Nurture with Nature
Kenya | Oct 6–16, 2021
A Conscious Travel Experience with Yogi Ali
Yoga, mindfulness, and practices in self-compassion between the foot of Kilimanjaro and the beaches of Lamu
This is not just a yoga retreat
A Conscious Travel Experience (CTE) includes yoga, guided and independent mindfulness practices, intentional opportunities to be with nature, exploring the heritage and culture of the places we’ll visit, and plenty of time to be with and tend to you.
In the simplest of terms, this CTE looks to nature to inspire connection, compassion, presence, and a feeling of being radiantly alive.
Part one | Glamping in one of the wildest places on Earth
With a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, and easy access to the wild attractions of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp is a tranquil retreat in one of the wildest places left on Earth.
We’ll take up residence in luxurious tents with en-suite bathrooms, practice yoga outdoors, go on guided walks with resident naturalists, bird watch, and take our time appreciating the magnificence of our natural surroundings.
The camp’s secluded dam on the Sante River is home to turtles, crocodiles, and hundreds of basking hippos so we can get up close and personal with the wildlife without ever having to leave the camp. And yes, it’s all very safe, I assure you!
Part two | The heritage and natural wonder of Lamu
The Lamu archipelago’s endless white, sandy beaches, mangrove forests and coral eco systems are matched, in beauty, by the history, heritage and architecture of the Old Town.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for being “the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa,” and we’ll take up residence in stunning traditional stone houses operating as bed and breakfasts.
When we’re not wandering the Old Town to marvel over the architecture, old doors or markets, we’ll hop on and off Dhow boats—the island’s only mode of transportation— to find secluded beaches and explore some of the islands’ many other attractions.
Our practice goes beyond Hatha Yoga and breathing exercises
It’s about cultivating a way filled with presence, and compassion for oneself, and others. It entails minding our thoughts and emotions with understanding, being gentle with ourselves, and looking, regularly, to our natural surroundings for reminders of how to carry ourselves with grace.
All this asks for some patience and gentleness so we’ll pole pole, as they say in Swahili.
We’ll take our time.
Meaningful and lasting change begins with the work we do here-now.
The CTE welcomes participants of all levels--anyone that wishes to begin or deepen their practice--with a daily schedule of practices devoted to self-compassion and connection through nature
Hatha Yoga & the breath
The Hatha Yoga classes I lead involve a simple sequence that’s designed to restore balance and ease to both body and mind while helping you cultivate awareness. I’m more concerned with how well you breathe and the alignment of postures than simply moving and sweating. Every class is concluded with a generously long final relaxation, and a short guided meditation.
Nature-based mindfulness
Nature is a source of immense inspiration and an avenue for connection. On the deepest level, nature is what we are, and we are an extension of it; by making it the focal point of our awareness, we find that we are, in fact, coming home to ourselves.
The guided and independent practices I offer will help you connect with the natural world and begin to draw from the beauty, grace, generosity, resilience, and inspiration it so effortlessly embodies.
And more
You can also expect workshops, conversations and practices devoted to topics such as the breath, managing emotions, growing in compassion, investing in our wellbeing and bringing meaningful and lasting change to our daily lives.
The logistics
The accommodation, transportation, and routes have been selected to deliver an exceptional experience while minimizing travel time. We will, nonetheless, cover plenty of ground!
Please swipe through the map below to get a sense of how we’ll move around Kenya.
It’s all-Inclusive
That means everything!
ALL the flights, food, accommodation, practices, transfers, your return PCR, health coverage, unlimited Dhow rides, and an unforgettable experience for a small group, in Kenya.
A closer look at our destinations and accommodation
Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp
Oneway House in Lamu’s Old Town
About Me
I’m a human being in awe of the beauty, intelligence, grace, and all-round magnificence of the natural world. I also practice yoga, and count myself a student of various wisdom traditions.
My mission is to inspire people who seek to be more present, gentle, and grateful for that which they are, and this we have now.
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.”
— Edward Abbey
FAQs
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Kenya?
Kenya does not require a COVID-19 vaccination for visitors. You will need to present a negative PCR test, and take a yellow fever shot before you travel.
Is Kenya Safe? And what COVID-19 Precautions are being taken?
I’m in conversation with my partners in Kenya to ensure the necessary considerations and precautions are taken for our safety, and that of the locals. Rest assured that our destinations are remote, and have very few visitors, at present.
Health insurance is included for every participant, and so is the PCR test we’ll take before leaving Kenya.
I’ve never done yoga, can I still join?
Absolutely! My yoga classes are super approachable, and so are all the practices I lead. Every CTE and retreat begins with a foundational yoga class, I make a point to explain things clearly, and I always offer plenty of support to my students, as well as modifications for those who have injuries and/or health conditions.
I don’t live in Egypt. Can I meet you in Nairobi?
Yes, you’re welcome to meet us in Nairobi, and you’ll get a discount if you’re booking your own flights.
Our private bus will depart to Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp at 5AM on October 7.
What about the visa?
An electronic visa is required for most nationalities and can be obtained online.
https://evisa.go.ke/single-entry-visa.html
How can I book my spot?
You can book your spot by bank deposit or transfer, in USD. Please register for the payment instructions.
What’s the cancellation policy?
My cancellation policy is more flexible than ever, and I’ll share the details, by email, if you register below.
If you have any other questions let’s schedule a call to discuss!
