A Safari Like No Other
Good for the animals. Good for the heart.
September 16th - 25th, 2025
Clear your head. Connect your heart. And commune with nature in one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
10 Days & 9 Nights of Safari and Wellness
At Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa
See the “Big 5” (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and African buffalo) within the 66,000-acre protected Phinda Reserve, also home to more than 436 bird species.
Stay in luxury at two Phinda resorts within the Reserve.
Save a rhino in a special hands-on conservation experience.
Experience guided wellness and mindfulness practices including yoga, meditation, breath work, nature-bathing walks, and the study of key yoga philosophies.
A one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling uncommonly connected to the planet, the animals, and your inner spirit.
Photos courtesy of Carrie Asby and (c) andBeyond.com. Used by permission.
Highlights
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Luxury Lodges
Stay in two world-class private lodges within the Phinda Reserve: Rock Lodge and Vlei.
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Safari Wildlife Drives
Experience 12 guided safari drives at times when animals are most active.
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Bush Walking Adventures
Guided forest and grassland walks let you connect to nature and your spirit.
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Hands-On Conservation
Work with rangers in a rhino de-horning, and protect an animal from poachers.
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Guided Yoga Experiences
Guided yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices will be woven into every day.
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Community Visits
Visit with local artisans, shop, and learn about the indigenous culture.
Itinerary
World-Class Accommodations
Save a rhino:
A hands-on experience
Photo Carrie Asby
And on your Nature Heart Safari, you will help make a difference. Our trip will culminate in assisting Phinda’s conservation team with a rhino de-horning. It is an incomparable experience to directly impact the well-being of another species on our planet. Your heart and soul will never be the same.
The African White Rhino has been driven to near extinction by poachers who hunt them for their horns. Phinda Private Game Reserve works to ensure a core population of rhinos thrive in South Africa.
To protect the rhinos, Phinda has introduced a de-horning program. Causing no harm or discomfort, dehorning takes away the poacher’s motivation to kill or injure these magnificent creatures.
About Carrie Asby, Your Guide
I’m a wellness and yoga coach who is passionate about wildlife conservation and supporting individuals to build better relationships with themselves. When we apply gentle love and mindful care to our world, we acknowledge the value of its gifts. This sense of loving consciousness is the foundation of everything I practice within my life and work - and what I’m here to teach you.
As a Phinda volunteer, I’ve helped release cheetahs and pangolins back into the wild. I’ve removed a tracking collar from an elephant. I’ve helped remove a rhino’s horn. I have bush knowledge and relationships with Phinda that help give me insider insights... and I can’t wait to share all of it with you.
Photo by Laura Sonnenberg
What Students Say
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Carrie is incredibly in tune both spiritually and physically. She's the best yoga instructor I've ever had. She pushes you to do and be more and is the genuine real-deal.
Erika K.
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Carrie is the rare combination of a true professional with the soul of a yogi. She's a fantastic yoga teacher and a creative, intuitive person who understands her students' needs.
Stacy T.
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Carrie is an amazing teacher, and her classes are a great balance of knowledge and insight into the yoga tradition and flow.
Cindy C.
Pricing
10 days + 9 nights
We'll discuss the total price in person because of the ever-changing exchange rates between the South African Rand and the United States Dollar.
You can choose to pay in 3 simple installments, making it easier for you to manage.
Looking forward to discussing this further with you.
What’s Included
A representative to assist you through customs and immigration upon arriving in Johannesburg
Transportation to the Residence Hotel in Johannesburg
Accommodation: Residence Hotel in Johannesburg (1 night), Phinda Rock Lodge (4 nights), Phinda Vlei (4 nights)
Meals and beverages (including alcohol): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
Transportation to O.R Tambo Airport for flight(s) to Phinda Game Reserve Rock Lodge
Transport to and from all Natural Heart Safari activities (as outlined in Itinerary)
Transport from Phinda Game Reserve back to Johannesburg
Emergency Evacuation Insurance
Gratuities
What’s Not Included
Airfare to and from Johannesburg from your home location
Trip cancellation or any other travel insurance
Travel visas
Meals on your own
Premier liquors
Any activity not described in the Itinerary
Travel Insurance is Required
Details are outlined in our Retreat Agreement and Waiver. You will not be permitted to join the group until you have provided evidence of adequate travel insurance.
Reserve Your Spot
As a result of the small number we can accommodate for this retreat, there is an application process to maintain the integrity and intimacy of the experience.
To start the process, fill out the form below.