Sashwa River of Stars Announces New Signature Retreats & Festive Family Weeks
Immersive experiences rooted in culture and connection in South Africa
Sashwa River of Stars, a nature-led wellbeing retreat in South Africa’s Greater Kruger, has announced three new signature retreats and a series of special family-focused weeks. Each small-group retreat (maximum 8), taking place between July and December 2026, is designed to deepen guests’ connection to the land, wildlife and the people protecting it.
Set within a 940 hectare private reserve and born from the simple belief that the wilderness has the power to heal, clarify and inspire, Sashwa is redefining ‘safari’ through a slower, more intentional and mindful experience. Building on this philosophy, the newly announced retreats bring together expert guides and facilitators to offer immersive, small-group journeys into healthy cooking, wildlife tracking and family connection in nature.
Those booking on these all-inclusive retreats can extend their stay at Sashwa, where life moves at a slower pace. Moments in the wild are interwoven with daily holistic practices, from yoga and meditation to creative sessions and time deliberately left unfilled. Sashwa has also released this brand new video, which beautifully illustrates the guest experience.
Click to play video.
Eat To Thrive Retreat: Connect To The Land with Intuitive Cooking
2 - 6 July 2026 (4 nights)
Living off the land has never felt more intuitive and creative. Rediscover your relationship with food through this deeply nourishing, plant-based cooking retreat. Days unfold gently with morning stillness and mindful eating, followed by immersive sessions where comfort foods are reimagined through a refined, plant-based lens. Designed to be accessible and inspiring, the retreat builds confidence in the kitchen and a more instinctive approach to cooking that replaces rigid rules with creativity. Rather than a technical masterclass, it encourages a more conscious way of engaging with food.
Led by Chef Arabella Parkinson, whose expertise in nutrition science, circular gastronomy and Ayurvedic principles, help to create plant-based dishes that feel both indulgent and restorative. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from local suppliers and everything is made from scratch - fresh, seasonal and free from processed elements. Develop a deeper understanding of food as medicine that you can take home - alongside a curated collection of delicious recipes! From ZAR 37,400 (£1,655*) per person.
Photo credits: Arabella Parkinson
The Bushmen Retreat: Tracking, ancient knowledge and the art of deep listening
29 October – 1 November 2026 (3 nights - ZAR 28,050 (£1,240*pp))
12 – 17 November 2026 (5 nights - ZAR 46,750 (£2,070*pp))
Rooted in the traditions of the Bushmen, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to learn the ancient art of tracking; reading the land as a living story. The Bushmen are members of the indigenous hunter-gatherer cultures of southern Africa, and the oldest surviving cultures of the region. Guests will walk alongside these expert trackers, learning to interpret footprints, movement and subtle signs often invisible to the untrained eye. The longer, five-night retreat allows for a deeper immersion into Bushmen culture, storytelling and ways of being, alongside more time for rest and reflection in the landscape.
Photo credits: Sashwa River of Stars
Birders' Weekend - Stillness, song and the rhythm of migration
19 – 22 November 2026 (3 nights)
As migratory birds arrive from across continents, guided by instinct, this retreat invites guests to slow down and tune in. Combining gentle birding with guided meditation, the experience transforms observation into a form of mindful presence. Guests are encouraged to listen deeply to the birdsong, watch their gentle movements and discover a new, simple type of grounding meditation. From ZAR 28,050 (£1,240*pp).
Photo credits L-R: Blair Burwood; Sashwa River of Stars; Blair Burwood
Intergenerational Travel Weeks - Space for all ages to reconnect
13 – 20 December, 20 – 27 December and 27 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
Designed for families looking to reconnect over the festive season, Sashwa’s Intergenerational Travel weeks invite children, parents and grandparents to come together in South Africa’s Greater Kruger. With exclusive use of the lodge for seven nights, the experience blends shared activities with space for everyone to move at their own pace.
Days unfold gently through safari and wellness immersions, including game drives, wilderness walks and wildlife spotting, alongside yoga, breath work and meditation sessions overlooking the river. Families can enjoy playful activities such as Tracks and Signs, Bird Bingo, Sound Safari, storytelling around the fire, stargazing and creative studio sessions.
Capture special memories through family photography in the bush, sundowners on the panoramic sunset deck or riverbed, and holistic spa treatments. Enjoy time in the Himalayan crystal infrared sauna, gym sessions or simply relaxing by the pool and observation hides. With nature as a guide, each day is thoughtfully curated to encourage curiosity, creativity and connection, for a festive escape where generations can slow down and make lasting memories together.
From ZAR 553,000 (£25,000*) for seven nights, for up to 16 people. Price includes three plant-based meals daily, drinks, guided wellbeing and safari activities, laundry and access to all facilities.
Photo credits: Bird by Blair Burwood; Massage table by Hayley Kelsing; others by Sashwa River of Stars
Notes to Editors
* Prices at current exchange rate.
Sashwa River of Stars occupies 940 hectares within a private 1800-hectare game reserve in the Greater Kruger, South Africa. The retreat runs solely on solar power, filters its own water and uses biodegradable products throughout, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can coexist harmoniously in the wilderness.