8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa
An intimate 8-day women-only mindfulness and safari retreat set across the beaches and wilderness of Vilanculos, Mozambique.
MozambiqueThe RetreatBird Exclusive
Book through RetreatBird and these come included — on us.
About this retreat
Why this retreat
A unique mindful holiday in Southern Africa - an exclusive adventurous group retreat for women. Visit the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago and the spectacular Big 5 Zinave National Park. Experience local life, food, flavours, and the wild nature of Mozambique. Mozambique: The hidden gem of Africa, Mozambique, with its unspoiled beaches and coastline, pristine marine life, turquoise blue water and warm embrace of the Indian Ocean offers the perfect backdrop for your inner wellness journey. It truly still is the undiscovered secret of Southern Africa. Beautiful, pure, safe, undiscovered, and wild. Get off the beaten track and join us on a unique mindful holiday in this authentic and magical place. This is an adventurous yet perfectly safe, fully personally guided, and group retreat. You will learn about and practice meditation and visit two of Mozambique's best national parks: the stunning and highly desired Bazaruto Archipelago by Vilanculos and an adventurous, fully guided off-road journey inland to Africa's breathtaking nature and unspoiled wild: Zinave National Park—Mozambique's first Big Five protected area. This is: - A truly special combination of stunning beaches (Waves), meditation, yoga & well-being (Wellness), and safari (Wildlife) at an unspoiled, authentic destination in Africa - A unique opportunity to join a group of women on a true, authentic African adventure, yet perfectly safe, fully guided, relaxed and with a focus on awareness, well-being, and plenty of time for yourself - A true African wildlife experience in a conscious way. - A fully personalized experience, including a (video) call before the start of the retreat. With: - Pristine beachfront private meditation sessions and yoga - A combination of meditation practice and life in Africa, led by Gerry Rickard, who lives here - A 7-night all-inclusive experience with high-quality local food, accommodation, unique activities, game drives, and teaching included - Professional facilitation led by an MA-qualified teacher with many years of corporate and leadership experience. - Two very unique National Parks combined in one retreat: The stunning Bazaruto Archipelago and Zinave National Park
Highlights
- Led by a master's-qualified mindfulness teacher based in Mozambique
- Explore the stunning islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago
- Off-road safari adventure into Zinave National Park, Mozambique's first Big Five reserve
- Blend of beach relaxation, ocean immersion, and guided meditation
- Authentic local food, culture, and wildlife in one journey
- Daily meditation
- Exclusive small group of women. Maximum eight participants
- Yoga sessions included in Vilanculos
What's included
- Accommodation in Vilanculos and Zinave National Park; 3 daily nutritious meals; Water tea and coffee; Welcome drink and snacks; 1 aerial yoga class; Daily meditation practices; Qigong practice on the banks of the majestic Save River; Fully guided game drives in Zinave National Park; A full day boat tour to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago with cooked lunch on the islands and snorkelling on Two Mile Reef; All transport during the retreat including airport transfers; Course manual; WiFi
Not included
- Flights (not to be booked until minimum participant numbers are confirmed)
Accommodation
Beachfront Accommodation: In Vilanculos, Mozambique, Lemon Beach Lodge is situated right by the local beach in Vilanculos, in a lovely green tropical garden and with a small pool. Free high-speed WiFi is available and each room here has air conditioning, a balcony, and a patio. Accommodation is in private chalets with a double bed and a private bathroom. Zinave National Park: Mozambique spanning 400,000 hectares of pure bush, bordered by the Save River and home to the Big Five, Zinave National Park offers a truly authentic and unforgettable nature & wildlife experience. Accommodation here is in your private, luxurious comfortable tent with ensuite bathroom and wood-fired showers. The tents are overlooking the majestic Save River. This is true wildlife camping and Africa at its best. Daily meals will be served in the main camp overlooking the river which is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Optional upgrades
Upgrades and extras can be added to any booking — ask us what's available.
Food
The retreat celebrates local Mozambican flavours, with hosts who place a strong emphasis on good food and warm communal dining. During the retreat, you’ll be treated to nourishing daily meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each thoughtfully prepared with care and intention. Our menu is designed to support your well-being and complement your yoga and healing practices. Please inform us in advance of any food allergies, sensitivities, or special dietary requirements so we can ensure your meals are prepared to suit your needs.
Location
Vilanculos, Mozambique
Vilanculos sits on the warm Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique, serving as the gateway to the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago. Inland, Zinave National Park offers untouched African wilderness as Mozambique's first Big Five protected area.
Book your flight to Vilankulo Airport (VNX) in Vilankulo, Inhambane Province, Mozambique. It’s conveniently located just 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) from the town center, approximately a 10-minute drive to most beachfront accommodations and resorts. We will pick you up from the airport in Vilanculos (if applicable). Airlink has daily flights to Vilanculos from Johannesburg. We are happy to assist with any travel plans or additional itineraries. Please send us a message.
About the retreat leader
Originally from Ireland, Gerry made a complete lifestyle change in 2009 when he left the American entertainment corporate world and moved to Portugal with his wife, Christina (Dutch). In 2018, he went back to university and obtained a four-year master's degree in mindfulness teaching, with distinction, from the Center for Mindfulness Research and Practice, Bangor University, Wales, UK. After 10 years in Portugal, the adventure continued in Mozambique, Africa, in 2021, where he set up MindWise Mozambique from his home in Vilanculos, where he teaches, leads retreats and online sessions in Mozambique and beyond. Christina also runs Unique Mozambique, and her mission is to inspire you with this authentic country, its rich culture, and kind and friendly people. Gerry has a gentle approach to mindfulness meditation and the special gift of bringing a lot of joy and humour to his teachings. With his intercultural work and life experience, he can deal with people from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures with a very down-to-earth mentality. A practicing Zen Buddhist he received the precepts from Roshi Joan Halifax at the Upaya Zen Centre in Santa Fe and regularly contributes articles to the online platform, The tattooed Buddha
Getting there
- Nearest airport
- Vilanculos
- Airport transfer
- Included in Price
- Visa
- Apply online for Mozambique eVisa at evisa.gov.mz All information, including prices and exemptions are also on this site.
Cancellation & policies
100% deposit refund for cancellation 30+ days before retreat start date. 50% deposit refund for cancellation 15-29 days before retreat start date. 0% deposit refund for cancellation 0-14 days before retreat start date.
Packages & dates
Meet the team
Your facilitator team is confirmed before your stay — ask us who'll be guiding this retreat.
Your retreat leader
Mozambique
Frequently asked questions
How many days is 8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa?
8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa runs for 8 days in Vilanculos, Mozambique. Exact arrival and departure dates are confirmed with the retreat leader when you book.
Where does 8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa take place?
This retreat takes place in Vilanculos, Mozambique. The retreat leader shares full directions and travel guidance once your booking is confirmed.
How much does 8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa cost?
Prices start from USD 2,450 per person, with a USD 735 deposit to reserve your spot. Your final rate depends on the package, dates, and group size you choose — the retreat leader confirms the exact total before you pay anything.
What's included in 8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa?
Your stay covers accommodation in vilanculos and zinave national park; 3 daily nutritious meals; water tea and coffee; welcome drink and snacks; 1 aerial yoga class; daily meditation practices; qigong practice on the banks of the majestic save river; fully guided game drives in zinave national park; a full day boat tour to the stunning bazaruto archipelago with cooked lunch on the islands and snorkelling on two mile reef; all transport during the retreat including airport transfers; course manual; wifi. The retreat leader confirms the full list of inclusions, meals, and any optional extras after you book.
How do I book 8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa?
Send a booking request with your preferred dates and number of guests — no payment is taken upfront. The retreat leader reviews availability and confirms final pricing with you directly, with no RetreatBird booking fees.
Can I cancel my booking?
100% deposit refund for cancellation 30+ days before retreat start date. 50% deposit refund for cancellation 15-29 days before retreat start date. 0% deposit refund for cancellation 0-14 days before retreat start date.
Who leads 8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa?
8 Day Women's Retreat Beach Safari & Wellness in Unique Africa is led by MindWise, based in Mozambique.