In one of our favourite hideaways in the Greater Kruger is Kateka - The Safari and Wellness Experience. It isn’t just a 5-star safari lodge (yet it absolutely is); Kateka has introduced a true “wellness meets wilderness” experience, which pairs the two concepts perfectly, and gives guests a getaway focused on wellbeing, while surrounded by wilderness on safari.
Safari is all about connection, consciousness, and is healing to many people. The medicinal elements of nature and wildlife have a role to play in any safari, whether you’re aware of it or not, but Kateka has recognised the growing need for wellness retreats in a Big 5 African wilderness context. And what they've created is state of the art.
This is what makes Kateka supremely special in our books.
If you’re into healthy lifestyle travel, read on...
Self-care, nutrition, movement, and sleep.
Kateka has leading edge fitness equipment and specialised healing therapies that surpass the relaxing massage. Kateka has a wellness centre, led by a wellness team, led by wellness experts, and the spectrum of facilities ranges from meditative yin yoga and a zen garden, to a fully aligned F45 training gym and an ice plunge pool.
There is an entire atmosphere of healing, wellbeing, and health. Kateka has carefully considered some of the most sought-after tools of the therapy trade that would not easily be available in a remote location and brought them together to combine the two concepts: wellness and wilderness.
There is a jacuzzi with a view of the sunset, naturally, and an infrared Himalayan salt sauna, a rooftop yoga studio, quartz singing bowls and a zen garden, an extensive spa menu for self-care therapies. Crystal massage uses the natural energetic makeup of the Earth’s semiprecious stones to stimulate healing in the body. Ancient Chinese cupping therapy detoxifies and relaxes the mind, body, and soul using age-old traditional techniques that have become largely detached from everyday life.
Kateka’s holistic approach to wellness has taken special consideration of internal and external treatment. What you eat during your stay is as important to the balance of your wellbeing as how you workout and recover. The food is deliciously crafted by a leading chef using ingredients and cooking techniques that celebrate the value of food as nutrition.
Sleep is an often-overlooked but crucial part of healing and wellness. Ice plunges, yin yoga, and sound baths play an incredible role in enhancing the quality of sleep. And supporting the role of these therapies is the magnificent comfort of Kateka’s guest suites and their private villa. The gentle smart lighting, soothing colour palette, presence of natural light, and elements of the wilderness outside create such a perfect place for relaxation and that all-important slumber. Black-out screens will keep you deep in the embrace of sleep if you do not want to be disturbed.
And don’t forget the safari...
It’ll be easy to spend your time on your private rooftop terrace or plunge pool overlooking a huge waterhole, but we must encourage you to enjoy the “wilderness” element of this wellness experience… The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is full of wonder and magic, and you never know what each day will bring.
The expected safari experiences are on offer - game drives in custom-made open safari vehicles, and bush walks led by an expert safari guide. The reserve is part of the huge open-network Kruger Park ecosystem and there is no shortage of the wilderness we all seek. Spending time in this territory that is patrolled by lions and leopards, where elephant and buffalo herds leave pathways in through the bush, and where riverbeds and waterholes host dancing flocks, thirsty creatures, and the ever-opportunistic predators in their wake.
When our safari guru Geraldine went to see what Kateka was all about, she came back in awe.
These are the reasons we love it:
- In the remote eastern reaches of Klaserie.
- Wellness-centric experience with state-of-the-art technology and therapies.
- Silence, soothing, and a sense of space.
- Modern, glass-encased wine cellar for private dinners and wine tasting.
- Chef is extraordinary, creating personalised menu with guests.
- Personalised programme for guests, including diet and exercise - from analysis to programme roll out.
- Sunrise yoga on rooftop, jacuzzi at sunset.
- Wellness packages (including private masseuse)
- Private villa for families - three bedrooms, huge living room, spacious and zen, terrace, very close to the waterhole.
Reach out to us to get the details on the wellness packages at Kateka, and to find out about booking in at this new and inspired retreat in our favourite place - the South African safari landscape. Truly a travel experience that transforms.
