Big Wild Energy
adventure retreat
Zimbabwe + Botswana
June 25 – July 4, 2027
There are some places that completely shift your perspective simply by being there.
Africa is one of them.
This retreat was designed for the traveler craving more than just a vacation — someone seeking awe, adventure, grounding, connection, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
Over 10 unforgettable days, we’ll journey through Victoria Falls and the wild plains of Botswana, blending luxury safari experiences, yoga, wellness, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and intentional community.
From sunrise yoga on the Zambezi River to bush dinners under the stars, every part of this experience is curated to help you disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with yourself, nature, and the present moment.
This is not just about seeing Africa.
It’s about experiencing it.
Core of
‘Big Wild Energy’
WILDLIFE
From the thundering waters of Victoria Falls to the vast landscapes of Chobe National Park, we'll experience some of Southern Africa's most extraordinary natural wonders.
Chobe is home to the largest elephant population on Earth, along with lions, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Through game drives, river safaris, and immersive wildlife encounters, we'll witness the rhythm of the African wilderness from sunrise to sunset.
WELLNESS
At the heart of this retreat is exploration.
While yoga, meditation, and mindful movement will be woven throughout our journey, this is not a retreat centered around hours of daily asana practice. Instead, nature becomes our greatest teacher.
Our yoga shala sits immersed in the plains, surrounded by open skies, acacia trees, birdsong, and the sounds of the wild.
WONDER
There are places in the world that naturally invite reflection, perspective, and presence. This is one of them.
Munga Plains was built respectfully on ancestral Basubiya land and holds a deep commitment to cultural connection, conservation, and community. Throughout our journey, we'll have the opportunity to learn from local guides, experience the stories and traditions that shape this region, and witness landscapes that have inspired wonder for generations.
Through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and encounters with both nature and culture, this retreat offers an invitation to return home with not only unforgettable memories, but a renewed sense of perspective and appreciation for the world around us.
The Experience
From Victoria Falls to The Botswana Plains
Our journey begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), Victoria Falls is a place that immediately awakens your senses. Mist rises into the air, the Zambezi River flows endlessly through the landscape, and adventure seems to exist around every corner.
We’ll ease into retreat together through:
From there, we cross into Botswana and journey toward Munga Plains — a luxury safari retreat center nestled near Chobe National Park.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe June 25-27th, 2027
Our journey begins with a two-night stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
We’ll stay at one of Munga Plains’ beautiful partner lodges, boutique-style accommodations designed to help us settle into the rhythm of retreat before heading into Botswana.
During our time here, we’ll:
This 2-day period is intentionally designed as a soft landing into Africa.
JOURNEY TO BOTSWANA
Munga Plains, Botswana
Chobe National Park
Nestled near Chobe National Park, Munga Plains is a luxury safari retreat center where wellness, wildlife, and meaningful connection come together.
For the next six nights, this will be our home — surrounded by open plains, incredible wildlife, and the peaceful rhythm of nature.
Our days at Munga Plains will include:
Designed exclusively for intimate retreat experiences, Munga Plains offers a rare balance of adventure and restoration — allowing you to experience Africa in a deeply present and unforgettable way.
Safari Hut
June 27-July 3rd, 2027
Elevated safari living with beautifully crafted tented accommodations, open-air gathering spaces, and sweeping views of the surrounding plains.
Each hut includes:
On this retreat, wellness is found not only on the mat, but in the stillness of a safari sunrise, meaningful conversations around the fire, moments of awe, and the opportunity to reconnect with yourself through a slower, more intentional pace of life.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe July 3rd-4th, 2027
Our journey begins with a two-night stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
We’ll stay at one of Munga Plains’ beautiful partner lodges, boutique-style accommodations designed to help us settle into the rhythm of retreat before heading into Botswana.
During our time here, we’ll:
This portion of the journey is intentionally designed as a soft landing into Africa — spacious, grounding, and unforgettable from the very beginning.
What's included:
Stay: curated accomodations
Your retreat includes 9 nights of curated accommodations across Zimbabwe and Botswana: 2 nights in Victoria Falls to begin the journey, 6 nights at Munga Plains in Botswana, and 1 final night back in Victoria Falls before departure.
TRANSPORTATION: FROM VICTORIA FALLS TO THE PLAINS
Airport pickup and group transportation throughout the retreat experience is included.
From Zimbabwe to Botswana, we’ll journey 1 hour together through expansive landscapes, local villages, and the incredible scenery surrounding Chobe National Park.
Nourishment: Slow food, full presence
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Nourishing authentic meals that support your energy, digestion, and grounding all week long.
All dietary preferences can be accommodated.
SAFARI: IMMERSION INTO THE WILD
Experience Africa through unforgettable wildlife encounters including:
- safari game drives
- walking safaris
- mokoro canoe excursions
- sundowner experience
- bush dinners beneath the stars
WELLNESS: MOVEMENT, STILLNESS + RESTORATION
Daily yoga, meditation, and grounding wellness experiences woven throughout the retreat.
Practice inside an open-air yoga shala surrounded by nature while creating space to reconnect with your body, breath, nervous system, and presence.
CULTURE: CONNECTION TO PLACE + PEOPLE
This retreat also includes immersive cultural experiences designed to deepen your connection to Botswana and Zimbabwe through:
- village visits
- local workshops
- school visits
- traditional dinners
-storytelling + community experiences
A meaningful opportunity to experience the richness, warmth, and wisdom of the local culture.
SOLO RATE
$8900 early bird
$9400 Regular
SHARED RATE
$7900 early bird
$8400 Regular
SAFARI GAME DRIVES
Track elephants, lions, giraffes, and more as we venture into some of Africa's most wildlife-rich landscapes. Each game drive offers a chance to witness the beauty, power, and unpredictability of the wild.
CULTURAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCES
Connect more deeply with the region through meaningful cultural experiences, local traditions, and opportunities to learn from the people who call this land home.
SUNRISE ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER
Begin the day on the legendary Zambezi River as the sun rises over the water, illuminating the landscape and awakening the wildlife that calls its banks home.
Deposit
INVESTMENT
$850
A $850 non-refundable deposit secures your spot at Big wild energy. This amount will be applied toward your total retreat investment.
Skip the extra fees + keep it simple.
Send your $850 deposit (or retreat payment) via Zelle to:
[email protected]
Please include your name + “Big wild” in the notes section so we can match your payment.
Watch a special message from Thierry!
He is the founder of Munga Plains, the breathtaking safari and wellness retreat center that will host the 6-night safari journey portion of our travels.
Meet
your
hosts!
We're Isa & Kate — yoga teachers, retreat leaders, and believers in the magic that happens when you step away from your everyday life and into something bigger than yourself.
While we both come from a strong yoga background, this retreat isn't about perfect poses or spending hours on the mat. It's about experiencing wonder, reconnecting with yourself, and creating memories you'll carry long after you return home.
Isa brings a love of movement, adventure, sound healing, and capturing the little moments that make a journey unforgettable. Expect grounding flows, deep relaxation, plenty of laughter, and lots of photos to remember it all.
Kate brings her gift for creating spaces that feel both expansive and deeply supportive. Through restorative practices, reiki, reflection, and meaningful conversations, she'll help guide you back to your own inner wisdom.
Together, we'll hold space for adventure and stillness, awe and reflection, community and personal transformation. Whether we're practicing yoga beneath open skies, witnessing elephants in the wild, sharing stories around the fire, or standing in wonder before Victoria Falls, our intention is simple:
To help you feel fully alive, deeply connected, and profoundly present.
faq:
What are the payment options? Are there payment plans?
Zelle (preferred): Easy + fee-free. You just have to let us know! Zelle info: [email protected]
Credit Card: Click any link on this page (note: a small processing fee applies).
Once your deposit is received, we’ll confirm your room choice and send you all the details to get ready for your adventure!
Pay in Full: Settle your balance anytime after your deposit.
2 - 4 Payments: Split your total into 2 - 4 equal payments after deposit.
All payments must be made by March 1st, 2027 and are non-refundable after this date.
What is a mokoro?
A mokoro is a traditional dugout-style canoe used throughout the waterways of Botswana's wetlands. Historically crafted from a single tree trunk and guided by local polers, today's mokoros are often made from environmentally sustainable materials while preserving the same peaceful experience.
During our mokoro excursion, you'll sit comfortably as a local guide gently poles the canoe through narrow channels surrounded by reeds, water lilies, birds, and wildlife. Unlike a safari vehicle, a mokoro allows you to experience the landscape at a slower pace, offering a unique opportunity to observe the sights and sounds of the African bush from the water.
What is a sundowner?
A sundowner is a beloved safari tradition where guests gather at a scenic location to watch the sunset while enjoying a beverage and light snacks.
As the day winds down, we'll pause in the bush to take in the changing colors of the sky, reflect on the day's adventures, and soak in the beauty of the African wilderness. Whether you're sipping a cocktail, enjoying a non-alcoholic drink, or simply taking in the view, a sundowner is less about the drink itself and more about the experience of being fully present in a remarkable place.
What’s not included?
Airfare, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, additional excursions, spa services, and personal shopping.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! Munga Plains filters their own water on-site, and filtered drinking water is available from a tap in the main communal area throughout your stay.
The water in each room is also safe for showering and brushing your teeth. If you prefer bottled water, it is available for purchase during the retreat.
What airport should I fly into?
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe is the most common arrival. Kasane Airport (BBK) in Botswana is a closer alternative for some routings. Direct flights to both from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa.
Do I need to bring extra cash for tips?
Bring cash in Pula (the local currency) or USD for tips to staff and guides, placed in two boxes at the end of the retreat. We advise giving the equivalent of $10 (BWP 137) per day per person, which is divided amongst the whole staff. Guide tips are at your discretion.
Do i need a visa?
As you prepare to unroll your mats in the breathtaking landscapes of Munga Plains in Botswana, we've put together all the essential info to ensure a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat — worry-free. From packing tips to visa requirements, advice on the local weather, and keeping your health in check, here's your ultimate guide to Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Visa requirements
First things first — let's talk about getting into Botswana. Good news for many of you: citizens of most Western countries (USA, Canada, the UK, and most EU countries) do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Always check the latest requirements before you travel — policies can change.
As many of you will be flying to and from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (the closest international airport to Munga Plains), you'll need to purchase a double-entry visa online. Zimbabwe Immigration now requires all arriving passengers to complete the online immigration form prior to arrival; physical forms are no longer issued at the airport.
Tip: Keep a few copies of your passport, travel insurance, and retreat details handy to breeze through customs and be on your way to zen in no time.
Is this a sober retreat?
Technically the retreat center does offer alcohol if you would like to purchase on your own. However, we ask that you refrain from drinking/smoking until all programming is finished for the day. It is highly encouraged to be sober for the week as we connect to ourselves and our group!
What's the power situation?
The camp runs on solar. 230V, Type M three-pin plugs (South African standard). A universal adapter covers it.
WHat's the temperature range?
Jun-Aug nights can drop to around 46°F, while days stay warm at 77-80°F.
Is there wifi or phone signal?
Wi-Fi is available in the main area. Phone reception is patchy across the bush. eSIMs or local SIM cards work if you need better coverage on your own device.
Safety Measures & Norms
Botswana is known for being one of the safer destinations in Africa — but it's always wise to stay cautious:
Cultural tip: Learning a few phrases in Setswana, such as "Dumelang" (hello) and "Ke a leboga" (thank you), goes a long way in showing respect and making connections with locals.
What about malaria?
Malaria is present in some parts of Botswana, including areas near Chobe National Park — though mosquitoes are less frequent during the dry season. To stay healthy:
Health hack: No mandatory vaccinations are required to travel to Botswana, but it's always a good idea to be up to date with routine vaccinations and consult your healthcare provider.
kind words from Soulmate guests
"A self-proclaimed lone wolf and solo traveler, I took a chance on this retreat and I am sooo stoked I did. I left feeling more connected to myself, to community, to solitude and to the world. These two girls lead the Costa Rica with their wild spirit and deep hearts; and it was such a vibe."
Monica M.
“Isa and Kate are a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos of the world. Their partnership creates the perfect retreat experience; it’s impossible to leave without feeling both grounded and energized. Just what the soul needs. An experience I wish I could have over and over again.”
Megan A.