Luxury safari coaching retreat to explore, strategise and plan your career transition
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Autumn 2025
Photo by Damian Patkowski on Unsplash
*If you’re an experienced leader at a career crossroad* and ready for a change, 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.
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. The sun bathes the landscape in gold and crimson, while the silhouettes of elephants and the distant roar of lions stir something profound within you.
Photo by Damian Patkowski on Unsplash
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. The sight resonates deeply within you, reinforcing your own uniqueness and the distinctive path you’re on. It’s a reminder that when each of us brings something unique, there’s no competition—only the beauty of our differences coming together to create something truly extraordinary.
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 how changing your own viewpoint might reveal new insights and possibilities in your journey.
Photo by Cara Fuller on Unsplash
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 tranquil water whispers inspiration into your thoughts. The vast openness of the landscape invites you to stretch your ambitions and embrace new possibilities. Here, you’ll draft your plans against this breathtaking backdrop, sensing the potential for renewal. And in this moment, you know that anything is possible.
Photo by Dan Maisey on Unsplash
As night falls, you look up at a sky filled with unfamiliar and mesmerising stars. The constellation patterns are new, reflecting a world of possibilities beyond your usual frame of reference. Under this celestial canopy, your thoughts take on new dimensions, with the stars guiding you toward unexpected ideas and fresh perspectives.
Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash
Sitting by the fire, you look around, the flickering firelight illuminates the faces of your fellow travellers, each one reflecting a hero’s journey. You feel a deep sense of gratitude, realising how lucky you are to have met these beautiful, kind souls. Their wisdom and openness 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.
Venue
Image credit: Kruger Shalati Hotel
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 breathtaking 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.
Image credit: Kruger Shalati Hotel
Image credit: Kruger Shalati Hotel
In your private sanctuary, 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 to harness the inspiring scenery for contemplating and crystallizing your big ideas. You look around with excitement and feel the gentle hum of anticipation building. With a smile, you walk to the well-stocked mini bar, mix yourself a perfect sundowner, and toast to the moment you gifted yourself this extraordinary experience.
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.
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
Image credit: Kruger Shalati Hotel
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.
Image credit: Kruger Shalati Hotel
Photo by Timothy Barlin on Unsplash
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.
Photo by Zeke Tucker on Unsplash
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.
Photo by Aron Marinelli on Unsplash
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.
Transformational Benefits
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.
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. This biodiversity makes it an exceptional location for observing wildlife and exploring nature.
Image credit: Kruger Shalati Hotel
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. In 1923, the "Round in Nine" tourist train began offering journeys through the park, providing guests with memorable experiences like campfires and guided bush walks.
The railway line ceased operations through Kruger in 1973, and the historic Selati Bridge has since become a symbol of the park’s heritage. The train on the bridge is named after Shalati, an African warrior queen.
Inclusions
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
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.
Placheholder for Mimi's headshot
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.
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 [link to Calendly]. We look forward to connecting with you!
Registration
To Join Us:
- Choose your room type.
- Secure your spot with a non-refundable retainer of £500.
- 50% of your balance is due by April 1st, 2025.
- The remaining balance is due by July 1st, 2025. From 1st July the trip fees are non-refundable.
- Custom Payment Plans:
- We’re happy to work with you to create a custom payment plan. Just reach out to us at retreats@bestchapter.live
What IS included in my registration?
- 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 accommodation in an iconic boutique hotel in the heart of the world-famous Kruger National Park
- Delicious meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, teas, coffees 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 my registration?
- Travel Insurance
- Flights to South Africa Skukuza Airport
- Personal Expenses
- Food or drinks that you order beyond what is included in your package
- Trips to Town
- Medical Expenses
- Room Upgrades
- Tips and Gratuities
Your Investment – [XXX] GBP including VAT
Single Occupancy
For ensuring maximum privacy, comfort and relaxation for you, we primarily offer single occupancy.
Double Occupancy
if you’re bringing a partner or friend who is also a full participant in the retreat and would like to share a room, please indicate their name when booking. They need to make their own registration separately.
Cancellation Policy (placeholder)
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.
Photo by Joss Woodhead on Unsplash
Photo by Juantelle Louw on Unsplash
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.
