SOUTH AFRICA WALKING SAFARI AND YOGA RETREAT

September 5-11, 2025

Greater Kruger National Park and Pafuri Hutwini Trails Camp
Hoedspruit and Southern African Wildlife College

Take a glance here at the retreat itinerary!

We are each born with it…
the drum of our heartbeat and the ocean of our breath that are constantly reminding us to come hOMe to our truest nature.

Africa is where all humankind arose and took its first steps and that ancient drum beat is calling us back to the wilds. The moment you step foot on African soil you regain a sense of belonging. Amongst wild animals, lush landscapes, and endless skies, we come hOMe to nature and come hOMe to the truest sense of ourselves.

Through a deep immersion into and close observation of this wild place, we remember ourselves as the very nature we revere and return hOMe to ourselves.

Join this journey of rediscovery in the South African bush.

THE EXPERIENCE

There is something in our genetic code that remembers that Africa is where all of our earliest human ancestors first evolved 2 million years ago.

Wilderness guide and psychiatrist Ian McCallum puts it so well when he says,
“We have to remember that our identity is intimately tied to the earth itself. To lose one's sense of union with wild places is to pre-empt what I believe is one of the most overlooked conditions in modern psychiatry – homesickness. Often presenting as a restless depression, homesickness and a loss of wildness are the same thing. The cure to homesickness is to remember where we came from and where we belong.”

And once we know where we belong it is our task to return to these places to receive their medicine.
Pafuri is one such place to come home to. It jogs your genetic memory and re-awakens your sense of belonging to wild places.

Despite living in this modern era, we are best adapted to living in a natural environment. It’s likely because 99,9% of our evolutionary passage was spent as hunter-gatherers and our minds and bodies are not sufficiently prepared for what the technological era expects of us. Despite the increasingly technologically connected world we live in, it seems modern humans feel more disconnected from others every day. The results are not difficult to see. Depression, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness plague the modern human.
And the cure to this lies in healing the human-nature split. We invite you to take precious time out from your busy life to deep dive into an awe-inspiring immersion of pristine wilderness. Through the powerful practices of walking, meditation and yoga, we re-find our rightful place in it.

Itinerary at a glance

September 5 - 6
Welcome to South Africa!
Arrive in Johannesburg and overnight at either:
- City Lodge OR Tambo (walking distance),
- Intercontinental OR Tambo (walking distance)
- Protea Hotel (5min shuttle drive)
Get some rest for an early start...

September 5 - 9
Everyone to meet at the Intercontinental Hotel lobby.
You will be picked up early in the morning (approx 05:30am) for your transfer to Pafuri in the far north of the world-famous Kruger National Park (Approx 7 hour drive).

Spend 4 nights exploring the most incredible wilderness of Pafuri - the premium bush walking destination in South Africa.

For travellers who wish to truly discover the astonishing biodiversity, exquisite landscapes and intriguing history that Pafuri has to offer, there is no better way to do it than on foot. Getting your feet on the ground offers you a chance to experience untamed Africa, close-up. You’ll focus on the little things but you will also explore ancient human settlements or experience the rush of adrenaline when you happen upon a great beast of the bush. By spending time of foot, you find your rightful place as a participant rather than an observer in your natural habitat.

Activities include:
*Daily yoga classes *Dawn and dusk guided walks with two professional trails guides - wisdom gathering in the wild *Evening sundowners in incredible places *Meditation practices along the river and on the rocky outcrops *Journaling *Free middays to relax, swim, rest or connect with others and family style meals

September 9 - 11
One last morning drive and you will be collected and transferred to the South African Wildlife College just outside the town of Hoedspruit (approx 5 hours). This special conservation experience is not open to the public and is due to a close, long relationship between Wild Again and SAWC.

During your 2 nights at the College we will do the following activities that align with their 4-tiered conservation approach:
* Boots on the Ground (visit the ranger training unit and ranger demo).
* Free running pack hounds (K9 dog unit demonstration for tracking and apprehension of poachers).
* Eyes in the Sky (Aerial support talk and demonstration with the pilot responsible for surveillance, game counts and the anti-poaching reaction unit. Two lucky guests will get to fly in the fixed wing plane).
* Inclusive Education (a visit to a school in the local community)

After your last morning activity we say farewell to new and old friends.
You will be collected and transferred to the Hoedspruit Airport (Approx 1 hour drive).

Please ensure that your international flight out/onward travel is after 7pm on 11 September or the morning of 12 September (or after 17:00 if you are flying domestically within South Africa).

We would be happy to help you extend your stay in South Africa so don't hesitate to reach out if you would like some guidance.

See full detailed itinerary here!

Kruger Park

Area Overview
At 19,500 km2 (7,500 mi2), the world-renowned Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa, and also the oldest in all of Africa. Given its size, numerous airports, and excellent access road, Kruger and its surrounding private game reserves are an attractive option for many travelers.

Kruger is best known for its high wildlife density, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). Hundreds of other mammals and unique bird species also make their home in Kruger. Mountains, plains, and tropical forests are all part of the landscape, ensuring both scenic and exciting game drives.

Pafuri Walking Safari

Property Overview
The private Pafuri concession – within the world-famous Kruger National Park – lies in a vast, almost inaccessible triangle of wilderness between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers, along South Africa’s north-eastern frontier. Between them, the two great valleys embrace one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes, with mountains and gorges in the west giving way to plains, pans, 4000 year old baobabs and expansive fever tree forests in the east.

This ancient land, particularly the low-lying floodplains near the confluence at Crooks’ Corner where our camp is located, harbours an abundance of life. It’s a natural choke point for wildlife crossing between SA, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and forms a distinct ecological region.
Huge herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and eland congregate here, especially when the surrounding bush lies parched before the rains. Predators and scavengers, ranging from the great cats and hyenas to servals, genets, civets, caracals, amongst many others, find shelter here. The area is also famous for its elephant herds in winter, which come to drink from the Luvuvhu river.

Experience & Activities
On walking safaris you can expect to encounter an array of changing landscapes, from bushveld to riverine forests, mountains to floodplains, and perennial pans, which all attract a spectacular variety of animals and birds. Discover forests of fever trees, groves of baobabs, and a diverse collection of wildlife. Highlights of the experience include visits to Crook’s Corner, where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers meet, Lanner Gorge, and the fever tree forest.
While comprising only about 1% of the Kruger National Park’s actual area, Pafuri contains plants and animals representing almost 75% of the Parks total diversity.

Accommodations
Standard Tent
Pafuri Walking Safaris offers two-person canvas tents with twin beds and can accommodate a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 guests (exclusive-use camp).
Meru style tents, with exquisite attention to detail, and all the necessities for your comfort – crisp linen, an ensuite bathroom, private outdoor bucket shower with water heated to your preference twice daily.
The experience is as close to nature as you can possibly be, whilst having all creature comforts catered to. The camp is set on the banks of the Luvuvhu River where many animals camp to drink, particularly during the dry season.
~ 4 tents ~ En-suite flush toilets ~ Heated Bucket showers ~ Boma ~ Firepit ~ Dining tent ~ Maximum 8 guests ~ Eco friendly seasonal camp

Fast Facts
~ Walk through ancient and diverse landscapes
~ Feel the adrenalin surge when you encounter the Big 5 on foot
~ Wet your feet and swim in the Luvuvhu River
~ Experience Crook’s Corner, the fever tree forest, Lanner Gorge and more
~ Experience geology 250 million years old
~ Meet baobabs that have been around for 3000/4000 years.
~ Dining on the banks of the Luvuvhu River

Hoedspruit

Area Overview
Hoedspruit is a small town nestled strategically between two UNESCO sites - the Blyde River Canyon and the world famous Kruger National Park, at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg mountains.

The surrounding area encompasses the largest privately owned conservation area in the world and numerous safari destinations, hence it is known as the safari capital of South Africa.
Other than an ecotourism hub, Hoedpsruit is also home to some of South Africa’s best citrus and mango producers.

South African Wildlife College

Property Overview
The SAWC is a private conservation training institution that aims to equip people with the necessary knowledge and applied skills to conserve and protect Africa’s natural resources and biodiversity in viable, inclusive and economically successful ways.
Surrounded by wildlife, yet equipped with all the facilities necessary to support theoretical and practical conservation training, our campus offers the best of both worlds.

Our unique location means we can offer our students direct access to the natural environment and train in an outdoor classroom that emulates their work places in parks and reserves throughout southern Africa. We are also surrounded by other land-use types, such as community-owned agricultural land and community trust areas, bringing even more diversity to our on-site training opportunities.
The free-roaming wildlife and protected landscapes on our doorstep are what empower and inspire people from Africa and beyond to conserve our biologically diverse areas.

Experience & Activities
During your 2 nights at the College we will do the following activities that align with their 4-tiered conservation approach:
1. Boots on the Ground (visit the ranger training unit and ranger demo)
2. Free running pack hounds (K9 dog unit demonstration for tracking and apprehension of poachers)
3. Eyes in the Sky (Aerial support talk and demonstration with the pilot responsible for surveillance, game counts and the anti-poaching reaction unit. Two lucky guests will get to fly in the fixed wing plane)
4. Inclusive Education (a visit to a school in the local community)
* Please note that the activities may change slightly on the day depending on what is happening in conservation at the College at the time. This is not a tourist - based experience and will shift according to the needs of the College.

Accommodations
Guest tent
Our guests will be comfortably accommodated on campus in one of our six permanent tents on the fence-line for researchers and visitors.
Recreational facilities on campus include soccer and volleyball fields, a swimming pool, and a fitness facility kitted out with gym equipment.
The recreational area also includes a television, pool table and dart board.

*Please email me on info@wildagain.africa with absolutely any questions you may have.
**If you have any interest in extending your safari within South Africa or further afield into Africa, please let us know and we can help you with your plans.

Note: Single, double and twin rooms available
Shared Room
Total cost per person = R105 400 ($5725 at 17 Feb 2025 ROE) and $820 facilitation fee.
Single Room
Total cost per person = R118 470 ($6435 at 17 Feb 2025 ROE) and $970 facilitation fee.

Please note that the $ amount quoted in brackets above is at the current rate of exchange and all invoices will be charged in South African Rands (R).

A non-refundable Rand and USD deposit is due upon confirmation to secure your place.
A Rand and USD balance payment will be due 3 months prior to travel on the (1 June 2025)

This cost includes:
*All road transfers as detailed
*All accommodation as per the itinerary
*All meals and drinks (Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers)

This cost does not include:
* International flights to South Africa
* 1st night accommodation in Johannesburg, South Africa
* Visas, if applicable
* Travel and medical insurance
* Premium beverages (Champagne, premium whiskies etc)
* Staff Gratuities
* Any items of a personal nature

Payment Options for Travel in ZAR
* Electronic bank transfer via Flywire - I will send you a unique link for this that does not incur any additional costs
* Credit card - please note that this payment option does incur a 3% charge from the transfer company. If you select this option I will send you a unique link that includes the credit card charge

Payment Options for Facilitation in USD
* Paypal (beckesch@gmail.com), Zelle (beckesch@gmail.com), or Venmo (@Rebecca-Eschenroeder)

Terms And Conditions
- Services are subject to availability at the time of booking confirmation.
- All relevant booking conditions of Wild Again and/or any other booked services will apply to your travel arrangements.
- You are required to have medical, travel, cancellation, curtailment and default insurance for the duration of your trip. As you will be travelling through remote regions it is imperative that all guests are covered for emergencies and unforeseen events.
- Wild Again will not be held responsible for guests travelling without insurance.
- Please note that charges may fluctuate according to the Rand / Dollar at the time of final payment - ie 90 days before travel.
- Please note that flight costs may vary at time of booking and may need to be re-quoted when final payment is due.

Luggage and weight restrictions:
* This applies to small charter services when travelling to and between camps in on a ‘per seat’ basis
- Passengers weighing more than 100kg will have to advise booking agent as an extra seat will need to costed for safety purposes (small aircraft transfers only).
- Luggage is restricted to 20kg (44lbs) per person including camera equipment and carry-ons. It must be packed in soft bags as hard cases cannot fit into the small aircrafts lug-gage pod. Wild Again does sell leather bags suited for use on the small planes.
- If luggage does exceed 20kg (44lbs), weight arrangements-can be made to leave your personal luggage at departure-point (to be collected after safari section of your trip) and repack items into smaller soft bags. If you are likely to have excess luggage please let us know before hand and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Cancellation Policy:
- A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking (plus 100% of flights and transfers).
- Full balance of the total trip is due to confirm the booking 90 days before you travel.

In the event of cancellation of the booking for any reason whatsoever, partially or in full, Wild Again reserves the right to claim the following cancellation fees:
- If you cancel more than 90 days out you forfeit your deposit.
- Between 61 and 90 days you forfeit 50% of the booking total.
- Between 31 and 60 days you forfeit 75% of the booking total.
- 30 days or less you forfeit 100% of the booking total.

Our Cancellation Policy is applicable regardless of whether payments have or have not been received by Wild Again yet, as these cancellation penalties are due to our suppliers.

It is not possible to postpone or change the dates of your trip for any reason (including but not limited to sickness, unforeseen circumstances or delays) once dates have been confirmed with the payment of the non-refundable deposit.

The above cancellation policy applies should you fail to join or start your safari for any reason - including but not limited to - sickness, airline delays or missed connections. Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance for this purpose.

You are liable for cancellation penalties immediately on payment of the 30% non refundable deposit.

Insurance
- We refer clients to an insurance travel consultant we recommend called Pari Morse reachable at info@1earthtravelprotection.com
- If the camps that you will be travelling to are in potential malaria areas, we advise you to consult a doctor to establish relevant precautions to be taken.
- Please note that you will need to purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of paying the initial deposit on your trip if you want to be covered for pre-existing conditions and be eligible for Cancel for Any Reason

Wild Again is a private guiding safari company that connects people to the wilderness. We believe that if we re-connect people with nature we change the world. We pride ourselves on being a small, personalised company that has real and lasting relationships with our guests.
What is different about Wild Again is our passion for incorporating more conscious ways of being into a safari. We challenge the standard way of doing things and offer guests a new approach, always with the greatest awareness to detail, safety, integrity and providing unique, outstanding experiences.
We can't wait to connect you with the wilderness

Teaching was Tara’s dharma long before she realized it. She grew up with a bow and arrow in her hands, learning to pull back with just enough aim and control to send her arrow into the abyss, knowing and trusting it would hit its intended mark. And so she enters each class, each workshop, each experience, each lesson.. Having prepared her body and mind to become that bow - that vessel - that lets her lesson go.. Weaving its way into the provided space and landing wherever it is intended.
When you practice with Tara, you get more than a teacher on the mat; you gain guidance for your daily life. No two classes, workshops, retreats, or experiences are ever the same. Students are not told what to do, they are empowered to listen to their own bodies.
She is a ERYT500, RCYT, YACEP, self-published author, and a Certified Life Coach and Mentor.
Tara’s hOMe is in Asheville, NC.

I've been a guide for the last 15 years having worked at Phinda, Ngala and Londolozi Private Game Reserves in South Africa and have travelled extensively through Africa during that time. I started Wild Again in 2018 and have been curating and hosting safaris throughout the continent ever since, taking guests to meet the people and places we know and love most. My passion lies in helping our guests to remember their place amongst all wild things.

I was incredibly lucky to be raised in a family that absolutely loves wildlife and nature. We were fortunate enough to have a game farm in the Eastern Cape, a province of South Africa, which solidified my love of the bush. After graduating from my Bachelors of Commerce degree where I majored in Tourism, I chose to do a guiding qualification instead of my honours. This was by far the best decision I’ve ever made and completely changed my life. I then went on to guide in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and Mala Mala Game Reserve.
After years of guiding I then took the leap to learn the management side of the industry and took on the Guest Relations Manager role at Kings Camp in the Timbavati.
I love nothing more than to be in nature and spend all of my free time hiking, birding or visiting wild places. I believe that nature is meant to be explored and enjoyed and I continue to find my career path incredibly fulfilling by helping our guests to explore Africa too.