Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat hosted by physiotherapist Lindsay Harris at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House

Ellen Kay • August 15, 2026 13:06

Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat hosted by physiotherapist Lindsay Harris at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House

This marked the first retreat I’ve co-hosted since the pandemic began, and I genuinely couldn’t have imagined a better way back into retreat hosting. We spent an extraordinary weekend outside, immersed in nature, with vast open spaces and wildlife all around.

Alongside the daily Yoga and meditation sessions, participants also took part in a range of complimentary workshops.

You could book onto the full three-day retreat, or opt to attend one or two full days instead.

It felt like all of us needed that chance to pause, get outdoors, and check in with ourselves.

The experience was rounded off with nourishing meals, game drives, and a guided walking meditation. If you missed the details on pricing and the itinerary, read on.

Cost of the retreat: Included accommodation, Yoga classes, meals, workshops and game drives

Thursday – Sunday : R 8750 pps

Friday – Sunday : R 6650 pps

Friday Full day : R 2050 (including guided walk)

Saturday Full day : R 2250 (including Game drive)

EXCLUDES : transportation to and from venue, Yoga mat and equipment, drinks & beverages, gifts from curio shop, additional personal travel essentials, treatments at the Spa.

Itinerary :

Thursday 26th – Arrive at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House, check in from 2pm

4pm Free writing workshop with Merle Levin

7pm Dinner

Friday 27th – 7am Walking Meditation

830am Breakfast

1030am Mindfulness workshop with Nicola Aylward

1230pm Lunch

FREE TIME

330pm Hatha Yoga

430pm Meditation

7pm Dinner

Saturday 28th – 7am Meditation

730am Vinyasa Yoga

830am Breakfast

1030am Free yourself with through art with Gill Haggis

1230pm Lunch

2pm Yin Yoga

330pm Game Drive followed by dinner

Sunday 29th – 8am Yoga

9am Breakfast

Downtime, pack up and check out by 1030am

Creative Writing with Merle Levin

Merle Levin is an established writer and a Mindfulness facilitator. Over the weekend, she guided a creative writing session using Merle’s messy method: a mind-free way of writing. It’s a free-form approach with no expectation, no fear, and no deliberate agenda-other than allowing the words to come through.

Mindfulness with Nicola Aylward

Nicola Aylward is a physiotherapist with a particular interest in women’s wellbeing, and she runs a number of courses and workshops across the year. Nicola led an introductory session covering practical breathing techniques that can be used to help manage stressful situations.

Free yourself through art with Gill Haggis

This was a wonderfully liberating (and delightfully messy) workshop where everyone could tap into their creative energy. We worked with materials such as water paints, pastels, glitter, and a variety of textures. Gill is an art teacher who supports both children and adults in exploring freedom of expression through art.

Guided Walking Meditation

For me, this was a completely new experience-I’d never walked through the bush with a game ranger before. We headed out on foot early in the morning, keeping silence. As we moved through the wide-open landscape, we absorbed the sounds of the bush at daybreak: birds calling, the sun lifting, and the discovery of different animal tracks.

It was a remarkable chance to switch off from the usual city rush and truly ground ourselves, reconnecting everyone with the present moment.

Yoga Classes with Lindsay Harris

Teaching on retreat always feels like a real privilege. There’s that bit of extra space before and after each practice, and nobody is dashing off to their car to get somewhere in a hurry.

Sessions took place outdoors in different spots around the lodge. We were treated to a few brief appearances from monkeys playing in the trees, warthogs in the distance, and outstanding birdlife providing the soundtrack.

The styles offered included Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin, combined with meditation and Yoga Nidra.

What participants had to say :

“Lindsay & Theresa hosted a fabulous retreat! The balance between Yoga & finding creative and insightful space was good. This retreat is highly recommended to help you stay grounded and find joy in every moment of life!”