THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF:
- You’ve always dreamed of going to Africa – or have been before and just need an excuse to go back because you loved it so much!
- You enjoy travelling in a small intimate group with like-minded yogis who love travel, new cultures, time in nature along with some of the finer things in life – like great food, wine, music, art and fashion!
- You relish the thought of sunrises and sunsets that take your breath away!
- You need to recharge your body, mind and soul with just the right mix of down time and play time!
- You need a yogic infusion and are yearning for a big dose of inspiration in your life!
- You enjoy spending time with me as I share my love of my home country with you!
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY CAPE TOWN
Making your own way to Monkey Valley Resort you will find yourself entering the quiet of a 400yr Milkwood forest and Nature Reserve. Nestled at the foot of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, this reserve and iconic small hotel is located a short walk from the 8km long Noordhoek Beach where we will enjoy our early morning meditations. Your (shared) en suite executive room overlooks the beach and is warm and rustic, uniquely designed with a private fireplace and deck.
Stroll down to the beach, stretch out your legs, soak up some of the warm African sun and watch the surfers ride the waves before we meet for our welcome dinner outside on the deck the restaurant where we will enjoy our first of many breathtaking Cape Town sunsets.



DAY 2 – TABLE MOUNTAIN AND CAMPS BAY
For the early birds, we will gather at 7.15 and walk to the beach for a morning meditation before heading back up to enjoy our first morning yoga practice. This will become a sacred and nourishing daily ritual which will leave you energized and ready for a fun filled day of activities. Enjoy a hearty breakfast on the tree deck overlooking the ocean before our personal tour guide collects us for our day’s adventure.



Today we summit, via cable car, the iconic Table Mountain to enjoy an aerial view of the city. This is a photographers dream! After a few hours exploring the “top of the table” we will head down the mountain and to the sea to enjoy an afternoon relaxing and sunbathing on one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches – Camps Bay – where our senses will be spoilt white sands, crystal clear waters and the vibrant cosmopolitan beach side energy!
Sunkissed and with sandy feet we will stroll across to one of the sidewalk cafes to enjoy a cocktail and early dinner before heading to the hotel to rest up for the next day’s adventure.
Or if you have any questions please feel free to call me +1 (808) 870 7577
DAY 3 – ROBBEN ISLAND AND V&A WATERFRONT
Once again we enjoy a guided morning meditation on the beach before our asana practice. Today we take a journey via ferry to Robben Island, which symbolizes South Africa’s fight for political and social freedom. We will hear the stories of those men and women who fought to end apartheid and who inspired a nation with their sacrifice, faith and vision of the Rainbow Nation which South Africa is today!.




Our late afternoon will be spent exploring the world famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. One of the world’s most beautiful shopping centers, which is also a historical yet fully operational harbor. You will have some personal time to wander on your own and enjoy world class local art and fashion while being entertained at every corner by musicians and dancers! We will end our day at one of the Waterfront Restaurants/Cafés where we will sit at the water’s edge, under the shadow of Table Mountain, watching the boats, while sipping on fine wines and enjoying delicious food!!!
DAY 4 – CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE, CITY WALKING TOUR, SEA POINT PROMENADE
Starting your day with meditation and yoga never gets old!!! After breakfast we will head off for a historical day around the city! Our first stop today will be the Castle of Good Hope, one of South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial buildings! History, exhibitions and military ceremonies await us as we take a guided tour to explore the fascinating history of Cape Town as both a replenishment and military station on the trade routes from Europe to India.
Heading to the heart of the City, we will enjoy an outdoor lunch in the historical Company Gardens before beginning a guided walking tour of the city. From Churches to museums to Markets we will explore Cape Town’s colorful history!



Time permitting we will end the day with a very gentle cycle along the (very flat!) Sea Point Promenade to enjoy unforgettable views of the ocean, public parkways and urban art exhibits scattered along the way! Bike hire, Helmets and locks are included!
Dinner will be at the Hotel
DAY 5 – SIMONS TOWN, PENGUIN PADDLE, CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE
A healthy routine of early morning meditation and yoga is now becoming a staple of your day!
Heading off after breakfast we will enjoy one of our most memorable adventures – paddling out to view the famous Simon’s Town penguin colony! Using stable, easy to paddle two person kayaks, and guided with our personal instructor, we will launch from Simon’s Town Waterfront into the cool, clear sparkling water of the Atlantic Ocean. Weaving our way through the rocky pools and outcrops around Boulders Beach we will explore the waterways of this fascinating penguin colony. If the time and tide is right we may stop on a beach for a swimming break!




Having worked up an appetite after all that paddling and cool Atlantic Ocean air we will enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking Sea Forth Beach. Then begins the slow and magical journey back via the Cape Point Nature Reserve. 7750 hectares of rich and varied flora and fauna, and abounding with buck, baboons and Cape mountain zebra as well as over 250 species of birds, Cape Point is a nature lovers dream! We will stop for tea on the outdoor terrace of the Two Oceans Restaurant to soak up the late afternoon sun and some of the most breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery in the world!
Returning along the breathtaking route of Misty Cliffs to Noordhoek we will head back to the hotel to freshen up and then head across the road to the famous Red Herring restaurant for sundowners and dinner out on the deck as the sun sets.
DAY 6 – TOWNSHIP CULTURAL TOUR AND KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS
How could you even think of sleeping in??? Meditation, Yoga – REPEAT!!! Every day it just keeps getting better! Today we head out for our Township Cultural Tour where you will be introduced to Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage. We will visit the legendary District Six area, and some of Cape Town’s thriving townships such as Langa and Khayelitsha . You will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the strong community spirit which exists in these areas. We will visit local schools, charismatic churches, and shebeens (local pubs) as well as community arts projects which celebrate the traditional art of beading, weaving, fabric making and the amazing wire art! We will stop for lunch and the opportunity to talk more with locals. The people you meet on your township tour will leave you with a new appreciation of the South African philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’(humanity towards others), as they share a bit of insight into daily life in the townships of Cape Town.




After the high energy of township life we will take time to slow down and enjoy the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens. Enjoy time in the Fragrance, Peninsula and Water-wise Gardens and enjoy the recently built Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway which winds and dips its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum giving spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, Garden and Cape Flats.
Taking an evening stroll through Kalk Bay, we will enjoy dinner at Harbor House, situated on the water’s edge of this little fishing village, and boasting exquisite view of the working harbor, False Bay and the Hottentots Mountain Range.
Or if you have any questions please feel free to call me +1 (808) 870 7577
DAY 7 – HOUT BAY AND LLANDUDNO
Each day our meditation and yoga continues to nourish and energize us, leaving us ready to enjoy another magical day of adventure. Today we venture to Hout Bay, Cape Town’s 7th most visited destination!!! Fondly known as “The Republic” we will explore some key areas of interest before taking an unforgettable 45 minute glass bottomed boat cruise to view the Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat.
Landing back on shore we will kick off our shoes and stroll along the beach to Dunes Restaurant, a beachside favourite with local families and visitors alike. With its relaxed vibe and lots of outdoor seating we will relax on the deck, enjoy local wines and great hearty food while taking in the magnificent view of Chapmans Peak, Hout Bay Beach and Harbour.



After lunch we head over the hill to the picturesque bay of Llandudno, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard, where the odd beachside shack still bumps up against multimillion dollar homes.
Our day will end at the vibrant (Hout) Bay Harbor Market . Housed in a converted old authentic fish factory and offering an eclectic mix of food stands, arts and crafts stalls and live music we will have you groovin’ like a local!
DAY 8 CYCLE IN THE WINELANDS
Today we head off for a unique experience of the Cape Winelands, taking in some spectacular scenery as we make our way through to the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek areas . Travelling by bicycle along private farm roads through the breathtaking vineyards we will stop to enjoy tastings at three superb smaller, boutique wineries that are still using the old fashioned techniques of wine-making. We will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before taking a slow drive back to the hotel
As this is our last night together we will close off with a final dinner at the hotel restaurant, celebrating our newfound friendships and reflecting on the magical moments we shared together!



DAY 9 -WE SAY FAREWELL
TODAY YOU WILL CHECK OUT BY 10AM AND EITHER CONTINUE ON WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL TRAVEL AGENDA OR HEAD TO CT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!
WHATS INCLUDED:
- 8 nights (shared) accommodation in Cape Town
- 7 full days of guided activities (as listed above) with our experienced tour guide and host
- 8 farmhouse style breakfasts
- 3 lunches (Seaforth Restaurant, Township cultural tour and Winelands – refreshments excluded)
- 7 daily meditation and yoga classes
- Yoga mats and props
$1000 non refundable deposit secures your space
WHATS NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to Cape Town
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Any personal transportation outside of the group activities
- Lunches (unless stated otherwise)
- All dinners
- All refreshments
- Hotel/Restaurant gratuities/staff tips
- Personal expenses for shopping/souvenirs/meals
FAQ
- VISAS
The first step in planning a trip outside your home country is making sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration date. With regards to getting a visa to South Africa I recommend going to the South African Department of Home Affairs website for more information.
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa
This website details which nationals are exempt from visas, and which are obliged to make an application. Take care to request the correct duration of stay and type of visa if you require one. Also check on processing time so that you don’t have any last minute panic.
- VACCINATIONS
South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over one year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas. Infected areas include Angola; Argentina; Benin; Bolivia; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Chad; Colombia; Congo; Cote d’Ivoire; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ecuador; Equatorial Guinea; Ethiopia; French Guyana; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Kenya; Liberia; Mali; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Rwanda; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Somalia; Sudan; Suriname; Togo; Trinidad and Tobago; Uganda; United Republic of Tanzania; Venezuela.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate should be:
approved by the World Health Organization (WHO)
administered at least 10 days before departure to South Africa at yellow fever-approved vaccination centers (the vaccine offers protection 10 days after administration)Malaria: Most of South Africa is malaria-free, but if you are visiting the Kruger National Park or low-lying parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, be aware that you are entering malaria areas and should take precautions in the form of prophylactic medication.
HIV/Aids: While southern Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/Aids, your only real risk of contracting this syndrome is if you have unprotected sex with an infected individual. There should be no reason for unprotected sex as condoms are freely available in pharmacies and convenience stores. Anti-retrovirals are issued free to rape victims at South African hospitals. Should you be the victim of a sexual assault, it’s essential that you get prophylactic treatment for HIV/Aids within 72 hours.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
If an illness, accident, or other covered unforeseen circumstance forces you to cancel or interrupt your travel plans, you face two potentially major financial losses—money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments and flights as well as medical expenses that in many instances may not be covered by health insurance. Travel insurance can be relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider how much you could lose if something goes wrong before or during your trip.
- WHICH AIRPORT DO I FLY IN TO?
You will fly into Cape Town International Airport. We suggest arriving by lunch time. The check in time at the hotel is 2pm so that will give you time to collect your luggage and make your way via taxi to the hotel which is approximately 40 minutes drive from the airport (traffic dependant)
If you wish to fly into Johannesburg (Oliver Tambo International Airport) first then you can book an internal/domestic flight to CT with any of the following airlines:
- British Airways
- Kulula.com
- Mango Airlines
- South African Airlink
- South African Airways
- South African Express
Cape Town International Airport
Tel: +27 (0)21 937 1200
Email: customercare@airports.co.za
www.acsa.co.zaOR Tambo International Airport
Tel: +27 (0)11 921 6262
Email: customercare@airports.co.za
www.acsa.co.za - HOW DO I GET TO MONKEY VALLEY RESORT?
Our Hotel has recommended the following service provider – Noordhoek Taxis. You can contact them for a quote and to make arrangements for collection – http://noordhoektaxis.co.za/contact-us/ If you provide your travel itinerary ahead of time we will try to co-ordinate with other guests so that you can share the cost of the transport. It may entail a wait so that you can connect with other guests arriving at a different time to you but it will save you on transport costs.
If you have not pre-arranged a transfer you will also find ACSA (Airports Company South Africa) approved metered taxi and shuttle operators located outside the arrivals terminals. We strongly recommend that you make use of these approved operators (the ACSA logo will be displayed on their vehicles).
- MONEY
It is advisable to travel with your credit card so that you do not have to carry too much cash on you at any particular time. Remember to notify your bank before leaving that you will be travelling!
The country has a well established banking system that will allow for foreign currency exchange inside the bank and at airports (you will need proof of identity). You can always change out some currency at the airport on arrival so that you have some initial cash on you for your taxis, tips, first day expenditures.
Limit the amount of money you carry on your person at any one time. Don’t accept offers of assistance at ATMs (unless by clearly marked bank officials) and keep your pin numbers out of the view of others.
When using a credit card in restaurants/petrol stations they must bring a portable credit card machine to your table/car. Do not let the waiter/retail person take your card away. Report stolen or lost cards immediately.
- WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE AT THAT TIME OF THE YEAR
February in Cape Town is one of the best months for visiting the city and surrounding areas. The windy season has passed and you will be offered up long summer days, gloriously warm weather and magnificent sunrises and sunsets! Day time temperatures can go as high at 30 degrees Celsius! Sunrise is early – around 6.00am and sunset 8.30pm.
- HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Our most active adventures will be our paddle with the penguins and cycle in the winelands. They are laid back and anyone of general fitness can safely participate in both activities. If you have not ridden a bike in a while you may need to practice a bit before ☺. If you have any health concerns please check with your doctor.
- HOW CHALLENGING WILL THE YOGA PRACTICE BE?
This is not a yoga bootcamp! If you have never done yoga then now is always a great time to start. Learning the art of pranayama and meditation in the mornings is a lovely part of the practice that anyone can enjoy. Our asana practice will accommodate all levels! Please just inform us beforehand if you are taking care of any old or new injuries and any medical conditions that you have.
- ARE ALL ACTIVITIES COMPULSORY?
Our tour guide will collect us from the hotel each day at 10.45am for the day’s activities. We will be travelling as a group in one vehicle so if you choose not to join us for the day then you are more than welcome to stay at the hotel or hire a vehicle for your own use for that day. Please note that the cost of the retreat includes all activities and should you choose not to join the group there will be NO REFUND on those activities. But we truly believe that there would be no reason for not wanting to spend the day with our group of awesome yogi travelers!
- FOOD OPTIONS
Cape Town is a foodies paradise! Restaurants offer meat, seafood and vegetarian options. And of course some amazing wines!
Should you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies please advise us as soon as you make your deposit
- WHAT IS INCLUDED IN OUR ROOMS?
The rooms are equipped with a television, fridge, tea and coffee station and Wi-Fi
- WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING
The rooms are equipped with a television, fridge, tea and coffee station and Wi-Fi
Bring suitable yoga attire for our morning practice and something a little warmer for our early morning beach meditation. Yoga mats and props will be provided.
Refer to the detailed brochure for a more comprehensive guide on our day’s activities. You will see that most activities are pretty laid back – lots of time outside walking, sightseeing, on the beach, cycling, and being in nature.
When we are out and about during the day you will need comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, beach towel, swimsuit, etc. Most days we will not return to the hotel to change for dinner so it will be best to bring a small backpack for the day so that you can always take a change of clothes if you wish. All the restaurants we go to for lunch and dinner have a relaxed outdoor eating atmosphere so wearing a casual shorts, summer dresses etc are all acceptable attire.
If the wind comes up at night it may be a little cooler so a light jacket and a pair of relaxed pants/longer dress are always a safe bet. The motto of CT summer socializing is smart-casual!
Cape Town is a photographers dream so a camera is a must!!! Remember to bring all your chargers! And extra batteries! You don’t want to go flat mid shot!! Remember to bring your international adaptors so that you can charge your phones, cameras, laptops etc.
If you are heading out for a game viewing adventure before or after our time together then a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
- WATER
In urban areas tap water is usually of high quality and safe to drink. It’s quite safe to have ice in drinks and to eat salads. However, if travelling to remote rural areas and the bush (which we won’t be doing in our time together) you should take your own drinking water along or buy bottled water. Avoid, however, drinking water from streams and rivers, especially in areas where there is human habitation. These may carry water-borne diseases. But if you encounter an unpolluted mountain steam, a drink should be most refreshing.
- WHAT IF I WANT TO STAY ON LONGER AND SEE OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY?
South Africa is a country which offers visitors a wealth of experiences! Should you wish to extend your stay (or arrive earlier) to explore other parts of the country we will be more than happy to direct you to our tour operator partners who will be able to assist you in planning and budget for an extended stay. These include Safari experiences in any part of the country that can be tailored to suit your budget.
- STAYING HEALTHLY
South Africa has a well-developed healthcare system. There are public hospitals throughout South Africa, but as in many other countries, you’ll probably get quicker care at a private hospital. Be sure to top up on medical insurance before leaving home. Well-qualified doctors, dentists and other specialists can be found in the main centers but you will have to make an appointment to see one, unless it’s an emergency.
A service that has been designed specifically with international visitors in mind is the provision of travel assistance packages, costed at a daily rate, which include emergency assistance. These services include dedicated hotline numbers that can be called in case of an emergency and liaison with visitors’ travel insurers under such circumstances.
While they are not emergency service providers themselves, they use a network of such providers to respond to clients’ emergency needs. One such package is SA Assist, provided by Africa Incident Management (AIM) Centre, which also runs SATIB24 Crisis Call – a crisis call service widely used in the South African tourism and hospitality industry to respond to emergency incidents.
Personal medication: There are pharmacies throughout South Africa, and many everyday medications, such as painkillers, are available over the counter. Some large chain stores, like Clicks, also have in-store pharmacies that offer good value for money.
If you have a specific medical condition, it’s wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement, even if the trade name differs in South Africa.
- SAFETY / SECURITY
Most parts of South Africa can be safely visited by travelers, provided they take common sense safety precautions, as recommended in most countries and big cities.
Here is some good South African safety advice:
- Avoid deserted areas at night, stick to busy and well-lit streets
- Don’t wear flashy jewellery – in fact leave it at home.
- Keep photographic equipment close to you at all times.
- Keep car doors locked and windows closed, and carry a map in case you should get lost. Don’t leave bags or valuables on the seat next to you – rather lock them in the boot (trunk). Park in well lit areas.
- Don’t leave luggage unattended.
- Store valuables in the hotel safe and leave your hotel room door locked at all times, even when you are in it.
- If you’re in doubt about a place you wish to visit or how to get there, have a word with your hotel concierge first or contact the National Tourism information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. If you need a taxi, ask the hotel to order one on your behalf from a reliable service.
- In rural areas, watch out for wild or farm animals – road signage will warn you when you need to take care.
- TERMS OF SERVICE
Please find attached our Terms and Conditions documents