Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat

Harriet Pemberton • April 30, 2026 18:30

Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat hosted by physiotherapist Lindsay Harris at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House

This marked the first retreat I’ve co-hosted since the pandemic began, and I genuinely couldn’t have hoped for a more uplifting return to retreat hosting. We spent a remarkable weekend outside in nature, surrounded by vast open spaces and wildlife.

Alongside daily Yoga and meditation sessions, guests also took part in a range of complimentary workshops.

Attendees had the option to book the full three-day retreat, or to come along for one or two full days instead.

All of us clearly needed the chance to pause, soak up the outdoors, and take a moment to check in with ourselves.

The experience was rounded off with wholesome meals, game drives, and a guided walking meditation. If you missed the details on pricing and the itinerary, you’ll find everything below.

Cost of the retreat: Included accommodation, Yoga classes, meals, workshops and game drives

Thursday – Sunday: R 8750 per person sharing
Friday – Sunday: R 6650 per person sharing
Friday (Full day): R 2050 (including guided walk)
Saturday (Full day): R 2250 (including game drive)

EXCLUDES: transport to and from the venue, Yoga mat and equipment, drinks and beverages, gifts from the curio shop, additional personal travel essentials, spa treatments.

Itinerary: Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat with Lindsay Harris

Thursday 26th – Arrive at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House; check-in from 14:00
16:00 Free writing workshop with Merle Levin
19:00 Dinner

Friday 27th – 07:00 Walking meditation
08:30 Breakfast
10:30 Mindfulness workshop with Nicola Aylward
12:30 Lunch
FREE TIME
15:30 Hatha Yoga
16:30 Meditation
19:00 Dinner

Saturday 28th – 07:00 Meditation
07:30 Vinyasa Yoga
08:30 Breakfast
10:30 Free yourself with through art with Gill Haggis
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Yin Yoga
15:30 Game drive followed by dinner

Sunday 29th – 08:00 Yoga
09:00 Breakfast
Downtime, pack up and check out by 10:30

Creative Writing with Merle Levin

Merle Levin is a highly skilled writer and a Mindfulness facilitator. Over the weekend, she ran a creative writing session called Merle’s messy method: a mind-free approach to writing. The focus was on free-flow writing without pressure, fear, or a planned direction-other than allowing the words to come as they will.

Mindfulness with Nicola Aylward

Nicola Aylward is a physiotherapist with a particular interest in women’s wellbeing, and she delivers a number of courses and workshops throughout the year. Nicola led an introductory session covering practical breathing techniques that can be used to support the management of stressful moments.

Free yourself through art with Gill Haggis

This was a wonderfully hands-on (and delightfully messy) workshop that gave everyone space to tap into their creative energy. We experimented with materials such as watercolours, pastels, glitter, and varied textures. Gill is an art teacher who works with both children and adults, helping them discover a freer form of expression through art.

Guided Walking Meditation

This was a completely new experience for me-I’d never before walked through the bush with a game ranger. We headed out on foot early in the morning and in silence. As we moved through the sweeping open areas, we could fully absorb the sounds of the bush at daybreak: birds calling, the sunrise, and the sight of different animal tracks.

It offered a powerful way to switch off from the usual city rush and truly ground ourselves, reconnecting everyone with the present moment.

Yoga Classes

Teaching during a retreat always feels like a real privilege. There’s extra breathing space before and after each class, and nobody is dashing off to their car to get to the next commitment under pressure.

Sessions took place outdoors in various spots around the lodge. We were treated to brief appearances from monkeys playing in the trees, warthogs in the distance, and outstanding birdlife providing the soundtrack to our practice.

The Yoga styles included Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin, alongside a blend of meditation and Yoga Nidra.

What participants had to say:

“Lindsay & Theresa hosted a fabulous retreat! The balance between Yoga & finding creative and insightful space was good. This retreat is highly recommended to help you stay grounded and find joy in every moment of life!”