I love when I come across great venues – but when they’re owned by women, that’s even better! And when they’re owned by a black woman – now you have my attention.
If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box retreat experience – please consider Batoka in Zimbabwe. I’ve said this before, people are looking for experiences that are going to change them – that are going to expand their perspective and expose them to different foods and ways of life. And if you’re offering “boiled chicken” retreats to locations that have been done and overdone, it’s going to be harder and harder to get your retreats filled.
So let’s talk about Batoka.
There are 10 luxury tents on the property with private viewing decks, an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower and lounge area.The venue is all-inclusive which means all meals, local drinks, and daily laundry services is included. Yes, you heard me right – clean clothes! If you want an international wine – that would be extra, and spa services are also extra.
Wellness is important to the resort and you can add different components into your retreat like: breathwork, bush meditations, and intention setting. Daily meditation and intention-setting are led by Dr. Anesu Mbizvo. And if you like, functional training workouts, will be led by Dr. Fez Mkhize.
There’s plenty to do here to round out your retreat – and the community activities are particularly special. For example:
- Visit with skilled Shingani craftswomen on this guided tour and leave with a customised creation.
- Visit Ncube Homestead in Monde Village – Learn about the homestead way of life and see how self-sustaining villagers live in harmony with surrounding wildlife.
- Guided Market Visit – Find authentic souvenirs and mementos at the Victoria Falls craft market with the help of an experienced local.
- Nature walk along springs in the Zambezi.
- Guided Tour of Victoria Falls (do NOT miss this!)
- Game Drives – Explore the nature reserve in open safari vehicles, with licensed, experienced guides. (This is a serious WOW!)
- Painting in the bush.
- Tales from the bush by community leaders.
- Fishing Safari – Cast your line out and tackle some of the Zambezi’s exciting catches like tigerfish, yellow-belly bream, and the mighty Vundu (Southern African Catfish).
- Take a helicopter ride over the falls (not to be missed!
As for as food goes – they source locally and they’re willing to do their best to accommodate your group’s eating preferences. They also have an open theatre kitchen where you can watch the chefs fuse the best of international cuisine with traditional Zimbabwean classics.
On my last visit to Africa I visited Victoria Falls and it is incredible and the helicopter ride over the falls was – stunning!
Now I’m sure you’re wondering about the cost since safari lodges are expensive. You can figure around $800 a night for this all-inclusive experience if you’re bringing a group, which is well worth it. So if you’re looking to something different – I highly recommend checking out Bakota.
Let me know what you think of Bakota and if you would run a retreat here – I’d love to know!
