Yoga on Safari in Namibia: Rejuvenate Your Inner Spirit

Imagine rolling your yoga mat out beneath the shadows of an ancient Quiver tree or on the arid sands of the world’s oldest dessert. Close your eyes and all that can be heard are the echoes of nature in its truest form. The serene chime of the sunrise chorus, the swaying of branches and the subtle rustling of bushes breeze past as you meditate deeply.

Yoga, which translates to ‘union’ in Sanskrit, is renowned for bringing the mind, body and spirit together and is often championed for its wide-ranging health benefits. Over recent years many serenity-seekers have travelled to Namibia to practice yoga on safari, with many noting that the country’s pristine landscapes provide the ideal setting for deep and meaningful self-reflection.

If you’re considering booking a luxury safari trip to Namibia, and practising Yoga is high on your to-do list, this guide is for you. From the best time to visit to undertake this peaceful pastime, to the best places to roll out your mat, read on below to find out more.

When is the best time of year for a yoga safari?

The best time of the year for a yoga safari somewhat depends on the type of person you are and what you’re attempting to achieve. The Namibian low season, which runs between December- March, is a great time for a yoga safari retreat because it’s quieter and gives you more time for peaceful self-reflection.

May to October, during the dry season, is another excellent time to visit Namibia for a Yoga safari. During these months you’ll likely be able to connect with more wildlife given that large swathes of game tend to congregate around remaining waterholes in many of the county’s national parks.

The Best Destinations in Namibia for Yoga

Namibia is blessed with a plethora of isolated mountainous regions and sprawling dessert landscapes that serve as idea sites for yoga and meditation activities that will allow you to reinvigorate your mind, body, and soul.

Some of the most stunning, isolated, and peaceful destinations for yoga include:

Swakopmund - Nestled on Namibia’s incredibly scenic coast, the charming town of Swakopmund is famed for its wide-open avenues, quirky German colonial architecture, and its surrounding desert landscapes. Today Swakopmund proudly stands as the heartbeat of the Skeleton Coast tourism region, with visitors drawn to the eclectic mix of Namibian and German influences and refreshing sea breeze. The mightily impressive Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons are two of the best-loved areas for practising yoga in Swakopmund.

Damaraland - Commonly regarded as one of the most spectacular and beautiful regions in Namibia, Damaraland is noted for its vast and arid desert terrains. Here spiritual enthusiasts can roll out their yoga mats as they absorb sights of dramatic vistas and catch glimpses of the rare desert-adapted elephant. As one of the best areas in the country for stargazing, visitors here can also settle down for the night and admire the dazzling constellations above.

Etosha National Park - Home to over 300 species of birds, as well as over 100 species of mammal, the impressive Etosha National Park provides sufficient opportunity for yoga lovers to combine game viewing and meditation on their safari adventure. The name Etosha, which means ‘Land of Dry Water’ or ‘Great White Place’ refers directly to the 130km x 50km wide salt pan which encompasses over a quarter of the national park. Whilst exploring this captivating landscape you will find numerous waterholes that famously attract an abundance of wildlife including elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and a variety of buck.

Sossusvlei - Situated in the stunning Namib-Naukluft National Park to the south of Namibia, Sossusvlei is one of the most celebrated attractions in Southern Africa. Characterised by its vast white salt pans and towering pink/orange sand dunes, the area is haven for yoga lovers. Here serenity seekers can take stock and marvel at the natural sand formations that rise from the valley floors and reach heights of over 300 metres.

Best places to Stay on a Yoga Safari in Namibia

Namibia is home to a diverse mixture of lodges and camps that are tailored towards a range of different budgets, tastes, and styles. From quirky tree-house retreats to luxury desert hideaways there’s something to suit all safari goers.

For a taste of opulence then Hoanib lodge in the Namib Desert is an excellent choice. The camp consists of eight luxury tented suites, all of which are solar powered which demonstrates the camp’s dedication to conservation and sustainability. Each luxury suit also boasts a private viewing deck that overlooks the surrounding rugged mountains; the perfect place to roll out your mat.

For budget conscious travellers, Waterberg Valley Lodge is an excellent choice. Situated right in the heart of the charming Waterberg Mountain range, the lodge offers eight affordable canvas bungalows that have everything you need for a cosy stay. There’s even a delightful restaurant on-site so you can try some tasty local dishes after you’ve finished meditating.