Silent safaris for the soul in Namibia

2023 wellness trends

When we think wellness in 2023 we think mindfulness walks. Exercise as a form of recovery. An increase in practices that connect mind and soul, such as meditation or yoga. Micro-workouts that can be done in a minute or so between your busy daily schedule. Syncing sleep patterns to the movement of the sun and moon. Spa treatments that extend beyond the confines of a room. More interesting mocktails and detoxifying cocktails. And knowing, really knowing, where your food comes from, including growing and picking it yourself.

But how can you incorporate these wellness trends into your travel choices? This is something we at Wilderness strive to offer all our guests. And while each of our Wilderness camps offers something special in the way of wellness offerings, Namibia is a destination that anyone ‘on trend’ with wellness will want to visit 2023.

Silent safaris in Namibia

So what is a silent safari? It’s not just about switching off your phone or disconnecting from the world, but really about discovering a place where it's just you and the wilderness. Where a lion's roar can be heard from kilometres away. Where your voice echoes through miles of immense dunes and craggy mountains. Where you can hear, and even see, your breath as you practice yoga in the stillness of the early morning. Or hear your pulse in your ears as you meditate under a canopy of a million stars, and the quiet of the night seems to stretch to eternity.

Disconnecting and reconnecting with your body

And while pampering spa treatments are the order of the day at somewhere like Wilderness Little Kulala, for us, wellness is about more than just massages. It’s about rolling out the yoga mat in your room to centre your mind in the morning. Pulling out some weights for a quick micro-workout before lunch. Going on a long self-led walk through the plains around Wilderness Damaraland Camp to discover nature and contemplate what’s important in this game of life.

And for those who want to really get active, there are guided walking safaris or thrilling e-fatbike excursions that allow you to discover even more of the magnificent wide-open spaces Namibia has to offer. 

What you put in is what you get out

As with most things in life, what you put in is certainly what you get out - but this doesn’t just extend to exercise and effort. At Wilderness, we prioritise food and beverage offerings that not only look and taste great but also nourish the body from the inside out. Our menus feature locally sourced and home-grown ingredients, offering something to gently nudge you out of your comfort zone.

Think mutete hibiscus tea which has powerful antioxidant properties, helping the body fight off bacteria and illness. Or a baobab tonic made from a plant bursting with protein, vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and B vitamins. And smoothies made from nutrient-dense moringa seeds, which contain potent antioxidants and astringent and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Want a taste of the African bush? Try these at home: