Luxury safari coaching retreat to explore, strategize and plan your career transition
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Autumn 2025
If you are an experienced leader at a career crossroad and ready for a change, then join us for a retreat where you'll design your next chapter. You will be nurtured, coached, and guided, leaving with clarity, excitement, and energy to bring your dreams to life.
Registration
The sweeping expanse of the savannah stretches out before you, its red sands holding the echoes of humanity's origins. As you step into this ancient wilderness, a deep connection to the earth begins to take root. Here, you're not just a visitor—you are part of the land, grounded and alive.
Scanning the horizon, you spot a group of zebras grazing in the distance, their black and white stripes vivid against the golden grass. Each zebra's stripes are entirely unique, a natural reminder of the individuality that defines us all. T
A bit further along, you spot a giraffe with its head towering above the trees. As you watch this graceful creature, you wonder what it would be like to see the world from its lofty vantage point. This thought stirs a sense of curiosity within you, prompting you to consider changing your own viewpoint.
Returning to camp you discover a serene spot that calls to you. Taking a seat overlooking the river, you find its gentle flow reflecting the clarity you seek. With your notebook in hand, you gaze out as the vast openness of the landscape invites you to stretch your ambitions.
As night falls, you are sitting by the fire, you look around, the flickering firelight illuminates the faces of your fellow travellers. You feel a deep sense of gratitude for their company. Their wisdom and friendship enrich your experience and make this moment even more special. As you take in this profound serenity, you feel fully alive and understand the boundless potential of your journey ahead.
Benefits
Why This Retreat is a Great Idea for Starting Your Next Chapter
- By sinking into the rhythm of the savanna and following our carefully curated and spacious agenda you will break free from a hectic modern life so you can have the headspace to reflect and think about what you want the next phase of your life to be like.
- During our time together, you'll engage in guided journaling, coaching, mentoring, and immersive experiences in nature, while also learning from the stories of your fellow participants. These activities will expand your imagination and help you move beyond limiting beliefs, encouraging you to think big and embrace what is possible.
- Reflective game drives and observations of nature will offer you a fresh perspective on your journey and desires, helping you approach your next chapter with clarity, intention, and renewed purpose.
- Through creative exploration exercises, you will gain a deeper understanding of your core values, ambitions, and goals, allowing you to focus on what to seek in your next move.
How This Retreat Will Help you Transform
- Mindfulness exercises in the wilderness will help you recognize when you're in a flow state, uncovering your unique talents and skills and fostering a renewed sense of confidence.
- With a mix of self-reflection, hands-on exercises, and creative activities, you'll gain fresh insights, spark new ideas, and discover exciting opportunities. This will help you shape a clear and inspiring vision for your next career chapter.
- You'll have the chance to dive into every part of your career transition, including tricky topics like ageism and financial concerns. Through open and supportive conversations, you'll pick up strategies and practical tips to handle these challenges, so you're ready for your next move.
- By the end of the retreat, you'll feel deeply rejuvenated and inspired, carrying with you a sense of renewed confidence and purpose. With a clear career plan in hand and the tools to bring your vision to life, you'll be ready to step forward with a heart full of excitement and a spirit brimming with possibility.
The Venue
You arrive at the Kruger Shalati Train
A luxurious marvel suspended above the Sabie River, seamlessly blending opulence with adventure. You step into your elegantly furnished carriage, where contemporary design meets historic charm, and panoramic windows invite the breath-taking landscape inside.
As you settle in, you catch sight of a bloat of hippos lounging below, feeling a thrilling connection to the untamed nature around you. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the stunning pool perched on the bridge, where you can take in the sweeping views of the river and savannah.
In room, the luxury extends to your bed, where plush linens and an exquisitely comfortable mattress ensure restful nights. A cosy chair strategically positioned by your floor-to-ceiling window encourages you for contemplating and crystallising your big ideas.
I want to be on this train - Send my ticket!
The Cuisine
Food in African culture is deeply intertwined with tradition, community, and identity. Dishes often tell stories and reflect the region's history and local ingredients. In South Africa, you'll find a diverse culinary landscape shaped by its rich heritage, including influences from indigenous cultures as well as Dutch, British, Indian, and Malay cuisines.
You can't have a true safari experience without a braai: More than just a barbecue, a braai is a social event central to South African culture. It often involves gatherings of family and friends around a fire to cook meat, fish, and vegetables.
Another safari must-taste is biltong—an iconic South African snack of cured, spiced meat that's perfect for fuelling your adventure.
In Africa, food is a profound expression of hospitality, identity, and community. Meals are often shared, and the act of cooking and eating together strengthens bonds and honours traditions. In true African style, we will come together for our meals, embracing the spirit of unity and togetherness that is central to the African culinary experience.
Meals aboard the Kruger Shalati Train are a truly enchanting experience. As you dine under the expansive African sky, you are treated to a culinary journey that invites you to appreciate the depth of local culinary tradition, enriched with an international flair that adds a touch of global sophistication to the experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Begin your transformation journey by stepping into the wilderness, leaving behind the familiar to embrace the unknown. As you arrive, settle in, and connect with your surroundings. Your first taste of the wild comes with an afternoon game drive, setting the stage for the days ahead. The evening ushers in a deep sense of calm with a soothing gong bath and an inspiring opening ceremony, laying the foundation for a week of reflection and growth. Conclude the night with an intimate dinner, grounding yourself in the present and preparing for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Gaining Perspective
Today, you begin to see the bigger picture, much like the giraffe that sees far and wide. An early morning reflective game drive invites you to shift your focus, gaining new perspectives on your life and purpose. A mindful breakfast encourages you to slow down and savour the moment, both literally and metaphorically. The day continues with quiet time and an invitation for deep reflection—to consider where you are, what lies behind you, and what may await in the future. As the stars come up, you will participate in a veld fire ritual, symbolising the shedding of old perspectives and the birth of new insights.
Day 3: Curiosity, Exploration, and Self-Awareness
As your journey deepens, embrace the spirit of the zebra - curious, adaptable, and open to the unknown. The sunrise game drive this morning challenges you to approach where you are in life with curiosity rather than judgement. The morning group session focuses on self-awareness, helping you understand your environment and your place within it. The afternoon invites shared exploration through journaling and storytelling, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and others. Conclude the day with an evening game drive, where the beauty of the unexpected awaits.
Day 4: Creating a Powerful Vision and Strategy
Channel the lion's strength and foresight as you enter a day focused on vision and strategy. Your morning begins with a game drive, where you'll observe the natural world through the lens of strategy. This experience sets the stage for a powerful group session, where you'll create a vision board that captures your goals and outline a strategic plan to achieve them. As evening falls, we will gather around the fire for a night of storytelling and poetry, celebrating the bold vision you've crafted and the strategy that will lead you toward its realisation.
Day 5: Making It Happen
With vision in hand, today is about action and execution. Embrace the wild dog's energy—focused, collaborative, and relentless—as you embark on a sunrise game drive centred on teamwork and communication. After a mindful breakfast, the morning session helps you translate your vision into an actionable plan, addressing potential obstacles and setting clear steps forward. The afternoon offers space for rest and reflection, preparing you to drive out again and actively seek and observe vision, strategy, and execution in nature.
Day 6: Wisdom and Joy
You conclude your adventure in the South African savannah with a day dedicated to wisdom, joy, and connection, embodied by the wise and grounded elephant. Begin with a sunrise gratitude game drive, celebrating your days spent in this stunning landscape. Reflect on the profound freedom and responsibility that come with being human—both a part of nature and uniquely empowered to shape your own destiny.
As the retreat draws to a close, you'll celebrate the journey, the connections you've formed, and the joy of being together with likeminded people in this transformative experience.
Bonuses
- Personalized Coaching Sessions: Pre-Retreat
- Personalized Coaching Sessions: Post-Retreat
- Customised Learning Materials and Resources
- Relaxing Wellness Experiences
- Private Online Community
Location
Our retreat is set in Kruger National Park
A premier destination for those seeking an immersive and personal connection with wildlife. It is home to the "Big Five"—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. Alongside over 500 bird species and a rich variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
A unique historical aspect of your visit is the story of the Selati Railway and its iconic bridge over the Sabie River. Established in the early 20th century, the railway was vital for transporting goods and people. The train on the bridge is named after Shalati, an African warrior queen.
Image credit: Kruger Shalati Hotel
Trip Leaders
Gyongy
pronounced Jonjee
Witnessing the Art of Reinvention
Growing up in Budapest, Hungary, during the historic fall of the Berlin Wall, I witnessed first hand the art of reinvention. Both my parents faced major midlife career crossroads. Yet, it was my sister's bold change — transitioning from a Ph.D. museum director to a hairdresser and artist — that truly ignited my fascination with this pivotal phase of life. Driven by curiosity, I immersed myself in professional literature and enrolled in Chip Conley's Modern Elder Academy to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of midlife transitions.
My Own Career Leap
Eventually I reached a point of my own career change. After 26 years in the corporate world, I took the leap and left it all behind to pursue my growing fascination, which had evolved into a deep purpose: guiding people like you through midlife career changes.
Combining Coaching with Travel
Today, I combine my career coaching with the transformative power of travelling, offering retreats where you can discover your path to renewal and fulfilment. I'm also a collector of unusual career stories—testaments to endless human creativity and endurance, in search of a larger life.
Mimi
How I Met Gyongy
I first met Gyongy as a restless student, whilst doing an internship in her team at a FTSE 100 company. We instantly connected, and worked together to deliver high-profile, one-of-a-kind talent events.
Discovering Ikigai
Gyongy introduced me to the Japanese secret to "a long and happy life." It is based on the idea that everyone has an ikigai, which is the intersection of where your needs, ambitions, desires, and satisfaction can be met. This knowledge immediately lit a fire in me to discover my ikigai, and took me to professionally train in project management, whilst exploring my love for movement, nutrition, and wellness alongside.
From Serendipity to Purpose
Five years after our first meeting, Gyongy proposed I join her career coaching agency to lead on delivering retreats for talented leaders at a career crossroads, perfectly bringing together my experience in delivering events and programmes with my love for holistic wellbeing. Call it serendipity or fate, but either way I have found my ikigai — I can't wait to help you find yours.
FAQs
Contact
If you have any questions or need more information, we're here to help!
You can easily reach out to us by filling out our interest form on the website. Just let us know your inquiries or preferences, and we'll get back to you promptly.
Additionally, we offer a free meet and greet call, where you can chat directly with our team to discuss the retreat and any specific needs or concerns you may have. To book your call, simply choose a convenient time through our online scheduling tool. We look forward to connecting with you!
Book a Call
Registration
How To Join Us:
- Choose your room type.
- Secure your spot with a non-refundable retainer of £500.
- 50% of your balance is due by 1st May, 2025 .
- The remaining balance is due by 1st July, 2025 . From 1st August the trip fees are non-refundable.
Custom Payment Plans Available:
We're happy to work with you to create a custom payment plan. Just reach out to us at retreats@bestchapter.live
The Benefits:
- Reflect and think about what you want in the next phase of your life.
- Expand your imagination and move beyond limiting beliefs.
- Discover a fresh perspective on your journey and desires.
- Gain a deeper understanding of your values, ambitions, and goals.
- Uncover unique talents and foster a renewed sense of confidence.
- Gain fresh insights, new ideas, and discover exciting opportunities.
- Tackle taboos and tough questions as you explore every aspect of your career transition.
- Feel deeply rejuvenated and inspired, ready to embark on your next chapter.
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What IS included in your registration?
- Pre-arrival one-on-one coaching call with Gyongy
- Pre-arrival information pack including health and safety measures
- Airport transfer from and to Skukuza Airport
- 5 days and nights of luxury accommodation in an iconic boutique hotel
- Delicious meals and snacks throughout the day
- Fully loaded minibar with local wine, spirits and soft drinks
- 8-10 game drives
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- Participation in all workshops and group activities
- Personalised attention and guidance
- Retreat materials and resources
What is NOT included in your registration?
- Travel and trip cancellation Insurance
- Flights to and from South Africa Skukuza Airport
- Personal Expenses including food and drinks, beyond what is included in your package
- Additional personal sound therapy and massage sessions, beyond what is included in your package
- Trips to Town
- Medical Expenses
- Room Upgrades
- Tips and Gratuities
Your Investment, GBP
To ensure your privacy, comfort, and relaxation, we primarily offer single occupancy.
If you're attending with a partner or friend and would like to share a room, please select double occupancy when booking and include their name in the registration form. Note that your roommate must also register separately under double occupancy.
Super Early Bird fee if you sign up by 1st of February, 2025
- single occupancy: xxx GBP including VAT
- double occupancy: xxx GBP including VAT
Early Bird fee if you sign up by 1st of April, 2025 - xxx GBP including VAT
- single occupancy: xxx GBP including VAT
- double occupancy: xxx GBP including VAT
Regular full price - xxx GBP including VAT
- single occupancy: xxx GBP including VAT
- double occupancy: xxx GBP including VAT
Have any final questions? Make an appointment to chat with us at retreat@bestchapter.live.
Cancellation
Please view our Cancellation Policy
Still feeling a little hesitant?
We understand that committing to this adventure is a significant decision. Let us address any lingering concerns or questions, so you can sign up with confidence, knowing that this experience is a valuable investment in yourself.
Our retreats are designed not just for a temporary escape but for lasting transformation. With a focus on personalised coaching and holistic wellbeing, each session is tailored to meet your unique needs and aspirations, providing you with newfound clarity and actionable plans for your next chapter.
We're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your investment leads to profound and meaningful results.
What You'll Take Home:
- A profound understanding of what truly matters to you and a clear vision of what you want to achieve in life.
- A fresh perspective and a surge of new ideas, sparking inspiration and igniting innovation on your journey.
- A comprehensive, personalised strategy to help you reach your goals with confidence and clarity.
- A detailed, actionable plan that will guide and support you every step of the way as you bring your strategy to life.
- New friendships that may live well beyond this retreat, enriching your life in unexpected ways.
- Unforgettable stories and plenty of photos on your camera or phone, to cherish and share.
As John Muir once said, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."
Join us for this exclusive career transformation experience, where the beauty of South Africa, a powerful agenda, and the chance to meet extraordinary people will not only rejuvenate your spirit but also inspire the next chapter of your life.
Testimonials
"Working with Gyongyver was a lifechanging experience in many ways. She has an exceptional sensitivity to recognize the client's unique talent which I had been previously unaware of. Gyongyver helped me in the process of rediscovering myself, celebrate the past and made me deeply think about my priorities, future goals. Surprisingly,…
Eva Tukacs, Head of Procurement
"Having known Gyongyver for several years, I have huge respect and admiration for the professional and the beautiful human being she is. Amongst several assets, Gyongyver is in possession of unusual levels of emotional intelligence and empathy paired up with a witty sense of humour. I have just completed a…
Jorge C. Manuel, Founding Partner
"Gyongy's coaching genius lies in the combination of her leadership, clear communication and compassionate presence. She has a practical approach that means you go away from a session with her with a definitive sense of how to move forward. Her warmth and humour make her a joy to work with.…
Rachel Connor, Writer, creativity mentor and Wayfinder life coach
“If you are looking for someone who can help guide you through a significant or difficult career change, particularly mid-to-late career, then I would highly recommend my good friend and former colleague, Gyongyver Szabo. Gyongy has an innate positivity that is infectious and welcoming, which is great for developing a…
Jason 'Jae' Sloan, Consultant and Coach
“Gyongy is a truly inspirational coach. She has an amazing ability to help people find their sparkle and shine. This is something she helped me with when I had a challenging year. I would highly recommend her to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.”
Helen Tomlinson, VP and General Manager
