Sit with tribal elders beneath the full moon on the wide savannah between the mystical peaks of Mt. Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. The fire crackles and the creation stories are told as we tap into our most primal energies of love, light, and deep connection to the earth. This is a space for deep healing, sending prayers to the very water that fills each cell of your body, as we welcome in the deeper currents. You are not simply a tourist in this experience. You are a participant, a student, a healer amongst healers, a safe space, a light warrior. Every experience on this safari will be genuine and authentic.
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• Retreat Highlights •
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We will hike to mystical waterfalls with Mzee Kalevi, an elder Meru Plant Healer and learn the stories of the plants, the land, and the healing they hold for the
Meru people.
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We will sit in silence with the animals we may encounter in Arusha National Park: giraffes, elephants, water buffalo, monkeys, baboons, and thousands of species of birds. If we are very fortunate we will site the elusive leopard.
We will visit Amini Holistic Clinic where the best of local and energetic medicine meets modern medicinal equipment. There we will harvest medicinal herbs and learn about the curing process.
We will experience the process of making our own Tanzanian cacao and then having our own ceremony with it.
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These opportunities to connect in such a profound way to the tribes and the land have been cultivated and curated for over 25 years of experience by your retreat leaders: Cornelia and Charlie. Their love for these people and the land is healing them on their own journeys, and now the universe has called them to share it with those who seek the deepest of connections within and with the motherland.
Your Facilitators
Charlie Smith
Charlie Smith, also known as "Charlie Smiles," is a world renowned meditation teacher, retreat facilitator, filmmaker and musician who is in love with Tanzania. His quest of self discovery began at 19 years old, when he experienced life changing transformation through the practice of meditation. Charlie spent his youth finding his voice in sweat lodges and medicine circles throughout the Carolinas and Colorado. He has over 20 years of experience in teaching meditation and energy healing and trained with Meditation Masters in Thailand, Guatemala, and the USA. Charlie co-founded KeleWellbeing retreat & meditation training company in 2022. He leads retreats and ceremonies internationally and produces/directs documentary film projects. You can find his visual art at www.csmithpictures.com
Mag. Dr. Cornelia Wallner-Frisee
Life blessed Dr. Cornelia Wallner-Frisee with supportive parents, a study in business economics, and a starting career in the financial world. She quickly realized economics wasn’t her field, however, and went back to study medicine. This change of direction resulted in a wider shift of perspective. She discovered her passion to encounter different cultures and started a journey to her personal karmic past.
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Cornelia learned new healing techniques and studied the treasures of our ancestors in India, Tibet, the Andes, the Amazon, and the savannah of Africa. She wanted to find a way to integrate the healing techniques from all these different sources.
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Cornelia’s big love is healing work — healing on different levels. Her passion for the plant world and energy work took shape. She never would have thought that it would bring her to Africa. For the last 12 years, she has been living in Tanzania, between people from the Maasai and Meru tribes — learning from them but also bringing medical and educational support to women and children in need. Through the running of NGO, Africa Amini Alama, and while working as a natural healer, shamanic practitioner, and medical doctor, Cornelia faces challenges but also experiences the strength of this life.
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Learn more about Cornelia's work here
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Location
Arusha National Park Tanzania
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Escape to the warm embrace of Tanzania, where we will meet in Momella, of the Arusha region. At the foot of Mt. Meru we will experience nature's profound healing properties at Amini Life lodges. Find stillness in the lush forests of Hillside Lodge located on the border of Arusha National Park where we will spend the first 4 days. Then silently trek a full days walk to Original Maasai Lodge, where we will spend the next 3 days under the wide open skys between Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. We will spend our final 3 days at the legendary
Ngare Sero Lodge.
Accommodations
Africa Amini Life Hillside Lodge
Lodge 1
Begin your Medicine Safari Expedition situated on the on the edge of the Arusha National Park, offering breathtaking views of the park, Mt Meru, and the rainforest. Nestled in the heart of Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes, perched atop the rolling hills, this retreat lodge offers a harmonious blend of serenity and earthly simplicity. The Hillside Retreat Lodge is a sanctuary where you can rehabilitate your mind, body, and soul while overlooking the majestic African plains. The rooms are comfortable and include private bathrooms with showers, kitchens, living rooms with sofas, and free wifi. Guests have access to an outdoor fireplace, and outdoor pool, and a sun terrace with sun loungers.
Accommodations
Africa Amini Life Original Maasai Lodge
Lodge 2
After a day of silent bush walking you will arrive to an oasis of hospitality. Nestled between Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amini Life Original Maasai Lodge is a true sanctuary for those seeking an authentic and immersive safari experience. This extraordinary accommodation seamlessly blends traditional Maasai design with modern comforts, offering guests a glimpse into the rich culture of the Maasai people. The lodge's communal spaces, adorned with vibrant Maasai artwork, invite you to relax and unwind while soaking in the warm hospitality of the local Maasai staff. Amini Life Original Maasai Lodge is not just a place to stay; it's a gateway to a world of adventure, wildlife, and cultural exploration, making it an unforgettable destination for any traveler.
Accommodations
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Lodge 3
Set in lush gardens amid forest and crystal clear waters on the slopes of Mount Meru, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is an enchanting space to relax and simmer in the immense beauty of East Africa. The lodge has been adapted from an early colonial farmhouse build in the early 20th century. It is one of the oldest family lodges in Arusha. The stunning property is a 120 year old lodge with large and cozy accommodations and a kind and helpful staff. Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is a sanctuary of serenity inviting you to embark on your journey amidst the beauty of Tanzania's Arusha Region.
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Retreat at-a-Glance
Investment in Healing
Take the time to cause pause.
Same Sex Sharing of Private Room Options:
Sharing (Double Occupancy)
$3,321
Private (Single Occupancy)
$4,221
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EAC Resident Sharing (Double Occupancy)*
$2,911
EAC Resident Private (Single Occupancy)*
$3,811
*EAC Resident meaning you currently have residency in the East African Community.
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To reserve your spot a non-refundable deposit of $600 is required. The remaining balance is collected 45 days prior to the retreat, Sept. 25, 2023.
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If you would like to inquire about a payment plan please nagivate to our contact us page.
What's Included
- 9 magical nights of Accomodation
- Safari Transport to/from lodges
- Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Farm to Table, Seasonal, Vegan/Vegetarian Options)
- Daily Sunrise and/or Walking Meditations
- Evening Meditations
- Cacao Healing Circles
-Fresh Cacao Workshop
- Maasai Local Medicine Walk
- Holistic Clinic/Herb Garden Tour Excursion
- Healing Sound Journeys
- Game Drive and Waterfall Hike with Elder Meru Plant Healer
- Full Moon Maasai Fire Ceremony with Elders
- Stingless Meliponini Bee Obervatory Tour and tasting local medicine
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What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Accommodation outside of retreat dates
- Spa/Massage treatments
- Food/Drink purchased outside of the Full Board meals provided
- Additional excursions
- Accomodation outside of retreat dates
-Traveler's Insurance (see FAQ suggestions)