JOURNEY TO THE HEART SPACE

*YOGA, SAFARI & CONSERVATION RETREAT IN KENYA*

DATES: November 3-9, 2025 | TEACHER: Checka Antifonario | PRICE: $4,545 - $4,945​​

Do you feel drawn to journey deep into nature, where the majestic animals of Kenya roam wild and free? To feel the boundless freedom and deep grace of your own heart space expand as you embark on a grand adventure in this magical, inspiring place on Earth? To practice yoga under the rising golden sun and rest under the evening stars, allowing quietude and simplicity to heal the overstimulation of everyday life?

 

It is time to make this dream come true!

 

Please join Yogaway Retreats founder Checka Antifonario at Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages - an oasis of hospitality and seasoned wildlife guidance tucked away along a beautiful, acacia studded river line, in the heart of Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s 90,000 acres of protected wilderness. Our retreat visit will directly support the not-for-profit conservancy's crucial support of the animals who inhabit the land, including the last two northern white rhinos remaining on Earth, and the critically endangered black rhinos.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTE:

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Our private ground transportation provider will be picking our group up at 8:00 am sharp on Monday, November 3, at the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel. It is highly recommended to arrive in Nairobi a day or two early, to have time to rest after your trip and ensure you are ready for the group transport. On our departure day (November 9), please do not book a flight that leaves earlier than 6:00 pm (you can choose to be dropped at the airport or at the Four Points hotel if you are flying out late at night or on another day).

 

This six-night retreat is packed with as much value as possible - there is SO much included! TWO daily safari game drives, abundant chef-curated food and beverages, and daily room service on an eco-luxury property with seasoned hospitality and 24/7 security (check out the reviews). We will practice yoga overlooking the river, which is often visited by giraffes and elephants. On top of all of this we will visit two very special places:

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1. The Northern White Rhino enclosure, where we will respectfully meet the two remaining members of the species and learn how the conservancy and scientists around the world are working to bring this animal back from the brink of extinction.

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2. Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary (established in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute), which rescues chimpanzees from traumatic situations so they can live in peace and safety.

 

THE OVERVIEW​

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There will be a maximum of 17 of us on this retreat, and we will have the entire property to ourselves assuming we fill the cottages. Early November is a great time to visit Kenya, with ample wildlife spotting and fewer tourists! It is *just* after the high season, which ends at the close of October. Some call this the "secret season" in Kenya, aka the best time to visit as the temperatures will have cooled a bit and there will be fewer tourists out on safari which can make for extra special wildlife experiences. I am SO excited we have secured this particular week, which I booked back in early 2024 as I knew it would be in demand!

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We will begin each day with an early yoga class, then leave for our morning game drive and picnic breakfast. We will return to the cottages for lunch, followed by time to chill and potentially a gentle / restorative yoga class if the weather is suitable. The yoga deck is outdoors, and partially covered. After that, it's back out for our evening game drive around 4:00 pm, which includes "sundowners" - a classic African tradition of snacks, drinks, and friendship under the setting sun. We will be back at the cottages for dinner around 8:00, then off to a good sleep so can do it all over again the next day. Talk about living the dream! Please note that our exact schedule may vary due to weather and of course all activities are optional - take downtime as you wish!

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While of course a big part of the excitement is not knowing which animals we will see on safari, Ol Pejeta Conservancy's diverse wildlife population includes lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hyenas, wild dogs and more!

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Please note that over 15% of our total retreat dollars will go DIRECTLY to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy to support their work (through daily conservancy fees included in your retreat price).

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THE SAFARI COTTAGES

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Built in 2017, The Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages in Laikipia, Kenya is the brainchild of legendary safari industry veterans Andy and Sonja Webb, who wanted to create an environment that makes you feel like you have always belonged there. Above all else you’ll find unfussy, eco-friendly luxury, superior service and top quality food and guiding; their mission is to provide a perfect retreat for those seeking adventure without sacrificing a sense of home.

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There are 2 one-bedroom cottages, and 3 two-bedroom cottages. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom. In your cottage you will find an eco-friendly power system to charge your devices, 24hr solar electricity, hot and cold running water in the shower and wash basin, and a collection of all natural bath products and soft bath towels. The cottages have the solid side and back walls with canvas at the front so you can enjoy rolling them up to access your deck and take in the incredible views, such as Mount Kenya in the distance!​

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Though each cottage is private, we will all gather together for starlit fireside evenings and enjoy dining dining together on the river platform, or on the patio of the central cottage it if rains.

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There is security staff on duty 24/7at Ol Pejeta. The whole property is fenced with a two-strand electric fence. The fence is specially designed to keep out buffalo and other large animals but smaller non-dangerous animals do pass through. During the day it is safe to walk around by yourself; at night if you need to walk around there are night guards to assist you.

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GETTING THERE

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Please plan to fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. It is recommended to arrive a day or two early, to rest up before the retreat. The recommend hotel is the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel; you will be responsible for booking your hotel room, though Checka can try to pair you up with a roommate from the retreat group if you would like to share the cost. They have a free airport shuttle that will pick you up at any time of day or night. More details to be sent after registration.

 

On Monday, November 3, we will be picked up at 8:00 am sharp at the hotel by our host-vetted private ground transportation provider (our hosts currently work with a company named Albatros). We will ride in a big comfortable bus for about 4.5 hours (including a rest stop break) to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy gates, where we will then be picked up in The Safari Cottages' 4WD game viewing vehicles for the last hour or so to the cottages (we will be looking out for animal sightings along the way of course!).

 

IMPORTANT TRAVEL / LOCATION NOTES

 

Current requirements to travel to Kenya include:

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• Electronic Travel Authorizaton (eTA) - this has replaced a travel Visa, and one can apply for it no more than three months ahead of a trip.

• Passport with six months' validity AFTER your departure date and at least two blank pages.

• Yellow fever vaccination is the only required vaccination at this time, but there are other *recommended* ones as well. Please consult your doctor for guidance on which vaccinations and any preventative medications are right for you, and stay up to date on any new requirements or recommendations from the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control.

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While we each need to take these steps individually, I am here to help keep us all organized through the process of preparing to travel to Kenya, and our lovely retreat hosts are a great resource should any questions come up!

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Please keep in mind that this is a very remote retreat location. The nearest medical facilities, cities etc. are a long distance away. There are no TVs, hair dryers and straighteners are not allowed (they would surge the power grid), and the WiFi provided is accessed in a limited nature through shared hot spots. Some mobile phones may get decent service, but this shouldn't be assumed.

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INCLUDED IN YOUR RETREAT

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• private ground transfer to and from Nairobi

• six nights accommodation at Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages

• all meals, snacks and drinks beginning with lunch on arrival day, ending with breakfast on departure day

• 1-2 daily yoga classes with Checka (yoga mats provided)

• twice daily safari game drives and all conservancy fees

• visit to the protected Northern White Rhino enclosure​

• visit to Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary

• all taxes and fees

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NOT INCLUDED

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• airfare

• Electronic Travel Authorizaton (eTA) required to visit Kenya; this has replaced a travel Visa and is currently about $34

• extra nights in Nairobi or elsewhere before and / or after retreat

• travel insurance*

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*Protecting your health and financial investment is important; travel insurance is very highly encouraged for all. Yogaway Retreats recommends and partners with Wanderwell due to their excellent customer service and commitment to environmental responsibility as a Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet business member, and Transformational Travel Council ALLY.​​

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BOOKING & PAYMENT​

 

• There are double and triple occupancy rooms available. Each person will have their own twin bed unless otherwise requested. Triples will be in the two-bedroom cottages because the rooms are of a larger size.

• IMPORTANT: You may book a double occupancy spot with or without a roommate (Checka will pair you up if you are not registering with someone). You may request a triple occupancy spot upon booking without registering with roommates, but we cannot guarantee that we can house you with two other folks. We will do our best! However if you end up with one roommate, you will be responsible for the double occupancy price.

• If you prefer single occupancy, please contact Checka directly to inquire about price and availability.

• A non-refundable $500 will secure your spot; your balance will be due in two equal non-refundable payments due February 1, 2025​​ and June 1, 2025.​​

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​Please be sure to thoroughly read the retreat description as well as terms and conditions below before registering. It's a lot of info, but we want you to feel totally confident and excited that this is a great retreat for you! We would love to address any questions or concerns you may have as you consider joining us - please email Checka at info@yogawayretreats.com at any time.

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SO, ARE YOU READY TO SAY YES TO THIS EPIC HEART-CENTERED ADVENTURE, WHILE SUPPORTING OUR BEAUTIFUL ANIMAL FRIENDS?​

Sign me up!!

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