Create Your Best Chapter
A luxury safari coaching retreat to explore, strategize and plan your career transition
Kruger National Park, South Africa
9th–14th November 2025
If you are an experienced leader at a career crossroad or ready for a change, then join us in South Africa to design your next chapter. You will be nurtured, coached, and guided, leaving you with clarity, excitement, and energy to bring your dreams to life.
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. The sight reinforces the distinctive path you're on.
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.
A bit further along, you see 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. Curiosity stirs within you, as you consider how changing your own viewpoint might reveal new insights and possibilities in your journey.
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.
The 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 your room, the luxury extends to your bed, where plush linens and an exquisitely comfortable mattress ensure restful nights. A cosy chair by your floor-to-ceiling window encourages you to contemplate and crystallise your big ideas.
The Cuisine
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.
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 must-taste is biltong—an iconic South African snack of cured, spiced meat that's perfect for fuelling your adventure. Traditionally made by drying and curing various meats, biltong has its roots in the 17th century and is often served on safari.
Meals aboard the Kruger Shalati Train are a truly enchanting experience. As you dine under the expansive African sky, you embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the richness of local traditions, beautifully enhanced by an international flair that adds a touch of global sophistication.
The 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, you 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 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: Celebration and Farewell
Your experience conclude with a final sunrise game drive, inspired by the elephant’s remarkable memory and lifelong recognition of its herd. You will celebrate the bonds formed and the wisdom gained, and reflect on the profound freedom and responsibility of being human—both a part of nature and uniquely empowered to shape your destiny.
The Bonuses
- Personalized Coaching Sessions: Pre-Retreat
- Personalized Coaching Sessions: Post-Retreat
- Customised Learning Materials and Resources
- Relaxing Wellness Experiences
- Private Online Community
The 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.
Your Trip Leader
Gyongy
(pronounced "Jonjee")
Witnessing the Art of Reinvention
Growing up in Budapest during the historic fall of the Berlin Wall felt like sitting in the front row of a wild makeover show. I witnessed first hand the art of reinvention. Both my parents faced major career crossroads in midlife, and seeing them grapple with uncertainty taught me that reinvention isn’t a stroll through a rose garden—it’s messy, unpredictable, and often painful. But I also saw how embracing change can lead to new opportunities and, eventually, a better life.
My Own Career Leap
The deep desire for reinvention found me in my early 50s, after more than 25 years in corporate HR at a FTSE 100 company. Even though I had everything I needed, I felt an increasing pull toward a different kind of life—one where I had more creative freedom and control over my time. Was this a midlife crisis, I wondered? Should I just wait it out and hope the feeling would pass? Or was this a sign that it was time to move on? I felt more lost than I had since I was a teenager.
I turned to professional literature, and a new world opened up to me. Eventually, I enrolled at Chip Conley’s Modern Elder Academy (MEA), eager to understand the complex terrain of midlife transitions. My growing fascination with reinvention became impossible to ignore. So, I took the leap—leaving the familiar behind to embrace a deeper calling: guiding others through major career transitions by helping them tap into their talents and reimagine their futures.
Combining Coaching with Travel
Today, I combine career coaching with the transformative power of travel. Through retreats designed for renewal and self-discovery, I help people navigate change. Along the way, I’ve become a collector of unconventional career stories—testaments to human creativity and resilience in the pursuit of a larger, more meaningful life.
FAQs
Contact
If you have any questions or need more information, we’re here to help!
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!
Registration
How To Join Us:
As this is an exclusive, boutique experience, we want to ensure it’s the perfect fit for all of our participants.
We’d love to hear more about what draws you to this retreat and how it aligns with your journey.
Please take a moment to fill out the application form xxxhere and share a bit about yourself.
Once we’ve received your details, we’ll be in touch to schedule a call and discuss the next steps together.
Why Join Us
- 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.
.
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 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
If you are traveling solo, we offer single occupancy to ensure your privacy, comfort, and relaxation.
If you’re attending with a partner or friend, we can arrange a shared room for you. Please include their name on your application form for reference. They will also need to submit their own application separately.
Custom Payment Plans Available
We’re happy to tailor a payment plan that works for you. Simply reach out to us at retreats@bestchapter.live, and we’ll be happy to assist.
Have any final questions?
Make an appointment to chat with us at retreats@bestchapter.live.
Super Early Bird Fee
*
Before May 31st, 2025*
- 6,597 GBP per person for a private room
- xxx GBP per person sharing (2 people for a room)
Early Bird Fee
*
From April 1st to June 1st, 2025
- 6,997 GBP per person for a private room
- xxx GBP per person sharing (2 people for a room)
Regular Full Fee
After July 1st, 2025 - registration closing on August 31st!*
- 7,397 GBP per person for a private room
- xxx GBP per person sharing (2 people for a room)
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 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 Scottish-born American environmental philosopher once said, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."
I hope you’ll join us for this exclusive experience, can’t wait to see you there!
With love, Gyongy
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
