“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.”
guided stargazing feat. Ranger Dilano
I am over-the-moon excited to invite you to the 6th annual luxury safari retreat offering hosted by Kala MacDonald! This inclusive, curated stay 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.
This luxury safari retreat will take place at the Shambala Private Game Reserve’s iconic Nelson Mandela Villa, tucked into the malaria-free Limpopo Province outside of Johannesburg, South Africa.
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 private villa 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 state-of-the-art gym, an acclaimed chefs kitchen, and more.
This year will include some new, Yoga with Kala group exclusives, too! As Shambala grows, so too do we. I so look forward to hosting you and yours in this paradise.
Daily guided fireside yoga practices will be offered to get your mind & body ready for dreamy days filled with all the safari adventures your heart can handle. Or, if you prefer, start your day with a sparkling mimosa in the heated pool. Your completely curated days will continue on toward twice-daily guided game drives, a bush walk for the brave, and serene champagne soaked cruises down the Douw Steyn Dam as the sun sets.
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.
I do hope you’ll join!
To begin the booking process, you can secure your spot for a nonrefundable $1000 USD deposit per person by clicking here!
Rate:
Pricing Coming Soon!
Rate in USD, 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 $1500 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, 2026
100% total booking: DUE Mar 1, 2027
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
VIP Expedited Customs Services + Chauffeured Luxury Vehicle from JNB to the Saxon Hotel (NEW!)
Chauffeured group ground transport from the Saxon Hotel (RT to/from Shambala) in wifi-enabled luxury vehicle (return drop at JNB is available)
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
Laundry services
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 (!!!)
Daytime and spot-lit night game drives + a bush walk accompanied by an experienced guide
Sunset cruise on the Douw Steyn Dam
Satellite telephone in each room
Complimentary WiFi access
and more!
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