Pilates with Victoria Hodgson at Laragai House, Borana Conservancy, Kenya:
22 - 29 May 2022 (7 nights)
Laragai House is a strikingly property, perched on the edge of a 1000-metre-high plateau in central northwestern Kenya's Borana Conservancy. Sitting far north of Mount Kenya, it's the perfect relaxed and action fuelled destination, where the game viewing is plentiful and other visitors are rare. Laragai is a private home that is rented out when the owners are away, so the atmosphere is warm and homely, with everything you could wish for, from attentive staff to a well-equipped gym and views to infinity.
Spend your days looking out for elephant at the nearby waterholes or horseback riding (for both experienced and novice riders), rhino tracking on foot or by mountain bike & enjoy sundowners from the original Pride Rock. Stretch and strengthen with a Pilates class each day overlooking the savannah.
Here's what is included on your retreat...
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Wellness & Pilates
Led by The Safari Retreat
Daily: One Pilates class per day
One complimentary massage
Gift Bag
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Safari Activities
Hosted by Laragai House
Prehistoric site visits.
One Horse riding safari
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 Place To Be.
Enjoy the tennis court, swimming pool, gym and games room in the grounds of the house or game drives, horse rides, walking, mountain biking, SUP boarding on the dam and more on the 40,000 acre private conservancy.
THE VENUE
An eight-bedroom exclusive house that offers the perfect combination of adventure, privacy and luxury to be booked on an exclusive basis. Enjoy game viewing, wild walks, horse rides, fine dining, lounging at the infinity pool and incredible views of Mount Kenya and the untamed Northern Frontier, as well as enjoying the wildlife which calls Borana Conservancy home.
Game Viewing
Borana Conservancy holds the highest diversity of large mammal species of any ecosystem of its size in the world. It is home to many special species including elephant, black rhino, lion, Jackson’s hartebeest, reticulated giraffe, buffalo, leopard, striped hyena Grevy’s zebra and other endangered species. With over 350 species of birdlife to observe, this really is a paradise for keen birders.
Rhino Tracking On Foot
Borana Conservancy employs over 100 male and female rangers to safe guard its black and white rhino. The ranger team are responsible to identify every rhino on a daily basis and we offer our guests the chance to experience what it is like to be a ranger. Head out early in the morning with the rangers and track rhino on foot and learn more about this endangered species.
Horse Riding
Kenya is where the first horseback safaris began in the 1970’s. Since then the interest and popularity has grown and Borana Conservancy is an established horse-riding destination. There are two stables on Borana Conservancy, Ngare Ndare Stables for beginners and children and the Borana Stables for more experienced riders. Guests can explore Borana and beyond, riding amongst a variety wildlife species which populate the conservancy.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Experience wildlife from a different perspective, take a stand up paddle-board out on the dam. A totally unique and very fun experience.
Guided Bush Walks
Borana Conservancy is a fantastic place to go on guided bush walks. The conservancy is home to the ‘Big Five’ although walking allows you to discover some of the smaller animals and the incredible birdlife. We recommend an early morning walk before breakfast when the temperatures are cooler and our highly experienced guides can teach the whole family about the local flora, fauna and wildlife.
Fishing On The Dam
Borana Conservancy has its very own dam which is an ideal spot for the whole family to try their luck at fishing.
Waitabit Farm
All the food at Laragai House is locally sourced, fresh and organic. Nestled on the eastern bank of the Ngare Ndare River is Waitabit Farm, which is home to the largest permaculture project in East Africa. It is located on 440 acres of riverine forest, Acacia savannah and a 100 acres of arable land. A tour of the farm is a great morning activity for the entire family.
Sundowners On Pride Rock
Take an evening walk up to the original ‘Pride Rock’ from Disney’s film The Lion King and enjoy sundowners and canapés with panoramic views of the 32,000 acre private conservancy.
Rest And Relaxation
Indulge in a massage after a game drive or relax in the bath where you can view elephants and other large game or simply take in the expansive views of the conservancy.
Pilates
With Victoria
Your teacher: Victoria Hodgson
YOUR ITINERARY
You will be met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the 22nd May 2022 and transferred to the Four Points by Sheraton hotel for one night.
Vehicles will leave at 7AM on the 23rd May 2022 for Laragai House, 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 Pilates 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 to your own body.
You will stay at Laragi House for six nights (23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th).
Vehicles will leave for Nairobi on the day of check out - 29th May 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.
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: Pilates class
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, Sundowner excursions, Soft drinks, beers, house wines, Selected house spirits, Swimming pool and Tennis court, Laundry & WiFi, Visit to Kisima Floriculture Project, Guided game drive & bush walks, One horse riding excursion per person during your stay, Conservation fees, Gift Bag, One massage, Daily Pilates class taught by Victoria Hodgson, 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, 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), Any extra horse riding excursions over the one horse ride per person during their stay, Cultural visits, Visits to Lewa Willdife Conservancy, Late departure fee, Champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines.
We have spent over a year designing this retreat ready for you! A ‘one of a kind’ safari that cannot be replicated, every trip is unique, every wildlife sighting a lucky encounter and every class a life transforming experience.
+ 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
$5,795
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.
“”
— Marisa
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— Murray
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—Amanda Martin, USA
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— Alexandra Antsugai, Belarus
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- Hilary Booth, UK (from a previous retreat at Ashtanga Nirvrta)
Really important information….
All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellations will only be effective on receipt of written notification.
More than 60 days before arrival, the deposit and bank charges are forfeited.
Between 60 and 45 days prior to arrival, 50% of the full value is forfeited.
Between 45 and 30 days prior to arrival, 75% of the full value is forfeited.
Less than 30 days, and no-shows, 100% of the full value is forfeited
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