kenya
7 DAY YOGA WILDERNESS
RETREAT
What better combination than empowering yoga,
community service and challenging wilderness adventure in
one of the most stunning regions of Kenya?
Based at the Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, this
7 day yoga safari combines daily yoga routine with Kenya’s
premier adventure activity company, Rift Valley Adventures:
canyoning, mountain biking, abseiling and rock climbing
as well as Ayurvedic Health and Nutrition consultations
and Synergy Yoga. This tied in with giving back to the
surrounding community through being part and parcel of
ongoing sustainable projects is the first of its kind in Kenya.
The Yoga wilderness trip encourages reflection on personal
achievements. It is the perfect get away from our routine,
keeping fit, getting rid of stress in a fun and friendly
atmosphere. And giving something back to those who really
deserve it…
And if that’s not challenging enough, opt for the 5 days
Mount Kenya expedition!
breakdown
ABOUT YOGA RETREATS: The exclusivity of this
Yoga Wilderness Retreat lies in the wide choice
and full spectrum of different yoga styles/schools:
Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga and Baron Baptiste
Power Vynyasa Yoga. Three different internationally
qualified teachers and three different yoga styles
will be offered to open your horizon to Yoga and
better your performance in working on different
Asanas and Pranayama techniques. All yoga styles
are accessible to students of all levels and age. You
also will be offered Synergy Yoga workshops by
qualified teachers. Synergy Yoga is a healing art that
incorporates Thai massage, Yoga, partner flying and
stretching.
PRICE: USD1,950pp sharing
USD 2,300pp single occupancy
DATES: 3rd November - 9th November 2013
MT KENYA OPTION: to extend your wilderness adventure and add on 5 days Mount Kenya climb for
additional USD 1,195 [equipment, guides, porters].
Contact us for more information.
TRANSPORT: Pick up and drop off Nairobi (JK or
Wilson) plus vehicles with drivers for the duration
of your trip.
ACCOMODATION: RVA WIldlife Camp
www.riftvalleyadventures.com - [email protected] - +254 (0) 712 426 999
Sample itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kenya
Our ground team in Kenya will meet you right when you walk off the plane in Nairobi. For Kenyan residents, pick
up can be arranged at Wilson airport. Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East
Africa, and into our tented lodge accommodation at Ol Pejeta Wildlife Camp. (Schedule may vary due to flight arrival
times).
Your arrival will be followed by a good meal and refreshments, meditation guided techniques to get accustomed to
the different climate and conquer the jetlag. Deep travel recovery sleep.
Day 2: Introductory Yoga session and acclimatisation Safari ride
Fruits breakfast and introductory Yoga class. You will meet the three teachers who will guide you through the three
yoga styles which will be followed by a one hour tranquil Ashtanga class to start the day.
After a full breakfast, quick survival Swahili language session followed by bike check, bike sizing, riding brief and
cycle out of Ol Pejeta into the rural community land on the Rongai River with plenty of time to acclimatize to the
2000m altitude. Mt. Kenya shines to the East and to the North and West Laikipia peels out through classic African
landscape. Visit the surrounding community, see how a local shamba (Swahili word for small farm) protects crops
from wildlife and get a feel for Kenya life.
Mid afternoon depart for a game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy; this is home to the ‘Big 5’ and other amazing
wildlife. We will end the day with an Introduction to Synergy Yoga with elements of Thai massage, partner flying and
stretching all under the backdrop of the setting sun on the African savannah.
Day 3 and 4: Bikram and Power Vynyasa Yoga and Community Projects
(Every morning of the trip from day 3, you will start and end each day with a Yoga class.)
On Day 3, the morning Yoga class will start with a ½ hour Pranayama – breathing techniques session followed by
one hour invigorating Power Yoga.
On day 4, the morning class will be an introduction to Bikram yoga techniques breathing the mountain fresh air as
opposed to the usual heated room. Afternoon classes will be opened to the communities. You will be given an introductory speech about Ayurveda, Diet and Nutrition and the individual session for Ayurvedic Consitution (Prakruti)
assessment will be scheduled
We then head off to engage with the local community assisting on projects that may include [Please see notes on
projects below]:
•
Micro enterprise water project (water tank and guttering installation)
•
Combustible briquette plant installation and briquette making using recyclable materials
•
Coach the local school students in a variety of sports and yoga and we invite the parents from the village to
join in the evening Yoga sessions.
•
IT development
•
Infrastructure development (e.g. constructing a library)
•
Agriculture development
End each day ends with a slower and soothing Ashtanga class.
Day 5: Canyon in Ngare Ndare Forest
As day 5 requires more intensive physical activities, there will be only one early Power Vynyasa Yoga class focusing
on core stretching and awakening but takes place in the pristine Ngare Ndare Forest. This is one of our best activities and takes place in one of Laikipia’s most private and untouched forests, Ngare Ndare: beautiful spring water fed
rock pools surrounded by towering trees and cliffs, waterfalls up to 30 meters set in a pristine forest setting. Here
we do a series of water jumps into the turquoise water, followed by abseiling through a waterfall. A brilliant day out
with levels of challenge for everyone.
After diner, those who wish can join in for the evening Kundalini guided meditation session.
www.riftvalleyadventures.com - [email protected] - +254 (0) 712 426 999
Day 6: Yoga of your choice + Mountain Bike Wildlife Adventure
Today, we focus on individual or smaller groups Yoga sessions on a
style/school of your choice (Ashtanga, Bikram Power Vynyasa) and an
assessment of your Ayurvedic Constitution as well advice on diet and
nutrition. Each teacher will spent quality time with smaller groups
and arrange individual sessions, advising on Yoga routine suited to
your individual needs (e.g. strengthening the back, soothing an injury,
breathing routines), posture clinics (working on individual postures),
and Ayurvedic Consultations.
In the afternoon, we head off to Ol Pejeta Conservancy for a final
bike ride amidst Africa’s greatest wildlife and complete the day with
Synergy Yoga, Thai massage and partner flying and stretchingto finish
the day with fun and play.
Day 7: Depart
The time to depart back home is upon us and our vehicles transfer
you back to Nairobi and your flight home.
Yoga & Ayurveda
- Ashtanga Yoga principles, Pranayama Breathing Techniques
- Bikram Yoga 26 postures sequence and Posture Clinics
- Baron Baptiste Power Vynyasa Yoga flow and core building
- Synergy/Acro Yoga workshops with Thai massage and Partner
flying
- Ayurvedic Consultations on Diet, Digestion, Nutrition,
Personal Constitution Assessment
Other Inclusions
- English speaking guides and Kenyan support staff for camp
- Internationally qualified Yoga Instructors for all activities
- Safe drinking water, mosquito nets provided
- Strong camp security for safety and comfort
- Park Entry fees for Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy
(approximately $75 x 4 days = $300)
- 10% of fees go directly to supporting our community projects
Miscellaneous
- Kenyan VISA not included. Can be purchased on entry at the
airport for approx. $50 USD.
- Comprehensive (medical, baggage and cancellation)
insurance is compulsory
- Some form of travel medical insurance is mandatory
- Vaccinations and medications are not included – please see
your travel doctor
www.riftvalleyadventures.com - [email protected] - +254 (0) 712 426 999
RVA Ol Pejeta Camp
Situated within the 110,000 acres of Ol Pejeta
Conservancy our new camp boasts a carrying
capacity of 160! 14km from Nanyuki town, in the
shadow of Mt Kenya lies our gem in a securely
fenced in area with its own access gate. The
wildlife is spectacular and on a good day we can
view black rhino, elephant, lion, impala, warthog,
bushbuck, giraffe and other game from the
comfort of our lounge tent.
15 large, secure bedroom tents are scattered
around the site. Each tent can house 2 to 12
people depending on group circumstances.
Within the camp grounds are a large lounge
area with flat screen tv for educational videos/
presentations, a large dinging area as well as
outside dining area, large fireplace and bar.
Activities within the camp include rock climbing
and abseiling on our tower, a high and low ropes
course and mountain biking skills course. You will
also find a volleyball court, football goals and if
that’s not enough just 600m from camp is the
Ewaso Nyiro River where we go kayaking and
canoeing.
About Rift Valley
Adventures
Rift Valley Adventures Ltd. (RVA) is Kenya’s premier Outdoor
Education and Adventure Activity Company, based in the
Mt. Kenya and Laikipia region of Kenya. The company has
been operating for over ten years and is currently based
in Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, and frequently operates
mobile camps across Laikipia, Mt Kenya and on the Kenya
Coast.
For more information, please visit the following sites:
www.riftvalleyadventures.com
www.laikipia.org
www.olpejetaconservancy.org
Notes on health
It is recommended that everyone visits a travel
doctor and acquires the shots their doctor prescribes.
Furthermore, we recommend that everyone should
have anti-malaria prescription. Remember that most of
these drugs (for example, Malarone) require you start
taking the medicine several days before you leave. The
same is true for Dukoral, the oral vaccine for traveler’s
diarrhea.
Food served will be tasty Kenyan meals, picnic lunches
provided when away from camp.
www.riftvalleyadventures.com - [email protected] - +254 (0) 712 426 999
Kit List
We encourage clients to carry their luggage in a medium to large size ruck sack or soft bag (no hard suitcases!),
approximately 80L in size. Hard suitcases are not generally recommended for RVA travellers. It is also important that
your bags can be locked and non-essential items are items are left at home.
We suggest the following:
• Ruck sack
• Small Ruck sack for daily personal items (optional)
• Rain jacket
• Woollen Jumper or warm fleece jacket
• Warm socks
• Wide brimmed sun Hat
• Boots or strong trainers for walking
• Trainers for around camp and sandals
• 3 pairs shorts
• 1 pair of walking trousers
• 1 pair jeans
• 1 tracksuit (can be used as pajamas as well)
• 3-4 t-shirts
• 3-4 prs socks and 4-5 underwear
• Swimming costume and towel - small
• Water bottle at least 1L size
• Sleeping bag (3 season)
• Toiletries
• Small pillow (optional)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen SPF 30+(lots of this)
• Lip salve SPF 15
• Bag lock
• Camera with spare batteries
• Head torch or similar with spare batteries
Essential Equipment and Clothing
Bearing in mind that temperatures vary from month to month and are not always predictable, you need to pack to
allow for temperatures down to 7 degrees celcius at night. Apart from your main luggage, we recommend that you
bring one small backpack to carry personal items such as camera, water, hat, sunscreen, water bottle etc during the
days activities.
www.riftvalleyadventures.com - [email protected] - +254 (0) 712 426 999
Community Projects
Rift Valley Adventures is not especially interested in supporting a “stand-alone” community service activity, such as
painting classrooms. While such an enterprise may have some value to the participants’ community, by itself it rarely
meets our expectations for our clients. And, it must be noted, that for a relatively small amount of money, it is possible
to pay people in Kenya to paint schools. However, there are some projects that would not be accomplished without the
manual labour, expertise or funding of the visiting group. However, it is important to note that we only undertake these
projects if several key conditions are met:
1. The project accomplishes a goal that comes from the local community.
2. The project adds to the quality of life for a broad spectrum of the local residents.
3. The project has some sustainable, long term impact.
4. It is very likely that the project would never likely be accomplished without the assistance of the visiting participants.
5. The participants have a clear understanding of the nature of the project and agree, in so far as possible, to work to
complete it while in the country.
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Wildlife – Human Conflicts
The issue of conservation is complex with many different viewpoints. For example, while most of us would agree that
the preservation of wildlife is, in and of itself, a good and even a noble cause, the reality is that in much of rural Africa
this view is not widely supported. While for the tourist it is a real joy and a rare privilege to see the herds of animals
roaming the savannah, one could say these opportunities come at some cost. While wildlife tourism brings to Kenya
considerable foreign exchange, for rural inhabitants the price can be high. These protected areas are vast and the
land is unavailable for use by the local inhabitants. Many of these local inhabitants are nomadic pastoralist whose
movement is dictated by water and grazing land for the large herds of cattle and goats, on which their livelihoods
depend. Indeed, from early colonial times, there have been conflicts between wildlife and man and finding that
balance is not as easy as one would hope. You will speak to conservationists and wildlife experts who have spent their
professional careers in Kenya to learn what they see to be the big challenges facing wildlife conservation. And you will
meet with families who live the reality.
Education
Many would say that education is at the heart of Africa’s future success. You can visit a number of schools, both
“public” and private, and meet with teachers and administrators, as well as students, to gain an understanding of how
the education system is structured, how it works, and what the challenges are. You will watch classes, speak to teachers
about curriculum, and see how education is valued by the students and their families. Despite few resources and
frequently large classes, most schools in Kenya do a remarkable job at providing a basic education.
www.riftvalleyadventures.com - [email protected] - +254 (0) 712 426 999
Yoga teacher bios
Aurelija Juchneviciute-Murphy originally from Lithuania has been a student and practitioner of Yoga and Ayurveda for more than a decade. Aurelija is an internationally certified
Instructor of Bikram Yoga College of India (2008), certified Synergy Teacher [Synergy is a
healing art that incorporates Thai massage, yoga, partner flying and stretching] from Tulum,
Mexico (2010) and Peru (2011). She is also an Ayurvedic Consultant from Gujarat Ayurved
University, Jamnagar, India (2004) and has completed a Training Program in Ayurvedic Diet,
Digestion and Nutrition from International Ayurveda Shruti College, Pune India (2007).
Aurelija has worked as Ayurvedic consultant in Lithuania 2005-2008, has taught as a Bikram
teacher Washington DC (2008-2011) and Antwerp, Belgium (2011), has participated in
various Yoga and Ayurveda workshops and retreats. Currently living and working in Kenya is
happy to be part of this Yoga retreat.
Elodie Yard works as public health consultant and Ashtanga yoga teacher in Kenya, where
she’s been living for the past 12 years. Originally from France, she grew up in West Africa
and Caribbean where, from an early young age, she was drawn to dance, practicing classical
ballet, Folklore and other dance styles. She discovered the power and balance of Yoga in
Kenya and certified as a Ashanga teacher in 2005 from Ayurveda Shanti center in diani with
Trupteesh Nagaraj Hurikadale, founder and Director a Samak Yoga. The emphasis of her
teachings is given to the combination of pranayama breathing, meditation techniques and
classical strong Ashtanga postures. She set up a Yoga school on the South Coast of Kenya
“Sukuma House” and collaborates with the Africa Yoga Project (AYP) in offering community
classes as well as yoga for exclusive lodges and hotels.
Michael Wendo Mulama: Baron Baptiste Power Vynyasa yoga teacher, works for
Africa Yoga Project (AYP) in Nairobi and comes from Western Kenya, Kakamega Forest. ‘’Yoga changed my life, - says Mike, -I started changing mentally and physically. I
grew up in the Kangemi ghetto and I had seen a lot of hardships in my and my family
life. I had seen my friends going to prison, I had seen poverty, I had encountered
financial problems, and I had seen people starving and losing hope. Yoga has radically changed the way I used to think, the way I viewed the World and the way I used
to be. I started appreciating important things in life such as community, friendships,
joy, and meeting different people from the World. It had broadened my mind and
opened new areas for dreams and hopes’’.
Head office: Nanyuki Civil Airfield
Email: [email protected]
Ph: +254 (0) 707 734 776
www.riftvalleyadventures.com
www.riftvalleyadventures.com - [email protected] - +254 (0) 712 426 999