Mums, remember last year when you were planning for “twenty plenty“? All those bucket list things you were so sure you’d check out at the turn of the decade? Well! Doesn’t that feel like a lifetime ago? 2020 is the classic case of “life happens when you’re busy making plans”.
It’s well into the year and many Mums, especially, are feeling stuck at home with kids whom they have to home school, while working full-time jobs from home, with no time out. To say it’s overwhelming would be an understatement.
The good news is, we’re all on the same train. And while you may feel limited by local travel, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Botswana is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. Tourists pay top dollar to come and see our home. Along with many other destinations in our backyard to explore. That’s just amazing.
The Okavango Delta for one is one of the world’s largest inland deltas. It empties onto open land while most river deltas usually lead to an ocean. No wonder it’s affectionately called the Jewel of the Kalahari.
Granted, places like the Okavango Delta have been financially inaccessible to citizens and residents of Botswana. This year, however, local companies have come together to organize yoga safari retreats. Taking advantage of the low local rates to give you the best of both worlds; the ancient practice of yoga with its many health and mental benefits, as well as a safari in the most pristine locations in the world, to give you a deep sense of relaxation and tranquility.
Here are 5 reasons you should join a getaway yoga retreat:
1. Time Out For Yourself To Truly Relax

Unlike going on a holiday that involves a lot of doing, a retreat is all about just being. Listening to all your needs and doing exactly what your heart desires at that moment. Be it taking a walk, a nap, reading, or a massage. Everything else is taken care of so that you get to truly relax.
While on a yoga safari retreat, we encourage you to leave the outside world behind. To step away from everyday demands and instead focus on doing less and being more.
At the bare minimum, you will leave feeling the retreat feeling refreshed, renewed, re-inspired, and deeply rested. At best you will leave with clarity of mind and quite possibly the answers you’ve been looking for.
2. Connect With Nature On A Getaway Yoga Retreat

Spending time in nature is therapeutic. Even taking a walk can work wonders for your mental health.
The challenge though is that home life can be so demanding that we can barely breathe between homeschooling, working from home, and all the other demands of everyday life. This makes even taking a walk sound like guerilla warfare, so I’d say press pause, pack your bags and come spend time in nature to recharge and rejuvenate.
3. Learn Something New
Maybe you’ve never practiced yoga and are skeptical about a yoga safari retreat. I’d say worry not my friend, as long as you can breathe you can practice yoga. Even better, you get to learn something new, which will expand your life exponentially.
4. Connect With A Community Of Like-Minded Individuals
As we grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult to coordinate our schedules to travel together as girlfriends. A yoga retreat is a wonderful way of giving you a community that you yearn for, one with people who actually like the things you like.
5. Because You’re Worth It
It’s impossible to pour from an empty cup. As women, we tend to do so much for others without stopping to think about our needs, or taking time out to nourish our souls. This can very easily breed resentment and lead to toxic emotions and actions.
It’s important to be intentional about filling our cup. Remember if you aren’t happy, healthy and inspired, you can’t hope to pour those positive emotions on those around you. By taking care of yourself you’re benefitting the entire universe. Most importantly, your family and friends are the biggest gainers.
While 2020 has been a challenging year overall, you still have a chance to make sure that the year ends on a good note. Make a yoga safari retreat the highlight of your year – something, unique, beautiful and nourishing. Here are two retreats coming up in the Okavango in the month of October:
Luxury Safari Retreat In The Okavango Delta With Yownn Yoga

This retreat will be at the exclusive Gomoti Plains Camp nestled in the Gomoti Channel. A private camp, perfect for a luxurious, intimate, and exclusive chance to experience the wild side of Botswana. Unplug, recharge and rejuvenate on this 3 night retreat, all meals included, yoga and safari activities.
When: 14th – 16th October 2020
Price: P9,800
Email: [email protected]
Call: 71 622 839
Thamalakane River Lodge Yoga Retreat
Just 19km from Maun, and en route to the famous Moremi Game Reserve, this River Lodge offers guests magnificent views of the Thamalakane riverbanks. Its location makes the accommodation special as the banks are frequented by a wide array of birds and waterfowl.

Breathe in the deliciously refreshing river air while you enjoy the lodge’s comfortable facilities including the full-service restaurant and large swimming pool. This three-day getaway yoga retreat offers 4 yoga sessions, full body massage, and a sunset boat cruise.
When: 1st – 4th October 2020
Price: P5 750 per person
Email: [email protected]
All health and safety requirements will be met to keep you safe. We encourage you to play your part in making these amazing retreats, COVID free. Share this with some girlfriends. Who knows, they too, just might need a retreat? Spaces are limited on both retreats so grab the opportunity while it lasts.
Have we missed any yoga retreats? Let us know so we add them to this roundup. Or try these simple everyday yoga hacks anywhere, anytime.