While most people embark on a safari holiday to experience the thrill of witnessing Africa's majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, a new trend has emerged. Safari holidays have begun to incorporate wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, aiming to provide a complete holistic experience. These activities offer an opportunity for visitors to connect with nature at a deeper level while fostering mindfulness. The savannah's wide expanse, the wildlife's tranquil sound, and the African sunrise or sunset create the perfect environment for mindfulness practices.

Mindfulness on Safari Holidays

Mindfulness refers to a mental state achieved by focusing awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Safari holidays offer an exceptional opportunity to practice mindfulness. The nature-oriented environment helps disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, fostering a focus on the here and now. Mindful safari holidays also include activities like guided nature walks, bird watching, and night sky gazing, which promote a closer connection to nature. It’s also a great idea to leave the phone and camera behind on one of your game drives and take the moments in with all your senses not worrying about getting the perfect shot.

Wellness Activities on Safari

Many safari lodges have incorporated wellness activities into their packages to complement the mindfulness aspect. These include yoga sessions with the African plains as a backdrop, meditation to the soothing sounds of nature, and spa treatments using indigenous herbs and materials. These wellness activities enhance relaxation and rejuvenation and enable travellers to form a deeper connection with the natural world around them.

Top 5 Safari Lodges for Yoga, Meditation and Spa in Kenya

1. Angama Mara, Kenya

   Overlooking the Maasai Mara, this luxury lodge offers yoga classes on an outdoor deck with panoramic views. Their wellness center also includes a fitness room and a variety of spa treatments.

   
   

2. andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Kenya

   This luxury camp in the Maasai Mara offers bespoke wellness experiences, including yoga classes overlooking the plains, meditation sessions, and an array of spa treatments.

   
   

3. Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Kenya

   Nestled in the Loisaba Conservancy, this luxurious tented camp offers not just the thrilling experience of being in the wild, but also wellness options such as yoga and meditation sessions, which can be taken on a platform overlooking the sprawling plains. The calming influence of the natural surroundings creates a perfect backdrop for wellness activities.

   
   

4. Sirai House, Kenya

   Located in the Borana Conservancy, Sirai House is a private estate offering a grand wellness experience. The estate's vast outdoor spaces and serene environment make it an ideal setting for yoga and meditation. They have dedicated wellness spaces for yoga sessions and offer personalised wellness experiences, which can be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite or in the tranquility of the outdoor settings.

   
   

5. Sasaab Lodge, Kenya

   Perched above the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, in the heart of Samburu land, Sasaab offers a distinct safari experience. Apart from game drives and cultural visits, Sasaab offers spa treatments at the SpaSaab that uses natural ingredients for its treatments. It also offers yoga and meditation sessions in the serene environment of the African wilderness.

   
   

   Whether you are a seasoned safari-goer or planning your first African adventure, incorporating mindfulness and wellness activities into your safari experience is an excellent way to deepen your connection with nature and return home truly rejuvenated.