The Oystercatcher Trail, Garden Route
The Walk: Traversing along unspoilt Cape Floral Kingdom territory with the wild wistful call of the endangered African Black Oystercatcher in the distance, will undoubtedly recharge you with the kind of vitality only nature can provide. Golden beaches stretch for miles as does the azure Indian Ocean viewed from atop high sand dunes. Snorkel and bathe in small safe bays and discover marine-rich rocky pools, ancient Stone Age caves, rare plants and a diversity of other flora and fauna. Marvel at starry nights and enjoy sunshine days on this illustrious, top-rated and not-to-be-forgotten soulful sojourn.
Attractions: From Mossel Bay to Boggomsbaai, Vleesbaai, Fransmans Hoek and Canon Village, ending at the Gouritz river, all along this extraordinary eco-educational adventure you’ll discover untold treasures – ancient Khoi-san shell middens and other Stone Age implements where Strandlopers once roamed, fish traps at Kanon and Cape Vacca, Southern Right whales from June to October and dolphins all year round. Drink in the red African sunsets and stroll barefoot along the edge of the thunderous ocean.
Duration: Five nights and four days, with walks ranging between 5km – 15km daily. The walk is fully guided and catered for. Your luggage is shuttled to your overnight luxury B&B accommodation and you only have to carry a small day pack. All dietary requirements are catered for when necessary, including Halaal, vegan, vegetarian, Kosher, lactose and wheat intolerant. Meals are prepared by local chefs in traditional Cape style.
Rates: The Gold Star Oystercatcher Trail costs R5 950 per person and is all-inclusive of food, accommodation, airport transfers from George airport and beverages (including wine and beer). The Silver Star costs R3 950 per person and offers exactly the same standard but does not include airport transfers or beverages.
Contact: Call Sandpiper Safaris on (044) 699 1204, email stay@sandpipersafaris.co.zaor visit www.oystercatchertrail.co.za for more information.

Bush Walking Adventures
Tailor-made walking safaris at Phinda Private Game Reserve, KZN, Ngala Private Game Reserve and Kirkman’s Camp, Kruger Park as well as Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

The Walks: There’s nothing quite like the solitude of the African bush and being able to experience the wild up close as you do on one of the walking adventures offered by &Beyond’s lodges throughout South Africa. Here, highly trained trackers help you discover the many wonders of the bush as you experience the wilderness on foot, taking in all its splendours, sounds and nature’s earthy vibrations. Social behaviour of lions, elephant herd dynamics, tracking black rhino and partaking in conservation programmes are some of the fabulous eco-educational options offered. Whether you want to walk for two hours or the whole day, the choice is yours. Among other exciting activities, you can gallop along beaches on horseback, explore wild forest trails, sleep under the stars, scuba dive or go on a helicopter ride. There really is no end to what you can choose to do on these tailor-made walking holidays and you’ll soon feel as if you were born for the wild.
Duration: Choose from two, five or seven day hikes and no matter if you wake up before dawn or prefer a leisurely lie in, you will always start the day with a hearty, healthy breakfast and enjoy a decadent al fresco outdoor lunch and camp-fire dinner.
Attractions: With specialist safaris such as “7 Wonders in 7 Days @ Phinda”, the “5 Day Ngala Experience”, “Bushskills, Birding and Leopard Research @ Phinda”, “Frontiers, Rock Art and Carnivore Research @ Kwandwe” as well as “Photographic, Private and Tracking Safaris”, there’s a host of attractions in each characterised by dramatic wildlife moments, luxurious accommodation and expert interpretations.
Rates: Rates vary depending on the camp, length of stay and specialist programme booked. There’s a minimum two-night stay and the average adventure costs R6 120 per day, for a maximum of six guests included.
Contact: Call &Beyond on (011) 809 4300, email safaris@andbeyond.comor visit www.andbeyond.comfor more information.

Wild Coast Meander, South Coast
The Walk: Meander your way down from the Kob Inn at the Qora River to the village of Morgan’s Bay along a stretch of the Wild Coast known for its unspoilt beaches, peace and serenity that’s truly a nature lover’s dream. The terrain is varied and offers interesting, surprising bits as well as more challenging parts – from river crossings and headland hiking to simple beach walking. You’ll learn about the abundant marine and bird life that exists in the region and which flock to these exquisite stretches of river streams, estuaries, natural springs and famous palm-fringed beaches.
Duration: Fit or unfit, the standard five-day/five-night trail has hikes ranging from 6km – 22km, but the focus is on fun and relaxation with afternoon swims and river cruises.
Attractions: Covering 56km of the southern region of the Wild Coast, the trail is magnificent in its isolation and natural splendour. The wreck of the Jacaranda earns a spot on our list of favourite sightings, while the Kei River from a pontoon also takes top prize. You’ll certainly be sad to say goodbye, so why not explore more of the Qolorha region (and spend some time relaxing) by staying an extra night or two. The legendary hotels that host your stays will further provide fabulous accommodations and memories that last.
Rates: Ranging from R4 000 – R6 850 per person sharing depending on the group size. This rate includes guides and porters from local Xhosa communities that accompany hikers every day, sharing their knowledge, customs and culture.
Contact: Call Wild Coast Holiday Reservations on (043) 743 6181, email meross@iafrica.comor visit www.wildcoastholidays.co.za for more information.

Cedarberg Heritage Tours, Cedarberg, Western Cape
The Walk: Only two hours drive from Cape Town and you’re in the wild, warm and raw terrain of the Cederberg Wilderness area – a dramatic landscape of towering mountains that preside over the fruit-filled valleys. Ancient forest trails and coloured, weathered rocks make this setting ideal for walking and, while some paths are stony and uneven, most are not severe and are rated according to difficulty. All four hiking trail options offered by Cedarberg African Travel on their Heritage Route boast spectacular mountain scenery, interesting fynbos vegetation, rock art site visits, a traditional donkey cart ride, Moravian mission village stops, a community guide and luggage transport from one overnight stop to the next. It’s a leisurely pace with time for tea, swimming and picnic lunches. The hikes all begin and end in Clanwilliam and pass through the heart of the Wilderness Area.
Duration: Hikes are either three or four nights.
Attractions: Charming B&Bs provide the overnight accommodation making it a quaint and cultural holiday adventure. Your daylight sojourns through places like Krakadouw Nek and Grasvlei River will provide stop offs at destinations such as Boontjieskloof, Sassakloof and Wupperthal.
Rates: Prices vary per person per trail and are fully inclusive of all accommodation, meals, entrances and park fees. The maximum group size is six. The three-night trail costs from R2 200 to R2 500 per person per trail and the four-night trail from R2 700 to R3 000 per person per trail.
Contact: Call Cedarberg African Travel on (027) 482 2444 or visit www.cedherroute.co.zafor more information.

Kings Walden is a quiet, romantic boutique hotel in the middle of the Agatha Forest in the mountains near Tzaneen, Limpopo. It has a rich and colourful history, which one can read about in the award-winning autobiography,

A 3.5 hour drive from Johannesburg, Kings Walden boasts sweeping mountain views, breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil gardens, and simple, elegant rooms free from the disruptions of TV and telephones. Its centerpiece is a dramatic bone-white blue-gum tree, which is said to have been struck by lightning many years ago, on the night the lady of the house died. She had been the one who created the exquisite gardens and walking trails, over her long lifetime.

Chef Steven Jacobs offers his guests an imaginative menu using fresh, local and organic produce. Jacobs’ dishes are delicious, beautifully presented, and made with an attention to detail that is rare to find. Enjoy a healthy breakfast made of fresh, organic ingredients on the terrace overlooking the mountains, and savour a delicious dinner in a cozy corner of the dining room next to a blazing fireplace.

Kings Walden is an eco-friendly establishment, using fair and sustainable methods. All the hotel water is re-used in the gardens, solar heating systems are used where possible, and it uses green garbage disposal methods. The hotel practices recycling, and uses seasonal, locally grown and organic herbs and vegetables.

Contact: Visit http://www.kingswalden.co.za email info@kingswalden.co.za or call (015) 307 3262

Shamwari Game Reserve
Boasting success with water and electricity saving as well as waste and education management, Shamwari, on the banks of the Bushman’s River in the Eastern Cape, offers  both five-star luxury and award-winning conservation, so you can really feel a part of the peace during your stay. A winner of many wildlife awards, book your stay at this Big 5 reserve and become a supporter of their many wild life initiatives. Visit www.shamwari.com for more information.

The Oyster Box
Situated in Natal in Umhlanga |Rocks, The Oyster Box is high fashion with an eco edge. This historical hotel, recently revamped, certainly does it’s bit to reduce it’s carbon footprint: grey water harvesting, solar heating, waste treatment and energy efficient lights are just some of the practises employed on-site and, this newly Green-Leaf certificated holiday spot, offers this up to nature, guests and the environment along with unparalleled sea views. Visit www.oysterboxhotel.com for more information.

Three Tree Hill Lodge
Employing the skills of its local community, Three Tree Hill Lodge in the Drakensburg focus on environmental ecology and locally produced goods, foods and services certainly gives it the nod in terms of eco credentials. Horse trails, hiking, nature walks, guided bush walks (tracking white rhino), mountain hiking, birding and mountain biking are just some of the activities on offer at this owner managed lodge whose passion for sustainability means that their methods of energy, water, procurement and waste programmes ensure the lodge existence is as close to nature as possible. Visit www.thetreehill.co.za for more information.

Phantom Forest
Nestling in the Afromontane Forest just seven kilometres from Knysna, Phantom Forest holds several eco awards including Africa’s Leading Green Hotel in 2010. From the start, their building principles were sustainable and their elevated tree suits are made from alien vegetation that was removed during renovation. The floors, furniture, roofs and boardwalks were all a part of this construction process meaning their intrusion on nature is minimal and a harmonious balance has been created with the natural environment that is home to over 150 bird species, bush pig, bushbuck, grysbok, the rare blue duiker (one of Africa’s smallest antelope) and a variety of smaller game. It is also a unique biodiversity of Cape coastal fynbos and an estuarine wetland. Visit www.phantomforest.com for more information.

The Peech Hotel
The epitome of responsible tourism and stylish sustainability, The Peech Hotel is located in Melrose, Johannesburg, and sets the trends for eco city living. With amenities that include solar heating, green design and recycling, The Peech Hotel further provides community support to children’s home, Little Eden in Edendvale. The Peech Hotel’s eco philosophy has earned it its green stripes and makes the vity traveller’s stay in Joburg a better, more conscious one. Visit www.thepeech.co.za for more information.

By Angela Wood Myers

Organic spas around the world serve as peaceful environments to experience natural, healthy and soulful treatments with spas now further providing yoga, meditation classes and retreat programs for an overall spiritual experience.

South Africa has a number of reputable health spas, although the concept of “the organic spa” is a new trend waiting to flourish. This may be because of the meticulous, costly and patient process required to “greening one’s spa”. Vygenhoek is the first organic spa in South Africa and the word “Vygenhoek” is derived from the Dutch word “Vy” meaning fig. Exploring this association is fascinating when considering that the Fig Tree has as many as 850 different species and has a remarkably quick self-healing process; this is a powerful metaphor for some of the properties an organic spa has to offer.

There are a number of requirements that need to be met before a spa can be called “organic“. All products used need to be grown, harvested, stored, transported and processed in a manner that constantly takes the environment into consideration. Therefore no synthetic or harmful materials are to be used to facilitate any of these processes.  If one cannot “ingest” the product safely it is not considered “organic”, even if it is only intended to be applied externally.

It is also important that the local community and environment has a mutually beneficial relationship to the spa. Vygenhoek, as an example, harvest their own lavender and rosemary to provide essential oils used in their treatments. A local distillery distills the oils from the herbs that are handpicked on the property. Organic spas should  also only consume resources in a sustainable way – one way to achieve this is by installing low-flow shower heads or low-flow faucet aerators to reduce water use by up to 50%.

Vygenhoek’s commitment to being eco conscious is visible in the finer details through to the larger architectural considerations too. Pre-cycled amenities like shampoo and body-wash are packaged in re-usable non-bleached paper as opposed to the wasteful, disposable plastic containers available at other spas. The architecture is a further vital component in the “greening process” – in this particular case, the Vygenhoek building is specially designed to eradicate the need for conventional cooling systems. Hot stuffy air rises up and out of the specially designed air-vents, while cool fresh air from outside replaces it. The spa’s outdoor structures have well designed “pockets” to further protect from wind and to absorb heat. The entire building is made of natural elements; and materials such as slow burning wood from alien trees, are used for heating when necessary.

Organic spas go above and beyond the pampering and luxury on offer at other spas, they provide us with a chance to be apart of an eco-friendly outlook while making a worthwhile investment in better living for yourself and your community. Let’s hope this trend will gather long-lasting momentum.

By Nicole Van Heerden

What could be more perfect than holidaying in a place that’s been designed especially with yoga in mind? When you need to recharge, take your spirit to one of these soulful spots that’ll help you retreat yourself – body, mind and soul…

Compiled By Hayley Alexander

MAGICAL INDIA
Satvik Sadan – Vedic Retreat Centre, Himalayas
LOCATION: Located in India just outside the lake town of Bhimtal within the beautiful lake district of Nainital, Satvik Sadan is an idyllic Vedic retreat perched 4,700 feet above sea level in the majestic Himalayas.
SURROUNDINGS: Satvik Sadan is built on part of the legendary Chyawan Rishi Ashram and revered as one of the holiest places in India. The retreat centre offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains of Karkotak in the North, the ancient Gargi River in the South, and the majestic pyramid Mount Haidakhand Kailash in the East.
COMFORT: The retreat’s position is further accentuated by its distinctive design, comprising of seven step-terraces built high into the mountain slope. The terrace levels represent the seven levels of consciousness, and are named after the seven chakras in the human body. There are 12 ethnically decorated en-suite guest rooms featuring modern amenities, all with large open-plan balconies. The top level, Sahasrara, showcases the library and hall for yoga/pranayama sessions and seminars as well as a classic meditation chamber.
THE FOOD: Based on Ayurvedic guidelines, all cuisine served at Satvik Sadan is specially prepared considering individual disposition and nature’s seasons, using vegetarian foods to increase the elements which are less, and decrease the elements in excess for each guest.
YOGA RETREATS: As founders and hosts of the region’s leading authentic Ayurvedic retreat, Shukla Acharya and Samrita offer several uniquely tailored packages to ensure that guests leave feeling renewed and gleaming with health. Packages include: Satvik Holiday, Satvik Detox, Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga Retreat, Spiritual Retreat and Teacher Training.
REST ASSURED: Whether resting on a bench to take in the hillside scenery, doing yoga in the rose garden with eagles flying overhead or simply admiring the sunrise as its golden rays pour into your room, a satvik lifestyle experience at Satvik Sadan is sure to leave you recharged with optimism. The centre also offers Ayurvedic massage treatments (snehana) as well as lifestyle management counselling (paraamarsh).
COST: The 10-day-yoga retreat and training recommended for beginners costs approximately R7 699 per person, all inclusive. TO BOOK: Phone +91 976 009 5451, email bliss@thesatvik.com or visit www.thesatvik.com

UNDER AFRICAN SKIES
Ngare Sero Mountain Retreat, Tanzania
LOCATION: Nestled at the southern base of Tanzania’s Mount Meru, in an 100-acre forest reserve, Ngare Sero is a remote hide-away conveniently located 20 kilometres from Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha city.
SURROUNDINGS: The cold-water Ngare Sero springs, after which the retreat is named, come up from the forested slopes of the 15,000 foot Mount Meru and collect in a crystal-clear lake, just beyond the sweeping lawns of the lodge. The setting of this lake perimeter is breathtaking, surrounded by elegant, longstemmed arum and calla lilies, deliciously fragrant frangipani and large moonflowers. The heritage of the property, built in 1905, is part of its charm and the 100-year-old flagstone pathway curiously meanders around the lake, offering a beautiful place for meditative strolls.
COMFORT: Ngare Sero is an intimate lodge offering a variety of accommodation options. There’s a self-contained yogi cottage with its own yogi shala, 10 outlying garden suites as well as two suites in the original lodge, where the dining room, kitchen, and living room are also located. All the rooms and suites are spacious, filled with traditional hand carved Zanzibar furniture, tiles, fabrics and luxurious cotton towels.
THE FOOD: Vegan, vegetarian, and organic meals are available and all meals are served family-style. Cultivated foods served fresh are grown in the rich, dark volcanic soil in or surrounding Ngare Sero and an organic orchard supplies papaya, mango, avocado and banana, while organic vegetable and herb gardens are seamlessly woven into the natural environment.
YOGA RETREATS: Practice Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga, or Power Yoga with resident yogini Stacia Leach on the platform overlooking the lake beneath a canopy of  Loliondo trees where troops of Colobus and Sykes monkeys watch curiously. If you are interested in taking your yoga to other parts of Tanzania, Ngare Sero will tailor a private yoga safari to suite you, be it to the beaches of Zanzibar, Lake Natron, the crater of Mount Meru or the depths of the Serengeti.
REST ASSURED: In addition to yoga, guests may meditate in any of the meditation gardens where the air is punctuated with the fragrance of lemon grass, lavender and rosemary. A lovely swimming pool is discretely nestled in the garden and a vast veranda supplants the front of the lodge, where you can sip refreshing, iced ginger tea or organic coffee while taking in the sweeping views of Tanzania’s majestic Kilimanjaro to the east. Ngare Sero also offers a full range of services including therapeutic massage, body scrubs, ear candling, Homeopathy, horseback riding, and boating on the tranquil waters of its private lake.
COST: Approximately R1 055 per night – including all meals, drinking water and teas.
TO BOOK: For private or group visits contact Stacia Leach on +255-769-54-8787 or +255-785-133-707, visit www.ecotz.com or email yogasafari@ecotz.com

LOCAL AND LOVELY
The Buddhist Retreat Centre, KZN
LOCATION: Near the village of Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal, the Buddhist Retreat Centre is a National Heritage Site where people of all religious and philosophic persuasions, and none, can come to experience peace and tranquillity.
SURROUNDINGS: Perched on a ridge at the head of one of the spectacular valleys in the Umkomaas river system, the Buddhist Retreat Centre overlooks a vista of indigenous valleys, forests and rolling hills and is surrounded by manicured lawns, Zen-sand gardens, a traditional stupa (pagoda) and the largest hand-sculpted Buddha image outside the Buddhist East. The area is a birder’s paradise with more than 160 different species including the endangered Blue Swallow.
COMFORT: Integrated into the spectacular surroundings are the centre’s buildings consisting of accommodation lodges and cottages, a dining room, office, shop, a lecture and art studio, a library and the meditation hall.
THE FOOD: The Buddhist Retreat Centre is famous for its tasty lacto-ovo-vegetarian cuisine and organically grown vegetables, freshly ground maize porridge and warm-baked bread. They even have their own cookbook Quiet Food – a Recipe for Sanity.
YOGA RETREATS: Various retreat options are available to suit both beginners and more seasoned practitioners led by various local and international teachers. The primary focus is to study Buddhist philosophy and meditation, but yoga, Tai Chi, Japanese brush painting, creative writing and sketching are routinely part of the retreat schedule. There are also “self retreats” available that are unstructured where you can do as much or as little as you like.
COST: Prices range from R265 per person per day sharing in an ashram-style lodge to just over R500 for the en-suite accommodation in a chalet or bungalow. Rates include all meals, lectures and teas.
TO BOOK: Call the administrator on (039) 834 1863 or the Durban office on (031) 209 5995. Email brcixopo@futurenet.co.za or visit www.brcixopo.co.za.

Drakensberg Mountain Retreat Centre, KZN
LOCATION: Situated high up on the Natal/Free State escarpment overlooking the Northern Drakensberg, The Drakensberg Mountain Retreat Centre is well located for group gatherings, lying midway between Johannesburg and Durban.
SURROUNDINGS: Spectacular views that stretch from Champagne Castle in the south east, across the entire Central and Northern Drakensberg past the Amphitheatre, to the north eastern end of the Maluties near Golden Gate.
COMFORT: Country charm abounds with choices of accommodation in the more upmarket Vergezient Lodge or the Zonderntwyfel Barnhouse. Both buildings operate as guest houses which are also open for group bookings.
YOGA RETREATS: The Zonderntwyfel Barnhouse is generally the first choice for retreat groups of up to 20 people as firstly it is cheaper, and secondly its lovely large function room is ideal for group meetings, yoga, meditation,Pilates and other retreat options.
REST ASSURED: With its wonderful views, wild winds, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, mists as thick a pea soup, cosy fireplaces, heated pools, flower-filled conservatories and an atmosphere of deep peace and quiet – this is an ideal spot to relax, unwind and take stock.
COSTS: Rates at the lodge vary from R495 to R800 per person and at the Barnhouse from R350 to R400 per person, depending on the season. Specials are offered regularly.
TO BOOK: Contact Dolly Warburton on 082 716 9404, visit www.drakensbergretreat.co.za or email dolly@drakensbergretreat.co.za

Sat Chit Anand Retreat Centre, Western Cape
LOCATION: Situated in Plettenberg Bay, minutes from Robberg Beach, is a holistic centre that offers one-week Healing Holidays and Mindfulness Meditation Courses.
SURROUNDINGS: A picturesque coastal scene where you can watch the dolphins surf the waves or the whales frolicking in the bay.
COMFORT: Sat Chit Anand has three luxury self-catering cottages in a serene and spacious garden setting.
YOGA RETREATS: The retreat programme consists of teachings, meditation, yoga and nature outings. Retreats follow a daily schedule from 9am – 4pm, with an evening session from 7.30 – 9pm.
REST ASSURED: You will no doubt feel connected to the flow of life when you take a walking meditation in the beautiful indigenous state forest and stop to sit silently next to a small stream. The healing centre also offers therapeutic massage, a variety of bodywork treatments and healing therapies.
COST: Retreat prices vary from R3 000 for shared to R4 000 for single accommodation. This includes 6 nights accommodation in luxury self-catering garden cottages and delicious healthy vegetarian lunches.
TO BOOK: Phone (044) 533 0453, email satchitanand@global.co.za or visit www.satchitanand.co.za.

Little Samadhi B&B, Western Cape
LOCATION: Situated on a hilltop overlooking the village of Barrydale in the Little Karoo, approximately 250km from Cape Town.
SURROUNDINGS: The area offers half or full-day hikes of unsurpassed beauty within close proximity. The hot springs of Warmwaterberg are a 20 minute drive away and a visit to the Labyrinth and Peace Pagoda at The Manger is also very worthwhile.
COMFORT: Little Samadhi offers comfortable accommodation in understated elegance. There are two luxury en-suite bedrooms, a comfortable living/dining area with fireplace and ample indoor and outdoor space for you to relax and feel at home in. There is no television or DSTV, although Internet access is available and mobile phone reception is good.
THE FOOD: During your stay you will be served delicious, healthy, wholesome and, wherever possible, organic vegetarian meals.
YOGA RETREATS: Besides offering regular yoga classes, including Hatha (Vinyasa and Free Flow) and Kundalini Yoga, Little Samadhi organises retreats at beautiful locations for up to 10 people sharing. Retreats are tailored to your requirements and you can choose to go for a weekend or extended stay undergoing a detoxification program or a YogaMeditation intensive, or simply take time out. Special retreats are also available for couples, mothers and daughters and parents-to-be.
REST ASSURED: A range of treatments are available including Kahuna massage, Reiki, detoxification programmes and standard beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing.
COST: R680 per person per day including accommodation, dinner, breakfast and two sessions of yoga.
TO BOOK: Phone Atma on 028 572 1002 or 082 823 3179, email atma@littlesamadhi.co.za or visit www.littlesamadhi.co.za.

The Organic Caravan

“Sometimes in life your feet catapult you into an adventure and, like a game of dot-to-dot, the picture only emerges when the ink-dance is done”. “Each leap is thrilling, unknown and present,” says Bronwyn Sherman, whose recent trip to Europe onboard a self-sustaining organic caravan was a grand adventure in spirit and harmony among many other things…

The Organic Caravan is the story of my feet-set in a European summer. It was one of those experiences in life whose vision actually seeds and manifests and, this time, in the form of an artist and healer collective of 17 multi-national explorers and one beautiful baby, Silas.

Most of us were strangers, yet out of a spider-web network stretching across the globe, we poured our skills and intentions into this progressive project. Inspired by the focus on “organics, sustainability and creativity on the move”, we began our two-month journey as The Organic Caravan from a moonlit circle in South Germany one evening.

Talent brimmed – we were an organic chef, restaurateurs, set builders, organic fashion designers, a crystal jeweller, performing artists, a DJ, a journalist, photographer, film and documentary crew, healers, teachers and community coordinators. Nationalities included German, Dutch, French, American, Australian and South African. Our travels began…

The Stage and Set
Three popular culture festivals were on our itinerary – Fusion Festival (near Berlin), Sunsplash Festival (North-west Italy) and Das Festival (South-west Germany). We were a setup spanning 15 x 10 metres and, as our very own Caravan rolled up its silver shutters and spontaneously transformed itself into our bar, speakers winging either side, we were set for business. Over an impressive self-carpentered bar, organic coffees and teas, health shakes and slushes were on order and a blazing red carpet flamed put in-front warmly lured passersbysto enter our carnival-esque atmosphere of abundant drinks, food, dance and laughter.

Arching behind our eccentric bar was our organic kitchen, restaurant and chill-out tent. Low tables and hemp floor cushions created an earthy, nourishing atmosphere for our guests to enjoy plates overflowing with organic delights.

Both the bar and kitchen were stocked by our gracious sponsors which was part of our sustainability programme, whereby leading organic companies sponsored us with
ingredients and products and, in turn, we travelled Europe creating exposure for their goods. Our media crew also ensured that our sincere gratitude for jumping aboard our Caravan was constantly expressed.

Bigger, wider, deeper went our festival presence. The Caravan’s artist-collective banded together to create a gypsy bazaar selling hip organic clothing, natural handcrafted jewellery, paintings, prints, our musicians’ CDs, medicinal sacred herbs and the sustainable products of our sponsors. These sales were another aspect of our sustainability plan. To add to this, people could retreat into our healing space for quiet time, massage and energetic healing. Everything culminated from many angles as a vivid picture of life, nature and human character colourfully splashing together in a moving community.

Social Experiment 101 –The challenges
The Organic Caravan was a living social experiment and, as we moved, worked and lived together, we experienced incredible synergy and incredible discord. It wasn’t easy! We reflected different cultures, natures, intentions, needs and work ethics, but we lived one vision which embodied common passions.

We faced many of the challenges that communities face today. Put 17 adults together in highly demanding conditions day and night and inevitably resistance and conflict arise. Relationships within group dynamics are fascinating and without a very trong consciousness, relationships can eclipse the higher intention of the group and the toils of the ego can wreak havoc on free spirit. These seem to corrode group trust, positivity and motivation and the enormous challenge concerning our goals of being sustainable in a world where it’s still the exception and not the norm, added fuel to the fire. Lastly, organisation was a complex and mammoth task, not always easy to meet on the move.

A Learning Cohesion
We were extremely fortunate to have on our itinerary visits to thriving, sustainable and creative communities, family camps and individual famous artists. Our weaknesses were so poetically juxtaposed by these examples of success, integrity and refinement. Like rain water into thirsty soil, the lessons from our encounters were absorbed deeply, as synchronistic responses to the questions and difficulties we were processing.

In our first week we met a famous German musician – Thomas D. A much-appreciated hip-hop artist in popular culture, Thomas is respected for his conscious, progressive lyrics and message. He was The Caravan’s first port of call and gracious host for two enjoyable days. Our interview with Thomas conveyed an essential message for our young venture: projects and artists that are to sustain themselves require a strong balance between creativity and organisation. The challenge of balancing this duality was to be constantly revisited throughout our time together.

Towards sustainability
From Thomas D we travelled to Ufa Fabrik – an inspirational and sustainable community on the outskirts of Berlin. We had set out to discover where the artistic spirit meets sustainable, community living… and this was that very place! Thirty years ago, a social avant-garde swept across an unstable Berlin and a group of street performers with revolutionary social visions squatted on the humble piece of land facing much resistance. Today Ufa Fabrik and their ideals, eco-technologies and social
infrastructure form a thriving model for eco-communities and the land is now a conservation region in Berlin. The best part is that the founding members are still integral members of the community’s evolution.

Sustainable energy has been pursued with impressive and comprehensive success at Ufa. Thermo-regulation through grass roofing, energy waste conversion systems, rain water filtering and distribution, solar panels and windmills are just some of the ecoinfrastructure in place. And to complement all this, there’s a children’s school, performance and circus training centre, outdoor summer theatre, music studios, organic bakery, café, natural food store and guest house for artists to feel at home, (and we certainly did!).

With the three pillars of arts, ecology and social development, Ufa Fabrik had a lot to mirror for The Caravan. Our time spent was hearty with deep insights into the ways and practices of a mature community. The stories of its development and the management of decisions along the path to growth were educational and intriguing. One of the founding members told us, that for her The Organic Caravan expressed that “green is finally in”.

After some hard work at our festivals, the Caravan retreated into the orchardnestled home of Fritz Schlick on the edge of the Black Forest. Fritz was only a few months away from immigrating to the Auroville Community in India. A man of unconditional love, equanimity and quiet strength, Fritz welcomed us all into his character-filled wooden house and the teepee at the foot of his cascading garden. Fritz’s way transcended the independent dramas which were bubbling amongst the crew, and reminded us of the unity that nonjudgemental love creates. In his safe space we spent two weeks debriefing under the sky around a powerful fire, which he built with unfaltering generosity, every night.

A shared heart space
To end our incredible summer adventure, we crossed the border into France and joined a family camp, which has continued in an underground manner, for 10 years. Set alongside a refreshing lake, beneath beautiful mountains, this camp involved no money and yet lived and breathed abundance. Connections transcended age. Giving and participating with joy, freedom and responsibility was at the heart of this experience.

In our morning circle a huge paper would be used to jot down what was being volunteered for the day: “Yoga next to the teepee at 10! Childrens’ face painting and hair-wrapping next to the lake at 12! Womens’ circle in the Yurt at 3!” So much was offered every day and yet everyone was free to follow their own rhythms without guilt. There was even a group who made music for the food makers as they chopped for the community. Such was the cohesion of links in this living, thriving organism. What a beautiful message to end The Organic Caravan. True sustainability comes from the abundance of a shared heart space. Then even work is a joy or, at the least, is filled with good intent and vibration. For all its challenges and lessons, the caravan was dynamic and wondrous, and with new wisdom and future improvements, this could be a project to look out for!

A Typical Day in an Ashram in India – by Cheryl Lancellas

You wake up to the sound of bells ringing three times, it’s dark outside, it’s 5am exactly. You have half an hour to brush your teeth, wash your face, dress and complete any other necessary ablutions. All this is no easy task when there are four of you, one basin and one toilet (and all women).

There is also never any guarantee there will be power. Most mornings you prepare for the day by torchlight.

There is also a rule of silence in the mornings, which is actually really good. It is nice to wake up slowly, take your time to contemplate your day ahead, no need for meaningless chatter just to be polite.

When this ritual is complete, you make your way to the kitchen area for a quick cup of spiced Indian tea (if you have managed to dress in time because 5.30 is chanting time and you don’t want to be late for this).

We fill the hall, everyone is wrapped up warmly, seated in the cross-legged or lotus position and very ready to start the day. The chanting is done in Sanskrit, in the beginning it’s most intimidating but you cannot believe how quickly you pick it up. By the end of the first week, you proudly chant away, eyes closed, no need to read the prayers on the wall or in your books. You are also much more comfortable sitting in the half or full lotus position throughout the session after the first few days. The energy generated by 30 people chanting prayers of universal peace, or repeating the Omkhar sound, has to be experienced to be believed !

At 6am we start the 2 hour Asana session. This is led by one teacher with at least 2 to 3 others patrolling the room to correct or help wherever necessary. Within minutes into the session, you are warm, ready to practice and fully focused.

Once Asana class is finished we all participate in an hour of Karma or Seva yoga. This entails doing anything which is required around the Ashram such as preparing breakfast, washing floors, cleaning the garden etc. This is what you make of it. I saw many arguments rising from lack of communication and learnt a lot about ourselves from this.

At 9am we sit down for Breakfast. All meals are eaten in silence, this is amazing and really makes you aware of eating your food. You get the hang of this very quickly and it too becomes most enjoyable. I found I ate a lot less after the first few meals. All the meals have an option of vegetarian or full vegan. The food is delicious, varied, lots of fresh fruit and always more than enough.

The system of cleaning dishes is easy, one large basin with a few taps, soap and cloths. As you finished eating you wash your own utensils, rinse and dry. This way everyone does it well as you never know which plate or fork you will get next mealtime.

After breakfast is the best time of the day, as we attend a half hour of Yoga Nidra or relaxation. This usually takes you to about 10.30 and then its lecture time. These go on until around 12 midday. By now the temperature is rising fast, it starts becoming hard to stay awake no matter how interesting the lecture is.

Lunch is at 12.30 most days and then you have study time until 3.00pm.(most of the time you need a little siesta).

3.00 until 4.30 is once again lectures and then you have 2 more hours of Asana practice.

6.30 is meditation time. This is great and also varied.

7.30 is dinner time and the last commitment of the day is from 8.30 to 9.00pm in the hall for group discussions and questions. This was a fun time of the day, lots of entertaining stories but I can honestly say, by then you are very ready for your narrow, hard bed.

The entire experience cannot be described as each person gains from this what they need to learn for themselves. Personally, I learned to be quiet, eat slowly, be grateful for everything and to love, unconditionally, my fellow beings. I realized that we are all right where we are supposed to be right now.

I highly recommend the experience, it’s priceless.

Cheryll Lancellas runs yoga retreats through Southern Africa Yoga Safaris – for more information visit www.sayogasafaris.com