Igniting Soul South Africa
Embark on a South African adventure like no other, where you'll walk in the footsteps of wild elephants and encounter a diverse range of wildlife. Savor the taste of authentic African cuisine, explore the heart of a local village project and join us on a walking safari through stunning wilderness.
Enjoy a peaceful sunset, stargaze under the Milky Way and practice yoga amidst the tranquility of nature. With the freedom to be flexible with the itinerary, relax and unwind at our private lodge or take part in our unforgettable adventures.
Experience the ultimate African vacation with us.
Intended Itinerary
(subject to flexibility due to weather and other unforeseen factors)
Thursday, March 26, Day 1
We pick you up from Hoedspruit airport for our drive to Ngama Lodge, our Safari home. You will have time to settle in, do some gentle stretching, and then join us for an opening circle. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy a “sundowner” drink on the deck, followed by a welcome dinner under the stars.
(Note: If you are traveling across time zones, you may wish to arrive in South Africa a day or two early. Some travelers opt for an adventure in Johannesburg to visit the Apartheid Museum.)
Friday, March 27, Day 2
We’ll make it a slow, contemplative start to the day, with yoga for the early risers, or a chance to sleep in. There will be a Continental breakfast available from 7-9a. Enjoy a complimentary 30-minute massage (beginning at 8:30a), with brunch served at 11:30a. (Massage appointments will resume at 12:30p.) Spend your time relaxing, journaling, and socializing around the pool.
You will be invited to have a private meeting with Jacquie to balance your Chakras, set your intentions and create your personal mantra for our Soul Safari experience. In the late afternoon, we’ll head out to walk among the zebras, giraffes and antelopes. Our guide, Tanya, will open us to the world of animal tracks and language and magic.
We’ll enjoy an early dinner in anticipation of the big day ahead, and Karen will invite us to circle and deepen the intentions we have set.
Saturday, March 28, Day 3
Before the birds start their dawn chorus we’ll depart for Kruger National Park. This full day of adventure will be our first opportunity to see Africa’s iconic Big Five animals: Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo.
We will stop at a coffee shop for breakfast and snacks and later we will have a cooked brunch. We will return to Ngama Lodge for dinner, with time to relax or do yoga. After dinner you are invited to join Karen as she facilitates us on a fireside meditation journey.
Sunday, March 29, Day 4
Today we will create sacred memories and delve into the world of artistic creation. In the early morning (7a) we will do a bush walk to gather the supplies (leaves, sticks, quills, feathers, bones) we will use to create a unique piece of art with the incomparable, Bianca DeSilva (aka Bianca Black the Safari Sourceress: https://www.safari-sourceress.com/the-heart-of-limpopo-a-cultural-renaissance-in-hoedspruit).
We will return with our treasures and enjoy breakfast, then allow the magic of the South African bush to come alive in our creations. There will be a light lunch available, and you will be invited to join Karen for a private Shamanic Journey session to discover an Ally to walk with you on your path.
After dinner we’ll jump into our game viewers and take a nighttime safari drive to see if we can spot some of the nocturnal animals, like civets, genets, bushbabies and owls.
Monday, March 30, Day 5
Morning yoga is available at 7am, breakfast at 8a, and we will leave for a day at Nourish Eco Village (https://www.nourishecovillage.com/). In this special place, you will be invited to get your hands dirty by working on the farm in the food labyrinth, or you might choose to play with the children, pet the donkeys, or learn to bead and sew.
We will enjoy lunch at the Nourish Café with delicious homemade burgers, fries, and pizza. We will learn about this vibrant Not for Profit and the community, and the amazing woman, Sarah Bergs, who began this effort and founded this organization. (To get an idea about what Sarah is creating in the world, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnI1ijeYrHU).
At the end of the day, we can enjoy a drink at the Shick Shack Bar (at Nourish) before returning to Ngama for dinner. After dinner, there will be an option to do a Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) for deep relaxation.
Tuesday, March 31, Day 6
We greet the day with a sunrise walk and learn more about the little things. We may see some of the “Small Five;” leopard tortoise, lion ant, rhino beetle, elephant shrew and buffalo weaver.
You will have an opportunity to do yoga, and enjoy breakfast, after which we will indulge in some leisure time in the pool, enjoy another massage (extra cost), journal, rest, and deepen our magical relationships with one another and the place. Private sessions and personal check-ins are offered by Jacquie and Karen.
After dinner we will go out into the bush to be amazed and awed by Ben Coley, a Professional Field Guide and Astronomy Educator, and owner of Celestial Events SA. Ben brings his passion and stories to our experience as he guides us into the world of Stargazing and the great Mysteries above. (https://www.celestialeventssa.com/)
Wednesday, April 1, Day 7
Today we will have an early breakfast and depart by 7am to make our way to the floor of the Blyde River Canyon; the world’s largest green or living canyon. We will enjoy a private Blyde Canyon Safari Boat tour to explore the canyon. We may see crocodiles and hippos, as well as abundant bird life.
After our cruise we go to Nyani Cultural Village (https://www.nyaniculturalvillage.com/) to experience the color and culture of many of the South African Tribes—singing, drumming and dancing performances—as well as a village tour. A traditional lunch is included.
On our way back to Ngama, we will embark on a game drive on a private game reserve.
Thursday, April 2, Day 8
The day begins with an early morning bush walk and breakfast. Depending upon how the week has unfolded, we may be treated to a cooking class at the Lodge, wine tasting, stargazing, or a night safari drive.
Friday, April 3, Day 9
This morning, we will embark on our last game drive on a Private Game Reserve. We will return to the Lodge where you will have another opportunity to book a massage (extra cost), journal, enjoy the pool, and get packed and organized for your trip home.
In the late afternoon, we will have our Closing Circle where we have an opportunity to share our experiences and take some time to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. In the evening, we will be treated to our Farewell Dinner as our time together draws to a close.
Saturday, April 4, Day 10
Morning yoga and breakfast will be available before departing for Hoedspruit airport and your journey onward.
Tour Pricing
Tour (excluding international airfare) $4,200 USD (plus 5% Goods and Services Tax)
Prices based on double occupancy with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 12 passengers
Deposit: $1,000 and is non-refundable
Payment can be made by personal check to:
Karen Hefner, 15411 SE Millmain Drive, Portland, OR 97233
Or pay with Venmo, Zelle, Stripe, or PayPal (any fees incurred will be passed on the the traveler.)
The Tour Includes:
Return transfer from Hoedspruit to Lodge
9 nights accommodation (exclusive use Safari Camp with a minimum of 8 participants)
All meals
Water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks with meals
African flavored yoga and meditation
Transportation and admission fees to all attractions
Guided Bushwalks
Big Five Game drives on a private game reserves
The tour does NOT include:
International Flights
Gratuities
Mandatory Personal Medical
Travel and Cancellation insurance
Items of a personal nature
Visa fees for entry to South Africa
Alcoholic beverages
Extra Baggage Fees
Tips, laundry, personal snacks, etc.
Meals and snacks at airports
All other expenses/activities not explicitly mentioned in “inclusions” above will be borne as additional expenses by the guests
Hotel accommodations for extra nights. Please contact us in advance so we can advise and assist you.