Return to Joy
Retreat Itinerary
May 14-27, 2026
This retreat schedule is intended to give you an insight as to what you can expect of our time together in South Africa and is subject to change.
May 14, Thursday
Arrive Hoedspruit airport (HDS), transfer to Blyde River Canyon (45-minute drive), settle in, orientation, dinner and sleep deeply in the African dreamtime
May 15, Friday
Morning boat ride on the magnificent Blyde River Canyon lake, and meditate in the energetic vortex of the canyon. Afternoon circle, discussion, meditation.
May 16, Saturday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude.
May 17, Sunday
Explore and meditate at the rim of the vast, exquisite Blyde River Canyon—an experience beyond description.
Entering into the African dreamtime dissolves the separate mind and awakens our interconnectedness with the web of life
May 18, Monday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude.
May 19, Tuesday
Seeds of Light afternoon, Acornhoek (45-minute drive): Visit the thriving community garden of our inspirational “champions”, Trygive and Suzen Nxumalo. Help serve food at our after-school meal program for over 150 vulnerable children, and savor a delicious, traditional, African-style lunch.
May 20, Wednesday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude.
May 21, Thursday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude.
May 22, Friday
Depart Blyde for our three-day, two-night safari in the vast, untamed wilderness of the Kruger National Park, which is the size of New Jersey. From the safety of our game-drive vehicle, let go into the enormity of the inner and outer landscape and experience the mystical nature of the land and animals. Overnight at the luxurious, The Orpen, “where contemporary elegance meets untamed wilderness.”
May 23, Saturday
Dawn departure for a full-day’s safari drive in the park, taking in the wild magic of the African flora and fauna. Enjoy a delicious, al fresco dinner under the African sky at The Orpen.
May 24, Sunday
Morning safari drive in the park. Afternoon departure for the White Lion Protection Trust (one-hour drive), a pioneering reintroduction program CoreLight has supported for over 20 years, where we will receive a spiritual initiation from the majestic white lions. Sunset game drive experience with the pride. Overnight at White Lion Heartlands
May 25, Monday
Dawn and dusk game drives with the pride. Evening departure from White Lion Trust. One-hour return drive to our beautiful Blyde River Canyon sanctuary where our journey began.
Let go into the enormity of the inner and outer landscape and experience the mystical nature of the land and animals
May 26, Tuesday
Morning and afternoon closing circles. Farewell singing and dancing celebration with our African friends after dinner.
May 27, Wednesday
Breakfast, transfer to HDS airport, departure
An ancient, earthy presence on the planet, Mother Africa is the cradle for our human development and creates life-changing transformation for all who take her into themselves.
-Leslie Temple-Thurston