Yoga Retreat on Lake Malawi
Relax, rest and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul on the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi and in the rugged bush of South Luangwa National Park. Staying in the comfort of Pumulani, the new five-star lodge on Lake Malawi, and Luangwa Safari House, this eleven-night yoga retreat offers you the opportunity to discover the revitalising and healing benefits of yoga or, for the more experienced, to deepen your yoga practice, in a beautiful, wild environment.
Suitable for all ages and all levels, the first seven nights of the retreat are spent on the crystal waters of Lake Malawi provide a stunning and soothing backdrop for yoga classes and meditation, and between sessions you can relax on the powdery sand and soaking up the sun between sessions. Days will begin and end with a traditional hatha yoga class at one of several stunning locations, whether overlooking the turquoise lake, under the shade of a tamarind tree, on the powdery sands of the lake shore, or overlooking the mighty Luangwa River, home to hippos, crocs and a range of stunning birdlife. Following a week on the lakeshore, you will be transferred to one of Africa's last unspoilt wildernesses, South Luangwa National Park. Here the sound of hippos, fish eagles and the occasional call of a lion will serenade your yoga practice and take us closer to untouched nature.
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The location
The Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi is recognised as one of the most beautiful shores of the Lake and borders Lake Malawi National Park. This park was established to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area. In 1984 the park was designated as a World Heritage Site.
The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It covers an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The oxbow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds.
The programme
Classes are kept to a maximum of 10 people, so you can be assured of the utmost care and individual attention during your practice. While staying true to the traditional yoga asana (postures), the class structure is flexible and can be adapted to meet your needs. A focus on postural alignment, the practise of synchronising breath with your movement, will ensure you gain the maximum benefit from your practise. If you have any injuries or any special requirements, please do let us know and we will ensure are well looked after.
If you would like to work on a certain aspect of your yoga practice one-to-one classes can be arranged on request. (Please note one-to-one sessions are not included in the package rate).
The daily meditation sessions will offer you the chance to clear your mind of clutter and stress, and return back to your true nature. Guided relaxation sessions will ensure you return back to the 'real' world fully refreshed and revitalised.
During the retreat you will also get a chance to explore the wonderful world of ayurveda - traditional Indian medicine and healing. Regular workshops will show you how to assess your individual body type so that dietary and lifestyle adjustments can be made to optimise your health and wellbeing. You can also indulge in a therapeutic Indian head massage, a foot massage or perhaps a traditional full-body massage using individually blended ayurvedic healing oils.
You will leave the retreat with a positive outlook to health and wellbeing and a relaxed mind, invigorated body and rejuvenated soul.
The teacher
Louisa has been practising yoga for more than 7 years and has been teaching since 2006. Having lived in Africa for much of her life she has always believed the soothing spirit, sounds and smells of Africa offer the perfect complement to a yoga practice.
Louisa completed her teacher training at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala, South India. Her stay at the ashram deepened her spiritual practise and her affinity with eastern philosophy and traditions, as well as offering her exposure to all aspects of yoga - not just the physical.
Louisa returns to Mysore, South India yearly to continue her studies and develop her personal practice under the guidance of yoga master Venkatesha. Venkatesha's emphasis on personal discipline, alignment and precision of postures and his world-renowned skill for improving flexibility are prominent features of Louisa's own teaching style.
During her classes Louisa stays true to the traditional essence of yoga and works hard to ensure her students feel they have experienced more than just a physical work-out.
On one of her many visits to India Louisa completed an intensive course in traditional Indian medicine, ayurveda. As a qualified ayurveda therapist Louisa shares her knowledge about ayurvedic diet, nutrition and general wellbeing with her yoga students, offering them an ideal complement to their practice.
Food
The retreats offer a holistic approach to wellbeing, placing equal importance on the wellbeing of your body, your mind and your soul. The carefully selected vegetarian menu is created with yoga and wellbeing in mind and the range of delicious and energising meals will please the pallet as well as the waistline. Rest assured you won't go hungry - you may in fact be amazed how varied and tasty vegetarian food can be.
Accommodation
Pumulani
Pumulani has 10 private villas scattered around the hillside, each with its own individual shape and style. All have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto a private elevated deck with fantastic views. The deck also offers an ideal spot for you to take a private yoga class or indulge in a massage treatment.
The central dining and bar area is high above the lake with the most spectacular views, and leads onto an expansive deck. The infinity swimming pool is on a lower terraced deck. The lakeshore bar offers light snacks as well as refreshments. Meals will be served in the dining area or on the beach.
The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, but there are enough activities available to keep guests busy in between their yoga practice.
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Luangwa Safari House
The Luangwa Safari House lies on the edge of a wonderful lagoon system, which is a natural highway for animals. The four rooms are all individually designed, are large and with fantastic views of the bush. The main sitting area is two storeys high and has an open view over the plunge pool and the lagoon. Lunch is served on the deck that stretches out into the lagoon area, so you often eat lunch surrounded by elephants.
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Activities at the lake
Alongside your yoga practise our remote beach setting is ideal for those who want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. There is also an infinity pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake.
For those seeking activity, there are a variety of water-sport activities including snorkelling, fishing, sailing on the traditional dhow, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding and fun tube rides (motorised activities are not included in the package rate).
Lake Malawi is the world's most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids. Pumulani offers special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands.
To experience the real Malawian village life the lodge offers guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being among the friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them.
Activities at Luangwa Safari House
The morning walk or drive will leave soon after yoga practise, entering the park by boat from the camp or by the nearby pontoon. The game in the area is excellent - and includes many family herds of elephants and the endemic species of giraffe, the Thornicroft Giraffe.
Luangwa Safari Hosue offers the choice of appreciating the wildlife from a game-viewing vehicle or by foot. Both are excellent opportunities to experience South Luangwa. Vehicles can cover more ground so you are more likely to see the 'big game'. A walking safari enables you to understand the entire ecosystem from the smallest termite to the largest elephant,and read the tell-tale signs of the bush.
For the adventure lovers, you can go out all day armed with a picnic. Taking a scout with you, you will be able to enjoy a walk or explore further afield in the park giving you the chance to get to know your surroundings better - from ants to buffalo, a bird's nest to tracking all kinds of game, you will learn the many facets of the bush.
You may also choose to just relax and sit under a tree or next to a lagoon and you will then be able to take a siesta or simply spend a lazy couple of hours reading a book or watching the fascinating animals and landscape around you.
Sample daily schedule
Lake Malawi
06.30
wake up call
07.00 - 8.30
a morning yoga class will be offered in one of several locations, overlooking the lake, on beach or under the shade of a tamarind tree
08.30 - 09.30
a healthy vegetarian breakfast will be served
10.00 -12.00
free time to relax and soak up the sun or enjoy the many activities on the lake including snorkelling, motorised watersports* or swimming. You can also work on a specific area of your practise with a one-to-one yoga* class with Louisa, or indulge in a relaxing or rejuvenating ayurvedic massage*
12.30 - 14.00
a hearty and healthy vegetarian lunch will be served
14.30 - 15.30
a workshop will be held to offer you a deeper insight into an aspect of yoga, ayurveda or nutrition. Alternatively you can enjoy some free time on the beach or in the lake
16.00 - 16 .30
a refreshing herbal tea and fruit will be served
16.30 - 17.30
time to wind down with a meditation or pranayama session
17.00 - 18.30
sunset yoga class from one of several stunning locations
18.30 - 19.00
the class will be followed by a long relaxation/meditation session
19.30 a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal will be served dinner
South Luangwa
05.30
wake up call
06.00 - 07.30
morning yoga class as the sun rises over the Luangwa River
07.30 - 08.00
a light continental breakfast of fresh fruit, herbal tea and healthy cereals will be offered
08.00 - 10.30
take a game drive or a guided walk to enjoy the sight and sounds of the African bush - don't forget your camera!
11.00 - 12.00
a hearty and healthy vegetarian brunch will be served
12.00 - 14.00
free time to relax and watch the wildlife, or take a siesta. You can also work on a specific area of your practice with a one-to-one yoga* class with Louisa, or indulge in a relaxing or rejuvenating ayurvedic massage*
14.30 - 15.30
a workshop will be held to offer you a deeper insight into an aspect of yoga, ayurveda or nutrition. Alternatively you can enjoy some free time to rest or watch the wildlife
16.00 - 16.30
a refreshing herbal tea will be served
16.30 - 17.00
time to wind down with a meditation or pranayama session
17.00 - 18.30
sunset yoga class from one of several stunning locations
18.00 - 19.30
take a night drive with a spotlight for a great chance to spot a leopard, hyena and other nocturnal creatures
20.00
a delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal will be served
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