Soulful Safari: Reconnect With Yourself Through Nature

Travel trends indicate that jet-setters are looking towards adventure travel as an alternative to tried and tested European tours.

Don’t get us wrong, sipping champagne on a balcony in Paris sounds like a dream-come-true, but the modern traveller is equally drawn to activity-based holidays that feed the soul, as well as the body. Depending on your interests, this could take the form of renting a bicycle in Bali and exploring the island on two wheels or hiking the Camino in Spain.

We present an alternative activity-based holiday: Have you ever considered going on safari in South Africa?

Plainly put, Madikwe Hills offers guests the opportunity to see animals that occur nowhere else in the world. Only in Africa can you experience the might of the elephant, the intense stare of a lion, the gruffness of the buffalo, the stealth of the leopard and the ancient majesty of a rhino.

It is here, in this untouched landscape, where we can enter nature as guests, and leave as allies, reconnected to ourselves and to the living world around us.

As rare as they are, vacations should focus on rejuvenation and wellness. There’s nothing worse than coming back from your holiday, having rushed from landmark to landmark, and feeling as though you need another holiday to recover!

It’s in this spirit that we present Finding Wellness on Safari. This concept is born of finding time to truly relax and reconnect with yourself through nature. And here at Madikwe Hills, we have plenty of that…

No matter where you are at Madikwe Hills, nature is your constant companion. Our glass-fronted suites are shaded by ancient Tamboti trees and invite the veld inside through every window pane. The outdoor showers and swimming pools are canopied by the endless African sky that blazes above in brilliant shades of blue, no matter the season.

When you go out on game drives you have the opportunity to see rare and wonderful creatures in their natural habitat and should you wish to experience them at even closer proximity, our expert guides offer on-foot safari walks, an exhilarating experience for first time visitors to the bush.

Being outside reminds us that nature is home. Our bodies rediscover their senses, our circadian rhythm reestablishes itself and we relax in the absence of modern life’s subconscious stressors: lawn mowers, blaring televisions, traffic and alarm clocks.

Whether you’re dining in our traditional African boma, in the elegant dining room or out on the deck, each meal at Madikwe Hills is a feast for the senses.

Not only are the ingredients fresh, but the flavour profiles contain a unique African twist. At Madikwe Hills, food is nourishment, but it is also an experience. No two meals are the same, and our chefs find joy in allowing their creativity free reign. You’ll taste their passion for food in every bite!

When you think of food at Madikwe Hills, picture colourful plates, sophisticated presentation and flavours as bright and bold as Africa herself.

The modern way of life tells us that spending time at the spa is “treating” ourselves. But, considering the stressors we are exposed to every day, is it not, rather, a form of healing and renewal?

The benefits of massage are well-documented. Not only can it aid in lymph drainage, but lower blood pressure, improve circulation and radically reduce stress. In fact, many guests fall asleep under the healing touch of our skilled massage therapists’ hands.

In addition, the spa at Madikwe Hills also offers a full bouquet of relaxing therapies that exclusively make use of Africology products – recognising the raw healing potential to be found in Africa’s rich deposit of natural resources.

We hope to share the rejuvenating spirit of Africa with you.

AFRICOLOGY ETHICS

• We honour all living things
• We support trade that uplifts communities
• We replace what’s taken and used from Mother Earth
• We show gratitude to Nature

Scientists have categorically proven that there is no better remedy for stress than a good night’s sleep, and yet, never before has mankind struggled to undertake an activity that should be as natural as breathing.

The advent of artificial light means that we are woefully out of touch with our bodies’ circadian rhythm. But, out here is the bush, where the Milky Way is visible in all its dazzling glory, you have an opportunity to reconnect with your sleeping pattern.

Retreating to your suite is pure decadence in the evening and the crisp white sheets will be turned down for you upon your return from dinner. As you unwind without television and tech and sink into your sumptuous four poster, King-sized bed, decked out with gauzy mosquito nets, allow the sounds of the bush to lull you to sleep.

Perhaps you’ll hear lions calling in the distance, or perhaps there are elephants at the local water hole. You’ll be amazed at how your senses are heightened out here in the wild. It’s a revelation in every sense.

Picture this: You rise with the sun, rejuvenated from a night of uninterrupted sleep. You peel back your mosquito net and see that a perfect day is about to bloom outside. The dawn air is still slightly chilly, so you brew a cup of coffee and head out onto your private deck to watch the world awaken.

The beauty of being on safari is that you have nowhere to rush to. There are no errands to do, meetings to attend or people to please. All that is required is for you to be present; we will take care of the rest.

At first, this change of pace can be uncomfortable. We are tempted to fill each gap with an activity, but true wellness is paired with finding moments for stillness. Make no mistake, there will certainly be time for socialising, but every interaction is at your pace, be it with the animals, your guide, or with your fellow travellers.

Embrace the absence of noise pollution. Engage your senses. What can you see? What can you hear? What can you smell?

Create healthy habits that you carry forward, long after your time at Madikwe Hills has come to a close.

At a glance

• Spend time outdoors
• Nourish your body
• Heal at the spa
• Sleep well
• Slow down

If you’re interested in inquiring about wellness on safari at Madikwe Hills, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reservations team directly at book@madikwehills.com or use our online booking system by clicking here.

We look forward to welcoming you to the rejuvenating landscape of Mother Africa.