Immerse yourself in the rich rhythms of African music and the wisdom of African storytelling. Engage in uBuntu Ishta Yoga, blending African community values with traditional yoga principles. This retreat offers a transformative journey through a diverse array of practices designed to nurture your entire being. Experience deep relaxation and energy flow with breath-work, and embrace free expression with intuitive dancing. Enjoy meditative walks in nature, and nourish your body with a wholesome vegetarian diet. Join us for a holistic retreat that honors both individual and collective well-being. 

What is ISHTA Yoga?

ISHTA Yoga is a blend of different styles of yoga practices. ISHTA is an acronym for Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda, but also has deeper meaning in its Sanskrit roots, that translates as “that which resonates with the individual”. As students, we each have our own path, and it is this very personal journey that ISHTA Yoga seeks to encourage.

In this full rounded practice you will also experience tapping, intuitive dancing, african sound healing, pranayama (breathwork) and inner-child healing meditation. All bodies and all levels are welcome. 

About your facilitators

Buhle

Buhle Mabanga is an accredited yoga and mindfulness teacher and founder of Nomvula Well-Being Movement. She began practicing mindfulness, yoga and meditation four years ago with teachers Nandiva from ISHTA Yoga and Mark Joseph from Mindful Revolution. In addition to her mindfulness and yoga work, Buhle is an artist, a children's book author, a spoken word writer and a fashion designer.

Refiloe

Refiloe Olifant is a violinist who hails from Bloemfontein. She is currently employed by The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra as a principal violinist where she also features as an assistant concert master also with a baroque ensemble based in Durban called Baroque 2000. She specialises in Western Classical music and performance practice of the baroque period however, Refiloe also explores different kinds of genres related to art where she has also been invited and featured as a guest artist.

Siyabonga

Siyabonga Ntsizwane is a Johannesburg-based multidisciplinary artist whose work is inspired by nature, sustainability, and the belief that everything can be reused and reimagined.

His practice explores waste, sound, food, and urban ecology. A co-founder of The Green Office Urban Agricultural Co-op and Exotically Divine Ital, his work spans creative gardening, food art, percussion performance, andthe transformation of discarded materials into functional and aesthetic forms. He is a founding member of the SLOWart Network and is currently involved with projects facilitated by Exotically Divine Pulse.

Phumla

Phumla Shongwe is a seasoned mindfulness teacher, initiated healer, and yoga guide. Her gift lies in creating inclusive, heart-centred spaces where people feel safe to unfold. With 20+ years of practice and spiritual initiation, she brings depth, grounded wisdom, and an intuitive ability to support transformation through body, breathe and lineage practises.

Costs

R 4150 Single ensuite 

R 3850 Single room with shared bathroom

R 3400 Shared room with shared bathroom

Teaching on this retreat is offered freely in the spirit of dana. We welcome contributions in exchange to support the teachers on this retreat. Suggested teacher dana: R600 – R2000

*Partial Scholarships are available. Please email for further information.