Well what can i say about our latest fitness safari retreat.
This was the 7th retreat I’ve hosted and each one has been uniquely special .
The wildlife reserve called Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation in the middle of Namibia and my former home has come up trumps over and over again winning numerous awards in the mean time!
What ever i write here simply won’t do the place justice but i want to share with you how special a fitness holiday experience this is.
From the second our guests arrive the jaws start to drop. The vastness and beauty kind of consumes you and deep breaths of relief and belonging ensue .
The slow drive up to our accommodation is a feast for the eyes. The open scenery and mountain range is like a welcome hug , embracing your eagerness to search for more. More adventure , wildlife and mysteries only Africa can hold.
Now i’m not going to give everything away in this blog as some things are best experienced first hand and kept as a surprise. Even our past guests are asked to keep some incredibly unique experiences to themselves! But i still want to describe to you what a trip out here entails , i was going to say typical trip out here but then there is simply nothing typical about it.
Every day at Okonjima lodge is a unique experience for the ones fortunate enough to live it!
The beaming smiles from the staff holding the fort is reassurance of a safe stay and when we arrive at Bush camp to a welcome drink i see the heads start to shake slowly. The look of disbelief at the beauty of which they find themselves in.
The rooms and chalets are impeccably designed with a feeling that they just fit nestled within the African Bushveld. Wow factors guaranteed!
The Okonjima Bush Camp . Real wildlife intertwined with luxury.
People often ask me what are the best parts of the holiday and that is truly a question almost impossible to answer .You just have to come and experience it for yourself to get the know what it ‘feels’ like which goes way beyond just what you see and do.
All checked in and ready for their first session !
Day 1 is really just about getting settled in after an fairly long journey . Okonjima in centrally located in Namibia, its a scenic drive . There is no better way to start your holiday than with a welcome drink, a first class meal and quality nights rest.
Waking up to the sounds, smells and sights of Africa is fully worth the trip in itself. I mean that IS what most people travel for .
Time to move, out on the lush lawn at Bush camp we start as we mean to go on. A mobility session to activate and energise the body. This is all in front of a stunning landscape , followed by a scenic little 5km trail run. As much a purpose to acclimatise as Okonjima is 1600m above sea level.
A glorious nutritious breakfast awaits before a little chill time. Why not? After all this isn’t a boot camp holiday where you are just beasted endlessly. (although that could well be arranged if required!) This is YOUR fitness safari retreat . So why not enjoy every aspect the special place has to offer!
Time for our guests for an adventure trail out in the huge 50,000 acre park. Cheetah tracking (some on foot ) ensues. This is the first taste of how the brilliant a combination of wellness and fitness is, with the natural euphoric experience of spotting predators and other animals in the wild.
I always look forward to their reaction upon return to the lodge , most notably about how close the encounters were!
Each night we are spoilt with lovely cuisine . Our heads crash to the pillow with a beaming smile and a satisfactory sigh!
The guys are really into the swing of things now and time to crank up the training a little. They are taken to one of the most remote gyms in the world. When developing the idea and constructing the sight , time was taken to plan where this gym would be . Okonjima is nestled amongst the Omboroko mountain range so building the gym back in 2013 along side a river bed seemed the most logical plan . Softer, even ground hidden enough so not to spoil the landscape and large enough for multi use.
The okonjima bush Gym (Dan’s Gym site as known to the family that own the reserve) is situated perfectly . Fixed apparatus and a cement floor for safe lifting and training.
A reception like no other !
One thing worth mentioning and a question that gets asked a lot is “Do i have to be super fit to do this holiday ?”
We’ve had guests ranging from 14 to 70. The training is tailored and group dynamics accounted for so your experience is maximal to YOU!
After training a delicious brunch follows ( the Bushman omelettes are famous on the lodge!) before a little chilling by the pool or at your luxury room. Or what about a massage which is included in your trip? Remember we always keep the balance of training ,eating ,resting,relaxing and activities.
In the afternoon the group head out again into the big park. This drive is in search of leopard. Okonjima has one of the highest rate of sightings for a lodge in Namibia but like everything wild , nothing is guaranteed . This is also the absolute beauty of staying the 8 nights as oppose to 1 or 2 nights which normals guest to the lodge stay as part of a round trip of Namibia. You are pretty much guaranteed to see everything during your stay!
Now before i forget…. 2 words ….sunsets… or is that one word?? any way … there is nothing quite like an African sunset! It’s an on going competition during the week who can capture the best one!
Here’s one for you!
I could literally share thousands of pics and add a ton of other extras experiences but that would just be spoiling you!!
As the week progresses each day offers something new, not only wild life viewing , but training sessions, food and experiences!
Everyone loves the mountain biking as you get a different perspective from cycling amongst wildlife , a feeling of being part of the environment instead of the safe distance of a high vehicle .
Through out the week there will be days we train 2 or even 3 times a day but at least once everyday .
These training sessions are always fun, challenging and varied. The group gets to experience the full assets of what’s on offer at the lodge by switching the accommodation midway through thee week . This is another example of additional wow factors . Have i exhausted the emphasis of wow factors ? no ? ….. here’s another little teaser!
Who doesn’t like a few snacks while lion watching!
While all the life changing memories are gathering, the end of the week brings the Cheetah Challenge. No we don’t strap a piece of meat to your thigh wish you luck . The Cheetah challenge combines the essence of the weeks training coming together to encourage and achieve .
A final farewell Braai (BBQ). The food has been outstanding!! Memories to last a life time and if like many others , a time to plan your return .
Until the next time Okonjima .
Fitness Safaris Namibia run bespoke holidays tailored to and for you. No cookie cutter holidays here!!
