A renewal journey in the spiritual center of Botswana
Desert & Delta Safaris is proud to announce the Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat, a four-night experience that will start on November 28th, 2025. This immersive journey promises to blend Botswana's adoring Okavango Panhandle movement, mindfulness and cultural exploration.
Hosted at the remote Nxamaseri Island Lodge, the retreat offers an unusual opportunity to be deeply involved in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Reconnect with the Okavango Delta and the ancient Tsodillo hills, nature, self and spirit. Guests looking for this exploratory adventure will be able to spend three nights at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, one night in Tsodilo Hills sleep and participate in many rejuvenating activities, including guided meditation and breathing work sessions, stargazes and Sanris summit hikes.
Awakening Experience: A Journey of Updates
Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat is curated for just 10 selection groups, ensuring intimacy and personalized attention. Under the guidance of Kerrith O'Fee, a renowned wellness expert and certified yoga instructor, participants embark on a general journey that weaves together ancient wisdom, mindful movements and the quiet rhythms of Okavango.
Kelis is the founder of Victoria Falls Yoga and holds a degree in psychology and wellness, bringing a wealth of expertise to your retreat. Her approach is rooted in both scientific understanding and spiritual traditions, ensuring that each guest's experience is both nurturing and transforming.
“It's an unusual blend of local life, ancient culture and a slow, peaceful rhythm of Okavango Panhandle. The lodge itself feels like a hidden sanctuary with towering jackalberry trees and palms.
Every day begins with sunrise yoga on Nxamaseri's dedicated yoga deck overlooking the calm lagoon. Guests are invited to participate in guided strength and conditioning flow, healthy healing sessions and reflexive journaling. These practices are thoughtfully designed to foster mindfulness, increase physical well-being, and develop a sense of inner peace.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge: Sanctuary on the Water
Located on a private island in the permanent winding waterways of the Okavango Panhandle, Nxamaseri Island Lodge is a haven of tranquility and beauty. The lodge features only eight chalets, each thoughtfully positioned in nature for privacy and immersion. Surrounded by lush greenery, guests can relax at the spa or take a dip in the swimming pool between activities.
The lodge's design and atmosphere celebrates the slow pace of life in the Delta, encouraging guests to separate themselves from the outside world and fully embrace the rhythm of the wild.
Wellness Spa: Tribal Roots and Local Empowerment
Nxamaseri Wellness Spa works with Tribal Roots to offer a variety of treatments using organic, local products created by women from the surrounding community. Spa's philosophy focuses on sustainability, empowerment and holistic healing. Treatments can be booked in advance or arranged during your stay and payment is accepted with the lodge credit card.
Cultural immersion: the spirit of Tsodilo Hills
The highlight of the retreat is an overnight expedition to Tsusodiro Hills accessed via a breathtaking helicopter relocation (at an additional cost) via an exclusive transfer using a brand new deck-out minibus on Desert & Delta Safari. During sleep-out camps, guests sleep under the stars on Botswana's highest peak, the male hill. This evening features a traditional trance dance ceremony led by a local Sambushmen group, offering an unusual glimpse into one of Africa's oldest cultural traditions.
Locally known as the “Mountain of God”, the Hill of Tssojiro is a place of extremely spiritual and cultural importance for the ancient culture of Botswana. With over 4,500 ancient rock paintings, the hill is a living gallery of human history and a sacred place for rituals, storytelling and prayer.
Guided by local experts, guests will explore the Hills' unique geology and arts and gain insight into the beliefs and traditions of the region's oldest inhabitants. The sense of loneliness and tranquility in Tsodillo is profound and offers an unusual opportunity to connect with and reflect the ancient spirit of the land.
An epic experience: Wellness meets adventures
Okavango's Awakening Wellness Retreat is part of a spectacular collection of experiences at Desert & Delta Safari, a series of tailor-made itineraries that celebrate Botswana's most unique destinations and adventures. This seasonal product takes place alongside the McGadikuGadi Salt Pan Ultra Marathon collaboration, offering an opportunity to combine health with adventure, cultural immersion and protection.
Other epic experiences include birdwatching, fishing, a journey of women's empowerment, and sleep adventures.
Okavango's Awakening Wellness Retreat encourages you to soak yourself in the landscape rich in natural beauty and ancient wisdom, breathe deeply and soak. With a thoughtful blend of health, culture and adventure, the retreat is designed to give you a sense of renewal, connected and inspiration to a true awakening in the heart of Botswana.
