• Medical

A powerful synergy

- 2023-06-20 00:00:00

Henriette Lamprecht – She found her love for yoga while sailing and scuba diving in all corners of the world. After 15 years of traveling across the globe, however, the road finally led Marcel Vosloo back to Namibia. By combining two of her greatest loves - yoga and travelling - she started a new journey with Namaste Yoga Safari.
Marcel was born in Cape Town, South Africa, but grew up in Namibia and travelled extensively through other African countries.
“I have done the research and the travelling, and I also worked as a travel consultant in Namibia - selling various safari tours in Southern Africa and applying what I’ve learned to my own yoga safaris,” says Marcel.
She is also a freelance safari guide when she’s not on one of her own tours - showing visitors the best that Namibia or any other Southern African country has to offer.
Although she was initially trained in Ashtanga yoga, Marcel developed a deep understanding over the years of more mindful and calm practices out in nature, connecting with the energy surrounding us.
“My yoga holidays are about you connecting with yourself on a deeper level out in nature. It is my seventh year with Namaste Yoga Safaris, and I love every moment I get to arrange these incredible yoga holidays. I get to meet incredible people and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Marcel started her company in 2016 and hosted her first yoga safari four months later. During the first few years, she only hosted four trips a year in Namibia. Now, it's about eight to ten a year in different African countries.
“My groups are small for the perfect experience in yoga and all the activities, but once a year I host bigger groups of up to 14 guests.”
Practicing yoga in nature offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to connect with the natural world and find a sense of tranquillity and harmony, Marcel explains. “Combining yoga with wildlife experiences can be a truly transformative and unique way to deepen your connection with nature. Not only does your heart rate drop when you find that connection, but also as you sit quietly observing the wildlife on the safari part of the trip. It creates a powerful synergy - allowing you to connect deeply, cultivate mindfulness, and a greater appreciation for these incredible animals.”
Each country offers something different and unique, however, some kind of wildlife, wellness, and adventure always form part of her unique safaris, she says.
Marcel always has to consider the space for yoga – a quiet space with no other people around - when designing her safaris.
“This is not always possible, but I work around it. There will always be wildlife activities involved in my trips which are all included in my packages. Some locations, however, offer optional extra activities which my guests can choose themselves.”
Hosting different yoga holidays means there will always be an option for everyone, says Marcel.
“My passion is to find the right retreat for my guests, so if they are unsure which one to choose or if they have any additional questions, I usually schedule a call in order to get to know them. I’ve had guests joining my yoga holidays ranging from those doing their first-ever yoga session up to yoga teachers, and even many repeat guests coming for a second, third, and fourth time due to having yoga holidays in different countries. Each country’s yoga sessions are different, but they fit in with nature.”
As part of the safari, you can expect slow flows, Yin, Dynamic Vinyasa flows, Hatha, Yoga Nidra, manifestation techniques as well as various guided meditations and breathing techniques.
“It’s a fun and non-competitive environment, making it a peaceful healing space for anyone joining. Come with an open mind, take in your daily experiences, allow yourself some time away from your typical doings, and truly immerse yourself in being present with us - in the yoga, the activities, and your free time.”
For the perfect group experience and personal attention, Marcel takes a maximum of seven guests per holiday, and a maximum of 14 for international yoga teachers wanting to bring a group.
Plans for next year include a foraging yoga trip, as well as trips combining yoga with hiking.
“Yoga and hiking offer a harmonious blend of physical activity, mindfulness, and connection with nature. It allows you to enjoy the physical benefits of hiking while incorporating the grounding, centring, and rejuvenating qualities of yoga. It is a unique and fulfilling way to experience the beauty of the outdoors while nourishing your body and mind. These hikes will be moderate and only a few hours daily.”
For now, it is off to another adventure, visiting three other African countries for possible trips in the future. - www.namasteyogasafari.com; Facebook: Namaste Yoga Safari; [email protected]