African Awakening Retreat
Bringing you back home to your raw, real, authentic self
African Awakening
REAWAKEN YOUR WILD SPIRIT
Mama Africa has called, and she has asked me to bring her daughters, my sisters home…..
9 nights/ 10 days
Discover your heart’s rhythm “off the tourist trail”, alongside magical medicine women and their sacred land.
1 Night in Johannesburg’s leafy green suburbs
4 nights in ritual and ceremony within the foothills of the majestic Maloti Mountains
Pause for 1 Night “up in the sky”, at Giants Castle, Maloti-Drakensburg National Park
3 nights of integration on the wild and rugged Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast
Optional add on: 3 nights at Big 5 Game reserve: 12 nights/13 days until 5 May
24 - 28 April: 4 nights of Rewilding
Join Thongo & Lisa as they take you on a journey to reconnect with the magic and beauty of life, with nature, the earth, the waters and your sisters.
4 nights in Thongo’s farm house cottages.
Shared bedrooms
We may choose to spend 1 of the nights in a traditional roundhouse that has been made from the materials of the land or in the cave.
28 April: a night in the sky
Leaving the mountain foothills, we drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and alongside the Drakensberg Mountain Range
We stop overnight at Giants Castle, within the World Heritage Site of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains
1 night share cottages at Giants Castle Resort
We pause overnight, high up in the mountains and reflect on our time in the Valley,
We take this opportunity to honour the San People (first inhabitants of Southern Africa) by visiting caves featuring their rock art and storytelling.
29 April - 2 May: 3 nights of Remembering
Shirley and Laura hold sacred space for you to integrate, celebrate and remember your magic at Gazeka Cottage, Southbroom.
3 nights in shared bedrooms
Laura’s magical family beachfront home is named “Gazeka Cottage”.
Her maternal Great Grandfather was a conjuror (performing magician) and “Gazeka” was his magic word.
This sacred beachfront land with views of the Indian Ocean has proved to be both magical and healing for 4 generations.
2 - 5 May: Restore: Optional add on
3 nights at Bayete Zulu Lodge
Priced as an optional extra, if your timing and budget allows.
Alternatively, drop off at King Shaka International Airport, Durban.
For those staying on;
Bayete Zulu Lodge picks up and drop off from King Shaka Airport, Durban
Set in the heart of the Big 5 Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Zululand – Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Sensational game viewing in open 4×4 vehicles with knowledgeable guides, coupled with warm hospitality and breathtaking views, makes Bayete Zulu the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the spectacular African bush.
Luxury ensuite chalets, meals, local beer/wine & soft drinks,
2 x game drives per day,
Meet Your Facilitators
Lisa
Lisa creates safe and sacred spaces in which humans can connect to their magic and magnificence. The spaces which she creates offer profound transformation, awakening and returning back to love.Lisa has been facilitating transformational retreats for almost a decade. She creates space for humans to “human”, to feel, dance, explore and create
Thongo
Thongo walks a path, anchored in understanding around New Earth Frequency. Weaver, dreamer, South African initiated Medicine Woman she is a true guardian of our Land. She is trained in the use of traditional African medicines and associated modalities.
She has also spent time initiating with sacred plant medicines, including Psilocybin and medicines from South America. She works with and honours the sacred plants and holds a deep space of integrity and safety.
Shirley
With a passion for nourishing both body and soul, Shirley has been dedicated to crafting wholesome and delicious meals that enhance the experience of yoga and mindfulness retreats.
Shirley believes that food should not only nourish the body but also inspire joy and connection. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using fresh, local ingredients, ensuring that every bite supports well-being and sustainability. Her culinary philosophy emphasizes simplicity and nutrition with the importance of mindful eating.
Laura
Laura is the founder of The Hummingbird Life.
Laura embodies the philosophy that our connection to nature is the answer to living a joy-filled existence. Sharing the sweet nectar of experiences to cross-pollinate the world to help others to bloom and grow - just like a hummingbird, her spirit animal.
Pricing
9 NIGHTS/ 10 DAYS
23 APRIL - 2 MAY
JOHANNESBURG-VALLEY-GIANTS CASTLE-SOUTHBROOM-DURBAN
PER PERSON SHARING: SGD 3800 early bird until 31 October
Thereafter S$4000
(approx USD 3045 depending on exchange rate)
Please contact me for the option of payment plans
ADDITONAL ADD ON: 3 nights/4 days
2 - 5 May
DURBAN-BAYETE LODGE-DURBAN
PER PERSON SHARING: SGD 1800
(approx USD 1370 depending on exchange rate)
I require a minimum or 3 people for this add on to go ahead
For South Africans residing in South Africa:
A few spots are available at a ZAR rate which will be “self drive”. And you may have the option of joining just for the Rewild section of the retreat.
Please book a call with me to discuss ZAR based options.
INCLUDES:
1 night Bed and Breakfast in Johannesburg
4 nights in the Valley
1 night Giants Castle Resort
3 nights Gakeza Cottage, Southbroom
3 nights at Bayete Lodge (if optional add on is booked)
Luxury SUV transport (driven by Laura): Johannesburg on 24 April to Durban on 2 May
All food except exclusions mentioned below
All Ceremonies, meditation and movement facilitation.
Spiritual Coaching along the way
Pre retreat call with Thongo and Lisa
Guided walks
African Gift bag filled with specially sourced goodies
Pre retreat call with Thongo and Lisa
SGD50 donation to Made for Girls,
Providing essential sanitary pads and hygiene education to Rural South African school girls in need. Your contributions are making a real difference, helping us empower women and promote menstrual health.
EXCLUDES:
International and local flights
Visas
Travel insurance
Transfer from OR tambo airport to Craighall Park (Laura can assist in organising)
Dinner in Johannesburg on arrival
Lunch and snacks on road travel days
Dinner at Giants Castle
San Rock Art museum entrance fee
Bayete Lodge Conservation Levy – R 175 per adult
Tips
50% DEPOSIT PAYABLE UPON BOOKING. NOT REFUNDABLE AFTER 1 DECEMBER 2024.
FINAL PAYMENT MUST BE MADE BY 1 MARCH 2025
Refer to all Terms and conditions below
Since we start our trip in Johannesburg and end in Durban, I suggest looking at Flying Emirates on a multi stop. Arriving in Johannesburg and departing from Durban
Emirates is one of the only International airlines that flies out of Durban, and you may find it more efficient than flying back out via Johannesburg.
Laura will hire a Luxury SUV to drive international guests to each destination. this will be limited to 6 people.
You may wish to add on additional time for yourself before or after the retreat dates, perhaps just check arrival and departure timings with Laura
Logistics and Questions
Still have questions?
Join us in a free Q&A Zoom call
The Route
23 April - 2 May
full retreat, including 2 - 5 May: 3 nights 4 days at Bayete Zulu Lodge