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Safari Retreat 
6th - 15th March 2026

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What is Safari Retreat :

It is a one of a kind chance to explore South Africa's natural beauty and incredible animals with all the logistic and wellness activities sorted in details for you to have that dreamy safari experience of all times with only nice moments and nothing to worry about. There will be opportunities to dive into yoga and pilates practice, meditation, sea swim, surf, nature walk, nourishing food and wildlife contemplation in the safari. We will have a great time creating long lasting memories whilst boosting a deep sense of self care, acceptance and appreciation. The connection with nature and exclusive time for yourself is a real treat for the body, mind and soul. We will have the perfect combination of rest, activities and transformation. There are only incredible days to look forward to and  never forget this Safari experience . 

Benefits

Give yourself the time to reset

Tap into a tranquil and serene environment 

Make meaningful connections  

Immerse in wild nature

Delight with fresh and delicious  cuisine 

See stunning natural landscape

The Program: 

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Day 1 - Arrival Durban King Shaka International Airport. Private shuttle transport to Pumula (1h30). 

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Day 2 - Total relaxed by the beach with the chance to join surf school classes, go scuba diving and do yoga at the beach.

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Day 3,4 & 5- Ziplining around the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Therapeutic Treatments & visit to local community.  

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Day 7 -Hiking in the Mountain areas 

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Day 8 -Transfer to Nambiti and Afternoon at Safari in 4x4 Game Drive

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Day 9 -Sunrise and Afternoon at Safari in 4x4 Game Drive 

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Day 6 - Transfer to the the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, renowned for their dramatic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage status.

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Day 10 - Sunrise Safari and departure to Durban Airport

And loads more to see and do! 

Your Host 

My name is Maria Bela 

​I am pleased you are here and that you have felt the calling to check out my next  adventure. In the last 3 years I have been offering successful retreats in England, Brazil and now I am inviting you to join me in South Africa.
 

I am an experienced and intuitive movement instructor, teaching many styles of fitness and mindful practices, like Yoga, Pilates, Barre & whole body fitness. I love bringing all knowledge in a fun, refreshing and dynamic way. In my retreats, we get to immerse ourselves with like-minded people in a place full of positive nurturing energy. There we make true connections and can experience some meaningful transformations. I am a massive fan of the outdoor, spending quality time in nature and creating opportunities for long last memories. 

 

This trip is particular special for me because my friend Lucie, who is originally from France and now owns a retreat paradise house in South Africa. Me and Lucie met during out Yoga Teacher Training in India back in 2014 and have been close friends since. We always dreamed about this project together and I can't wait to share this amazing trip with the ones coming on board! Lucie and her husband Scott, who is South African, have all the expertise to support us on this incredible journey. Can't wait for this moment next year, when we will be welcomed at their dream house near Durbin, get relax, go to the beach and feel nourished eating delicious meals and enjoy practicing at the most perfect yoga deck amongst the trees.
 

Hope to see you on my next adventure!
 

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PUMULA

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NAMBITI

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Places we will stay

We will be going on a tour after we arrive in Durban, as we will spend 5 nights in Pumula, 2 nights at the moutains in Drakensberge and the final 2 nights at the Nambiti Safari.

Days 1-5 Pumula House: Is our first stop, 120km south of Durban, in the Umzumbe area. The large property boasts breath-taking sea views, has direct access to the forest, and is only 1km away from the beach. The large well wooded garden enables guests to reconnect with nature and spot the local wildlife as well as finding peace and tranquility amongst the trees. The glass yoga studio at the bottom of the gardem is a unique yogic experience with nature.

Days 6-7 Drakensberg: Is a mountain range with Didima Valley showcasing its many examples of rock art and formations. Didima Resort is our accommodation in the mountains and it has an unique architectural style that symoolizes the dwellings of the San people who once lived in these mountains.

Days 8-10 Nambiti: Is a luxury 5-star private game reserve in a malaria-free zone - so there's no need for medication. It is also the only reserve in the area that can boast of having the Big 5  (lion, leopard, rhinoceros and African buffalo) , along with 40 other game species. Nambiti's 22000 acres offers incredible biodiversity, with grasslands, riverine bush, savannah and thornveld. The accomodation Ndaka Safari Lodge is an African farmstead which has been converted and renovated into a homely, family friendly lodge. The experienced field guides at Ndaka have a wealth of knowledge on the local fauna & flora, geology, history and geography offering a fun & informative African bush experience.   

 

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What is included

  • All transfers from Durban King Shaka International Airport

  • 9 nights accommodation

  • 3 delicious meals and snacks a day

  • Tea, coffee, juice and water (alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately.

  •  Movement & meditation practices on most days

  • 4 x safari game drives with guide 

  • 2 South African guides very attentive to the quality of your stay

  • Walks in the mountains and forest with guide

  • Visit to community center

Prices 

​​En Suite Rooms: £2,500 p/p

Get early bird discount until July:
NOW 10% OFF!

No included:  

​​

  • Zip-line adventure

  • Surf lesson or SUP

  • Massage (reiki, shiatsu or reflexology)

  • Flights not included

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What they are saying... 

 

J. Carns

This was my first Yoga Retreat and it has been a wonderful experience that exceeded all my hopes. We have been encouraged to enjoy ourselves, have fun and take in all the country's colours, flavours and beauty. It has been a very joyous and wonderful experience. I recommend it! 

J. Marsh

This is the second retreat I have done with Bela, but it is my first one in Brazil and I have to say it has been amazing! Yoga and everything else exceeded. The country is so beautiful, the people, the culture, the food, the scenery, everything. If you haven't been to Brazil, you must go! In terms of the Yoga and the treatments we have had, it has been totally amazing. I enjoyed opening up a little bit. I feel I can be kinder to myself and this experience has really helped me to see that I should just be myself and more acceptant of myself instead of always trying to be what other people want me to be. I just loved every minute of it, and if you are considering, you should come to the next one. It is wonderful! 

J. Vale

Brazil has been the most incredible experience. Everything we have seen, everything we have done, everything we have eaten and everyone I have met has just been beautiful. I loved it! I can't wait to come back. I can't recommend highly enough. 

 FAQ

  • What will you need to organise by yourself? buy your own ticket flights, check for vaccines & Visa updates.

  • What the pack of the retreat includes? all transfers, 9 nights accommodation in 3 different locations, 3 daily meals, at least 5 Yoga or Pilates practices, 2 South African guides, 4 safari game drives with guide, walks in the mountains and forest with guide.

  • Can we fly direct? From London you fly with Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM etc to Durban King Shaka International (DUR). The trip has at least one stop either in Dubai, Johannesburg or other depending on airplane company. 

  •  How long are the flights? From 14hrs onwards.

  • What happens when we get in Durban? There will be a private transfer waiting to collect the group from airport then drive to Pumula Retreat situated 120km southe of Durban.

  • What if you are travelling alone? The group will be formed when everyone has arrived and soo you will realise many we are mostly like minded people. 

  • Are you a beginner in movement classes (Yoga & Pilates)? Classes are to all levels and you will feel supported through out and be surprise of how much you can benefit from regular practice in a retreat. 

  • Do you have to take part in every activity? Activities are not compulsory. You will be given a plan of each day and you will be able to choose what to join. 

  • Will we be trekking everyday? No, there will be days to chill at the beach or house and other days to go trekking to the mountains and valleys. 

  • What type of food will we have? All diets will be taken in consideration when planning the meals. During the time at Pumula Retreat (first 5 nights), we will have only vegetarian/vegan meals. At the other nights at the two accommodations, guests will be able opt for vegetarian or non vegetarian/vegan meals. 

  • Will fees have to be paid separately?  The gratitudes to entrances, touristic guides and internal transports during the time of the retreat are included, but not the tips for the guides. Feel welcome to offer them some.  

  • What is Safari Trip like? It is a all inclusive trip, with all the arrangements done for you, so you can enjoy your time in South Africa from the moment you arrive the natural beauty 

  • What to bring? It is good to bring sun scream, UV protected long sleeves shirts, mosquitos repellent and sun hat.

  • What time will the transfer to the retreat leave? On the 6th March we will leave Durbin's airport around 2pm in the afternoon and we will getting back to the airport on the 15th March afternoon. 

  • What will be the accommodation if I arrive before the 6th or leave after the 15th March? You will need to book separately with a hotel for extra days, but I can offer you my best recommendations.  

  • Any other questions? Drop me an email at belawellness121@gmail.com .

Discover an unique experience abroad !

Last over seas memories ... 

Maria Bela Andrade is a member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) & Fully Insured by UK Coaching. 

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