Return to Joy
Retreat Itinerary
February 28 - March 13, 2027
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.
February 28, Sunday
Arrive Hoedspruit airport (HDS), transfer to Blyde River Canyon (45-minute drive), settle in, orientation, dinner and sleep deeply in the African dreamtime.
March 1, Monday
Morning circle, introductions, discussion, meditation. Afternoon boat ride on the magnificent Blyde River Canyon lake, and meditate in the energetic vortex of the canyon.
March 2, Tuesday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude.
March 3, Wednesday
Explore and meditate at the rim of the vast, exquisite Blyde River Canyon—an experience beyond description.
March 4, Thursday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude.
Entering into the African dreamtime dissolves the separate mind and awakens our interconnectedness with the web of life
March 5, Friday
Seeds of Light afternoon, Acornhoek: 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.
March 6, Saturday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude. We will be joined by the dancers of Nyani Cultural Village for an interactive cultural dance show before dinner.
March 7, Sunday
Morning and afternoon circle, discussion, meditation. Free time for walking in nature, journaling, quietude.
March 8, Monday
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. Dusk safari drive, and overnight at the luxurious, The Orpen, “where contemporary elegance meets untamed wilderness”.
March 9, Tuesday
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.
March 10, Wednesday
Morning safari. Depart for the White Lion Protection Trust, 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.
March 11, Thursday
Dawn and dusk game drives with the pride. Evening departure from White Lion Trust. Return 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
March 12, Friday
Morning and afternoon closing circles. Farewell singing and dancing celebration with our African friends after dinner.
March 13, Saturday
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