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Kenyan Yoga and Safari Retreat


  • emilyoga Malindi, Kilifi County Kenya (map)

Kenyan Yoga & Safari Retreat

“Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographer’s paradise, a hunter’s Valhalla, an escapist’s Utopia.”

– Beryl Markham

Our Home for 6 nights & 6 days

WE ARE BACK!! Emily and Lucy, the dream team, are ready to run an unforgettable week-long bucket-list adventure! Picture yourself in one of the most stunning, luxurious beach villas on the breathtaking coast of Watamu, surrounded by some of the world’s most pristine beaches.

But that’s not all; this incredible journey also includes an exhilarating safari in Kenya, renowned for being one of Africa's best destinations to witness the magnificent Big Five: the African buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and even the graceful cheetah.

Your unforgettable trip begins at the end of January when you land at Nairobi airport. From there, you travel directly to your luxurious beach villa, where spectacular sea views await. Enjoy mesmerising sunsets and the soothing sounds of waves, easing you into restful sleep.

Each room is beautifully designed—luxurious, light, and airy—guaranteeing a delightful stay. Practice yoga on the shaded terrace overlooking the ocean, then cool off in the infinity pool. This villa will be our sanctuary for six days and nights.

On arrival, enjoy a refreshing beverage and take time to settle in. Your first evening features a rejuvenating yoga class and a delicious, nourishing dinner.

The itinerary includes two daily yoga sessions: one invigorating, in the morning, and one restorative, in the evening, leaving plenty of time to relax, explore, indulge in a soothing massage, swim in the sea, read by the pool, and savour delectable culinary experiences. Two exciting afternoon excursions are included in your package: a sunset Doha cruise along the Mida Creek in Watamu, and a trip to the epic Marafa Canyons. Afternoon and early evening Yoga sessions may include mini workshops and yoga philosophy to help you embody and deepen your understanding of Yoga, and on one evening, we will have a cacao ceremony and ecstatic dance.

The Destination

The Retreat will be taking place in one the most stunning properties on the East African coast, situated half-way between 2 beach towns, Malindi & Watamu.  Malindi is, part bustling coastal centre, part historic Swahili settlement and part sleepy, laid-back beach resort.  It sits approximately halfway down the Kenyan coast.

Another close-by town is Watamu, a small, picturesque town 15 minutes from the villa and home to the best beaches in Kenya.   It is known for it's stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.  Watamu offers chill-out beach vibes and a strong focus on wellness and a huge array of water sports and activities.  

It has a distinct mix of Swahili, Italian, and English influences due to its popularity among European tourists and expatriates, meaning incredible food and architecture are to be had.  There is so much to do in Watamu, whether it's paddle-boarding with dolphins, playing Padel tennis with friends, relaxing at the beach, enjoying a sundowner on a traditional dhow boat, this is a truly special place!

Meet the team

  • As a certified 200-hour yoga teacher and an experienced travel agent, I love blending mindful movement with cultural exploration, creating truly unique experiences that inspire connection and lasting memories.

    Having lived abroad for many years, my passion for travel, adventure, and yoga has led me to Kenya— a country I deeply love for its breathtaking landscapes and rich natural beauty. This retreat, co-curated with Emily, is a reflection of that passion—a space to explore, flow, and connect in one of the most stunning places on earth.

    It is my hope to share the magic of Kenya with you, while creating moments of joy, peace, and connection that will stay with you long after the retreat ends.

  • My name is Emily Gilchrist, and I am a mother, yoga teacher, energy healer, mindfulness coach, fun-loving, creative, and cheeky catalyst for transformation and positive change.

    I am devoted to the path of creating sacred, safe, loving and nurturing spaces where people can come, unravel, and be free to show up without apology, exactly as they are. I believe in being authentic and sharing the imperfect, perfect truth of who I am and life, so we can learn to truly accept and embrace the whole of who we all are.

    How it began

    I became involved in the art of healing over 20 years ago after my own personal journey in Yoga had started. Yoga found me at a crucial turning point in my life back in 2001 while living in India. It was my own trauma and being left with little confidence in myself and who I was that got me on the mat! It didn’t take long before I noticed the profound benefits Yoga had started to have on my overall state of mind and well-being, I soon found myself on the way to the ashram in south India, embarking on my first TTC, where the course of my path would change forever! I left knowing it was my mission to share this medicine wherever my heart led me.

    You can read more about me on my page here:

    https://www.emilyoga.com/about-emily

Our Safari Lodge for 2 full days and night

We’ll gently close our time at the Beach Palace on our penultimate morning, transitioning into the next phase of our journey with a leisurely and scenic flight back to Nairobi. to make our way to the Safari lodge, an easy ride from the airport.

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed into the refined sanctuary of Ololo Safari Lodge, an intimate boutique lodge nestled on the edge of Nairobi National Park. Here, wilderness and elegance coexist in perfect harmony—where roaming wildlife meets thoughtful design, and every detail is curated to create a sense of grounded luxury.

This final chapter of our retreat invites you to slow down even further. You will enjoy a full night’s stay and two deeply immersive days, allowing space to truly absorb the rhythm of the land. Two private game drives have been arranged within Nairobi National Park, offering the chance to witness giraffes moving gracefully across the plains, rhinos grazing at sunrise, lions resting in the golden light, and an extraordinary array of birdlife. There is something profoundly humbling about encountering wildlife in their natural habitat—an experience that often feels both grounding and expansive.

Ololo itself is a haven of understated luxury. You may choose to unwind beside the pool overlooking the open savannah, indulge in beautifully prepared farm-to-table meals sourced from the lodge’s own gardens, or retreat into quiet moments of stillness as the sounds of nature surround you.

Our yoga practice will continue here in a more contemplative and integrative way. We will gather for an evening session upon arrival, allowing you to soften into the space and reconnect after travel. The following morning, we will share our final practice together—an intentional closing, set against the raw beauty of the land, offering a moment to ground, integrate, and carry this experience forward with you.

On your final day, you will remain fully immersed in the lodge, with time to rest, journal, receive, or simply be. Your room and lodge facilities will be available to you throughout the day before your late-evening return flight to London (for those travelling on the group booking). Transfers to the airport will be arranged, allowing for a calm and effortless departure.

For those who feel called to linger a little longer, you are warmly invited to extend your stay and can arrange this directly with Lucy or the lodge.

It is also our honour to share that a portion of your journey will support the meaningful work of the Africa Yoga Project. As part of this offering, we will donate all our yoga equipment to support trainees as they step onto their path of sharing yoga within their communities—extending the impact of this retreat far beyond our time together.

This is more than a journey—it is an experience to be felt, remembered, and carried within you.

Are you ready to step into it?

View Full Schedule Below

SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE

Investment fee

🌿 Earlybird Rates - running until August 1st, 2026

  • Twin Room – £2995pp

  • Private Master Suite (ensuite bathroom) – £4150pp

  • Private Master Suite for Two (ensuite bathroom) – £5795×2p

  • Family Master Suite (shared bathroom) – £3250pp

    • Family Master Suite for Two (shared bathroom) – £4950×2p

  • Family Twin Room (shared bathroom) – £2550pp

BOOK NOW & GET READY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFE TIME!!
BOOK NOW & GET READY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFE TIME!!

What’s included?

  • Brunch, dinner, snacks and all-day water and juices

  • Daily Yoga classes

  • Daily Mediation

  • Daily Pranayama

  • Workshops

  • Accommodation

  • All facilities

  • Afternoon excursion to the Marafa Canyon

  • Sunset Dhow Cruise along the Mida Creek

    Ololo Safari lodge, 2 x Game Drives and all food included

  • Domestic flight to and from Nairobi to Malindi

  • All transfers, including to and from Malindi airport on arrival and departure to the beach villa, and to and from Nairobi to the Safari lodge

    What’s not included?

  • Any extra trips out or excursions that are not listed on the itinerary

  • Any extra food that is not on the schedule

  • Any additional treatments, massages

  • International flights to Nairobi

  • Visas and travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

CHECK PICTURES FOR ROOM TYPES HERE
CHECK PICTURES FOR ROOM TYPES HERE

  • We expect around 12-14 people with a maximum capacity of 18.

  • Yes, this trip is suitable for solo travellers. It will be the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about travel, experiencing new cultures, and improving their well-being. 

  • We expect to have at least a couple of men on the retreat. Although the groups are usually predominantly women, men are most welcome. 

  • Yes, if you book a twin room, we will make sure you share a room with someone of the same sex and will do our best to match you with someone of a similar profile. The good news is the rooms are huge so you feel like you have plenty of space, and generally, everyone who comes along is super lovely. 

  • Yes, the retreat will be 100% suitable for people of all levels, ages, shapes, and sizes. With over 20 years of experience teaching classes,, all the sessions will be delivered to adapt and accommodate everyone's needs. 

  •  The age range can vary from anywhere between mid-20s to early 70s, and the overall spirit of the group is always ageless.

  • Yes, all yoga equipment, including a brick, bolster, mat and belt, will be provided, but you are very welcome to pack your own if you prefer 

  • Absolutely! There is so much to do in Malindi & Watamu, from sunset dhow cruises to Sup-ing with pods of dolphins, to snorkelling in local marine parks and visiting local sites such as Marafa Hells Kitchen (natural canyon), Mida Creek mangroves, Gede ruins & the Arabuko forest & elephants to name a few.  Many watersports are available locally, including kite surfing, diving, wakeboarding, fishing, sailing, wake surfing, wind foiling, etc.  There is a great Padel tennis club in Watamu. You can book courts easily and enjoy a delicious iced coffee post-match at the cafe there! 

    Between morning and sunset yoga, there will be ample free time each day to laze on the beach, do excursions, explore the local towns of Malindi and Watamu, go for lovely lunches, or sample the sublime gelato found locally due to the Italian influence in the area. 

    When we arrive, the villa manager will be on hand to advise and book any activities we wish to do, and a driver will be available for transportation. 

  • Alcohol will not be served or encouraged during the retreat. This is to give you the opportunity to feel truly refreshed, revitalised, and renewed, while supporting all the incredible work you’ll be doing for yourself.

    If you usually enjoy a drink and feel unsure about this, rest assured—you’ll be treated to a range of delicious, health-boosting alcohol-free cocktails in the evenings that not only feel special, but also support better sleep and overall wellbeing.

    On the final night, you’re welcome to have a drink if you wish. There will also be an opportunity during the sunset cruise (on an afternoon without yoga classes) for those who would like one.

    Most guests find they don’t miss alcohol at all—and many discover how powerful it feels to give themselves the gift of a full detox. That said, if someone does decide to sneak off for a beer, don’t worry—the yoga police won’t be knocking! Ultimately, this approach is here for your benefit and to enhance your experience.

  • No, you do not. It is recommended that you participate as much as you can to get the most out of your yoga development, but obviously, it's entirely up to you how much you do and it is important to listen to your body when it knows it needs to rest!

  • I would recommend packing plenty of beach clothes, yoga clothes, sunscreen, a meditation shawl, a journal, a pen, sunglasses, evening clothes, a few warm clothes for the evening as it gets cooler at night, cool protective clothes and shoes and a hat for the safari, insect repellent, malaria tablets just in-case you are very sensitive to bites, camera. 

  • The food will be mainly vegan/vegetarian to support a healthy yogic diet and will accommodate all dietary requirements and allergies, provided they are noted in the booking form. For non-vegetarian people, we would not expect you to come to Kenya by the beach and not sample their fresh local fish at least for a couple of the meals, but the menu will accommodate all preferences. 

  • At the end of February, Watamu, Kenya experiences hot, humid weather with an average daily maximum of around 26°C and a minimum of 14°C, making it a good time for safaris and beach activities. 

  • There is a high risk of malaria in some areas of Kenya, so it is generally advised to take antimalarial tablets, use insect repellent, and avoid mosquito bites . You can visit a travel clinic or use an online travel clinic to order them.

  • 30 mins in a pre-arranged taxi 

  • The drive from the airport to Ololo Safari Lodge takes about 40 minutes, offering a chance to relax before your flight home.

  • You can, but you will either need to let us know well ahead of time or book with them directly by following the link below:

    https://olololodge.com/

  • The quickest route is by train from Voi. It takes approximately 4.5 hours, and the journey is scenic and pleasant. 

  • You can fly directly from London to Nairobi with Kenyan and British Airways, which takes approximately 8.5 hours. We will fly overnight on January 25th.

    Upon our return, we will take the overnight flight back to London on (most likely the BA flight) on February 2nd.

  • We will meet at Nairobi Kenyatta airport's domestic terminal on Tuesday mid-morning, ready to fly to Malindi on an internal flight included in your package. If you are arriving at a different time, we can arrange an internal flight time that suits you, as there are four flights a day from NBO to MYD. 

  • It can be nice to take out local currency before you arrive, just so you have it for tipping people or bartering in the local markets. Dollars are always appreciated. Most boutiques and restaurants will take cards, but I recommend having cash at hand, too. 

  • Yes, you can do this online by following the link here: https://kenya-visa.co.uk/

  • Yes, you absolutely can, interest-free.   

    We require a £200 initial non-refundable deposit, and then we can set up a monthly arrangement to pay off the balance before departure. 

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Kenyan Yoga and Safari Retreat Rooms