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Luxury Safari Retreat Week at Shambala Private Game Reserve, Nelson Mandela Villa -- Limpopo Province via Johannesburg, South Africa


Just imagine—marigold twilight floats on the air, you spot a bathing hippo winking at you from the distance, and a server onboard asks if they can refill your rosé. Don’t mind if I do.
— Vogue

I am over-the-moon excited to invite you to the 5th annual luxury safari retreat offering hosted by Kala MacDonald! This year will include all the magical daily animal game drives, endless magical extracurricular inclusions like ranger guided stargazing and sunset fishing, as well as Yoga with Kala exclusive surprises around every corner! Pack your khakis, we’re headed back to Paradise on Earth.

This all-inclusive luxury wellness safari will take place at the Shambala Private Game Reserve’s iconic Nelson Mandela Villa, just a scenic trek from beautiful Johannesburg, South Africa tucked into the malaria-free Limpopo Province.

Our group will live in and enjoy the tranquility of Shambala’s historic Nelson Mandela Villa during our stay, a space that has notably hosted guests such as Hillary Clinton and Oprah. This fully-staffed space includes multiple private suites with en-suite + private patios, plus common areas including sun soaked, art-filled sitting rooms, al fresco dining area, heated pool, bonfire courtyard, a newly constructed gym, a renovated chefs kitchen, and more.

I can personally attest to how much care, respect, and love the animals receive at Shambala, and we will be so lucky to meet them in nature during our adventures here, which will include daily guided game drives, a bush walk for the brave, and serene champagne soaked cruises down the Douw Steyn Dam. Not to mention, daily guided fireside yoga practices to get your mind & body ready for dreamy days filled with all the safari adventures your heart can handle.

I do hope you’ll join!

To begin the booking process, you can secure your spot for a nonrefundable $1500 USD deposit per person by clicking here!



guided stargazing feat. Ranger Dilano


Rate:

$12,700USD per suite, single occupancy

All rooms are single occupancy private Queen w/ en-suite and private patio.
A limited number of rooms are eligible for double occupancy for an additional $1900 fee. Please inquire at booking if you’d like to share your room with a loved one!

Must be 21 years of age by the start date of the retreat to join.

50% total booking: DUE Nov 1, 2025
100% total booking: DUE Mar 1, 2026


Inclusions:

  • 7 days/6 nights in the tranquil, historic privacy of the Nelson Mandela Villa in Shambala Private Game Reserve located in the malaria-free Waterberg mountains of the Limpopo Province - the entire Nelson Mandela Villa will be reserved just for our group!

  • Private luxury Queen Suite w/ Ensuite + Private Patio

  • Canapés and welcome champagne on arrival

  • All multi-course meals prepared by a dedicated private chef, plus snacks, bottled water, teas, coffee, local wines, beers, and a variety of other beverage options (dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice)

  • One complimentary 60-minute Signature Spa treatment + 20% off all additional spa treatments including massages, facials, manicures/pedicures and more

  • ATV trail riding, sunset bass fishing, & stargazing experiences guided by Shambala rangers on-site (shooting range available for an additional fee)

  • Private heated swimming pool situated on a viewing deck overlooking a lively watering hole

  • Optional daily beginner-friendly guided movement, pranayama, breath practices, and/or yoga nidra

  • Butler service for the duration of your stay (!!!)

  • Laundry Services

  • Daytime and spot-lit night game drives + a bush walk accompanied by an experienced guide

  • Sunset cruise on the Douw Steyn Dam

  • Chauffeured group ground transport from the Saxon Hotel (RT to/from Shambala) in wifi-enabled luxury vehicle

  • Satellite telephone in each room

  • Complimentary WiFi access

  • and more!


VVIP Add-on:

  • Includes: Expedited customs procedures on arrival to JNB, chauffeured car service from JNB to the Saxon Hotel, two night stay at the Saxon Hotel, private local wine tasting + dinner in the Saxon wine cellars, early arrival to Shambala Private Game Reserve featuring lunch + additional game drive on arrival. Please inquire for rate and availability.

Not included:

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Additional spa treatments

  • Ground transport outside of organized group ground transport — a private car can be arranged for an additional fee if desired

  • Shooting range

  • Medical care/suggested vaccinations


All photography on this webpage courtesy of
Nicole Bissey of Nicole Bissey Photography.
Please see more of her work and connect with her for hire using the links below:

Website
Instagram