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Beyond Trauma Safari Retreat with Dr Arielle Schwartz (Multiple Locations)

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Beyond Trauma Safari Retreat with Dr Arielle Schwartz (Multiple Locations)

May 7 - 16, 2026

Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa

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Hosted By

NATURE CONNEXION

10 followers

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9 nights, 10 days

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24 person retreat

Highlights

  • Join renown clinical psychologist Arielle Schwartz, PhD, on a safari retreat designed to help you move past trauma and transform your life.

Details

Embark upon a wilderness healing journey in the South African wilderness, aiming to guide you on the path toward post-traumatic growth. Dr Arielle Schwartz’s integrative approach brings you science-backed techniques for trauma recovery. There are times when existence may call us elsewhere. Not in an attempt to escape, but in a movement towards what really matters, what resonates. Walking towards the essential sometimes means leaving behind what you know to open up to other lands, other visions, other silences. It's about giving space to what's whispering deep inside. It is with this intention that Arielle’s programme was designed and the nature-based itinerary curated: an inner journey, an invitation to slow down, to feel, to experience transformation with a community of like-minded people, and to return to what is alive within us. Together with Arielle Schwartz, you will explore practical vagus nerve stimulation techniques aimed at rewiring your resilience. Not only will this retreat demystify trauma and the pain it causes, but it will also empower you with resources to help you move past hopelessness as you reclaim your strength and courage. This mind-body retreat includes writing, drawing, guided meditations, conscious breathing, somatic work, and gentle therapeutic yoga. Arielle will be your compassionate guide as you learn to strengthen your inner resilience, increase your understanding, and develop a deeper appreciation of yourself.

Location

Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa

Mpumalanga, South Africa, is a region of captivating beauty, renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage. Nestled in the northeastern part of the country, it offers breathtaking scenery ranging from the dramatic cliffs and deep canyons of the Drakensberg Mountains to the lush savannas of the Lowveld. The province is home to the southern section of the renowned Kruger National Park, providing exceptional opportunities for wildlife safaris where visitors can observe the "Big Five" in their natural habitat. Mpumalanga is also famous for the Panorama Route, a scenic drive that includes awe-inspiring sites like God’s Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. Beyond its natural splendor, the region is steeped in cultural richness, with vibrant communities that celebrate local traditions and crafts. From its adventurous outdoor activities to its fascinating historical sites, Mpumalanga offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore South Africa's natural and cultural wonders.

Venue

Motswari Private Game Reserve

4.8 ★ 345 Reviews

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Immerse yourself in an African dream at Motswari Private Game Reserve. Expect warm hospitality, extraordinary scenery and unforgettable viewing opportunities, including the chance to spot the Big Five. Motswari means “to conserve and protect” in Tswana, which is exactly what the team is committed to doing.

A/C in Rooms

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

Pool

Pool

Spa

Spa

Laundry

Laundry

Towels

Towels

Housekeeping

Housekeeping

Coffee / Tea

Coffee / Tea

Cafe

Cafe

Restaurant

Restaurant

Accommodation

Ndhula Tented Camp and Motswari Game Lodge (Double Occupancy)

Private room for 1

$6,350 USD total

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NDHULA TENTED CAMP (7 – 11 May) Ndhula tented camp is ideally located close to Blyde river canyon and about 45 minutes from Kruger National Park. It offers beautiful and large canvas tents set within tranquil wildlife estate that hosts giraffes, antelopes, wildebeests among other animals. You will enjoy the privacy of your of own tent for the first 4 nights. MOTSWARI GAME LODGE (11 - 16 May) You will spend 5 extraordinary nights at Motswari lodge, located in the renowned Timbavati private game reserve. Rooms are large and beautifully decorated. Beds are comfortable ¾ in size, while bathrooms are separated from the main bedroom. Accommodations are on a sharing basis. For single occupancy, please contact us - an extra cost applies.

Meals

Meals provided

Breakfast · Brunch · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly · Diabetic Friendly

Ndhula tented camp and Motswari lodge can cater for a variety of diets. All vegetables and fruits served are freshly sourced from local farmers.

Schedule

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE 'BEYOND TRAUMA' PROGRAM • Understand what trauma is and how to heal it. • Receive a roadmap of the healing path as a guide for the journey ahead. • Learn how to master self-awareness of your autonomic nervous system to enhance physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. • Learn the 5 types of resilience and how to develop your own, unique resilience recipe to enhance your wellbeing. • Explore the vagus nerve and its powerful influence on your body and emotions. • Explore Embodied Spirituality through the intersection of Science, Soma, and Soul. • Engage in therapeutic yoga to unwind trauma from your body and mind • Discover the keys to post-traumatic growth to unlock your optimal wellness. ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR, DR ARIELLE SCHWARTZ Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, with a private practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is a certified complex trauma professional, EMDR Consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out teacher and leading voice in the field of trauma recovery and the author of six books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, and The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook. She is dedicated to offering informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers integrative, mind-body approach to therapy includes relational therapy, parts-work therapy, somatic psychology, EMDR Therapy, and therapeutic yoga for trauma. She has been teaching therapeutic yoga since 2008 with an emphasis on applied polyvagal theory which focuses on addressing imbalances within the autonomic nervous system that underlie mental and physical health symptoms. EXPERIENCES DURING YOUR STAY 🌿 Safari to the famous Kruger National Park. 🌿 Therapeutic writing, guided meditations, conscious breathing and gentle therapeutic yoga. 🌿 5-star safaris in open 4x4 vehicles and incredible bush walks among the wild animals! 🌿 Visit to the Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the world and of a community project. 🌿 Time to restore body and mind, a complimentary massage. 🌿 Plus a few surprises…

Testimonials

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“The beyond trauma program and retreat in South Africa facilitated by Arielle was one of the most profound, healing and magical moments of my life. It was the gift that just kept giving. Two beautiful compassionate women put together the perfect program. It felt like we were being held in this beautiful bubble of the magic of South Africa. The land, animals, people and its healing properties of song and dance created the perfect environment to explore and heal some of our deepest wounds and traumas in life. It was the perfect combination of glimmers and reflection, tears and joy allowing us to visit the past but feel so supported, safe and connected whilst doing the work on this healing journey. Forever grateful to Arielle and Natacha for making it happen”.

Simone, Australia

Number ONE ! Meeting Arielle in person and experiencing her wisdom , compassion and calming presence, connecting with the beautiful souls that were also on this journey. This trip will remain one of the Best trips of my life . The people at Motswari, the Safaris , the food , the rooms everything was exceptional .

Tracy, USA

"Motswari 10/10 (I didn't think anything could be perfect but our stay here was definitely that, most of that was down to the beautiful staff) Zingala - wow what a privilege to meet those beautiful people and connect, hear there stories and spend the day with them - forever grateful Elephant whispers - wow wow , magical experience And of course all of the group and making these beautiful friendships - the energy of everyones acceptance and holding space and supporting each other made it feel ok to be me. That includes both you, Natacha and Arielle- feel so blessed to have met both of you and be a part of this journey."

Sarah, USA

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Host

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NATURE CONNEXION

Hoedspruit, South Africa

I am a French trauma-informed therapist based in South Africa and facilitate sessions in French and English. In parallel of my practice, I have founded Nature Connexion. NATURE CONNEXION Nature Conne...

4 languages

English, Français, Español, and BR. Português

Teaching for 4 months

Joined Insight Timer in Sep 2025

What's Included

Informational guidance on post-traumatic growth with Arielle.

Trauma-informed yoga and meditation sessions with Arielle.

All safari activities in Kruger national park and at Motswari lodge.

All meals, water and soft beverages at Ndhula and Motswari lodge.

Basic alcohols at Motswari lodge other than premium alcohols.

Bush walks with armed guides.

X 1 afternoon safari & bush dinner in Kruger national park.

X 1 Blyde river canyon excursion.

X 1 restaurant.

X1 visit of a community project.

Park entrances for Blyde river canyon.

Conservation fees for Timbavati game reserve & Kruger national park.

Transfer from Nelspruit airport (KMIA) to Ndhula tented camp and from Motswari game lodge to Hoedspruit airport (HDS).

Transfers between lodges and for all activities.

Not Included

International and domestic airfare.

Travel insurance compulsory - for medical, cancellation, repatriation purposes.

Additional activities not described in the package (spa, massages, etc).

Laundry.

Alcoholic drinks at Ndhula and at one restaurant.

Any new taxes, fees, levies, fuel or industry increase beyond our control.

Tips at Motswari lodge (at your own discretion).

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • A travel and medical insurance is compulsory to attend the retreat.

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 120 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 120 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 120 days before the retreat begins.

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