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8-Day Yoga & Safari Retreat

May 24 - 31, 2026
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With Lauren Rudick

About the retreat

Join Lauren for a heart-expanding, unforgettable journey across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia — thoughtfully designed to nourish your body, spirit, and sense of awe.

Lauren Rudick is an international yoga teacher, soulful adventurer, and retreat maven who will be guiding you through this once-in-a-lifetime African adventure.

Over the past 10+ years, she's led yoga retreats and teacher trainings in more than a dozen countries and solo traveled to 50+ countries. From the beaches of Costa Rica to the deserts of Morocco, she's built a career out of blending soulful self-discovery with awe-inspiring travel. But this retreat? It’s different. It’s deeper. Africa has a way of cracking you open. Of reminding you what really matters. Of making you feel wild, alive, and incredibly present.

She's created this journey not just to lead yoga — but to offer something rare: a moment to unplug and reconnect. To move with nature. To eat well, rest deeply, and laugh until your belly hurts and be surrounded by awe-inspiring wildlife. 

If you’re craving connection to yourself, to others and to the natural world,  join Lauren in May 2026.


Highlights of this journey:

  • Daily yoga sessions with Lauren in our outdoor Shala surrounded by the tranquil savannah

  • Warm welcome from a passionate local team

  • Diverse safaris: by 4×4, by boat, and on foot in the bush

  • Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park — two jewels of Southern Africa

  • Authentic cultural experiences with the Basubiya community

  • Charming accommodations in Victoria Falls and eco-friendly glamping at Munga Plains

  • Optional mobile safari (3 or 6 nights) to extend the adventure deep into Botswana

From $3,850 – Click 'Book Now' button above to see all packages and pricing.

Overview

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Overview

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About the retreat

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Your Itinerary

1. Victoria Falls Airport

WV32+FGV, A8, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

2. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

3. Chobe River

Kwando

4. Munga Plains

18.09646141053597, 24.51406461301534, Kavimba, Botswana

5. Livingstone

Livingstone, Zambie

6. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day 1

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Arrival in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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Flight to Victoria Falls

Arrival
VFA

Book your flight to Victoria Falls (VFA)in order to arrive around midday or early afternoon. Contact us on WhatsApp if you need any help. If you'd like to arrive a day or two early, don't hesitate to let us know so we can book nights in the same lodge as your main trip (depending on availability).

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Transfer from airport to a partner lodge in Victoria Falls

Departure13:00

Begin your journey with a warm welcome in Victoria Falls, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to one of our carefully selected partner lodges below. 

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Accommodation in Victoria Falls

Check in13:00
Check out10:00

Shongwe Oasis

Exclusivity, quality, and tranquility are at the heart of Shongwe Oasis. Offering 19 luxuriously furnished rooms set amongst stunning tropical gardens, the lodge is an adults-only retreat complete with an on-site spa, jacuzzi, sit-in infinity pool, and a restaurant and bar area.

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Kabakwe Lodge

Kabakwe Guest Lodge offers a unique fusion of natural beauty, warm hospitality, and ultimate relaxation. Each room is designed with comfort and style in mind, and includes a private veranda where you can unwind and take in the stunning views of the lush gardens and surrounding wilderness.

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Visit of Victoria Falls and rainforest

Time15:00
Duration2 hours

Discover Victoria Falls and the surrounding rainforest. Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders.” Recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, these majestic falls offer awe-inspiring views and a vibrant rainforest ecosystem. 

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Dinner

Time19:00

In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner — the perfect opportunity to connect, share first impressions, and set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Day 2

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Enter Chobe National Park

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Yoga with Elephants

Time7:00
Duration2 hours

Connect with your breath, your body, and nature, all while practicing yoga alongside the majestic elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary. Refreshments are served afterward, featuring a selection of teas, coffees, fruit platters, yogurt, muesli, and biscuits, all enjoyed in a relaxed conversation-style talk about the sanctuary's conservation efforts.

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Transfer for Botswana

Departure11:00

Start your day with an optional morning movement session, followed by a hearty breakfast at the lodge. You’ll then embark on a scenic drive across the border into Botswana (approximately one hour) to reach Kasane, the gateway to the renowned Chobe National Park. Known for its unparalleled elephant population, Chobe offers an extraordinary introduction to Botswana’s wildlife.

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Safari Boat Cruise

Chobe River
Time14:00
Duration3 hours

Your adventure begins with a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River, where you’ll witness elephants bathing along the banks, hippos emerging from the water, and crocodiles basking in the sun, alongside many other species in their natural habitat.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your expert safari guides, who will accompany you throughout the journey. These knowledgeable guides are your go-to resources for understanding the diverse animals and ecosystems you’ll encounter, offering insights and answering questions as you explore.

Enjoy a delicious meal packed by our team on the boat.

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Transfer for Munga Plains

Departure18:00

Depart for Munga Plains located 45mn outside Chobe National Park. The occasion to spot wildlife along the road that goes through the park.

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Munga Plains

Munga Plains is a safari and wellness retreat camp located near Chobe National Park, Botswana. Founded in 2022 by Thierry Nyfeler from Switzerland, it was inspired by his transformative journey through Botswana’s wilderness. Munga Plains offers a unique fusion of African wildlife experiences, wellness practices, and cultural immersion, inviting guests to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature and themselves.

At the heart of Munga Plains is a commitment to sustainability, local community engagement, and wildlife conservation. The retreat collaborates with the Basubiya people to honor the cultural heritage of the region while providing meaningful support to local schools and artisans. Guests can enjoy transformative moments in nature, engaging activities, and enriching connections that leave a lasting positive impact on both the visitor and the community.

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Day 3

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Step into the bush

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Light breakfast

Time7:00

Light bites, tea and coffee will be served in the main area

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Yoga Session

Time08:00
Duration1.30 hours

Join in the morning yoga workshop to relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature’s beauty in our serene Shala.

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Brunch

Time10:00

Buffet brunch in the main area

A variety of salads, grains, vegetables, and protein-rich dishes.

Munga Plains offers a fusion of local flavors and healthy international cuisine. Our culinary experience is crafted by Ednah Rosen, author of "A Taste of Botswana". With a genuine appreciation for local ingredients and culinary traditions, Ednah brings a unique and delightful menu that deepens your journey into Africa.

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Yoga Session

Time13:00
Duration1 hour

As the afternoon unfolds, step into our outdoor Shala for a yoga practice that leaves you centered, renewed, and inspired.

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High Tea

Time14:00

A selection of baked goods, protein-filled snacks, and nutritious bites will be available in the main area.

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Guided Walking Safari

Time15:00
Duration2 hours

Venture into the bush to track wild animals, discover the secrets of local plants, and gain insights about nature – and yourself.

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Sundowner

Time18:00

Watch the sunset with a drink in hand and come back to camp for a delicious dinner under the stars.

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Day 4

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Meet local wildlife

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Game drive

Time06:00
Duration10 hours

Set out at dawn in a 4×4 safari vehicle to discover the wildlife of Chobe National Park. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared by our team will be provided throughout the day.

Located in Northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Spanning approximately 11,700 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. From riverine forests and floodplains to swamps and woodlands, Chobe offers a variety of habitats that support a wide range of species.

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Yoga & Meditation

Time17:00
Duration1 hour

Stretch your legs after a long day with a slow flow and reflect on the moments that have just unfolded with a meditation and sound bath.

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Bush dinner

Time19:00

After a long day, enjoy a dinner infused with local flavors in the bush, then gather around the fire to watch the stars and listen to traditional stories.

Day 5

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Honor local traditions

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Wellness session

Time08:00
Duration1 hour 30 minutes

Begin the day with a new wellness workshop, harmonizing body and mind while letting yourself be guided by the rhythms of nature.

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Breakfast

Time10:00

Order your nourishing breakfast from a selection of options. Fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereals will be served with tea, coffee, and juice in the main area.

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Free time

Time11:00

Use this free time to read a book, relax by the pool, or enjoy a massage in the Shala.

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Yoga Session

Time12:00
Duration1 hour

As the afternoon unfolds, step into our outdoor Shala for a yoga practice that leaves you centered, renewed, and inspired.

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Lunch

Time14:00

Lunch will be served in the main area, offering a variety of salads, grains, vegetables, and protein-rich dishes.

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Village Tour

Time15:00
Duration2 hours

Take a guided tour with the Basubiya people, visit the local school and museum, and engage in meaningful cultural workshops like basket weaving or drumming.

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Boma dinner and traditional dances

Time19:00

Head back to the camp for your last night and enjoy a boma dinner and traditional dances around the fire pit.

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Day 6

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Roam the Wild

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Wellness workshop

Time08:00
Duration1 hour 30 minutes

Take part in one last optional wellness workshop, guided by Lauren, to soak in the calm and serenity of our space in the heart of the savannah.

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Breakfast

Time10:00

Order your nourishing breakfast from a selection of options. Fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereals will be served with tea, coffee, and juice in the main area.

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Free time

Time11:00

Use this free time to read a book, relax by the pool, or enjoy a massage in the Shala.

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Lunch

Time13:00

Lunch will be served in the main area, offering a variety of salads, grains, vegetables, and protein-rich dishes.

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Game drive

Time14:00
Duration4 hours

Head out again in a safari vehicle into Chobe National Park in search of the wildlife hiding in tall grasses and leafy trees. Keep an eye out for leopards, lions, buffalo, and elephants — four members of the “Big Five” that call the park home.

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Dinner

Time19:00

Savor your final moments at camp with a delicious meal, reminiscing on the experiences shared with your fellow travelers, before drifting to sleep to the sounds of hyenas, hippos, and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 7

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Discover Livingstone

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Transfer to Livingstone

Departure7:00

After a light breakfast, depart Munga Plains for Livingstone your last stop in Zambia.

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Lunch at The Royal Livingstone Hotel

Time13:00

Guests are treated to refined dining infused with a variety of influences in The Old Drift Restaurant. Treat yourself to culinary brilliance either in the plush dining room or outdoors on the terrace. Explore European and indigenous flavours presented with modern sophistication. Offering a wonderful vantage point for the river and wildlife that roam the resort, this restaurant is perfect any time of day.

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Optional Rhino Safari


Take a Walking Safari with a White Rhino in the Mosi O Tunya National Park in Livingstone Zambia. This is a unique and rare opportunity to experience the thrill of walking in the untamed Zambian bush and to see wild game animals in their natural habitat.

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Transfer to Victoria Falls

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Experiential Dinner

Dusty Road
Time19:00

Sarah Lilford founded Dusty Road, a Zimbabwean catering company, in 1998. From day one, it epitomised Sarah’s passion for fresh, seasonal food and her sunny, affable personality shone through as she produced a pantry range of pickles, preserves, jams, chutneys, oils, vinegars and confectionary.

After having studied cookery overseas, Sarah travelled around the world and initially, her food reflected vastly different gastronomic influences: Asian, Mediterranean, south American and European, and she honed her skills working in bucket-list places: a ski resort in Switzerland, a yacht in the Mediterranean, Australian cattle stations and Kiwi farms, Scottish hunting lodges and African luxury tented camps. She blended those flavours with her own flair which stemmed from her upbringing on a Zimbabwean commercial farm, and revealed a unique take on food which proved vastly popular with those from all walks of life.

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Day 8

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Departure

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Breakfast & Check out

Check out9:00

After a final breakfast in Victoria Falls, you will be transferred back to Victoria Falls Airport to catch your departing flight.

Inclusions / Exclusions

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Included:

  • 7 nights of accommodation (2 in Victoria Falls, 5 at Munga Plains)

  • All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks

  • Airport arrival & departure transfers (Victoria Falls)

  • Private transfer between Victoria Falls and Munga Plains

  • Transfer between Zimbabwe, Botswana & Zambia

  • Themed evenings: bush dinners, boma dinners, experiential dinner at Dusty Road

  • Activities: Zambezi cruise, 4×4 and boat safaris, guided walking safaris, cultural visits, optional wellness workshops

  • Park fees, community contributions, taxes

  • Local experienced guides (English)

Not included:

  • International flights to/from Victoria Falls

  • Specialty drinks (alcohol, bottled water, specialty coffees)

  • Optional activities (massages, extra safaris)

  • Personal expenses

  • Zimbabwe visa (double-entry recommended)

  • Gratuities

  • Travel & cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)

Travel Tips

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Travel Tips

Visas:

  • Zimbabwe: double-entry visa recommended; available on arrival (USD 45 for EU/Swiss citizens, USD 70 for UK/IE). Bring cash in USD.

  • Botswana: no visa required for stays of 90 days or less for EU/Swiss citizens.

Climate:

  • Nov–Dec: end of dry season, mild heat, spectacular sunsets

  • Mar–Apr: end of rainy season, lush greenery, peaceful ambiance

Health:

  • Malaria prophylaxis is advised. Use repellent and wear long sleeves in evenings.

  • No mandatory vaccinations, but ensure your routine vaccines are up to date.

Luggage:

  • For the main travel segments, hard suitcases are acceptable.

  • For mobile safari legs, use soft bags — bulkier luggage will be stored and returned in Kasane.

Culture & Safety:

  • Always follow your guides’ instructions

  • Dress modestly in rural areas

  • Useful Setswana words: “Dumelang” (Hello), “Ke a leboga” (Thank you)

Available Add-Ons

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Mobile Safaris

The mobile safari is the ultimate Botswana immersion, letting you camp inside national parks without barriers — fully connected to nature yet supported by the crew.

3 nights

2 nights in Savuti known for its predators, then 1 night in Khwai at the entrance of the Okavango Delta. Ends with a scenic flight to Kasane.

6 nights

Safari through three regions in Botswana. 2 nights Savuti, 2 nights Khwai, 2 nights Moremi renowned for its lagoons and abundant wildlife. Ends with a bush flight to Kasane.

Choose standard tents (shared bathroom) or premium tents (private ensuite with mattress on a stretcher). Tent configuration matches your main booking.

Testimonials

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They have tried the adventure

Here to Help

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Contact us

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

WhatsApp: +41 76 464 40 83

Email: info@mungaplains.com

Address: Munga Plains, Kavimba, Chobe District, Botswana 18°05'18.9"S 24°28'57"E

Our team is available to assist with bookings, extensions to neighboring countries, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip in Southern Africa a reality!

About Us

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Munga Plains

Thierry Nyfeler founded Munga Plains after a transformative trip to Botswana in 2021. Leaving behind his tech industry role, Thierry created Munga Plains to offer to others the profound disconnection he experienced. Since 2022, he has dedicated himself to building a sanctuary that embodies healing, sustainability, and community.

Community at Heart

Munga Plains is dedicated to the well-being and growth of the local community. Situated on the former tribal land of the Basubiya people, we honor their cultural heritage by hiring local staff, supporting artisans, and collaborating on community projects. Our guests experience local traditions and lifestyles, ensuring every visit positively impacts the community. 

Sustainable by Design

Sustainability is at the core of Munga Plains. Our facilities, built with wood, thatching grass, and canvas, have a minimal environmental impact. We use solar power, treat our own water and sewage. Our eco-friendly safari activities support Chobe National Park's conservation efforts, home to the world's highest concentration of elephants.

Next Steps

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Next Steps

To finalize your booking, you can select a date from our calendar and choose either a private single, double or shared twin room.

If you have any special requests or need assistance, our team is here to help customize the perfect trip for you.

Once everything is set, simply confirm your reservation and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Botswana!

Thanks for choosing Munga Expeditions !