Stories from the Bush
Yoga, Wildlife & Finding My Focus Again
You know those trips that change something inside you? That shake you out of autopilot and remind you how magical life can be?
Yeah — this was one of those.
A few months ago, I flew to southern Africa for what was probably the most epic combo ever: a yoga safari retreatacross Botswana and Zimbabwe, with photography classes taught by Nickolas Rosen, an experienced director and cameraman who has worked with international outlets like National Geographic, PBS, and Arte. (Yes — that level of awesome.)
I went in looking for some adventures and maybe a little creativity boost. I left with a camera full of memories, dirt on my shoes, and a heart cracked wide open.
Yoga in the Wild
Our mornings started with yoga outdoors. No phone buzz. No city noise. Just breath, breeze, and birdsong.
🐾 Into the Bush
Then came the safaris. Think: bumpy 4x4s, dust in your teeth, and the kind of wildlife moments that make you forget to blink.
We saw leopards (!!) lounging in the grass, lions snoozing in the shade, elephants bathing like they owned the place (they did), and giraffes just vibing with their long-legged elegance.
Our guide, Mr. Huskins, was a legend. Not only did he know EVERYTHING about every animal, but he also kept quizzing us about the collective nouns — like, did you know it's a “dazzle” of zebras or a “crash” of rhinos?
He turned our game drives into fun, nerdy language lessons. (Spoiler: I never guessed “a journey of giraffes.”)
He also taught us how to track animals by their footprints and signs. We learned to read the land, and suddenly the whole place came alive — not just what you saw, but what had just happened, what might be hiding nearby.
What hit me most though was this deep shift in perspective:
Out there, the animals are the kings.
You're the guest. You feel it. You should feel it.
We’re so used to thinking we rule the world — building over everything, naming things, taming the wild. But in the bush? You remember that you're part of something much bigger. The lions don’t move for you. The elephants don’t care who you are.
It’s their world. And being reminded of that — of our smallness, of nature’s sovereignty — was honestly kind of liberating.
🏕️ Tent Life (aka Glamping with Lions)
We stayed in these very cool tents right in the bush — not your average camping trip. I’d fall asleep to the sound of lions rumbling in the distance (which is both terrifying and weirdly comforting?) and wake up with the light pouring in through the mesh windows.
Honestly, those nights were my favorite. No walls between you and the wild.
💃 Culture, Dance & Big Feels
One night, we sat around the fire as local performers shared traditional music and dance. And let me tell you — it wasn’t a show, it was a celebration.
The drumming was deep and rhythmic, the dancers were full of power and joy, and everything — the firelight, the stories, the laughter — made me feel like I was part of something way bigger than myself.
We also visited villages and connected with people whose relationship with the land felt so sacred and grounded. Their warmth, their pride, their rhythm — it was beautiful. And humbling. And deeply human.
I found myself photographing not just the animals but the smiles, the hands at work, the textures of daily life — and honestly, those ended up being some of my favorite shots.
💦 Victoria Falls: The Earth’s Loudest Whisper
We made a stop at Victoria Falls, and wow. Just… WOW.
They call it Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders.” You feel it before you even see it. The rumble. The mist. The energy.
Standing near the edge, soaked in spray, I felt small in the best way. Like I was standing at the edge of the world — and it was roaring.
Trying to photograph it was wild. How do you fit something that powerful into a frame? Still, I tried. And while the photos are cool, the real memory lives in my skin.
📸 Finding My Photographer Soul Again
Before this trip, I hadn’t really used my camera in years. But being out there — in that light, with those animals, that aliveness — something reignited.
Nick, our photography teacher, was the spark. He wasn’t just teaching us how to use our cameras — he was teaching us how to see.
He encouraged us to capture stories, not just snapshots. To look for emotion. Silence. Mystery.
Under his guidance, I found a whole new love for photography.
✨ The Takeaway
This trip reminded me who I am.
A woman who craves movement, creativity, and deep connection.
A traveler. A feeler. A creator.
If you ever get the chance to do something wild and weird like combine yoga, safari, and photography — do it.
Let the wilderness shake something loose. Let it inspire you. Let it bring you back to yourself.
I came back sun-kissed, a little bruised, and totally lit up.
And I can’t wait for the next adventure.
📷 Want to see the photos?
Check out my photography portfolio
Got questions about the retreat, gear, or travel tips? Drop a comment or DM me — I’m always happy to share.
