Description

Yoga, Meditation and Energy healing Retreat with Deidre Norman in Africa

Join Yoga Teacher and Intuitive Reader, Deidre Norman for 7 days of yoga, tapping into your truth and higher nature. Mornings are set to begin with a yoga practice out in nature. Deidre’s devotional and dynamic classes will encourage you to flow from your heart space, combining physical postures, breath work, kriyas, meditation, energy healing, mantras and chanting.

The remainder of the day will be spent on guided excursions, relaxation or optional spa treatments. As the days draw to a close, you will find yourself back in nature for an afternoon yoga practice before a healthy dinner under the starlit skies.

Namibia is a country that feeds your soul. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, it has something exciting to do for everyone. Whether you love animals, birds, nature, the ocean, the desert or extreme sports, its got it all.

Travelling through Namibia awakens your emotions and senses – colors become brighter, smells more intense and you taste more appreciative. Your sixth sense finds its mystical home and above all, you feel re-connected with your soul!

Namibia, nicknamed the Gem of Africa, got its name from the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world and one of the highest sand dunes in the world. Namibia boasts remarkable natural attractions such as the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon Park and the Kalahari Desert. Its majestic landscape and natural environment offers a unique flora and fauna population with an abundant variety of wildlife.

Etosha National Park

Namibia’s greatest Wildlife sanctuary, the Etosha National Park is situated in the Northern part of the country. It has exceptional wildlife including black Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Hyena, Zebra, Springbok, Kudu, Gemsbok and Eland. The park is home to 114 species of mammals, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species which make game viewing in Etosha a unique experience.

Retreat schedule

Most mornings will start with a yoga flow out in nature followed by a healthy breakfast and an activity. After lunch you can either relax or join an optional activity. We will meet again for an afternoon yoga session followed by dinner.

Toshari Lodge

Day 1, 2 June
On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will be met and the Journey to Etosha National Park will begin. If you have arrived a day or so before, we will pick you up at your B&B/Hotel.

From Windhoek it’s a 4 hour drive, the perfect time for an introduction to what the week has in store for you while enjoying majestic landscapes and the unique environment of flora and fauna.

After lunch and settling into your accommodation, we will meet for a yoga session, absorbing the peace and tranquility of the natural African bush. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by an opening ceremony, ending your first night with a meditation session surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.

Day 2, 3 June
Waking up to a beautiful day in Africa, we will start the day with a sunrise yoga session. After a healthy breakfast, we will meet with an experienced guide that will take us to Etosha National Park. It is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several threatened and endangered species such as the black rhinoceros. Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Hyena, Zebra, Springbok, Kudu, Gemsbok and Eland are common in the park which make game viewing in Etosha a unique experience.

Returning to Toshari Lodge for lunch, relax for the rest of the day by one of the pools, before heading to a nearby lodge for yoga followed by a mouth-watering buffet dinner at the same lodge.

Day 3, 4 June
After a calming yoga practice and breakfast, we will head to Etosha National Park for another exciting day of game viewing. Lunch time we will be back at the lodge, relax before an afternoon yoga and meditation session, followed by dinner at the Lodge.

Day 4, 5 June
Today is all about relaxation. After our morning yoga session, you can either go on an optional game drive or relax till the afternoon for another yoga and meditation session. After dinner, we will head to the neighboring lodge for live African music.

GOCHEGANAS NATURE RESERVE & WELLNESS CENTER

Day 5, 6 June
After yoga, we will have breakfast and make our way to Gocheganas Private Nature Reserve where we will be treating ourselves at the Spa for the next 2 days. The drive is about 5 hours and we should arrive around lunch time.

After lunch enjoy a much needed massage and If needed, spend some more time at the Spa or go on an optional afternoon game drive.

Day 6, 7 June
Sunrise yoga overlooking the stunning scenery that Gocheganas offers. The rest of the day you can either relax at the pool or go on an optional activity.

Admire 25 different large game species roaming the 6000 hectare Nature Reserve, including Rhino, Bat-eared Fox, Giraffe, Mountain- and Plains Zebra, Cheetah, jackal and Leopard, Blue and Black Wildebeest, Eland, Oryx, Red Hartebeest, Kudu, Springbok, Waterbuck, Steenbok, Duiker, Klipspringer, Ostrich and Warthog. A fascinating variety of birds are spreaded over the Reserve and can be spotted at the Wellness Village, as well as at the surrounding water places. Enjoy your last dinner surrounded by the sounds and beauty of nature.

Day 7, 8 June

Morning meditation and closing circle. Depending on flight departure times, you can either relax at Gocheganas after breakfast or go curio shopping in Windhoek. Not only will it be a memorable drive back to the airport, but an unforgettable trip never to be forgotten.

Teachers

Deidre Norman
Deidre first started practicing yoga in 2000 after she sustained a knee injury. She quickly realized that yoga was much more than a physical practice, and she took her first yoga teacher training with in 2008.

Yoga has since became a path of truth for her, a way to heal old traumas and become more conscious in her life. Since 2008, she has received over 1,000 hours of yoga teacher trainings and has graduated from the Academy of Medical Intuition with a Masters in Intuition Medicine.

She has been teaching yoga for over 10 years in Jackson, Wyoming, San Francisco, CA as well as leading workshops and retreats around the world. She continues to draw inspiration from her primary two yoga teachers Kia Miller and Anand Mehrotra, and her energy healing background. She is also the co-creator of SF Yoga Magazine working to connect and inspire the yoga community. You can learn more about Deidre Norman at www.deidrenorman.com, or you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

MARCEL VOSLOO – Owner and organiser 

I grew up in Namibia where I had countless opportunities to experience nature in its purest form. Exposure to diverse cultures and the many adventures was the fuel to my passion, thirst for knowledge of other cultures and the global community.

A career as a diving instructor took me to many exotic locations, the ocean inspired my imagination and brought joy to my soul, it is here that I was passionately drawn into the art of yoga.

I have since had the privilege of sharing diving and yoga with people in amazing places such as the Bahamas, Europe, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Thailand and the United States of America. After 15 years of travelling and working abroad, I returned to Namibia to start Namaste Yoga Safari and also worked as a Travel Consultant to learn more about Namibian Tourism.

I offer various yoga retreats in Namibia at different locations and venues, ranging from wildlife retreats to adventurous retreats visiting Namibias top locations, camping true African-style in already set up tents, yoga hiking retreats and luxury yoga retreats.

On the retreats you can expect 2 daily yoga sessions with one or 2 days where yoga will only be in the afternoon due to morning activities. Sessions in the afternoon will be longer on these days.

All sessions are held out in nature and welcoming beginners to advanced. If you haven’t done yoga before, this will be a great opportunity for you as most of my classes are based on mindfulness, taking what you have learned from being on the mat and being one with nature, into your daily lives.

It is the perfect Safari where you have the opportunity to connect with nature, relax and see plenty of wildlife while immersing yourself in daily yoga and meditation.

I am qualified with 200Hr Ashtanga Yoga Alliance YTT with YoYoga in Mozambique and teacher 
Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, Pranayama and meditation.

Cuisine

Breakfast: Healthy buffet spreads + morning superfood smoothies
Lunches: A la Carte menus at different lodges around Etosha National Park
Dinners: Wholesome Namibian cuisine with either a BBQ or 5 course meal, depending on the amount of guests. Meals are complimented with homegrown herbs and vegetables and fresh home-baked bread.
Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Accommodation

About Toshari Lodge

Nestled on an outcrop of dolomite rocks, under a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees, Toshari Lodge offers affordable but enchanting accommodation close to Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s major attractions. Situated only 25 kilometres from Andersons Gate at the edge of the magnificent Etosha National Park and ideally positioned for day visits into the park.

Toshari Lodge offers a range of accommodation options, including 22 Standard Rooms, 13 Luxury Rooms, 3 Family Rooms and 3 Campsites. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and each room is equipped with mosquito nets, air-conditioning, a small outside sitting area from where you can enjoy the tranquil bush and a tea/coffee station for your convenience.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, with essential amenities and laundry service is available at a small additional fee. After the excitement of your Namibian safari in Etosha National Park, relax and unwind at the Lodge. Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pools and enjoy the serenity of our striking African-inspired lapa with its stunning photographs of local Etosha wildlife.

About Gocheganas

Situated a mere 29 kilometres south east from Windhoek on a hilltop overlooking a spectacular landscape, Gocheganas is a luxury lodge offering a unique combination of Wildlife, Nature and Wellness experiences.

With 25 different wildlife species located on a 6000 hectare Nature Reserve, game drives and walking activities are welcomed as an enriching experience. Wellness facilities and treatments of a world class standard ensure a renewal of mind, body and spirit. The architecture and decor of all buildings at Gocheganas incorporates local arts and crafts in celebration of the culture of Namibia.

Offering 16 totally private chalets under thatched roof with uninterrupted and spectacular views over the surrounding Reserve. All rooms are equipped with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, a mini bar and outdoor showers.

The GocheGanas Wellness Village

The GocheGanas Wellness Village boasts a top of the range selection of wellness treatments, products and services. Their facilities include eleven treatment rooms with state of the art equipment such as a crystal bath, hydrotherapy bath, a vichy shower etc, as well as a heated indoor pool, a cave sauna in a cathedral like masonry vault, a well-equipped fitness gym, fruit and juice bar, thus making a visit to GocheGanas Wellness Village a unique experience.

Retreat Price

Private Room
Price EURO2,700 per person

Shared Room
Price EURO2,550 per person sharing

Includes

• 1x Private yoga teacher + host
• Professional guides for all excursions
• Daily yoga and meditation
• 6 nights/7 days accommodation
• All meals
• 2x Still waters per day
• Morning super food smoothies
• 2x Game Drives to Etosha National Park
• 1x Night of Live African Music
• Road transport
• 2x Airport Transfers
• Park fees
• Passenger Liability Insurance
• VAT & Tourism Levy
• Welcoming gift

Does not include

• Travel insurance
• International flight tickets
• Gratuity
• Laundry
• All drinks and alcoholic beverages
• All optional extra activities

What past guests have said

“ I feel blessed to have a new ‘sister’ in Africa. Marcel, you are one of the most amazing women i’ve met, and truly, I can’t imagine this trip without you and all your did”. Katherine, U.S.A

“Where do I begin? Marcel- it was amazing to meet and connect with you. Thank you so much for showing me what Namibia is all about – you are incredible. There is no doubt in my mind that you and this retreat will continue to grow into something big and wonderful. It feels strange to be “back at it” today, but I feel lighter and my heart and mind are more open. I truly can’t believe how wonderful the people of Namibia are. Some of the kindest more generous and happy people I have ever met. I feel so much more concerned to mother nature and all the beauty that she possesses. I am going to try very hard to stay connected and appreciative of her and all that she gives to us. So much love to you. Thank you for facilitating one of the most memorable experiences of my life. You are an amazing person and a beautiful soul and I’m so lucky to have met you. Love – Jen, U.S.A

“I had a brilliant time on the Namaste Yoga Safari! Marcel is a fantastic host, ensuring we had just the right balance of yoga, safari, sociable time and free time, and she made sure I had the best vegan meals, she even made me cake so I didn’t miss out! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so well. Eva is a great yoga teacher, each session was tailored to our needs, and tied in with how we were feeling and the activities we were involved in each day. As a beginner I was a little nervous about keeping up, but she really made me feel at ease and my practice improved considerably over the week. And of course the safari aspects were incredible! I can’t recommend this trip highly enough, particularly as a solo female traveler – you will be looked after and you will have a great time – Luara, UK

What to pack

Comfortable lightweight clothing, sweater or jacket
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Sunblock, sunscreen, sunglasses
Swimwear
Toiletries (some will be supplied)
Yoga mat (will also be supplied if you don’t have one)
Camera
For electrical small appliances or chargers, a conversion plug to a three-pin type outlet.

Flights

Please book your flight to arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport no later than 10am on the first day of retreat booking.
There are daily flights to Hosea Kutako International Airport Windhoek, the national airline is Air Namibia.

British Airways, South African Airways, Air Berlin, Condo, KLM, Qatar Airways and TAAG fly to Namibia. Most international airlines fly to South Africa with good connecting flights to Namibia.

Booking

To make an enquiry or book this Yoga, Meditation and Energy healing Retreat with Deidre Norman in Africa, send your request to the team who will get back to you within 24 hours or email us directly on [email protected].

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