Yoga for the Wild: Kenya Retreat Reviews

“This was my first yoga retreat and I would love to do it again!  We thoroughly enjoyed a couple of days in Nairobi before arriving at Ol Pejeta.  Sunrise yoga in the African bush was a perfect way to begin each day.  We had incredible wildlife sightings each day, including a leopard cub.  The accommodations were spacious and very comfortable, the food was healthy and delicious and the service was outstanding.  One of my favorite parts was stargazing on the way to the fire before dinners in the evenings.  Laura and Kat did an excellent job teaching the yoga classes and planning optional unique experiences each day.  I am confident that this will be one of my favorite trips ever!” - Amy Sanders (Kenya 2024)

“Attending the Yoga In The Wild yoga retreat at Ole Pejeta conservancy was the best experience of my life. The conservancy’s commitment to conservation and sustainable practices was evident and inspiring, adding a deeper sense of purpose to the retreat. From the moment I arrived, the serene natural beauty took my breath away. Nestled amidst lush greenery and exotic wildlife, the conservancy provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and self-discovery.

The retreat was impeccably organized, blending daily yoga sessions with guided wildlife observations. Practicing yoga under the open sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature, was truly transformative. The instructors were exceptional and creating a supportive atmosphere that catered to all levels. The accommodations were rustic yet comfortable, enhancing the connection to nature without sacrificing comfort. Delicious, healthy meals made from locally sourced ingredients added to the rejuvenating experience. 

Overall, this yoga retreat exceeded all my expectations. It was a perfect blend of physical, mental, and spiritual enrichment. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected to nature. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking a profound and revitalizing escape.” - Linda Hoekstra (Kenya 2024)

“My first yoga holiday.  My first African safari.  I could not have had a more fabulous trip.  From pre-holiday booking information, to transfer, to Ol Pejeta cottages, it was just the best experience.  Our accommodation was beautifully equipped, spacious and comfortable.  It allowed us freedom to walk around and enjoy being in the middle of a game reserve.  The food was delicious and plentiful, eaten outside, often with giraffe, elephant or eland to watch across the river.  The guides on our game drives, so knowledgeable and interesting to listen to.

Oh, and then there was yoga.  At sunrise, outside, with bird song and maybe animals to distract us.  Kat & Laura were excellent teachers.  Managing to accommodate all our different levels and likes.  The final class, out on the savannah will stay with me for life.  It was just the most liberating experience. 

All this, combined with visits to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy to meet Najin, Fatu & Baraka.  A talk from James Mwenda.  So much more than just a yoga holiday.  I'd recommend anyone interested in yoga and animal conservation to try and join Laura & Kat on their next adventure.  You will never forget it.” - Diana Federer (Kenya 2022)

“I knew the inaugural Yoga for the Wild retreat was going to be great based on the online classes that Laura and Kat organized during covid. It truly lived up to my expectations and then some . . . . yoga in the morning and afternoon, game drives, breakfast in the bush, more game drives, sundowners in the bush, lovely lunches and dinners on the deck overlooking the river and a campfire each evening. The Safari Cottages were fabulous; Andy, Sonja and staff made us feel welcome and at home for the week. I learned so much about the animals from our guides Mike, Robert and Nelson. Each day included a special activity – visits to see the blind rhino Baraka and the two last Northern White Rhinoceros Fatu and Nadin, dog tracking demonstration, lion tracking, visit to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, night game drive and a visit by James Mwenda, caregiver of Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhinoceros. Thanks again to Laura and Kat for such a transformational week.” - Allison Merriman (Kenya 2022)

I met Laura and Kat during the covid days when they hosted on-line yoga classes to raise funds for Ol Pejeta in Kenya.  I signed up for the inaugural retreat at Ol Pejeta as soon as they announced it.  What a trip - the Safari Cottages staff were gracious and welcoming and accommodations were perfect.  Daily yoga classes were held outdoors by the river; meals were served there as well and there was no shortage of elephants and giraffes stopping by.  Daily game drives were led by our knowledgeable and helpful guides Mike, Robert and Nelson and we ended each day with sundowners in the beautiful landscape.  The trip was so meaningful and special that I joined Laura and Kat on their retreat in Zimbabwe in August 2024.  Our guides Mark and Richard made the game drives memorable with their remarkable rapport with the resident elephants.  We were able to spend time with African painted dogs, elephants, lions, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, baboons, vervet monkeys, antelope and more bird species than I can count.  I love the community Kat and Laura have built through their retreats with overlapping interests of yoga, animal conservation and travel.  I love the bond that exists between all of us that have shared these experiences.  I hope to join them again, wherever the road leads them.  

- Allison Merriman (Zimbabwe 2024)

“Kat and Laura run a fantastic retreat for the socially conscious and curious yogi. They led a well balanced yoga and safari schedule, partnering with local business and communities to deliver a unique, reflective experience in a precious part of the world. The accommodation was of a luxurious standard, which was a perfect way of ending a day after witnessing a feasting pride of lions or playful elephant calves. Thank you to both Kat and Laura for such a wonderful and unforgettable experience.” - Vern Lim (Kenya 2023)