YOGA
THE TREEHOUSE, WATAMU
The Treehouse, designed by the family of Kitengela Glass fame, is one of Kenya’s most unique seaside properties with its intricate glasswork and spiral architecture, giving 360-degree views over the ocean and inland. Yoga retreats are a mainstay here, with seven scheduled for 2018 alone. Every retreat is different, featuring different types of yoga, detox and other wellness aspects, with guest instructors, both from the region and overseas, brought in to lead the retreats. Next retreat Feb 18-21, starts at 595 euros pp (Ksh 75,000 approx).
SUPERFOOD YOGA HOLIDAY, ZANZIBAR
More than just a four-day yoga holiday, Superfood yoga is about rebooting your digestive system, too, saying no to meat and refined foods, and yes to chia seeds, carob and smoothies. Do your down-dog on the gorgeous Paje beach, and spend the rest of the time swimming, snorkelling and standup paddle boarding. Feb 22-26. $680 (Ksh 70,000 approx) pp sharing. Contact lekkeryoga@gmail.com for more information.
KANGA YOGA RETREATS, TANZANIA, DIANI AND LAIKIPIA
In February, three very different yoga retreats, comprising daily yoga classes, fresh, organic meals, juice fasting, detox treatments as well as talks and workshops. Whether beach or bush is your thing, there should be a programme to suit you. The retreats kick off in Tanzania from Feb 9-11, with Emma Bonnici leading sessions at the Amani on South Beach, Dar es Salaam; she then takes a retreat at the White House on Diani Beach from Feb 16-19; the Laikipia retreat where Emma is joined by Anne Powys takes place at Suyian from Feb 23-27. Prices for Diani and Zanzibar start from $420 (Ksh 43,000 approx) pp sharing; for Suyian from $500 pp sharing. Retreats held throughout the year.
YOGA AT SANDAI HOMESTAY
Stay at the charming Sandai farm on the eastern edge of the Aberdares to get away from it all, while dabbling in a spot of yoga and healthy living at the same time. The two-day weekend course will be led by Silke from Nairobi, and focus on both yoga, spiritual wellness as well as healthy eating. Mar 2-4.
Contact www.africanfootprints.de for prices.
LAMU YOGA FESTIVAL
The “go-to” event on Kenya’s yoga calendar, this Swahili-inspired festival is all about changing up your routine to try one of the many different types of yoga offered by the 26 instructors, and communing with hundreds of like-minded yoga fans from all over the world. Classes span the unspoiled Shela and Manda Bay beaches, to Lamu Town. A perfect combination, perhaps, of tree poses, seafood and the sounds of the sea. Mar 14-18. Tickets from Ksh 22,000.
WELLNESS
WILDERNESS WELLNESS RETREAT, SASAAB
Personal trainer Karina Walsh and nutritionist Heather Cuthbert lead this four-day Wilderness Wellness Retreat at Sasaab, a luxurious lodge in northern Kenya. The retreat includes Pilates by the river, walking with Samburu warriors, and stretching sessions in the lodge’s gorgeous pool. Meanwhile, Heather, who leads workshops in Nairobi on nutritional eating, prepares organic and gluten-free food for participants. From $2,600 (Ksh 265,000 approx) pp sharing for three nights, departing May 17,18 or 19.
YOGA CAMP, OL PEJETA
At the centre of Ol Pejeta is the intimate Kicheche Laikipia Camp, the location for a holistic retreat, led by yoga instructor Oriana Torode. Guests will participate in two daily yoga sessions, with the focus on breathing and meditation. Away from the yoga mat, you’ll learn how to cook vegan food in the bush kitchen, while guests will also have the chance to go out for game drives and walks, and sundowners. Ksh 42,000 pp sharing. Feb 2325. To book, contact Oriane on info@yogavinyasa.co.uk
FITNESS
KENYA EXPERIENCE RUNNING CAMP, ITEN
Head to Iten, home to some of Kenya’s finest marathon runners, for a running retreat with a difference. The Kenya Experience is holding three running camps later this year lasting around two weeks, with the aim of turning you into a lean, mean running machine through specialised training programmes, workshops and one-on-one coaching. The July camp will be hosted by Adharanand Finn, author of Running with the Kenyans. Camps run in March, July and August. Starts from £1,000 (Ksh 140,000 approx) pp.
WILDFITNESS, ZANZIBAR
There’s a hefty price tag attached to this body and mind overhaul, but a WildFitness retreat might just prove life-changing. The focus is on the wild: wild living, wild eating, wild moving. The fitness side will have you moving in myriad different ways – whether it’s jumping, hanging, crawling or carrying – with a strong emphasis on helping you find pleasure in doing so. Retreats held throughout the year at White Sand Villas on Zanzibar. From £2,840 (Ksh 400,000 approx) pp for a week.
FIT KENYA BOOTCAMP, ZANZIBAR
Fit Kenya holds bootcamps at different locations throughout the year, ranging from a weekend to several days. Over Easter, join them at Matemwe on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar for five days of fat-busting and strengthening sessions that will either destroy you, or leave you feeling stronger and healthier. If you’ve ever joined a workout at the Arboretum or Karura Forest, then you’ll have some idea. Mar 29-Apr 2. Ksh 71,500, all-inclusive, including flights.
SPIRITUAL / MEDITATION
SILENT RETREAT, THIKA
Head out to the serene Manyika House, an old coffee lodge in the plantations around Thika, for a very different kind of retreat. Held every couple of months, the retreats focus on more than just physical wellbeing. There’s a strong emphasis on silent meditation, with several sessions a day, and personal reflection. Participants break their silence with a final meditative session on the final day. Costs Ksh 24,300, vegetarian meals included. Next retreat March 9-11.
2 comments
hey guys, how do i get your scheduled for the whole year? would love to show up for October-December events
INTEREST TO ATTEND YOGA IN LAMU OR ANY OTHER PLACE IN KENYA IN 2019