KENYA

Yoga Safari Adventure

It’s time to make your adventure world travel dreams a reality with this unparalleled yoga safari journey. We’ve planned every small detail to ensure that this is the bucket list natural adventure you’ve always imagined. Experience an intimate safari (avoiding the “safari crowds”) while rooting yourself daily with quiet, outdoor yoga sessions.

You’ll stay in lux private glamping camps and boutique lodges before heading off to secluded nature reserves and conservancies for intimate, awe-inspiring nature sightings and interactions. You won’t waste time with long drives between camps (we charter flights) and everyone gets window seats on every safari drive. Time and visibility are key assets on safari and we make them a priority on our once-in-a-lifetime adventure yoga retreats in Africa.

You’ll enjoy a life-changing celebration with Maasai locals and have private, intimate hands-on access to the baby elephants at the Sheldrake Orphanage. Bask in the encounter knowing that your dollars are helping them while their giddy, childlike nature lighten your heart.

We’ll tread lightly as we experience the bounty that can only be found in Kenya by combining The Travel Yogi’s greatest passions (and we bet they’re yours, too): authentic yoga, natural retreats, wildlife photography and global travel. Savor ten full days on your African yoga journey with top guides who know how to ensure epic animal encounters, sundowners, sun-uppers and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Yoga Retreat Adventure Duration: 10 days / 9 nights • Starting at $10995 per person

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February 1 - 10, 2020

BOOK NOW

October 9-18, 2020

What's included

Ten days with a naturalist trained and approved safari guide
Yoga while out on safari (see the full itinerary for hotel, camp and bush yoga schedule)
Window seats for all yogi travelers in safari vehicles(!)
Four nights exclusive boutique safari hotel in Laikipia region
Four nights exclusive bush camp ‘glamping’ next to the Maasai Mara Conservancy
One night in Nairobi within the Nairobi National Park grounds
Unlimited guided day & night game drives – itinerary drives plus optionals during rest times
Multiple guided safari walks
Full meals each day including excursion picnics (excluding lunch on the final day)
All non-alcoholic drinks
Beer and house wines at camp and our two boutique accommodations
Horseback & camel safari option

Sunupper excursions
Sundowner excursions
Cultural excursion to the local Maasai village
Evening celebration with Maasai locals
A $50 per person donation (in the form of goods requested by the school) to the Mpopongi School
Private entrance, donation & time with the baby elephants at the David Shedricks Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi
All conservancy, community & national park fees
Final night dinner and drinks at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
All charter flights within Kenya
Customs & Immigration and baggage assistance upon arrival in Nairobi (arrival/departure days only)
Complimentary wifi our first night in Nairobi (please note that internet service is not available on safari)

What's not included

Flights to Nairobi, Kenya (NBO)
Lunch on the final day in Nairobi
Passport & visa fees ($50US visa-on-demand in Nairobi upon arrival)
Premium alcohol
Optional activities
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, etc)
Travel Insurance (required)

Nairobi

Our arrival into Kenya begins with a safari bang as we leave the airport and settle into the hum of nature. Begin your safari on our drive to our hotel and from your room’s verandah. The Nairobi National Park is only 7km south of Nairobi but hosts and incredible variety of animals and is one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.

Laikipia Region

Our first night on safari brings eases us into bush life by melding the tame of comfort-lux with the wild of the surrounding 24,000 acre working ranch. With Mount Kenya as a stunning backdrop we’ll practice by the pool, revel in the delicious food and begin to blow our camera’s memory as we head out on bush walks and game drives. We’ll also explore after sunset with our nighttime bush walks and head out on horseback or on camel.

All rooms can accommodate either one or two beds, have in suite bathrooms and in-room morning coffee and tea service.

Mara Siana Conservancy & Maasai Mara National Park

‘Glamping’ isn’t the right term for this lux camp. All tents can accommodate one or two beds, have en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot and cold running water and, obviously, electricity. Each room also opens out to a large verandah which looks out over the exclusive Siana Conservancy. The benefits of being on the Conservancy go far beyond the amazing animal diversity and include walking safaris lead by a local Maasai warrior and the ability to attend a local market day.

Our private and secluded location and drives on the Conservancy also increase the chance of spotting a richer diversity of animals including the resident predator population of lion prides and numerous cheetahs and leopards. Glamping never looked so good!

Below is a sample itinerary of our days but we be augmenting at will in order to provide the best sundowners, game drive/walk times and experiences on the Mara.

Day One

Arrival at Jomo Kenatta International airport in Nairobi
Assistance upon departure, through Customs & Immigration and baggage claim
Transfer to the Emakoko Lodge through the Nairobi National Park (the safari begins!)
Group dinner at Emakoko
Meet up with our private guide with a briefing of the adventure ahead

Day Two

Early morning game drive through the Nairobi National Park
Breakfast at Emakoko
Transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Laikipia
Arrival lunch
Afternoon game drive
Evening yoga session at the open-air pool house
Evening libations at the lodge and group dinner

Day Three

Teas, coffees and fruit to start the morning
Early morning yoga at the pool house
- Option of a bush/waterfall walk after practice
Morning game drive to the tranquil Hippo Pools and breakfast in the bush
- Experienced riders can also choose to get to the Hippo Pools via horseback
Group lunch and siesta back at the lodge
Afternoon game drive to the Labaai River
Early evening yoga practice
Drinks and dinner at the lodge

Day Four

Teas, coffees and fruit to start the morning
Morning yoga session
Lodge breakfast
Group excursion to the Samburu village
Lunch on the veranda and a few hours to swim in the pool, the river (no crocodiles here!) or relax
- Optional river tubing if the river is high enough
Late afternoon camel game walk to Acacia Dam – zebra & elephant watering hole
Yoga practice in the wild at the Acacia Dam platform
Sundowners and bush dinner under the stars

Day Five

Dawn arrival of teas, coffees and fruit
Drive to Baboon Rock for sunrisers (tea and coffee while watching the sun come up)
Guided safari walk back to the lodge and breakfast
Late morning yoga practice
Picnic lunch and swimming on the river
Afternoon tea and early evening game drive
Evening yoga practice in the bush
Farewell to Laikipia dinner at the lodge

Day Six

Morning tea, coffee and fruit
Morning yoga session at the open-air pool house
Full lodge breakfast
Morning game walk
Depart for our charter flight to Siana Mara Conservancy
Game drive transfer to our ‘glamping’ camp adjacent the Maasai Mara
Lunch and orientation
Early afternoon yoga session
Afternoon game drive on the Conservancy
Sundowners overlooking the savannah
Night game drive
Dinner at camp

Day Seven

Early (5:15am) teas, coffees and fruit to wake up
Full day game drive in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve – breakfast and lunch in the bush
Late afternoon return to camp to relax
Early evening yoga session
Campfire sundowners
Dinner at camp

Day Eight

Morning tea, coffee and fruit
Morning yoga practice
Game walk with brunch in the bush
Visit to the local school
- Each retreater has a donation to the school and students built-in with their retreat cost
Afternoon snacks at camp
Late afternoon yoga session
Walk to the local Maasai village
Game drive to sundowners on the savannah
Dinner at camp

Day Nine

Morning tea, coffee and fruit
Early ‘sunupper’ to watch the early morning wildlife
Morning game drive on the Conservancy & morning yoga on the savannah
- Optional game walk back to camp and a late breakfast
Breakfast back at camp
Full day game hike – multiple sighting possibilities as we hike along the plains, riverbeds and hill tops
Camp lunch
Afternoon yoga session
Sundowners and bush dinner under the stars
Evening celebration with the Maasai

Day Ten

Morning tea, coffee and fruit
Morning yoga practice at camp
Breakfast at camp
Final bush walk
Depart for our charter flight back to Nairobi
Transfer to the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden or optional shopping at Marula Studios
Private entrance and viewing at the Elephant Orphanage
Early final group dinner – hugs, loves and goodbyes
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for flights home

I have been planning on going on a safari for 30 years and this was as incredible as I have ever imagined, and then some. Having yoga classes in some really cool & exotic locations was also fantastic…The trip was absolutely amazing.

- Holly W.

The attention to detail was more than I could have imagined… I knew I’d seem incredible animals. I didn’t know I’d love the people we met along the way as much as I did. It was sad leaving each location because we formed friendships! The people were my favorite part.

- Kat F.

I enjoyed that everything was arranged for me, the logistics were all worked out, things had been organized in advance – the private tour of an elephant orphanage really a treat – the details of the transfers/pick ups/air travel – wow, I am in hospitality and I have to say that all of these details were executed so well and made for a fantastic travel experience in that all I had to do was be shuffled around and not worry about anything except enjoy – this was first class and done to level that was most impressive!! …HATS off to you for an exceptional TRIP!!!!

- Karla S.

Among The Travel Yogi and other comparative yoga safari retreats, I hands down had the best experience working with Jen at The Travel Yogi. I can’t thank Jen enough for her insightful consideration and help in the process. I am impressed with the research and selection of organizations, hotels, and partners. I am a big advocate for responsible travel and was so excited to be a part of a life-changing adventure that supports environmental and conservation efforts.

Every day felt like a dream. I am so thankful I took pictures that pinch myself and remind me this experience was real! I signed up for this trip by myself and left with newfound friendships in my fellow yogis and with our guides and hosts at each stay. Thank you! On top of the astounding, breathtaking experience, this made the cost of the trip worth every single penny and more!

- Laura S.

What airport to I fly into?

You'll be flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. You will want your fight to come in no later than 5pm on Day 1 so that you don't miss our first group dinner. If you'd like to come in a day early to acclimate, please let us know and we'll help you get a pre-night booked. *Please note that transfers are only included if you are staying at a hotel pre-booked through The Travel Yogi for pre and post stays.*

Do I need a passport?

A valid passport and a tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Kenya. All passports must be valid for at least six months AFTER your expected return date to the U.S. Please check your passport expiration date, and, if your passport will expire within six months of your return date you must have your passport renewed, no exceptions. In addition, when traveling to East Africa, all passports must have at least two consecutive blank pages for each country you plan to visit (not including endorsement pages). Pages must lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page). We highly recommend that you also have two extra consecutive blank pages in case regulations change or your itinerary is rerouted for any reason. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, it is imperative that you check with your local authorities regarding documents required for entry into Kenya/East Africa. Entry requirements for your specific country may be different from those previously listed and it is the traveler's sole responsibility to ensure that they have proper and correct entry documentation. Please note that entry information can change so please visit the State Department's website for up to date information.

Do I need a visa?

Yup, but it's easy. Single entry tourist visas are $50USD (amount subject to change at any time without notice). Unless you are extending your stay in Kenya beyond our itinerary, you will only need a Single-Entry Visa. As of September 2015, all travelers are requested to process their visas via the Kenyan government's new e-visa service. Getting your visa ahead of time will greatly expedite your arrival in Nairobi and will quickly get you out of the hustle and bustle of the airport. All travelers are strongly urged to use this new service to process their entry visa. Because the online option is new, Kenya will still accommodate the purchasing of visas in the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Visas must be paid for in CASH (U.S. dollars only) so please make sure that you have enough money on hand upon arrival to cover this expense. If you choose to purchase your visa upon arrival, there is no application to fill out; you will simply need to fill out a form at the airport and present it with your passport, appropriate cash amount and your landing card, which will be distributed on the plane before arrival. Passport-style photos are not required for Kenyan visas purchased upon arrival as your picture will be taken by immigration officials. Again, if you are a non-U.S. citizen, it is imperative that you check with your local authorities regarding documents required for entry into Kenya/East Africa. Entry requirements for your specific country may be different from those previously listed and it is the traveler's sole responsibility to ensure that they have proper and correct entry documentation. Please note that entry information can change so please visit the State Department's website for up to date information.

What's included in my Kenya yoga safari?

Wow, just about everything! This is a big adventure and we've got you covered from a lux hotel in Nairobi on National Park grounds (to start the adventure off with a bang), expert guides for the best animal viewing and best information, amazing yoga (of course), private group time at the Elephant Orphanage and the coolest glamping safari tents you've ever seen. We're hitting the best spots with the smallest group to experience the absolute best of Kenya. Scroll up to "What's Included" to get all the good stuff. We've even got your evening cocktails included on this one.... sundowners anyone?

What wildlife should I expect/prepare to see?

Oooh, the fun part! You can bank on elephants seeing as how we have a private entry to the elephant orphanage and out in the wild, although we can't guarantee any one species specifically, you should draw your list up to include:

Giraffes
Zebras
Elephants
Wildebeest
Antelope
Lions
Rhinos
Hippos
Gazelles
Ostriches
Cheetahs
Hyenas
and on and on and on... this is Africa after all!!

You'll want to bring binoculars, your best camera and a wild sense of adventure :)

What is the electrical currency/outlet situation in Kenya?

The main supply of electrical current in Kenya is 220 volts (compared to 110 volts in the U.S.). You will require a converter to reduce the voltage and an adaptor to plug anything in. Many electronics are now dual voltage which would negate the need for a converter, but please double check any electronic item you wish to bring. Electrical sockets in Kenya accept plug types G and M. Please bring those two plug adaptors with you to charge your items. Please note that our camps generate their own electricity through solar panels or generators while out on safari (generators will only be turned on while we are out on game drives so that camps will be quiet upon our return). Hairdryers and electric razors cannot be used while on safari.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes! Without a doubt. Our yoga retreat and safari goes to remote locations (that's the point, right?) and, as such, travel insurance is required for this adventure. Once you are booked we will send you a link to a travel insurance group that we know and trust but you can use any travelers insurance company. Please note that we will require proof of your insurance before you depart and you must carry the proof with you to Kenya.

Will there be internet access?

When we are in Nairobi, yup, there will be internet access. When we are out on safari our glamping location does have a wifi tent, but connection can be spotty and unpredictable so please plan accordingly when deciding whether or not to bring your laptops/wifi electronics.

Can I drink the water?

Our camps will provide plenty of fresh and filtered drinking water. You will want to bring a reusable water bottle with you for daily use and while out on walks and drives. Please note that plastic water bottles are NOT recycled in Africa so it is important to avoid using them when possible.

Do I need to bring my own mat?

Please do plan on brining your mat and any accessories you'll need for your individual practice. We'll provide amazing locations and views for yoga but we will need you to bring your mat.

Do I need to book any extra activities?

This trip is fully itinerized leaving only minimal time unscheduled. We will be moving and exploring so much that we recommend you chill out and relax when there is downtime. The one exception is the hot air balloon ride option that does fill up early. You would miss a day of safari, but it is a beautiful experience. If you are interested, please contact The Travel Yogi well ahead of time to discuss the cost and logistics for booking.

What do I need to bring?

An extensive recommended packing list will be sent out to booked yogis. A good camera, binoculars and sturdy walking shoes are a must. Plenty of other necessities and recommendations will follow all bookings and The Travel Yogi team is always here to answer any questions!

What inoculations do I need?

Kenya requires a Yellow Fever vaccine for all international travelers coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. This includes stopping in one of these countries for a layover of 12 hours or more or if you leave the airport vicinity. If you will be arriving into the international airport in Kenya directly from a European country or staying for less than 12 hours and not exiting the airport, a Yellow Fever vaccine is not required at this time. However, requirements can change at any time without notice so we recommend that all travelers get the vaccine regardless. This precaution will minimize the likelihood of being denied entry and will guarantee you are covered in the event of a last minute change to requirements and/or itinerary rerouting. Other immunizations should be discussed with your personal physician prior to departing for Africa.

After I book and pay my deposit, can I make payments on my yoga retreat?

Yes! Of course. Once you're booked you'll receive an email with important logistical information and a link to your invoice. You can pay any amount at any time on the invoice; you can use it as a payment plan or leave it alone until the final due date. Remember that deposits are non-refundable so, on all trips, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.

KENYA

Yoga Retreat Details