A 7-day, luxury, outer adventure through the African wilderness. An inner expedition back to yourself.
A once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience, combining extraordinary wildlife encounters, barefoot luxury and deep inner exploration. For women ready to trade the familiar for something altogether wilder.
South Africa, Greater Kruger | Jan 30th - Feb 5th, 2028
“I feel so much more at peace, connected to myself and to nature. I feel more in my body and less in my head. This was a remembrance that we’re all connected, we are one.”
- Tess
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.
Through a carefully curated combination of wilderness experiences, movement, breathwork, coaching and meaningful connection, you'll step into an experience that challenges your perspective, expands your horizons and reminds you just how much life there is to be lived.
And somewhere in between, you might just find yourself feeling a little more like you again.
THE INNER SAFARI
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 prioritize 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.
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.
What if the best thing you’ll bring home from this trip isn't just that gorgeous photograph of an elephant or the memories of starry sky nights by the fire?
What if it's a different way of seeing yourself and your life?
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.
Pick your favourite room
Each suite offers a private retreat into comfort and calm, and features extra-length beds, an ensuite bathroom with rainshower (some have some extra indulgence with a free-standing bath), air-conditioning & ceiling fan, organic hospitality station, hairdryer, outdoor relaxation deck and bespoke bathroom amenities.
Prices are all-inclusive for the entire 6 nights accommodation, meals, classes, workshops and game drives. Scroll for a full list of inclusions.
Premier Riverfront Suite
Perched on the riverbank, Eagle Suite offers sweeping views of the river and floodplain, a perfect sanctuary for romantics seeking comfort and indulgence. Soft cotton robes and luxurious amenities invite relaxation, while the elegant bathroom boasts a unique round design, a freestanding bath with breathtaking views, and a striking wall mural hand-painted by a local artist. The private wooden deck, complete with cozy hanging chairs, provides the perfect vantage point to unwind and watch wildlife wander by.
Bathroom: ensuite, shower and bath (yes, you’ll have 2 bathrooms!)
View: Riverfront
€6,500
Private King · Per person
Luxury Riverfront Suites
Nestled along the riverbank, the Luxury River Front Suites offer beautiful front-row views of the river and surrounding floodplain. Sunbird overlooks a magnificent Fever Tree, with warm gold and soft blue tones echoing the natural landscape. These suites offer a peaceful retreat overlooking two majestic Fever Trees, often visited by an owl at dusk. Both suites invite you to slow down and soak up the beauty of the African wilderness.
Bathroom: ensuite, shower
View: Riverfront
€6,000
Private King · Per person
€5,000
Twin Share · Per person
Luxury Garden Suites
Step into your own African-inspired retreat in our Lioness and Butterfly Suites, where high thatched ceilings create a spacious, light-filled haven. Opulent bathrooms feature antique mirrors and a freestanding bath, inviting you to unwind in ultimate relaxation. Earthy tones, woven textures, and vibrant artworks come together to evoke warmth, luxury, and comfort. Nestled within a lush garden alive with birdsong, these suites offer a serene escape where nature and elegance exist in perfect harmony.
Bathroom: ensuite, shower and bath
View: Garden
€5,500
Private King · Per person
€5,000
Twin Share · Per person
Garden Suites
Nestled among Sashwa's lush gardens, the five Garden Suites each have their own character and connection to the surrounding wilderness. From Carmine's unique round bedroom and wheelchair-friendly design, to Bee Eater's botanical interiors, the organically shaped bedrooms and secluded courtyard shared by Dung Beetle and Aardvark, and Rockfig's peaceful setting beneath shady trees overlooking a wildlife pathway, each offers a private little sanctuary. Expect earthy tones, natural textures, birdsong and the gentle feeling of being immersed in nature.
Bathroom: ensuite, shower
View: Garden
€5,250
Private King · Per person
€4,500
Twin Share · Per person
Standard Suites
Inspired by the quiet strength of nature, our standard suites offer a peaceful sanctuary tucked beneath the trees. Both suites feature spacious interiors with earthy décor, inviting you to unwind in comfort. A private patio opens to views of a lush gully, offering a front-row seat to the dance of birds and wildlife, creating an intimate, ever-changing connection to the natural world. Whether you're seeking reflection, relaxation, or inspiration, these suites provide a serene and uplifting escape into the heart of nature.
Bathroom: ensuite, shower
View: Bush
€5,000
Private King · Per person
€4,000
Twin Share · Per person
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 €50-80)
- 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!)
Still have a question?
Check out the FAQs listed below or message me on +351 910 792 106. I’d be delighted to have a chat with you!
Frequently asked questions
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Not everywhere. Certain areas definitely come with risks. However, thankfully we will not be in those areas. The Kruger National Park is extremely safe and well guarded, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about!
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Think relaxed safari style, comfortable layers and a few things that make you feel good. The weather can vary throughout the day, so layers are your best friend.
Here's what I'd recommend bringing:
Comfortable clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics in neutral or earthy tones such as beige, khaki, olive, brown and sand. Think linen, cotton and relaxed safari-inspired pieces.
A few warmer layers: Early mornings and evenings can get chilly, so bring a cosy jumper, cardigan, light jacket or fleece.
Comfortable footwear: Trainers or walking shoes for bush walks, plus sandals or flip-flops for relaxing around the lodge.
Swimwear: For lazy afternoons by the pool.
Sun protection: A good sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
Insect repellent: Always handy when spending time in the African bush.
A small day bag: Useful for carrying your essentials on game drives and excursions.
Your personal essentials: Toiletries, any medication you need and a reusable water bottle.
A few optional extras: binoculars if you have them and a good book or two.
Leave the heels and elaborate outfits at home, but one or two beautiful sundresses might do well for a dinner night or relaxed afternoon.
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Sashwa is located in a low-risk malaria area, so we don’t worry about it. However, please consult your healthcare provider in your country for guidance on recommended precautions.
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South Africa’s summer season brings magic to the bush. Summer rains awaken the land. Butterflies, birds, and newborn wildlife fill the lush, green bushveld. Temperatures range from 18°C (night) to 40°C+ (day) and are ideal for early morning game drives, afternoon swims, shaded siestas, and cozy fire nights under the stars.
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Item description
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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.
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Check-in time is 2PM on the Sunday, check-out time is 10AM on the Saturday.
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Book your flight to Hoedspruit (daily transfers available from Johannesburg and Cape Town). From there it’s 1 hour and 15 minutes drive to the lodge. We will organize a group transfer to and from the lodge for you. However, please note that the transfer fee is not included in your retreat fee and will be between €30-60 per person for two ways, depending on group size.
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Terms and conditions around cancellations etc. you can find here.
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Our meals are completely plant-based, but if you have any additional dietary or allergy requests, we are happy to accommodate where possible. Please inform us with your booking.
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Smoking is not allowed, and neither is bringing your own alcoholic beverages. We will serve a lovely few glasses of local South African wine throughout the week for those who want, and these are included for all guests.
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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.
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Yoga mats and other props all come with the venue. Linens & towels are provided in all rooms.
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.