Imagine…

→ Waking up to the sounds of the African bush. The distant roar of a lion, the soft morning light filtering through the trees, the fresh air and the river flowing gently nearby.

→ Early morning game drives in our open safari vehicles, following dusty tracks through the wilderness as the bush comes to life. A herd of elephants gathering at a watering hole. A family of lions feasting on the carcass of an antelope.   

→ A mindful yoga flow on the river deck, a hippo popping his head out of the water, while you move, breathe and ease into the morning. 

→ Savouring beautiful, plant-based meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a whole lot of love by the Sashwa team, and the smell of fresh coffee filling the air.

→ Coming together for intimate workshops, breathwork journeys and coaching circles. Sharing stories, exploring your inner wilderness, sitting with honest questions, feelings and dreams and connecting with women who feel like close friends within days.

→ Gathering around the fire as the sun disappears beyond the horizon. The crackling of the flames, a sky full of stars and and conversations that deepen, laughter that carries into the night and the outside world that feels a million miles away.

→ Retreating to your gorgeous bush lodge suite with river view, where the only thing on your to-do list is to sink into the comfiest bed, listen to the sounds of the bush and sleep like a baby baboon.

 
 

And somewhere between the wild encounters, the inner reflection, the meaningful conversations and the quiet moments in between, you might just find yourself feeling a little more like you again.

 
 
 
 

More than a retreat. More than a safari.

This experience goes far beyond yoga classes, beautiful food, a luxurious African lodge and daily safaris. Africa isn't simply our destination. Its vastness, raw beauty, untamed rhythms and extraordinary wildlife shape the entire experience and allow for a new kind of depth.

Nature here isn't something you simply observe. You feel it. It becomes a part of you.

We spend so much of our lives learning how to fit in. To be the good girl. To be sensible. To make smart choices. To follow the rules, meet expectations and stay within the lines.

We've learned to think before we feel, to reason before we trust, and to prioritise what makes sense over what feels right.

But out here, the rules are different.

Nature doesn't negotiate with expectations. It follows its own rhythms. It doesn't need permission to take up space, rest, change direction or do things differently.

So what if, for a full week, you allowed yourself to do the same?

To step away from the noise, the expectations, the responsibilities and the roles. To listen to your instincts and trust them. To loosen your grip on who you think you need to be. To rediscover the desires you've been dismissing and the possibilities you've been too sensible to consider.

I want to allow myself this!
 
 

You travel to Africa for the wilderness. You return with a different relationship with yourself and with life.

This is where the wild out there meets the wild within.

 
 

Our home in the African Bush, Sashwa River of Stars

Tucked along the banks of the Olifants River in the heart of the Greater Kruger Park, Sashwa is a beautiful riverfront lodge where barefoot luxury meets the wilderness. A true sanctuary where elephants roam freely, stars stretch endlessly across the sky, and stillness takes root. 

Surrounded by nature and wildlife, the lodge combines elegant indoor spaces with open-air living, secluded hideaways and beautiful decks overlooking the river, offering plenty of places to slow down, unwind and watch the wildlife come and go.

And then there's the food. 

At Sashwa, food is both medicine and art. Meals are plant-based, seasonal and lovingly prepared using fresh, whole ingredients. Much of the produce comes straight from the lodge's own organic permaculture garden, which you are welcome to visit. We serve nutrient-dense meals, celebrating real ingredients and reducing waste wherever possible. We gladly adapt to dietary requirements.

 
 
 
 
 

We’ll let the rhythm of the land and the animals guide our journey

Unlike my other retreats, where I can fully shape the schedule myself, here the bush decides our rhythm.

Your days will be a consciously curated balance of guided experiences, wildlife encounters, personal exploration and unstructured time.

I won’t share the full schedule with you until we arrive, but know one thing: the bush wakes up early, and so will we.

Here’s a glimpse of what a day could look like…

  • 6am – Wake up and a short sunrise meditation on the river deck

  • 6.30am – Big Five game drive

  • 9am – Breakfast

  • 11.30am – Yoga class in the indoor sanctuary

  • 1pm – Lunch

  • 2pm – Rest time by the pool or in the library

  • 4pm – Bush walk or group coaching circle

  • 7pm – Drinks around the fire, followed by dinner under the stars

  • 9pm – Bedtime (the bush doesn’t care for late nights 😉)

 
 

This bucket-list experience is for you, if…

  • You've travelled the world, enjoyed beautiful holidays and perhaps a few retreats, but you're craving an experience that brings adventure and deep inner work together in a way you've never experienced before.

  • You've been dreaming of an African safari, but you want more than wildlife sightings and beautiful lodges. You want an experience that goes beyond the destination.

  • You're ready to step beyond the familiar, challenge the expectations you've been living by and rediscover the freedom of doing things your own way.

  • You love adventure, nature and won't say no to a good dose of luxury, but equally enjoy meaningful conversations, inner work and don't mind a little dust on your boots and wild in your hair.

  • The idea of travelling to Africa feels like a big adventure, and you're excited to share this wild inner and outer journey with an intimate group of like-minded women. 

 
 

On a personal note… hi, I’m Myrthe!

Type A personality. Manifesting Generator. Aquarius. Former corporate consultant. Recovering good girl. Retired high-achiever who spent years doing what was expected of her, until I started wondering: Is this really it?

So I left a 10-year relationship, walked away from a high-paying consulting career in Singapore and started building life on my own terms.

Today, I live by the ocean in Portugal, run my own coaching business and have the freedom to keep following my intuition.

This retreat means a lot to me personally. I've always felt a deep connection to Africa, its land and wildlife. Bringing the Motherland together with the work I love doing has been a long-held dream.

And there's more! On February 2nd, 2028, this single girl turns 40!

Rather than celebrating this milestone with a big birthday party, I wanted to mark this next chapter somewhere I feel most alive: out in the African wilderness, surrounded by the big cats that are my spirit animals and a group of wonderful women sharing this adventure with me.

Because turning 40, to me, is about celebrating the freedom to be me and to keep building my life guided by my soul’s desires.

Don't worry, I don't expect birthday gifts ;-) I do, however, expect plenty of hugs and that you'll share the cake with me!

 
 

Koru Camp, the heart behind Sashwa

Sashwa was born from the vision of Koru Camp, a community-based initiative connecting youth from local villages with nature, wildlife conservation and sustainable living.

Through immersive wilderness experiences, Koru Camp helps prepare the next generation to become environmental stewards and protect the natural heritage of South Africa.

And here's what makes this particularly special: Sashwa was designed as a social enterprise, with 100% (!!!) of its profits flowing back to Koru Camp to support its mission.

So your stay at Sashwa contributes to something beyond your own experience: the future of local young people and wildlife conservation.

Find out more about Koru Camp at www.korucamp.org.

 
 
 
 

Room Types & Rates

Each suite offers a private retreat into comfort and calm, with:

Extra-length bed 

En-suite bathroom with rainshower 

Air-conditioning & ceiling fan 

Organic hospitality station 

Charging station & hairdryer 

Outdoor relaxation deck 

Bespoke bathroom amenities 

Laundry service 


Some rooms also feature some extra indulgence with a free-standing bath, cotton bathrobes and luxurious bath products 


 
 
 
 

What’s included in your retreat

  • 3 wholesome, seasonal meals per day 

  • Herbal teas, warm drinks & a glass of local South African wine on some nights

  • All-day access to healthy snacks 

  • Daily Big Five game drives and bush walks with expert guides

  • Daily yoga and meditation classes

  • 2x Transformational Breathwork Journey

  • 2x Intimate Group Coaching Circles 

  • 1x 1:1 Deep Dive Coaching Session with Myrthe

  • Creative Studio access to paint, clay or create (self-led use, materials provided) 

Not included:

  • Flights to Hoedspruit Airport (through Johannesburg or Cape Town, daily flights available)

  • Airport pickup from Hoedspruit Airport to the lodge (we will help you organize group pickups, approx. EUR50 two ways)

  • Massages and holistic spa treatments in Sashwa’s Wholeness Center (available to book onsite)

  • Gratuities for the Sashwa team (no pressure, but if you would like to follow African customs, the Sashwa team would be super grateful for a small donation)

  • Travel and health insurance (highly recommended! Find the full Terms & Conditions here)

 
 

Still have a question?

Check out the FAQs listed below or message me on +351 910 792 106.

 
 

Frequently asked questions

  • Myrthe speaks both English and Dutch. All group activities will be facilitated in English, but if needed responses can be offered by guests in Dutch and translated for the rest of the group by Myrthe. Individual conversations can be in Dutch.

  • Check-in time is 3PM on the Wednesday, check-out time is 11AM on the Sunday.

  • From Lisbon airport (or city) it is a 1.5hr drive south to the location. We can help you organize private or shared transport. There is also lots of parking space if you decide to come with your own car.

  • Terms and conditions around cancellations etc. you can find here.

  • If you have any dietary or allergy requests, we will do our very best to accommodate. Please inform us with your booking to confirm if your specific requests is possible for our chef to take into account.

  • Keep in mind there is no coffee and alcohol served on the retreat and any consumption as well as smoking are not allowed. Pets are also not allowed. Since the house is located on a beautiful piece of land, you might find a cat or 2 wondering around. They do not come into the house.

  • You can expect to practice different styles of yoga, from stronger power vinyasa classes, slow flows, Hatha and more restorative practices like Yin. In addition, all practices will include some form of breathwork and/or meditation.

  • Yoga mats and other props all come with the venue. Linens & towels are provided in all rooms.

  • May is usually a lovely month in Portugal weather wise. However, the mornings and evenings sometimes get a little chilly and one of our yoga spaces is outdoors, so make sure you also bring some warm clothes.

 
 
 

The earth beneath your feet. The sky wide above you. And somewhere in between, there is a place waiting to hold you.

Come join me and 10 other wild women at Sashwa.

The wilderness awaits us.