu coastline. Here you will stay for 4 nights enjoying the beach and local surrounds.
The schedule will have a wide variety of offerings throughout the week and everything is fully optional.
We encourage you to do what feels best and show up ready to immerse yourself in energy healing, wellness, inspiration, connection and manifestation.
You will charter fly back to Nairobi on the 26th March - and you will spend your final day shopping and having lunch in Nairobi, before being dropped at the airport for your international flight home.
Grow in the wild with us.
The beautiful combination of bush and beach will give you the time and space to ground down with Julie’s amazing energy and insight. You will be sure to be captivated.
More details…
INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP: Meet & greet at JKIA, full board accommodation, soft drinks, beer, spirits, non-premium wine and laundry, shared game drives, guided walks, adoption of one of the DWST orphan elephants, visits to the orphan elephant stalls, wellness activities as coordinated by your host, transport to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
EXCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP: International flights, Visas, COVID-19 tests or requirements, tipping, lunch on day of departure (14th March).
Early morning and evenings are for safari excursions. The middle of the day will be for other trips or yoga sessions and/or relaxing in camp, swimming, activities etc.
The schedule will have a wide variety of offerings throughout the week and everything is fully optional and included.
Price
-
Shared Double / Twin
$6,895
Each of Galdessa Camp’s five tented bedrooms feels like its own private oasis. Shaded by doum palms and offering stunning views of the Galana River, each tent is elevated and situated under thatch roofs an en suite bathroom.
-
Single
$7,395
Each of Galdessa Camp’s five tented bedrooms feels like its own private oasis. Shaded by doum palms and offering stunning views of the Galana River, each tent is elevated and situated under thatch roofs an en suite bathroom.
“A nurturing retreat in a gloriously privileged setting, a magical experience for body and soul!”
— Renee
“I had the best weekend and experience at the Mapperton retreat. Plus Julie is the most inspirational human!”
— Rachael
Really important information….
General cancellation terms (non-COVID-19) for all booking guests: A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. Cancellation between six to three months/180 to 91 days prior to arrival: 50% cancellation terms apply. Cancellation within three months / 90 days prior to arrival: 100% cancellation terms apply. Payment in full is due 90 days before arrival of each guest.
FAQs
How do we confirm bookings? A deposit of 20% per person is required.
Can I organise trips/add ons for family and friends? Yes! Just get in touch.
Do I need a visa? Yes. A tourist visas cost USD$50 and can be bought online before departure.
What is the currency? The currency in Kenya is the shilling, which around 107 shillings to the USD. Credits cards are accepted at shops in Nairobi, Visa and MasterCard work best. Small denominations of US dollars can be used in local markets, so it is advised that you carry an adequate amount of $1, $5 and $10. Serial numbers must be post-2006.
What should I pack? A full packing list and departure information pack is sent before leaving. Don't worry we've got you! We prepare guests for chilly mornings and evenings and hot pleasant daytime temperatures. A packing list is sent nearer to your time of travel which provides additional practical information.
What health/shots do I need? We recommend that you consult your local physician or clinic for up-to-date information. We advise that you bring anti-malarial pills although the best prevention is common sense and precaution. Your tents are equipped with mosquito lining. We recommend wearing long pants and shirts in the evening. Bug spray is recommended. Be sure to bring any medication with you that you may require. All camps carry a basic first aid kit. Nairobi is equipped with two world-class hospitals.
What insurance do I need? We automatically enrol you for AMREF for emergency advice and evacuation from the bush to Nairobi. In order for us to join you to our scheme we need your medical insurance company name and policy number. Travel insurance is mandatory to protect you and your property in the event of an emergency, lost luggage or delays on your international flights. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Is there a cancellation policy? Please see above for the specific details for this trip above. Terms and Conditions are available before you pay your deposit to confirm you place.
Any other questions: becky@thesafariretreat.com