+27 73 544 1485 explore@halogaia.com

Self Awareness Explorers Africa Retreat

Explore inwards while exploring outwards on an intimate 10-night wellness and wildlife retreat through Mozambique and South Africa.

A 10-day transformational African Retreat for those seeking an unforgettable journey through Southern Africa’s wild beauty

6–16 October 2027

Luxury Beach Villa • Safari Lodge

Maximum 10 Guests - R53,700

Where Nature Becomes Your Greatest Teacher

This isn’t simply a safari or a wellness retreat. It’s an invitation to reconnect with nature, with community, and with yourself.
Beginning on the untouched coastline of southern Mozambique before journeying into the wild landscapes of South Africa, this immersive retreat combines extraordinary wildlife encounters, guided self-awareness explorations, sound journeys, and meaningful cultural experiences.

Each destination reflects one of the natural elements – Water, Air, Earth, and Fire – guiding your own inner exploration as you encounter dolphins, whales, elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and countless other remarkable species.

With just 10 women joining this retreat, you’ll experience a deeply personal journey supported by experienced facilitators in some of Southern Africa’s most inspiring landscapes.

Exploring Inwards While Exploring Outwards

Every day invites you deeper into nature and deeper into yourself.

What You’ll Experience

  • Dolphin and whale encounters in Mozambique
  • Guided dolphin swims
  • Daily self-awareness sessions
  • Sacred sound journey experience
  • Cultural immersion in local communities
  • Luxury safari at Tembe Elephant Park
  • Morning and evening game drives
  • Fireside reflection beneath African skies
  • Hippo boat safari in St Lucia
  • Time for rest, connection and integration

Retreat Inclusions

  • Shared airport and destination transfers throughout the retreat
  • 10 nights shared accommodation across Mozambique and South Africa
  • Most meals, including brunches, dinners, and full-board dining at Tembe
  • Guided dolphin and whale ocean experiences (weather permitting)
  • Professional snorkelling equipment and boat safety briefing
  • Sacred sound journey and six self-awareness exploration sessions
  • Cultural village visit and immersive local experiences
  • Eight guided safari game drives at Tembe Elephant Park
  • Hippo boat cruise on the iSimangaliso Wetlands
  • Daily guidance and facilitation from Courtney Ward and Karen Bailey
  • Photographs of your ocean adventures

Peaceful Escape, Friendly Hosts

"The perfect place to get away from the city. So much to do, yet so peaceful on site. Courtney and her team are...
Read More
Alastair

Peaceful Escape, Friendly Hosts

"The perfect place to get away from the city. So much to do, yet so peaceful on site. Courtney and her team are incredibly friendly and helpful. Can’t wait for my next trip!"
Alastair

A Journey of Love and Discovery

"The boat trips, drumming, and sound journeys vibrated through my spirit and soul. I discovered what love and passion truly feel like. So grateful ...
Read More
Karen

A Journey of Love and Discovery

"The boat trips, drumming, and sound journeys vibrated through my spirit and soul. I discovered what love and passion truly feel like. So grateful for everyone who shared the journey."
Karen

Breathed Back to Life

"Magical Mozambique has breathed me back to life — dolphins, sunrises, salt water, and new friends. Gratitude everlasting!"
Les

Breathed Back to Life

"Magical Mozambique has breathed me back to life — dolphins, sunrises, salt water, and new friends. Gratitude everlasting!"
Les

Exquisite Time with Dolphins

"I cannot recommend this highly enough — breathwork, meditation, sound and music, and of course exquisite time on the sea with the dolphins."
Jeremy

Exquisite Time with Dolphins

"I cannot recommend this highly enough — breathwork, meditation, sound and music, and of course exquisite time on the sea with the dolphins."
Jeremy

Heartfelt Connection

"Courtney holds incredible space for heartfelt, deep connection with wild dolphins. Her love and respect for all ocean life make every encounter even more magical."
Sally

Heartfelt Connection

"Courtney holds incredible space for heartfelt, deep connection with wild dolphins. Her love and respect for all ocean life make every encounter even more magical."
Sally
Facilitator – Conscious Unity

Rewilding at Its Best

"The Women’s Rewilding Retreat was exactly that — grounding, sound journeys, dancing by fire, and divine food. I’d do it again in a...
Read More
Sandy

Rewilding at Its Best

"The Women’s Rewilding Retreat was exactly that — grounding, sound journeys, dancing by fire, and divine food. I’d do it again in a heartbeat."
Sandy
Facilitator – Vibrant Health

A Simple Must-Do

"The facilitation was gentle and spot-on. Yoga, sound journeys, and nourishing food — perfectly balanced with rest and wild swimming. I’ll do it again...
Read More
Erin

A Simple Must-Do

"The facilitation was gentle and spot-on. Yoga, sound journeys, and nourishing food — perfectly balanced with rest and wild swimming. I’ll do it again and bring more women to share it!"
Erin

Dream Turned Reality

"Courtney and her team made my long-standing dream come true and turned it into one of the best weeks of my life. The dolphins adore her —...
Read More
Lisa Rae

Dream Turned Reality

"Courtney and her team made my long-standing dream come true and turned it into one of the best weeks of my life. The dolphins adore her — I wouldn’t want this experience with anyone else."
Lisa Rae

A Magical Place, Respectful Encounters

"What a magical place this is. Halo Gaia offers such an exquisite experience — so respectful to these precious ocean creatures. Courtney is...
Read More
Sandy

A Magical Place, Respectful Encounters

"What a magical place this is. Halo Gaia offers such an exquisite experience — so respectful to these precious ocean creatures. Courtney is a delightful host. We loved every moment and will definitely be back!"
Sandy

Top of My List

"One of the most exquisite experiences of my life — swimming with dolphins, incredible sound journeys, and belly dancing. This experience will forever be...
Read More
Kim

Top of My List

"One of the most exquisite experiences of my life — swimming with dolphins, incredible sound journeys, and belly dancing. This experience will forever be top of my list."
Kim

Magical and Conscious Connection

"Every once in a while, we experience something that impacts deeply and unforgettably. Swimming with wild dolphins in Malongane was one such magical event....
Read More
Julia

Magical and Conscious Connection

"Every once in a while, we experience something that impacts deeply and unforgettably. Swimming with wild dolphins in Malongane was one such magical event. Courtney’s approach is conscious, respectful, and non-intrusive — a truly intimate interaction."
Julia

A Rare Combination

"The setting, the people, and the friendliness — such a rare combination! I’ve been three times this year, and it’s become my yearly must-do because...
Read More
Lolla

A Rare Combination

"The setting, the people, and the friendliness — such a rare combination! I’ve been three times this year, and it’s become my yearly must-do because it meets my heart in a big way."
Lolla
Facilitator – Wilderness Guide

Four Elements. One Transformational Experience

Rather than rushing from destination to destination, this retreat unfolds naturally through each landscape and element, allowing space for reflection, connection and personal growth.

Water
Open your heart beside the Indian Ocean through dolphin encounters, whale watching, healing waters and peaceful coastal living.

Air
Expand your awareness through guided discussions, sound journeys and moments of stillness.

Earth
Reconnect with your foundations while walking alongside elephants and experiencing the powerful presence of the African wilderness.

Fire
Discover courage, purpose and inner strength around evening campfires beneath unforgettable African skies.

Throughout the retreat, nature becomes both teacher and mirror – helping you rediscover the parts of yourself that everyday life often asks you to silence.

Your Luxury Beach Villa in Ponta Malongane

We will share an elegant beach house offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Designed for both relaxation and style, the open-plan living area flows seamlessly from the bar and dining space to a comfortable lounge and a fully equipped kitchen with ocean views. Every room includes white percale linen, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, and safes for valuables. A short forest walk leads to the untouched Malongane beach and local eateries.

  • Ocean-view villa
  • Beach access
  • Shared luxury accommodation
  • Chef-prepared meals
  • Spacious communal living areas

Tembe Elephant Park & St Lucia, South Africa

Continue your adventure with four nights in luxury safari accommodation at Tembe Elephant Park before concluding with an overnight stay in the coastal town of St Lucia. Together, these destinations offer unforgettable wildlife encounters, peaceful surroundings, and the perfect opportunity to reflect before returning home.

  • Luxury safari lodge
  • Boutique overnight accommodation
  • Daily game drives
  • Hippo boat cruise
  • Full-board dining at Tembe

Meet Your Guides

Courtney Ward

Dolphin Swim Facilitator & Co-Founder, Halo Gaia

Since 1999, Courtney Ward – affectionately known as “Kiri Kiri” – has guided travelers into the wild beauty of Southern Mozambique. Rooted in complementary health, community upliftment, and the music of diverse cultures, her work blends ocean wisdom, sound, and heart-centered connection.

For over two decades, Courtney’s relationship with the wild bottlenose dolphins of Ponta Malongane has inspired her commitment to ethical encounters, marine conservation, and soulful retreat facilitation. Through Halo Gaia, she creates transformative spaces where simplicity, joy, and belonging arise naturally – in rhythm with the sea.

Karen Bailey

Founder • Self-Awareness Explorers

Karen guides women through meaningful journeys of self-awareness, mindfulness, and personal transformation.

Drawing from years of experience in animal-assisted mindfulness, Reiki, and self-discovery, she creates safe spaces where women reconnect with themselves through curiosity, compassion, and nature.

Start Your Self-Awareness Explorers Journey

Our team takes care of the details so you can focus on what matters – showing up for yourself.

 

Choose Your Adventure

Click Book Your Adventure and select your retreat option on our booking form.

Book With Ease

Complete the form and connect with our team to confirm your spot. We’ll guide you through deposit details, travel information, and everything you need to prepare.

Arrive & Immerse

Step into the journey. Be gently guided into the rhythm of the ocean, culture, and community, where nature and connection do the rest.

Self-Awareness Explorers Upcoming Retreat Summary

Max Group Size: 10 | Spaces are Limited | RSVP By 30 August 2027

6–16 October 2027

R53,700

No Early Bird Available

Common Questions

Say Yes to Your Next Great Adventure

A journey to the Sea
A journey to the Land
A journey to your Self

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Mozambique and South Africa where every encounter invites you to explore the wild – both around you and within you.

Transformative Retreats in Ponta Malongane

Immersive experiences designed to reconnect you to nature, community, and self. Book your 2026 Halo Gaia retreat today. Limited spaces available.