Naturopathy: Best Secrets in Africa
The African wilderness has long been an adventure venue, and travelers are hoping to meet iconic wildlife. But beyond the thrill of chasing, a quieter and deeper experience appears.
Naturopathy adds an exciting twist to traditional safari. Think about forest bathing, grounding, mindfulness moments, and true connections with the bush belt.
Something surprising happened when Grant Hein, an eco-therapist and founder of Zen Guide, first introduced forest bathing and natural therapy programs to some South African lodges. Visitors didn't just observe wildlife. They connected it on a profound level, find healing, and experienced Africa in ways they never imagined.
However, natural remedies are not merely a walk through the forest. As Hine explains, natural remedies can change people's lives. It changes their perspective on the natural environment and leads them to understand the deep connection between themselves and every element of nature.
“When we arrived at the walking safari, we stopped, took off our shoes, walked into the river and did some underwater meditation. With about 60 elephants, we were exposed to the water. We weren't threatened by it. They don't want to run away. The encounter they've had up until now.”
Granthain's Zen Guide
So why are there no more African destinations embracing this innovative approach to the wildlife experience?
Traditional safari experiences often focus on checking wildlife sightings, rushing from one animal to the next. When guests are focused on what they want to see on game drive, it is leopards, lions, cheetahs, etc. They are already focused on the proposed future and are not living in the present. If guests are not encouraged to focus on the present moment, they can miss out on the natural connection experience and the deep healing possibilities of African natural spaces. Naturopathy invites us to slowly, be present and truly communicate with our surroundings (rather than moving straight to our next sighting).
How can you change your safari experience?
In a world where we are more digitally connected than ever, many travelers are looking for something deeper. It's a connection with nature, ourselves, and our place on Earth.
Hein is pioneering this change. He brings forest bathing (and other practices) into the African landscape, and evolves it into something unique to the savanna, bush and our continental forests. Hine ran the South African Field Guides Association (FGASA) for 17 years, writing several guide manuals along the way. He holds a Masters in Psychology and originally began training Zen Guides in 2016 at several lodges, including the front post base in Kruger National Park, Tswar and Singalebombo. He spent the past three years at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, introducing Nature Connection Ecotherapy within Singita.
However, this is not just a pleasant philosophy, it is supported by science.
Research shows that grounding (for example, walking barefoot) improves sleep, reduces stress, and even speeds up healing. Research has proven that seeing green helps patients recover faster. Negative ions (inhaled by simply spending time in nature) are associated with improved mood and increased mental clarity. Nature connections are essential for mental and physical well-being.
Hine's training encourages Safari guides to invite guests to stay at the moment rather than predicting their next sighting. It attracts all the sensations, such as hearing the bird's call and feeling the energy of the tree. Ensuring time for quiet fellowship with nature where guests can seek guidance and wisdom from the natural world. And embrace science-backed practices such as grounding and forest bathing.
“This experience walking barefoot on a rich, soft, humused forest floor surrounded by ancient milkwood trees, brings guests to full presence to absorb the magic the forest offers,” says Grootbos says Sean Ingles, general manager of the company. “Many guests move deeply through deep connections that feel natural.”
Who accepts natural remedies?
Naturopathy attracts travelers who want more than a standard safari. They are looking for a meaningful break from Digital World's Always On. Hein says that today's travelers want to see the Big 5, but they want to feel something. They are looking for experiences that allow for introspection and reveal personal insights.
These visitors tend to:
Knowledge of natural remedies, especially forest bathing, means transcending traditional games that explore African roots and passionate about personal growth, health and conservation. I'm looking for a Big 5 Lodge experience.
Hine works closely with lodges that are passionate about offering guided ecotherapy experiences. And the best part? It doesn't require only the main infrastructure, skilled guides, and the raw beauty of Africa itself.
For the African tourism industry, this is an opportunity to lead global wellness travel while promoting conservation through connections. As Hine says:
“When people really connect with nature, they protect it. We don't just create experiences. We're nurturing environmental managers.”
A practical guide to using Nature Therapy Tourism.pdf
