Mindful Adventure Retreats

Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy

a dinner with your fellow travellers tonight. Our accommodation is in the Rosebank area, just

north of central Johannesburg. The hotel is conveniently located, should you have additional

time. Taxi's can be easily arranged to get you around.

Please note on this itinerary

‘Day 1’ is considered the first

day the tour starts. You must

arrive in Johannesburg no later

than 3pm on the day of the tour.

Pick up (arrival transfer) from

the airport to the hotel is

included on whatever day you

choose to arrive.

The Martin Heart Travel Team

will be arrive one additional

night before the tour start date.

*Please request to see our full PDF package for additional information and details*.

Set out towards Kruger National Park via the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. Make stops at the dramatic Blyde

River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes and take in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God's Window viewpoint. Continue to our lodge near

Kruger National park, savour a delicious South African Dinner in this picturesque location. Today is a very long driving day; however, we will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route. You’ll see magnificent mountains, panoramic passes, valleys and waterfalls so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a full-day safari in Kruger National Park—home to an extraordinary array of large mammals. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes and perhaps elusive

leopards as we explore this breathtaking wilderness

of savanna and scrubland. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush. At over 19,000 sq km (7,500 sq mi), South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the

largest and most impressive animal reserves in the world. With 147 species, Kruger has more

species of large mammals than any other park on the continent.

Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready

to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras and many other species in this impressive South African national park.

Travel to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, a pristine wildlife sanctuary located in the Greater

Kruger area. Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project—a program funded in part by National

Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative and managed by National Geographic Explorer, Kulani Nyakane. Sit back for a lecture and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. After, the

researcher then joins us for a wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve. For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and

evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve, searching for Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of

supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and

afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa's

famed "big five" as we drive through the shrublands of the

bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around

the grounds before enjoying a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.

Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for brunch and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and

enjoy high tea. Following tea, it's time for a late afternoon safari drive. After spotting tons of wildlife, it’s time to return to camp and freshen up before dinner, a traditional braai. Relax and enjoy some down time between

wildlife safari drives. Take part in a culinary journey that reflects

South Africa’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, all from an enclosed outdoor area, lit by lanterns and a warming fire.

Embark on one last safari this morning, keeping a lookout for Karongwe’s iconic inhabitants. Then head back to the city, where you’ll enjoy dinner in our lodge. Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers; both will share their vast experience of the African bush. Today is the long drive back to Johannesburg. Sit

back, relax and enjoy the

journey in our private, air

conditioned vehicle. You will have a free evening in Johannesburg to rest up for the included flight toVictoria Falls the next morning.

Catch a flight to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, named after one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.

Visit a nearby village and go grocery shopping in the bustling market. Then sit down with a local family for dinner, helping your hosts prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal using the ingredients you picked out and hear stories about local life and culture. This experience offers great insight into typical African life and ultimately reinforce how we all really want and need the

same things in life: a stable home full of love, a good education and plenty of opportunity for our children. Visit a family homestead in a rural village; walk with some of them throughout their property, among the fruit and vegetable plants the family grows for consumption. (They even plant hot chillies among the vegetables to discourage nosy elephants.) Then help the family prepare a traditional Zimbabwean dinner, which we'll all eat together outside on the property, weather permitting. Ingredients for the meal will have been hand-selected earlier in the day, at the bustling and friendly local village market.

Head out for an unforgettable experience at Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest and learn

about the geology, history and local legends of this world wonder. After your immersion, get up close to the falls and discover their beauty. Be sure to have your camera! The mist off Victoria Falls can rise to a height of more than 400m (1312 ft). Local tribes used to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders.” Explorer and missionary David

Livingstone renamed the falls after Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855.

Today either depart early for the

long journey home or extend

your stay an extra day and join us

for Full Day Excursion to Chobe

National Park in Batswana or Opt for a Free Day! *Please request to see our full PDF package for additional information and details*.

Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. (Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.)

There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting. Afterward, head out for an optional dinner with the group.
Or choose to settle in early before our journey begins first thing tomorrow morning. 

Begin your journey in Delhi with a visit to the stately India Gate and lively Connaught Place, getting an authentic feel for the rhythm of India’s capital before travelling onward to Jaipur (lovingly known as the “Pink City”) for its distinctive architecture and vibrant charm. 

Along the way, you’ll connect with the inspiring women of the Anoothi Project, a social enterprise empowering marginalized women through the traditionally male craft of block printing. Enjoy hands-on creative time with them, meaningful conversation, and delicious local snacks as you experience the beauty of culture, resilience and community.

Once in Jaipur, discover the heart of this colourful city during a mindfully guided orientation walk through its bustling markets, historic streets and heritage sites. Soak in the sights, stories and spirit of Rajasthan, and if you’re feeling inspired, cap off the experience with a joyful night at a classic Bollywood film. 

Explore the breathtaking Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising dramatically above the shimmering Maota Lake. Wander through its grand courtyards, richly detailed halls and stunning blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture as you step into centuries of royal history. Continue on to the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), an extraordinary pink sandstone façade designed so royal women could quietly watch life unfold in the streets below, unseen yet deeply present in the rhythm of the city.

After the guided exploration, the afternoon is yours to follow your curiosity. Choose to stay active with a pre-booked cycling adventure through Jaipur’s colourful streets, or embrace the magic of Indian cinema with a visit to the legendary Raj Mandir Art Deco theatre for an unforgettable Bollywood experience. However you spend it, Jaipur invites you to savour every moment.

Optional Add on excursion: For those who wish to experience Jaipur from an entirely new perspective, you may choose to book an unforgettable Jaipur Hot Air Balloon Ride. Begin your morning at dawn as the first light paints the sky, then gently float above rolling hills, vibrant villages, peaceful fields and ancient landscapes. If luck is on your side, you may even spot elephants below. It’s a breathtaking, serene way to witness the magic of Rajasthan come alive.

Journey through India’s arid landscapes and charming rural towns as you travel toward Agra, where one of the world’s most iconic landmarks awaits. Arrive in time for a magical sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, as the fading light casts soft hues across its luminous white marble.

Wander the grounds of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site and take in the elegance of its Mughal architecture, intricate details and perfectly balanced symmetry. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a timeless expression of love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is more than a monument, it is a profound reminder of devotion, beauty and impermanence. A moment to pause, reflect and take in one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Travel 3hrs by train and rickshaw to the tranquil town of Orchha, nestled along the peaceful Betwa River. As the landscape shifts from bustling cities to rural heartland, you’ll slow down and gain insight into everyday village life and refreshing contrast to India’s urban energy.

In Orchha, visit Tarragram, a remarkable social enterprise supporting local tribal women through sustainable paper-making. Learn how recycled clothing and wood pulp are transformed into beautiful handmade paper and witness the power of community, creativity and conscious craftsmanship in action.

Continue on to explore Orchha’s historic palace complex, wandering through the Raj Mahal, Jehangir Mahal and Rai Parveen Mahal. As you move through these ancient halls and courtyards, uncover stories of royalty, devotion and medieval architecture that bring the town’s rich history to life.

As evening falls, you may choose to witness a traditional Hindu puja ceremony — a serene and soulful way to close the day, surrounded by prayer, ritual and the gentle flow of river life.

Spend the day at ease in the timeless town of Orchha, allowing space to explore at your own rhythm. Wander along the peaceful banks of the Betwa River, rent a bicycle to meander through the village, or simply soak in the slower pace of rural life.

For those who feel inspired, join a hands-on Orchha Cooking Experience (optional add on), where you’ll be welcomed into a local kitchen to learn the art of traditional Indian home cooking. Prepare warming masala chai, vegetable pakoras and a selection of flavourful curries, enjoyed together with freshly made chapatis, puris, raita and seasonal chutneys. More than a meal, this is an opportunity for cultural connection, storytelling and shared nourishment.

As evening falls, travel by taxi to Jhansi and board an overnight sleeper train bound for Varanasi. Drift to sleep like a local as the landscapes of India pass quietly by, arriving rested and ready for the next chapter of this soulful journey. (The best way to see India is at ground level on the railway system. In fact, no visit to India would be complete without the experience of tavelling on a train and negotiating the busy railway stations. The chaos in the Indian Railway stations is a replica of the life in India. Indian trains are not merely a conveyance they are an odyssey so sit back relax, be patient and enjoy the show. Yes! Your cabin will be air conditioned.)

Arrive in Varanasi, India’s most sacred and spiritually charged city. A place where life, death, devotion and liberation exist side by side. For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed here to pray, to mourn, to honour loved ones and to seek spiritual awakening along the banks of the holy Ganges.

Begin with a gentle orientation walk through the ancient ghats and winding streets of the old city. Pass temples and shrines alive with incense, chanting and ritual as you take in sweeping views of the sacred river and witness daily acts of devotion unfolding around you. This is an immersion into the spiritual heartbeat of India.

With free time to explore, you’re invited to wander at your own pace, observing, reflecting and allowing the energy of this powerful city to meet you exactly where you are. Varanasi doesn’t ask to be understood… only experienced.

Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and the spiritual soul of India. This is a place of pilgrimage, prayer, devotion and deep reverence and where life, death and rebirth are openly honoured along the banks of the sacred Ganges.

Rise early for a sunrise boat journey along the Ganges, drifting quietly as pilgrims gather for dawn prayers, ceremonial bathing and offerings to the river. As the city awakens, witness life unfolding along the ghats, a moment that is both humbling and unforgettable.

The day invites exploration at your own pace. Wander narrow alleyways, visit centuries-old temples, explore local markets, or simply sit along the riverbanks observing daily life.

As evening approaches, return to the water for a sunset boat ceremony on the Ganges. Floating candle and flower offerings illuminate the river as prayers are sung and firelight dances across the water, a deeply moving and sacred experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Throughout your time here, you’ll also journey through Old Benaras on a guided Heritage & Spiritual Walk, exploring hidden alleyways, revered temples, vibrant bazaars and powerful cremation ghats where sacred fires have burned continuously for thousands of years. Along the way, our guide shares insight into daily life, philosophy and the profound spiritual importance of Varanasi within Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism grounding the experience in meaning, history and living tradition.

Varanasi is not simply visited. It is felt.
A place that invites reflection, reverence and a deeper understanding of life itself.

For those feeling called to deepen their understanding, there is the opportunity to visit Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, exploring ancient monastery ruins, sacred trees and temples built by Buddhist communities from around the world. This is included in our tour or you can opt to take the day free for yourself. 

Today our tour officially ends. Get ready for the long journey home.  Not ready to leave yet? Then join us as we take a quick flight up to Kathmandu, Nepal and begin another Epic Adventure…. (scroll below) 

Enjoy an immersive and meditative full body and mind wellness experience during a sound bath demonstration at Avata Wellness in Kathmandu. Since ancient times, people have been using sound to heal and wash away mental distress. It may even help with the jet lag from a long flight to Nepal so you can begin your adventure feeling refreshed. Brass singing bowls will be used during the session to create a comforting and meditative atmosphere. Afterwards, a six-course vegetarian meal will be served at Nourish by Avata. All dishes are prepared using traditional Nepali herbs and spices, a perfect blend of delicacies that will introduce you to the many different flavours of Nepal.

Please note - ‘Day 1’ is considered the first day the National Geographic tour starts. It is highly recommended to fly in one or two days early to ground and center yourself before starting our mindful adventure. (Martin Heart Travel will help guide and book pre and post night’s accommodations if desired).

Spend the day exploring Kathmandu, the colourful capital of this Himalayan nation. Enjoy a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. Then Visit this unique old town known as the City of Devotees. Explore Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces and monuments, including the beautiful wood-carved palace in Durbar Square. You can pick up clay pots and other souvenirs in the colourful open markets and taste home made yogurt, known as khopa dhau, which Bhaktapur is famous for.

Venture to the ancient hilltop temple of Swayambhunath, decorated with vibrant prayer flags and home to troops of rhesus monkeys. Later, we’ll hear about National Geographic Grantee Chhing Lhomi’s efforts to preserve the weaving traditions of the Upper Mustang region through her work with the Himalayan Indigenous Society, a Kathmandu-based nonprofit. Then depart for nearby Pharping, known for its Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and settle into a tranquil monastery guesthouse for the night. Get an insider’s view of monastery life and enjoy a chanting and prayer service; or opt to take a walk in the monastery’s peaceful grounds. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at local community restaurant and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste your delicious creations.

Experience the serenity of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery guest house offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting with balconies and private western-style bathrooms. There are approximately 200 monks in residence following the Nyingmapa tradition. This is a new monastery (2006), and income from the guest house directly supports it.

Rise at dawn to listen to the monks’ morning chanting and witness a stunning sunrise. Then drive to the small riverside village of Kurintar and hike to our lodge, nestled on a forested hill overlooking the Trishuli River. Opt to relax by the pool or take a guided walk through the surrounding countryside, stopping at local villages.

Arrive at our remote lodge, which sits on a ridge amidst the hills overlooking sandy beaches and a river. Forests cascade down the hillsides, enclosing tiny settlements of tribal people.

The lodge is only accessed by foot, so please expect a walk of approx. 30 to 45 minutes. Porters will be hired to carry our bags but please pack what you need for the night, as we will leave our larger bags in the vehicle.

Today, we travel towards Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to 68 recorded mammal species, including the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger, as well as hundreds of species of birds. Check in to our lodge, located on the banks of the East Rapti River. After lunch, board a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a river safari, keeping your eyes out for aquatic birds, crocodiles and other riverine fauna.

Spend two nights enjoying cultural and wildlife excursions in and around Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), the oldest national park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Within its area of 932km² (579 mi²), RCNP is home to at least 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, including sambars, chitals, rhesus monkeys, tigers and langurs.

Spend the day exploring Chitwan National Park on a variety of excursions; activities differ depending on the season. Set out on a jeep safari through the grasslands and forests, seeking out rhinos, leopards, elephants, monkeys and the elusive Bengal tiger. Meet with a “tiger technician” from the Nepal Tiger Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and conservation of these majestic cats. Visit a farming village bordering the park for a glimpse of rural life and return to our lodge this evening in time for a dance performance by the local Tharu people.

Drive to Pokhara, an enchanting town set on the shores of turquoise-hued Phewa Lake against a backdrop of snowcapped Himalayan peaks. Enjoy a guided walk around the city and opt to have dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827m (2,713 ft), beautiful Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. It's a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Venture to Sarangkot village early this morning and hike to the famed Sarangkot lookout to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya. Back in Pokhara, walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, which was constructed by Buddhist monks. Enjoy the structure and the beautiful view around it. Climb up a lush forest path to the gleaming white Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese monks after World War II. Later, visit a Tibetan refugee settlement, established by the United Nations in 1964. Learn about the history of the community on a walk through their photo gallery, and enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch. In your free time, opt to take a boat tour of Phewa Lake.

Catch a flight back to the capital, Kathmandu. Enjoy time to shop in the bustling Thamel district, or choose to visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple complex in Nepal.

Enjoy free time in the afternoon for exploring. Visit the burning ghats at Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath or the monkey temple. Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn and some travellers prefer to just wander, seeing where the city may lead them.

Today our tour officially ends after breakfast. Not ready to leave yet? Talk to us about extending your stay a few extra days. Either way, we are here to support your hearts desires.