Ashtanga Yoga with Philippa Asher:
3rd December - 10th December 2022
Situated on the edge of one of Kenya’s most private wildlife and environmental conservation projects, this magnificent wildlife-rich retreat at Lewa offers luxury home-away-from-home accommodation, world-class Ashtanga yoga, early morning and evening safaris, delicious vegan/vegetarian food, breathtaking views, private swimming pool and a connection to nature that will stay with you forever.
Your teacher
Philippa Asher is one of a few Ashtanga yoga practitioners in the world (and the only British woman), to be Certified by Sri K Pattabhi Jois, to teach the Ashtanga yoga method in his tradition. She has learned the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A and Advanced B Series directly from Pattabhi Jois and Sharath (at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India) and shares the Ashtanga yoga system Internationally (in studios and on retreats) and also Online (Sanskrit Counted Led classes and One-to-Ones). For Philippa’s teaching schedule, visit Classes, Retreats, Workshops.
Her approach to sharing yoga asana (from beginners to more seasoned practitioners) is serious, yet light-hearted and joyful. Her emphasis is on good technique, safe alignment, the synchronisation of vinyasa (Sanskrit-counted, coordinated moving/breathing sequences) with tristhana (alignment of breath, gaze points and movement), passing on the exact method as taught by Pattabhi Jois from the late 1990s and embracing the essence of Patanjali’s sutras on yoga and asana.
Our location is Lewa Wilderness - one of Kenya's original safari lodges. The beauty of Lewa Wilderness isn’t just in the incredible scenery and wildlife explored daily with game drives but in the wealth of activities and experiences to be had at every turn.
Here's what is included on your retreat...
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Ashtanga Yoga
Led by Philippa Asher (KPJAYI Certified)
Daily: Asana practice (Mysore-Style Guided Self-Practice or Sanskrit-Counted Led Primary Series)
Also: Concepts of the Method, Pranayama, Meditation, Philosophy, Q&A
Gift Bag
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Safari Activities
Hosted by Lewa Wilderness.
Prehistoric site visits.
Horse riding and camel walks.
Visit to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy HQ (educational talks)
Walking safaris
Game drive safaris
Lodge activities: Swimming pool, tennis courts
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Travel & Accommodation
Organised by The Safari Retreat.
Accommodation: 1 night in Nairobi on arrival, 6 nights at Lewa Wilderness.
Food: Breakfast, lunch & dinner each day (vegetarian and vegan available).
Beverages: Soft drinks, beers, spirits, non-premium wine.
Transport: Direct transfers from Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
THE VENUE
Lewa Wilderness rests on the northern foothills of Mount Kenya, the second tallest mountain in Africa with the Batian peaks standing at 17,057 feet, Lewa Wilderness is the most exclusive safari lodges in Kenya.
With the highest concentration of rhino in East African notable numbers of lion, cheetah and the reclusive leopards, wildlife sightings are sure to amaze.
Situated on Lewa Downs, the privately owned 62,000-acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, is located on the Laikipian plateau, a two-million-acre amalgamation of semi-arid grasslands, ridges escarpments, basalt hills, small kopjes and riverine forests.
The lodge has nine exclusive rooms: six thatched cottages tucked into the hillside overlooking Lewa’s Eastern Marania Valley and three thatched garden cottages set into the beautiful green lawns. Each cottage is tastefully decorated with antique and handmade furniture, giving rustic charm and the character of a ranch homestead. Canopied beds, patterned cushions, crisp white linen and wooden furnishing, comfort is at the heart of the décor.
Due to the private land ownership and minimal restrictions, a wide variety of activities are available including camel rides to a nearby animal orphanage, walking and horseback riding.
The main lodge offers a refreshing saltwater pool, tennis courts and an elegant dining area where organise cuisine may be enjoyed indoors or alfresco.
Walking safaris with Maasai guides and night and day drives offer views of endemic wildlife including gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel hartebeest, Grevy zebra and Somali ostrich.
Lewa Wilderness Camp offers a doorway to rare wildlife and culturally rich people from the comfort of an African sanctuary.
THE ITINERARY
You will be met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the 3rd December and transferred to the Four Points by Sheradon hotel for one night.
Vehicles will leave at 7AM on the 4th December 2022 for Lewa Wilderness, Laikipia, around a five hour drive. The final hour will be a safari through the beautiful Conservancy, so your safari will start here!
Once at camp, you will be shown to your rooms and enjoy lunch together. The afternoon will include introductions, a swim in the pool and a gentle asana session to make space in the mind, the body and the breath, after travelling. Afternoon tea will be served after which you will head out on your evening safari, finishing at a beautiful view point for a short meditation as the sunsets. Evening meals will be served at the lodge.
There will be daily Mysore-Style Ashtanga Guided Self-Practice or Sanskrit-Counted Led Primary Series class, plus sessions on Concepts of the Method, Pranayama, Meditation and Philosophy.
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.
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 stay at Lewa Wilderness for six nights (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th).
Vehicles will leave for Nairobi on the day of check out - 10th March 2022 - and you will spend your final day shopping and having lunch in Nanyuki, before being dropped at the airport for your international flight home.
Experience the wild…
Situated on Lewa Downs, the privately owned 62,000-acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, is located on the Laikipian plateau, a two-million-acre amalgamation of semi-arid grasslands, ridges escarpments, basalt hills, small kopjes and riverine forests.
THE DAILY SCHEDULE
5 - 6am: Tea/coffee
6 - 9am: Safari adventures (safari game drive, horse riding or walking)
9am: Breakfast (at the lodge or out on safari)
11am-1.30pm: Ashtanga Guided-Self Practice or Sanskrit-Counted Primary Series class, followed by Pranayama, Meditation, Concepts of the Method
2-4pm: Lunch and free time! (rest, swimming, tennis, read, massages, activities around camp available, visit to local community & conservation project).
4pm-4.45pm: Afternoon tea and questions about the yoga practice, philosophy etc
5-7 PM: Safari adventures (game drive, horse riding or walking).
8-9 PM: Dinner at the lodge.
9 PM: Bed!
More details…
INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP: Meet & greet at JKIA, full board accommodation, soft drinks, beer, spirits, non-premium wine and laundry, shared day & night game drives, guided walks, horse riding, camel walks, pre-historic site visits, community crafts & visits to selected villages and schools, visit to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy HQ (educational talks, school or project visits and much more), Ashtanga Yoga as coordinated by Philippa, transport to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
EXCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP: International flights, Visas, COVID-19 tests or requirements, champagne, premium spirits, cellar wines, scenic bi-plane flights, visits to Il'Ngwesi cultural boma (entrance fees $40 and payable direct), visit to aerial walkway in the Ngare Ndare Forest (entrance fees $55 for adults and $35 for kids- payable direct), tipping/gratitudes (suggested at $20 per day).
We have spent over a year designing this retreat ready for you! It is a ‘one of a kind’ safari that cannot be replicated and every trip is unique, every wildlife sighting a lucky encounter and every class a life transforming experience. As the world starts to move again, we can ensure you have a smooth, safe and healthy trip to Kenya.
+ plus let us give you a booster shot of travel that so many of us are craving!
To secure you spot, a 10 per cent deposit is required and payment plans are available - please get in touch!
PRICES FOR 7 NIGHTS PER PERSON
$5,495
Shared, Twin, Triple Room
$5,995
Single Room
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.
“RUN, don’t walk, to Lewa Wilderness! We absolutely LOVED Lewa Wilderness and would recommend it highly to anyone.”
— Marisa
“Our first time to Kenya, our first time in Africa and 5 nights at Lewa Wilderness - it wildly exceeded all expectations.”
— Murray
“Philippa is one of those rare teachers who inspires a type of learning that’s beyond content and more about how to learn, how to listen and how to trust the elegance of a given system or process (in this case Ashtanga). She makes the impossible seem possible, challenging or encouraging at just the right times. ”
—Amanda Martin, USA
“It has been an eye opener, two weeks of practice and fantastic people gathered together to share yoga, space and loads of laughter. Really appreciate your tips and adjustments which made so much more sense for certain asanas. It’s helped immensely to see the practice in a new light – a kinder, less strenuous, but still strong one”
— Alexandra Antsugai, Belarus
“I arrived feeling like a rather grey elephant and after two weeks at Nirvrta I feel lighter, with a spring in my step and my head held higher. I’ve learned so much from you Philippa. You not only know about the practice, but also how it applies and works for others and most importantly how to help them to find the practice for themselves.”
- Hilary Booth, UK (from a previous retreat at Ashtanga Nirvrta)
Really important information….
COVID-19 assurance: We encourage clients to take out travel insurances that would cover them if they contracted COVID-19 thus preventing them from travelling.
If they cancel/postpone is due to travel restrictions such as lockdowns, red-list and such physical barriers, we will be more than happy to refund them in full if they opt to cancel or credit funds to future dates if they opt to postpone.
The Safari Retreat will be in touch 14 days before departure to inform all guests on the requirements for entering Kenya regarding COVID-19.
General cancellation terms (non-COVID-19) for all booking guests:
Cancellation before six months of travel: 100% refund minus bank charges.
Cancellation between six to three months/180 to 91 days prior to arrival: 50% trip costs apply.
Cancellation within three months/90 days prior to arrival: 100% trip cost apply.
Payment in full is due 90 days before arrival of each group.
We are completely understanding of the unsettling and complicated times we are in at this moment and of course are happy to look at situations on a case by case basis.
one of kenya's original safari lodges.
FAQs
How do we confirm bookings? A deposit of 10% 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