Wellness is a word that has cropped up more and more often since the turn of the century. Initially the term placed a lot of emphasis on fitness and nutrition and of late concepts that have been around for many centuries such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga and now science. Today, in the face of the global pandemic, the word ‘wellness’ is now inescapable as everyone is forced to consider physical and mental wellbeing. While Wilderness Safaris can offer a full spectrum of wellness offerings, the greatest offering is a complete immersion into one of the finest wildernesses on the planet, far from the madding crowd, mounting pollution and modern technology. The wilderness areas boast endless horizons of wide-open space inhabited by its rightful fauna and flora.

Here is a round-up of Wilderness Safaris' wellness offerings:

Disconnect to Reconnect

All of Wilderness Safaris camps, with the exception of handful that are simply too remote, have access to WiFi. However Wilderness Safaris continue to encourage guests, after alerting their families of their safe arrival, to quite literally leave the beaten track and enjoy an authentic African experience connecting with nature, local people, family and friends.

Stepping out into Nature

Nature walks are not only aerobically beneficial but are also the ideal way of immersing your entire being in nature and quite simply enjoying a mindful experience. If you do go walking, expect an early rise and be aware that walks are often seasonal and subject to a qualified walking guide being available. In Namibia, walks are available year-round where guests will get their heart rate up as they climb the dunes and rocky mountainous terrain. In Botswana’s Kalahari Plains Camp, guests will be invited on a walk with the local Bushmen family and be shown how they live and thrive off the Earth. At Bisate, tracking gorillas can be a day-long workout, and in camp you can also enjoy exploring the hillside property as well as walking to the communities and interacting with the local villagers in the Bisate community. At Toka Leya, guests can take a guided nature walks in close proximity to the camp, learning about the medicinal properties of local plants and trees and how Wilderness Safaris are restoring the area. Camps such as Mombo and Vumbura Plains have long walkways which are conducive to fast-paced daytime walks (without a guide), where guests can enjoy the trees and wildlife along the way.

Bush Spas and Gyms

Each Wilderness Safaris camp offers different experiences. In some camps you may find both a full spa and full gym, perhaps even a lap pool. At others there are in-room massage services and you can gym in the comfort of your room.

Here is a rundown on what you’ll find where…

Full Spa and Gym Experience

In Botswana, Wilderness Safaris have five camps – Mombo, Little Mombo , Jao, DumaTau and Little DumaTau (currently being rebuilt and set to open later this year) – offering both a beautiful spa* setting with a full treatment menu and a dedicated area with where guests can work out with a scenic view. In Zambia, Toka Leya also offers the full spectrum given its tenure as a favourite starting or end-point of a safari for many of our guests. The winding wooden walkway between Mombo and Little Mombo brings you to the bush spa and gym where guests will be pampered with a massage or facial after an energetic swim in the lap pool, a cycle on a stationary bike or Pilates or yoga on the deck. Jao’s aptly named spa, Under The Leaves Safari Retreat, has up to three in-house spa therapists who offer treatments either in the reception areas (manicures and pedicures) or in one of two unique Lily Pad treatment rooms. DumaTau and Little DumaTau’s brand new gym and spa is privately nestled between both camps and is a destination on its own, complete with a lap pool and sun loungers for peaceful contemplation of the surrounding wilderness. Toka Leya’s evocative views of the Zambezi River sets the scene for heart-pumping movement at the fully-equipped gym and deck, as well as the spa area where guests can request many relaxing treatments.

Just the Gym

Abu’s thoughtfully located gym overlooks the open plains where the passing animal parade may interrupt your best intentions. However, the guest tents at Abu are also personal “wellness centres”; here guests will find a gym-in-a-basket (see more below) – or you can opt for an in-room massage* from a skilled therapist. For quiet reflection, guests can soak in the bath while watching the wilderness spectacle unfold. At Chitabe, choose to either sweat-it-up in the gym or take respite from the midday heat in the lap pool with a view.

In-Room Massage Treatments

At some of Wilderness Safaris camps, in-tent massage treatments are also available and hugely popular. In Botswana, Vumbura Plains, King’s Pool and of course, Abu, have this offering. The camps with Wellness Centres (Mombo, Little Mombo, DumaTau and Little DumaTau) can also bring the spa to guests’ rooms for more privacy. The magic of in-room massages are also available at Little Kulala and Serra Cafema in Namibia. The Rwandan therapists at Bisate Lodge are available for in-room massages. Additionally there are now massage treatments available in the beautiful new Day Lounge, where Wilderness Safaris accommodate guests with early arrivals and late departures.

Wilderness Safaris’ belief in the healing powers of nature extends to the products that are used for treatments; natural and locally sourced and of course not be harmful to the environment.

Gym-in-a-Basket

Yoga, Pilates or gym can be performed from all rooms in Botswana as well as Rwanda. Generally the gym-in-a-basket consists of an exercise mat, weights and resistance bands.

Wholesome Nutrition

When it comes to cuisine, the Wilderness Safaris chefs create a combination of local and traditional flavours infused with influences of modern-day cooking. The menus evolve with the seasons and according to the harvest. While the dining experiences often include sweet pleasures, the menus are also tailored to guests’ dietary requirements and can offer plant-based, vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options. While most Wilderness Safaris camps are located in very remote areas, many of which cannot sustain their own vegetable gardens, the aim is to keep as much produce locally sourced as possible. Bisate’s produce is mainly foraged from the lodge’s vegetable garden, as well as from local farmers within a five kilometre radius – advocating not only for the health of the planet, but that of the local economy. Thus we boast a wholly indigenous farm-to-table experience that contributes to the success of the community, and keeps the environmental footprint light.

While physical wellbeing is a key focus, Wilderness Safaris believe that the safaris offer a much deeper influence into wellness from an emotional, social and even spiritual form. Being surrounded by nothing but the wilderness and away from the constant demands of our daily lives allows for a deep introspection. This is why you often hear that Wilderness Safaris journeys change lives.

*As the safety of Wilderness Safaris guests and staff is of the utmost importance, please note that due to the COVID-19 situation, spa and massage treatments may be restricted. Wilderness Safaris are continuously monitoring the World Health Organisation for guidelines and adhere to all safety requirements by the respective governments of each country.