Top wellness tourism experiences in Africa

Mainstream travel can be all go, go, go – so to feel truly connected to nature and the local communities they visit, more and more people are looking to ‘wellness’ trips for that guaranteed dose of calm and connection. The crown for wellness tourism has arguably belonged to Asia until now – with its abundance of yoga, meditation and massage culture – but with a deep connection with the land and ancient healing traditions, destinations across Sub-Saharan Africa have been growing their reach for this kind of tourism. Let’s get into ways you can connect with nature, local life and yourself, by diving into the world of wellness tourism in Africa…

‘Mindful’ safaris: meaningful wildlife experiences in Sub-Saharan Africa

Some game drives and their hotels can feel touristy and impersonal, ironically disconnected from the environment. Popularity is rising for a more ‘mindful’ safari experience, where spotting wild animals is twinned with an appreciation for nature, sustainable practices and giving back to local culture. For these trips, the focus is on slowing down and being truly immersed in your surroundings.

Walking and water-based safaris are perfect for this kind of slowed-down travel. Safari by mokoro canoe in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, for example, involves calm and quiet exploration of the river, with only the sound of the water and the bush to accompany you as you seek out crocodiles, hippos and jaguars. Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is one of the birthplaces of walking safaris, where visitors can foster a deeper appreciation for nature on planned hiking trails (some of which are inaccessible by car) over multiple days, spotting animals and bird life, big and small. Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, Nyika National Park in Malawi, and Maasai Mara Conservancies in Kenya also offer incredible walking safaris guided by locals, for more intimate encounters.

African wellness: traditional rituals and healing practices to experience on your trip

‘Wellness’ in Sub-Saharan Africa is as much about the soul as it is the body. Holistic wellness practices here combine modern techniques with nature-led healing rituals, and sometimes draw on ancient traditions. Eco-lodges and retreats in destinations such as South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania and more, promote a chance to relax and rejuvenate in serene natural settings, while using resources in a mindful way. Often, these accommodations offer nature walks in the wild, as well as massage, yoga and healing workshops. Organic food and products are usually on offer, sourced from local farms and artisans.

Some healing or wellness retreats in Africa introduce their guests to the use of traditional herbs as medicine. Activities can include foraging for herbs in the local area, and preparing teas or ointments as a traditional self-care ritual. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in South Africa, for instance, teaches holistic healing practices using local ingredients like rooibos and baobab oil.

Wellness activities in the great African outdoors

Many travelers today like to balance the indulgence of a vacation with more purposeful activities; learning about other cultures, volunteering for conservation or community projects, and getting outdoors to keep fit. The diverse landscapes of Africa make for glorious adventure-seeking, so it’s easy to find a physical endeavor that suits – whether you prefer the graceful intentionality of yoga, or the adrenaline rush of tackling steep trails by bike.

Hiking adventures to boost your mental health

As well as walking safaris, hiking in general is a grand way to experience the natural glory that African destinations offer in spades. Forests are sacred spaces to many Sub-Saharan cultures, and provide rich opportunities for mindful treks, whether that’s tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, or exploring the moss-covered paths of Harenna Forest in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. For those who crave higher elevations and clear views, you could even try some of the easier routes around stunning Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; or the striking deep valleys of the Drakensburg Mountains in South Africa.

Outdoor experiences for relaxation-seekers

For those who want to relax, yoga classes are easy to find in more tourist-driven parts of Africa, and many eco-lodges or wellness retreats offer sessions with stunning views for a peaceful and immersive practice. Retreats in Zanzibar, for instance, often run yoga classes in view of the sea – incorporating Swahili-inspired wellness practices and fresh meals made with island-grown spices and fruits. Other workshops blend yoga with traditional drumming or breathwork.

Specialist interest wellness activities to try in Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa has a growing reputation for heavy-duty cycling tours, but even the most casual cyclist can take advantage of the chance to travel on two wheels. Lake Naivasha in Kenya has some thrilling bike routes around its periphery, where cyclists can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and spot wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and buffalo – and there are more challenging off-road trails in the area for those who seek it. Of course, South Africa is a big cycling hot spot – there’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair when tackling routes in the Western Cape or coastal trails along the Garden Route.

If water sports are more your scene, you could canoe – traversing the waters of Lake Malawi, for example, known as the ‘Lake of Stars’, to paddle between islands and to local villages. If you seek more adrenaline however, the Zambezi River in Zambia/Zimbabwe offers some of the most thrilling canoeing experiences, with opportunities to explore its scenic gorges and rapids. The section near Victoria Falls (known for its dramatic waterfalls) is a highlight.

Relaxing food experiences in South Africa’s Winelands

Let’s not forget the importance of good food when it comes to wellness. South Africa‘s Winelands, famed for rolling vineyards, scenic landscapes and world-class food culture, is a haven for those seeking to indulge in delicious local fare in a laid-back environment. There’s nothing like enjoying wine and food pairing experiences that show off the region’s organic flavors, while soaking in sublime views of the vineyards around you. Combine these with invigorating nature walks, for instance across the trails of Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, and you’ve the perfect recipe for a trip that serves to energize your mind, body and soul.

The Stellenbosch Food Route is a great example of this – taking you on a culinary journey through one of South Africa’s oldest towns, where you can try artisanal foods while stopping in at local markets and award-winning restaurants. Try everything from farm-to-table experiences to delicious charcuterie, accompanied with a cold glass of Chenin Blanc.

Wellness tourism in Africa: tips for planning your journey

A big part of planning a wellness trip in Sub-Saharan Africa is to approach it with mindfulness and a sense of responsibility.

• With this in mind, choose transport, accommodation and activities that work in harmony with the environment and benefit local communities; such as sustainable homestays, eco-lodges, retreats or places that exist to support conservation efforts.
• If you’ve got the time, embrace the concept of a slow trip, where you can truly immerse yourself in the surroundings and connect with the land and its people.
• We know that Sub-Saharan Africa is a huge and diverse land, and you might want to consider a multi-destination trip. This takes thoughtful consideration in order to balance relaxation, adventure and getting to know local culture, without rushing to tick things off your list.
• Chat to our locally-based experts to take this stressful pursuit off your hands, as they will sort the logistics and use their local knowledge to do most of the hard work for you.

Make it happen

Keen to experience wellness tourism in Africa? To explore any of our destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa in a way that feels aligned to you and your well-being, talk to one of our local experts. They’re equipped with all the knowledge required to build the wellness trip of your dreams.

1. Botswana
2. Zimbabwe
3. Malawi
4. South Africa
5. Ghana
6. Tanzania
7. Uganda
8. Ethiopia
9. Kenya