The Garden Route, with its lush forests, peaceful beaches, and mountain escapes, is one of South Africa’s most serene destinations for spiritual retreats. From forest yoga sanctuaries to holistic healing lodges, this region invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find deep inner peace along the coast and countryside.
1. Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat (Stanford)
Why visit: A forested sanctuary offering mindfulness, nature-based healing, and silence.
Highlights: – Silent retreats – Forest trails – Conscious living workshops
Timing: Regular weekend and seasonal retreats
Entry: From R1,200 per night (includes meals)
2. Soul of Africa Retreat (Knysna)
Why visit: A hidden hillside haven combining African spirituality and meditation.
Highlights: – Sound healing – Ancestral rituals – Guided meditations
Timing: Seasonal programs
Entry: R2,800–R4,500 per retreat
3. Stillness Sanctuary (Wilderness)
Why visit: Offers quiet nature-based retreats with daily yoga and inner work.
Highlights: – Beach walks – Restorative yoga – Reflective silence
Timing: Monthly group retreats and solo options
Entry: From R950 per night
4. Tara Rokpa Centre (near Groot Marico)
Why visit: A Buddhist-inspired retreat center with healing and meditation spaces.
Highlights: – Mindfulness courses – Guided silence – Holistic therapy
Timing: Retreats year-round
Entry: R1,500–R3,500 depending on retreat
5. Garden Route Zen Circle (Plettenberg Bay)
Why visit: A peaceful setting for Zen practice and spiritual community.
Highlights: – Zazen meditation – Dharma teachings – Walking meditations
Timing: Sundays and retreat weekends
Entry: Donation-based
6. Radiance Retreats (Sedgefield)
Why visit: Combines yoga, detox, and spiritual realignment by the lagoon.
Highlights: – Clean eating – Yoga nidra – Soul journaling
Timing: Hosted monthly
Entry: R3,200–R5,500 per retreat
7. Silent Steps Women’s Retreat (Nature’s Valley)
Why visit: A women-only spiritual retreat focused on empowerment and deep rest.
Highlights: – Silent mornings – Group rituals – Wild nature immersion
Timing: Held twice a year
Entry: R3,000–R3,800 per weekend
8. Osho Garden Route Meditations (George)
Why visit: Dynamic and silent meditations inspired by Osho’s teachings.
Highlights: – Osho active meditations – Dance therapy – Emotional release work
Timing: Weekly sessions and weekend workshops
Entry: R250–R800 depending on session
9. Sacred Earth Awakening (Tsitsikamma)
Why visit: Connects spiritual practice with deep wilderness and earth-based ritual.
Highlights: – Plant ceremonies – Elemental healing – Guided nature trance
Timing: Seasonal full moon and solstice events
Entry: R1,500–R3,000 per event
10. Peace of Eden Retreat (Knysna Forest)
Why visit: A vegan eco-retreat that nurtures mind, body, and spirit.
Highlights: – Nature sounds – Conscious food – Simple forest cabins
Timing: Year-round; best in spring and summer
Entry: R950–R1,500 per night
