Wander Women Southern Africa:
A Yoga + Adventure Retreat
Namibia
April 14-22, 2026
Join us for nine days of unforgettable yoga, safari, and soul-deep adventure through the wild heart of Namibia for our first-ever partnership with BMTM Adventures! These nine days take us deep into Namibia, where we’ll wander among rust-red sand dunes, wonder at zebras and giraffes, cross our fingers for lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos, and stargaze under some of the clearest skies on Earth. Join an optional extension to have tea with giraffes, and wake up with meerkats!
Every detail of this retreat is curated for our community of adventurous women — our collaborative team has partnered with top local guides, sought out intimate eco-lodges, and made sure the journey balances movement with magic. You’ll fall asleep to the distant roar of lions, wake up with sunrise salutations, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This retreat is for those who want it all: wildlife, connection, stillness, adrenaline, and awe. Throughout the journey, we’ll offer our usual Wander Women touches, daily yoga practices led by our expert instructor, and professional photography to capture it all.
For this trip, we’re collaborating with our dear friends at BMTM Adventures, another boutique women’s travel company, to expand into new corners of the world. BMTM Adventures founder Kristin Addis is a long time friend and colleague of our founder Alex Baackes, and she has traveled to Namibia six times over the last nine years, tweaking this journey to perfection with each visit. Alex attended a BMTM Adventure to French Polynesia in 2020 and knew — someday these two soul-led small businesses would join forces!
The Details
This nine day retreat will be held from April 14–22, 2026. The cost, including just about everything, is just $3,900 for a shared room. A retreat extension is available from April 12-14, 2026 for $950.
Update — This retreat is now Waitlist only! Join our waitlist here to be the first to know if a spot becomes available.
What’s Included
• All accommodation for the duration of the retreat
• All meals
• Regular yoga sessions in unforgettable natural settings
• All group activities and associated entry fees
• Airport transfers
• A custom welcome bag
• All permits, park fees, and local guides
• A gallery of professional photos to relive the magic
• Donation to local charities
What’s Not Included
• Alcohol
• Visa fees, if applicable
• Optional activity upgrades in Swakopmund
• Tips + gratuities, at your discretion — though we will provide detailed guidance
• Flights to and from Africa
• Travel insurance with $250k cover — credit card insurance is not accepted; recommendations below
Join Us for the Full Southern Africa Retreat
Heads up! Wander Women Southern Africa is divided into two parts, and Namibia marks Part I of the journey. If you’d like to continue on to Part II: Botswana + Beyond, you’ll also join us from April 22-29th as we venture into the heart of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Expect iconic mokoro safaris, elephants roaming freely through camp, an open door helicopter over the Okavango Delta, and awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. The the full sixteen-day adventure includes a discount for booking both trips as well as an international flight from Windhoek to Maun, making for a smooth and seamless transition between both retreats and cutting out days of driving on rough roads so that you can sit back and enjoy what you came for – incredible animals, gorgeous landscapes, and a crew of amazing fellow adventurers.
The Itinerary
Optional: Add on our pre-retreat Meerkat and Giraffe Lodge Extension.
Day 1: Touch down in Windhoek and let the magic begin! After meeting your retreat leaders and fellow wanderers, settle into the hilltop River Crossing Lodge overlooking the city. Take a dip in the pool, say hello to the nineteen species of wildlife roaming the private reserve, or simply exhale. Arriving early? Add on an optional horseback ride! We’ll ease into the journey with a blissed-out yin yoga massage class (trust us, your body will thank you), followed by our first multi-course dinner under the African sky.
Day 2: Today we hit the road toward one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations: Etosha National Park. Wild lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebra, springbok, and honey badgers, oh my — Namibia’s dry landscape makes spotting wildlife almost too easy by heading to the watering holes and scanning the largest salt pan on earth. Once we arrive at our dreamy lodge Emanya, on the edge of the park, settle in with a foot massage, head to the lookout tower for wildlife, or dip in one of the multiple pools. In the evening, grab a cocktail or mocktail and sip + stretch through sunset yoga, toasting to a trip already off to a wild start.
Day 3: We’ll spend the day on safari through the heart of Etosha, tracking wildlife near watering holes and through the shimmering salt pan. Tonight, we’re lucky enough to stay right inside the park at Okakuejo Lodge — where the animals come to us. It’s one of the best locations in the world to see the endangered black rhino! Wrap up in a blanket, pour a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and watch elephants and rhinos wander into view by moonlight.
Day 4: After a final morning game drive in Etosha, we’ll make our way south — stopping to marvel at ancient rock formations and cave drawings at Spitzkoppe — before rolling into the breezy beach town of Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. Our new base for the next two nights, Beach Lodge, is as cozy as it is scenic, and sunset over the Atlantic rarely disappoints. Ocean air, salty hair, and coastal vibes await in the German-influenced Namibian beach town of Swakopmund.
Day 5: Today is yours to make your own. Craving adrenaline? Sandboard the rolling sand knolls, kayak with seals, or skydive over the desert coast, among other options! Want something slower? Curl up with a good book on the beach, or wander Swakopmund’s charming downtown. We’ll reunite for a soul-soothing yoga session as the sun sinks into the sea.
Day 6: We’ll swing by Walvis Bay to wave at the flamingoes before journeying into the heart of the Namib Desert towards two of the most famous sights in the country, Dune 45 and Deadvlei. Our dreamy design lodge, Dead Valley, is inside Namib-Naukluft National Park, and a highlight of our trip. For now, enjoy cocktails by the pool as oryx wander by, indulge in an al fresco dinner, and put on cozies for a pajama-party-style yin yoga and nidra meditation session beneath the Milky Way. Relax and soak in the stars in one of the world’s most breathtaking star-gazing locations.
Day 7: We rise before the sun and head straight to Deadvlei, where ancient trees and apricot dunes set the stage for one of the most surreal sunrises on Earth, amongst the dead acacia trees that make the park famous. Thanks to our prime location within the park, we’ll have this iconic spot practically to ourselves. Almost everyone else will have to line up outside the gate and wait until sunrise to get in! After tip-toeing across the salt pan between the haunting acacia forest, we’ll stroll across a sand dune and watch as the sun casts shadows on the copper sand, look out for kudu and oryx running across the dunes, and take in the 360-degree view of bright orange dune after bright orange dune. This is truly an experience you can only have in Namibia! After a midday reset, we’ll flow with the energy of the desert for an afternoon vinyasa practice, and end the day again stargazing beneath one of the darkest skies in the world.
Day 8: We’ll begin our journey back to Windhoek, stopping at Sesriem Canyon en route to wonder at majestic rock formations created over millions of years by the Tsauchab River winding through the desert. After checking back into River Crossing Lodge, we’ll gather for one final chakra-inspired yin practice to reflect on an unforgettable week. Whether you’re heading home or continuing on, tonight is for soaking in the stillness — and the sisterhood we’ve built.
Day 9: After nine incredible days of adventure, connection, and wonder, it’s time to say goodbye — for now. Whether you’re heading home or continuing on with us to Botswana, this morning marks the close of a truly special chapter. For those joining the second leg of the journey, we’ll hop on an included international flight to Maun — skipping 10+ hours of driving and heading straight into the wild beauty of the Okavango Delta. The adventure continues, and the bonds we’ve formed will carry us forward.
Where We’ll Stay and Where We’ll Eat
Over these eight unforgettable nights, we’ll rest our heads in a curated collection of boutique lodges, cozy coastal escapes, and safari stays that bring us close to the wild beauty of Namibia — all while offering the creature comforts that make travel feel indulgent. From desert sunrises to ocean sunsets, every stay has been handpicked to complement the landscapes and pace of our journey. Unlike most of our retreats, this one is double-occupancy only — a reflection of the small, intimate lodges we’ve chosen. With limited rooms and unforgettable settings, it’s the perfect chance to share cozy spaces, late-night chats, and plenty of laughs with your fellow Wander Women.
In Windhoek, we’ll be staying at River Crossing, a peaceful retreat perched above the city with sweeping views of the savanna. It’s the perfect place to ease into the adventure — take a dip in the pool, breathe in the fresh air, and watch the sun sink low over the horizon.
Just outside Etosha National Park, we’ll settle into the luxurious Emanya Lodge, with its spacious rooms, multiple pools, and dreamy sunset views. The next night, we’re lucky enough to stay right inside the park at Okaukuejo Lodge, famous for its floodlit waterhole — one of the best places in the world to spot the endangered black rhino.
On the coast in Swakopmund, we’ll cozy up at Beach Lodge, a charming property located right on the sand. First-floor rooms open directly to the beach, while second-floor balconies offer panoramic views of the Atlantic — all perfectly positioned for stunning sunsets.
In the heart of the desert, we’ll spend two unforgettable nights inside the gates of Sossusvlei at Dead Valley Lodge. With a refreshing pool, oryx strolling by, and sweeping views of the red dunes, it’s the perfect place to relax with a drink in hand. And because we’re staying inside the park, we’ll be among the first to reach the dunes at sunrise — no waiting at the gate required.
We’ll wrap up our adventure with a restful return to River Crossing in Windhoek — a full-circle moment back at our peaceful hilltop retreat. After days filled with wildlife, wonder, and wide-open landscapes, it’s the perfect spot to exhale, reflect, and savor one last Namibian sunset before the journey continues or comes to a close.
Should one of our reserved lodges become unavailable due to circumstances outside our control — this is Africa, after all! — we will find a commensurate replacement.
Now let’s talk about the food: From sunrise breakfasts in the bush to three-course dinners under the stars, we’ll enjoy a delicious mix of local flavors and international comfort food. Meals are hearty, fresh, and prepared with love — whether it’s a Namibian braai, a riverside lunch, or champagne in the dunes. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets can all be accommodated with advance notice, and we will do our absolute best to cater to other restrictions and preferences as well.
Getting There And Away
If you’re only joining for Part I: Namibia, of Wander Women Southern Africa, you’ll fly into and out of Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia. Plan to arrive by April 14th, and depart on April 22nd. We’ll be there to greet you with a warm welcome and ensure a smooth transition into your Namibian adventure.
Adding on?
• If you’re joining the Meerkats + Giraffe Lodge pre-retreat extension, you’ll fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, by the morning of April 12th.
• If you’re in for Part II: Botswana + Beyond, you’ll fly out of Victoria Falls (VFA) on April 29th.
Need help picking flights or planning pre- or post-retreat travel? Just say the word — we’re here to help make your journey as smooth as it is unforgettable.
Travel With Us
This retreat is a collaboration between two women-led brands with a shared love for Africa—Wander Women Retreats and BMTM Adventures. With their combined expertise and a top-tier guide team, you’re in for an unforgettable journey across Southern Africa.
You’ll be hosted on this retreat by Alexandra Baackes, the founder of Wander Women Retreats and Alex in Wanderland. Alex has hosted over forty retreats around the globe, including more than a dozen in North Africa. A certified yoga instructor and longtime community-builder, she brings heart, intention, and a signature sense of adventure to every experience.
Kristin Addis, founder of BMTM Adventures, has spent years exploring and falling in love with this region — she’s spent two and a half months in Namibia alone! Her deep connection to Southern Africa shines through in this carefully crafted itinerary, designed to show you the magic of the wild in a truly immersive way. While she won’t be physically present on this trip, her influence touches every aspect.
And finally, Donovan Arawab, our incredible local guide, rounds out the dream team. Born and raised in Damaraland, Donovan holds Namibia’s highest guiding certification and brings over a decade of experience to the field. His knowledge of wildlife, geology, and local culture is unmatched—and with his warm energy and sharp eye for animal sightings, it’s easy to see why guests call him the “Mayor of Namibia.”
Pre-Retreat Extension: Meerkat + Giraffe Lodge
Start your adventure early with this exclusive pre-retreat extension, happening April 12–14, 2026. This extension is designed for those who want a deeper connection with Namibia’s incredible wildlife — before the main event begins.
Day 1: On April 12th, we’ll head to the stunning Naankuse Lodge and Wildlife Sanctuary, a 3,200-hectare haven for rescued animals. In the afternoon, we’ll witness the feeding of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and leopards, and gain insight into the conservation efforts that help protect these iconic species.
Day 2: On April 13th, rise early for a visit to the wild meerkats that call this region home — watch them interact, play, and pop up from the desert sand in the morning light. Then, we’re off to Voigtland Guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy a whimsical Giraffe High Tea surrounded by gentle giants! Voigtland combines old world charm with unique modern style; all with the company of a herd of giraffes out the window.
Day 3: On April 14th, wake up with giraffes wandering past your breakfast table before meeting the rest of the Wander Women crew for the start of your main Namibia Retreat!
This magical two-night extension is $950 and limited to just eight guests. Secure your spot before it disappears like a meerkat into the sand!
Join Us
This retreat is strictly limited to sixteen adventurers and is now waitlist only! Join our waitlist here to be the first to know if a spot becomes available, or for more information, click the graphic below to be redirected to our partner’s website at BMTM Adventures.
Can’t make this one? Don’t sweat — sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on future retreats. Remember, don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions or concerns over if this is the right retreat for you.
F.A.Q.
So does non-refundable really mean non-refundable?
Yes, all payments are non-refundable. If the trip must be postponed or cancelled due to events beyond our control, you will be offered the choice between a full refund and applying your payments to a future trip.
The reason payments are non-refundable is that we start incurring costs from the moment someone presses “book” — from credit card fees to high hourly wages for our team who correspond with guests, manage trip inventory and our e-commerce platform, analyze forms to create room assignments, coordinate with our local vendors, and beyond.
There’s nothing we want more than for our guests to take and enjoy the travel they have worked hard and paid for. Thank you so much for your understanding and respect of our need to enforce this policy strictly. We want to be here to travel with you for years to come!
Are private rooms available?
Lodges are small and offer an intimate experience. For this reason we are unable to offer a single accommodation option for this retreat. However, there are many places in the lodges to have a quiet recharging moment when you need some alone time! As is typical in lodges in Africa, bedding will be made up separately, but side-by-side.
Everything is going to go totally perfectly and according to plan, right?
There’s a saying, “this is Africa!” Kristin and her team have worked tirelessly to find lodges that are unique and beautiful, and experiences that are unique, breathtaking, and bucket list-worthy, and Alex will be onsite spending every moment ensuring you have the trip of a lifetime.
But, keep in mind that Africa travel is unlike anywhere else in the world. In some circumstances, we stay at reserves where wildlife sightings are common. In other lodges, we are in vast national parks with wild, in some cases severely endangered animals. In all cases, sightings are of course never guaranteed. We drive an open air truck that is made for the landscape, and the roads can be rough and unforeseen delays are common. Wi-Fi may not always be available. It’s all part of the adventure!
What’s with the travel insurance?
Yes, it is absolutely mandatory for all guests to have personal travel insurance with $250K cover for the duration of the trip; credit card insurance is not accepted. Our affiliate, World Nomads offers coverage at affordable rates. We strongly recommend you book your travel insurance as soon as you make your trip deposit to protect your investment.
Do I need visas for Southern Africa?
Most travelers to Namibia, including U.S. citizens, will need a visa to enter. Tourist visas can often be obtained on arrival or applied for in advance online, and cost approximately $90.
For those traveling to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the KAZA UniVisa offers a convenient way to explore the region. Available to citizens of over 60 countries — including the U.S. — this visa allows multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe for up to 30 days, and includes day trips to Botswana. It costs around $50 and can be obtained on arrival at select airports and land borders, or applied for online in advance.
Be sure to check current entry requirements before your trip or email us if you have any questions.
How much will I need to budget in addition to the retreat cost?
For the most part, all your essentials — accommodations, meals, guides, entry fees, permits, and transfers — are covered in your retreat cost. Unless you’re planning to sip on a few cocktails or snag some souvenirs, you likely won’t need much spending cash.
Additionally, we do offer a variety of optional add-on activities that come at an extra cost. These are totally up to you and can be added based on your interests. We’ll share all the details in advance so you can plan accordingly and budget for the extras that excite you most!
We also ask that you come prepared to tip our amazing local guides. Some prefer U.S. dollars, while others may request their local currency — we’ll give you the full scoop before departure so you know exactly what to bring.
Are there any vaccinations required or recommended?
We recommend chatting with your doctor — or even better, a travel health specialist — ahead of time to go over any additional vaccines or medications they might suggest.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 years old or older. Exceptions may be made for those up-and-coming adventurers traveling with their moms, aunts, big sisters, spiritual or otherwise!
Is there a waiting list?
Yes! Should this retreat sell out, and we anticipate it will, there will be a waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis in case spaces open up. If the retreat is full and you’re still interested, email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com or our partners at booking@musebespokeescapes.com to be added to the waiting list.
I still have questions. Can I contact you?
Yes, you can reach out to us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com or our partners at booking@musebespokeescapes.com.