Africa Yoga Retreat
with Joan Hyman!
Zimbabwe & Botswana, Africa, May 07 - 15, 2027
Yoga, Safari & the Spirit of Africa with Joan Hyman
MAY 7 – 15, 2027 · VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE & MUNGA PLAINS, BOTSWANA · 8 NIGHTS
Join Joan Hyman and the international community from The School of Yogafor an extraordinary 8-night journey through Africa's most breathtaking landscapes near Chobe National Park in Munga Plains. This retreat offers a remote escape to the stunning beauty of the African wilderness
This is not a typical retreat. Mornings begin with yoga as the African sun rises over the plains. Afternoons bring game drives through Chobe National Park, mokoro rides on the delta, and encounters with elephant herds, lion, leopard, and some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on earth. Evenings gather around the fire under skies dense with stars.
Munga Plains is one of southern Africa's most remote and intimate safari lodges — a place where the rhythm of the bush sets the tempo for your practice. The yoga shala is yours from sunrise to sunset, and Joan will lead daily sessions designed to deepen your practice in a setting that naturally invites stillness, presence, and transformation.
With a maximum of 10 participants, this retreat is intentionally small — a rare chance for Joan to work closely with every person in the group, and for the group to bond as a true community, the way the SOY community does best.
THE DESTINATIONS
Victoria Falls &
Munga Plains
You will land at Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe, where we will spend two nights exploring one of the amazing waterfalls which are one of the seventh wonders of the world before heading to Chobe National Park for our retreat at Munga Plains.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Our first stop is Victoria Falls, known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" — The Smoke that Thunders — is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is the largest waterfall in the world based on combined width and height, creating a stunning and inspiring spectacle.
Two nights here allow time to walk the rainforest path alongside the falls, and starting to explore.
Munga Plains, Botswana
Situated in the Chobe Enclave on the Namibia-Botswana border, Munga Plains is a privately run lodge within one of Africa's greatest wildlife corridors. The Chobe River system sustains the largest elephant population on the continent, and the national park is home to lion, leopard, wild dog, giraffe, zebra, hippo and hundreds of bird species. Access to Munga Plains is by vehicle through Chobe National Park itself — your safari begins the moment you leave Victoria Falls.
Situated on the former tribal land of the Bassublya people, Munga Plains honors local cultural heritage by hiring local staff and supporting artisans. Enjoy cultural workshops, local traditions, and organic vegetarian food.
We will spend five nights at Munga Plains and activities include:
• Three drive ins to the Chobe National Park for safari.
Afternoon cultural experience such as village tours, workshops, and relaxation.
Yoga and meditation
Free time to relax, swim, or enjoy the camp's amenities.
Your itinerary
All activities are subject to weather conditions and wildlife movement — the bush sets its own schedule. One activity per day will be arranged in coordination with the lodge.
May 7 – May 9:
2 nights in a partner lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
May 7:
Pickup from Victoria Falls airport, transfer to partner lodge in town
Visit of Victoria Falls Rainforest (park fees and transfers included)
Lunch & Dinner at partner lodge included
May 8:
Sunrise Yoga on Zambezi with Victoria Falls Yoga
OR Visit of Victoria Falls market (with e-bikes or transfer vehicle)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at partner lodge included
May 9 – May 15: 6 nights at Munga Plains
May 9:
Breakfast at partner lodge
Transfer to Kasane, Botswana
Boat cruise & game drive in Chobe National Park before transfer to Munga Plains (packed lunch on the boat)
Dinner at Munga Plains
May 9 – May 14: Munga Plains Retreat
May 15: Light breakfast and transfer to Victoria Falls airport. Optional mobile safari extension departing from Munga Plains
About the Venue
You will first stay 2 nights in a partner lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
After you’ll have 6 nights at Munga Plains. Munga Plains is one of southern Africa's most remote and intimate safari lodges — a place where the rhythm of the bush sets the tempo for your practice.
Munga Plains is a sustainable eco friendly retreat center built with wood, canvas, and they operate on solar power, run their own water treatments, and grow their own herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
The accommodations are designed to provide a comfortable retreat amidst the breathtaking landscape and the whispering sounds of the African bush that include, a veranda to enjoy the views, a fan and mosquito net, and a private bathroom and shower.
Yoga Study
The shala is a true sanctuary in the wild where you will practice yoga twice per day with Joan, an international acclaimed yoga teacher. The morning practices will focus on building intensity and flow, while the afternoons will help wind you down and relax you deeply.
The setting invites stillness in a way that is difficult to manufacture elsewhere: no sound of the city, no schedule beyond the rhythm of the land, just practice and presence.
All yoga equipment is provided by Munga Plains.
Food & Nutrition
All meals are included throughout the retreat. At Munga Plains, dining is an experience in itself - it offers a fusion of local flavors and healthy international cuisine. They have a farm to table concept which involves cooking from their own garden to ensure the freshest ingredients but also supports their sustainability.
Please advise Joan of any dietary requirements before departure so arrangements can be made.
Example of a daily schedule at Munga Plains
7am - 9am Yoga Practice
9am - 11am Breakfast
11am - 1pm Yoga Practice
1pm- 2pm Lunch
2pm - 3pm Rest or chill out time
1:30pm - 2:30pm - Lunch
3pm - 7pm Activity/Excursion .
7pm - 9pm Dinner
ACCOMODATION
Please message Joanhymanyoga@gmail.com to save your spot!
Pricing as of now:
Single Room own bath 5 200 USD
Shared room with shared bath 3 900 USD
EARLYBIRD to receive 200 USD off if you sign up before Sept 1. 2026
Package Includes
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8 nights accommodation — 2 nights at partner lodge in Victoria Falls (Shongwe Oasis or Kabakwe Lodge), 6 nights at Munga Plains safari lodge, Botswana
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Full board from May 8 to May 14 (3 meals per day). Half board on May 7 (lunch & dinner). Light breakfast on May 15
All beverages: water, filtered coffee, tea and fresh juices throughout
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Daily yoga sessions with Joan Hyman at the Munga Plains yoga shala (open sunrise to sunset)
All yoga equipment at the shala
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One guided activity per day — game drives, boat cruise, mokoro, walking safari, cultural tour, night drive, sundowner (all park fees included)
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Transfers: airport to Victoria Falls hotel (May 7), Victoria Falls to Munga Plains via Chobe National Park (May 9), Munga Plains to Victoria Falls airport (May 15)
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Optional mobile safari extension from Munga Plains on departure day
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available at the lodge at additional charge
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International flights are to and from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA).
The group is responsible for coordinating their own arrival — Joan will provide guidance on recommended flights and travel logistics closer to the departure date.
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Zimbabwe: Two single-entry KAZA Visas are required. These can be purchased in cash upon arrival (USD $45 each for U.S. citizens). You may also apply in advance via the official site: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/.
Botswana: No visa is required for citizens of the U.S., Canada, and most European countries.
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We recommend you take one.
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In the tourism industry in Africa, tipping is customary, but not obligatory or mandatory.
Not included
Booking and payment policy:
To book and secure your place, we request a non-refundable 500 USD deposit.
Once the payment is made, your place will be reserved (you will receive a confirmation email)
Full payment must be complete by Feb. 5, 2027 If you book your place after that date, the full payment for the retreat will be requested.
You must accept the booking conditions at the moment of registration.
Cancellation Policy
The deposit won’t be refunded under any circumstances.
If you cancel at any moment before February 5, 2027 we will refund the 50 % amount of the full retreat price minus the 500 USD deposit.
If your cancellation takes place after February 5, 2027 your payment won’t be refunded.
At any moment, you could hand your booking over to some other person who would like to join the retreat.
In the unlikely event that the retreat has to be canceled, we will refund the full amount.
‘Cancel for any reason’ Travel insurance is highly recommended.
FAQs
Luggage
1
For the mobile safari, bring only a small, easily carried bag. Larger luggage will be safely stored at Munga Plains and returned to you after the safari portion.
Weather
2
May is pleasantly dry, offering crisp air at dawn that quickly yields to mild afternoons, which are perfect for game drives. You can expect average daytime highs around 28℃ and lows near 9℃, with minimal rainfall. Early mornings and evenings can be cool, dropping to around 8°C / 46°F, so plan to layer up for sunrise yoga or safari outings.
Adventure and comfort
3
This retreat is designed for those open to adventure. We will be in remote wilderness areas, including a mobile safari.
WiFi
There will be WiFi at our lodge in Victoria Falls.
There will be WiFi at Munga Plains.
There will not be WiFi while on Mobile Safari, however it will be available for emergencies on the campsites during Mobile Safari.
Health
4
There is a local hospital in Kachikau, approximately 15 km away, offering emergency care, and a larger hospital in Kasane (about 75 km away). Our producing partner, Munga Plains, is a member of Emergency Assist, ensuring rapid response support should any situation arise during the mobile safari.
Please note that all guests are responsible for securing their own travel and health insurance, which is mandatory for participation.
Vaccines
Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Recommended vaccines: Routine immunizations, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Yellow Fever (as advised by your doctor).
Always check with a travel medicine clinic for the most up-to-date regional recommendations before departure.
About Joan Hyman
Joan Hyman is the director and founder of The Schoolof. yoga™, an authentic international teacher training program focused on continuing education. Joan Hyman’s grounded teaching style seamlessly supports her students as they emerge from their practice with the rich and bright energy that yoga has to offer.
Joan’s teachings come from an organic and intuitive place, as she draws upon the combined studies of Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga as well as Ayurveda and meditation. An authentic modern-day yogi, Joan’s love and devotion show up in her practice and throughout her teaching. You will leave her class feeling transformed and deeply aligned.
Joan spent fifteen years as a distinguished YogaWorks Senior Teacher before bringing her expertise to Wanderlust as the Director of Teacher Trainings in 2016. Now, with over twenty years experience leading retreats, trainings, and international workshops, Joan continues to travel the globe leading her own signature trainings.
Joan created The Schoolof.Yoga, which is a professional program that offers continuing education, including a team of teachers who are experts in their field of study. She continues to partner with yoga schools worldwide to help develop high quality teacher training programs and make the practice of yoga accessible to everyone!
As a leader in the yoga and wellness community, Joan also contributes to popular blogs such as International Yoga, Yoga Journal, and Wanderlust. She has been featured in conferences and festivals around the world, and offers her teaching online and live in person helping to accommodate an international community of yogis.
Joan’s open-hearted approach to teaching yoga keeps both her inner spirit and her students continuously evolving.