Afrika dagboek

Whether I felt like spending a weekend relaxing in the wilderness in the south of Africa. Four days of detoxing with a program full of yoga, relaxation, and wildlife. Exactly twenty years ago, I first dove into the wilderness of the South African country, so you understand that I didn't need to be told twice. And when I received the accommodation details, which shone with newness and luxury, my heart skipped a beat and the only thing I emailed back was a ‘YES’ in capital letters and ten exclamation marks. The stay, Mhondoro Game Lodge, located in the beautiful nature of Welgevonden, was completely renovated two years ago after a terrible fire, and the lodge is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. So I went. And this is how it went.

At four o'clock, I was woken up by our ranger. Half asleep, I finally realized after five minutes that I had just woken up in the African country. Four o'clock, so that's even for me, an early bird, more in the middle of the night than it is morning. I had to trust that it would be worth it. Since I have enough with a splash of water, a swipe with my toothbrush, and a brush through my hair in the morning, I didn't need more time and was already on the yoga mat at 4:15. A sun salutation at sunrise with a view over the green Welgevonden, doing downward dog while the springboks frolic around you, the groups of zebras grazing their breakfast right in front of you, and a roaring lion in the distance also letting you know that he's awake. The yoga teacher was right: it was worth it.

After a green juice and a handful of nuts, we got into the safari jeep; you are in Africa or you are not. Such a game safari as they beautifully call it (I still don't know why) is pure meditation despite the rattling and bumping. With the wind in your hair and your gaze on infinity searching for immense elephants, groups of playful wild boars, and elegantly walking, towering giraffes. By nine o'clock, we were back at the base, where we were welcomed with a refreshing wipe and a fantastically set breakfast table. Okay, the warm croissants were missing and I could forget about the freshly brewed cup of coffee (detox ladies, detox), but the fresh healthy juices, homemade goat yogurt, homemade granola, and salads from our own garden made up for a lot. For a moment, I had the idea that we were already heading towards sunset. On the contrary. It was only eleven o'clock.

And after we filled our bellies with vitamins, it was time for relaxation and massage, bathing in foam with a view of the wildlife and mindfulness sessions in nature. I don't know what it is about the African air, but after just one day, I am more zen than I have ever been despite the missed hours of sleep. We plopped into the salty cooling bath, we photographed a drinking elephant three meters away, and had a very informative workshop on Ayurvedic nutrition.

Even stretching, relaxing, and meditating caused grumbling stomachs. And with that, I want to give twelve points to the amazing chefs of the resort. The artworks we were served during breakfast, lunch, and dinner were each très instagrammable and so delicious that it made you forget your piece of crispy, warm baguette, piece of soft brie, perfectly cooked steak, or ice-cold Chardonnay. No, homemade ceviches, velvety soups, well-filled salads, and the most colorful juices made up for it all. And of course, all organic, from our own garden, and prepared with a whole lot of African love.

After a day full of wild animals, stretching, and relaxation, we ended the day as we had started it: on the yoga mat at sunset. I had barely sniffed the warm African air for 24 hours and wanted to stay forever. I slept like a rose that night, you understand. And the next morning? I jumped out of bed without any problems as the sun rose. Without coffee, but with a large glass of lemon water, which tasted almost as good as the beautiful sunrise with a passing impala.

I never wanted to leave here.

I am in love.

With Africa.