From First Footsteps to Wild Hearts at Home: A Journey with Sashwa River of Stars

The second instalment of Reflections from the River comes from a guest-turned-facilitator, Lynnette of Ananda Wellness. Here, she reflects on her transformational journey with us….

The African Bushveld has always lived quietly, yet powerfully, in my heart. Growing up, holidays were spent in the wild – barefoot on the earth, surrounded by nature, living freely and wildly at heart. Those early memories shaped who I am, long before yoga, retreats, and sacred circles became part of my path.

In March 2025, I returned to the Greater Kruger – this time as an adult, a yogi, and a seeker. I was invited on a site visit to explore the possibility of hosting future retreats. What I didn’t anticipate was that stepping into Sashwa River of Stars would feel less like a visit, and more like a remembering.

What I didn’t anticipate was that stepping into Sashwa River of Stars would feel less like a visit, and more like a remembering.

From the moment I arrived, something softened in me. A sacred river sand hand-washing ritual welcomed me – grounding, symbolic, and deeply reverent. Walking along the river pathway to my suite, nestled on the banks of the Olifants River, I felt held by the land itself. Time slowed. My nervous system exhaled. Sunset game drives, barefoot meditation walks, and sunrise yoga in the most serene studio awakened my wild spirit once more. Each plant-based meal, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated, felt like nourishment offered straight from the Earth.

What moved me most was the heart of Sashwa itself. The spirit of Seva – selfless service – lives here in action. Every stay supports community upliftment, conservation, education, and wildlife protection through Sashwa’s non-profit social enterprise and Koru Camp. Sitting on the saltwater pool deck after meditation, the words “Amaphupho Fezeka” came to me – Dreams become a reality. In that moment, I knew: this land would hold something very special.

What moved me most was the heart of Sashwa itself. The spirit of Seva – selfless service – lives here in action.

Seven months later, in October 2025, I returned. Not as a guest, but as a host bringing my annual Bliss Out in the Wild Yoga & Wellness Retreat home to Sashwa. This weekend became a celebration. A coming together. A weaving of souls, nature, stillness, laughter, and deep presence. It was wild serenity, soulful connection, and pure bliss.

One unforgettable moment was watching a pride of lions resting beside a shallow dam as the sun dipped low, the blazing African sunset igniting the sky. Time stood still as our hearts collectively softened in awe. Another highlight was our guided nature walk along the River of Stars and into the bush. Absorbing every story, footprint, and lesson shared by our incredible guides, Ian and Dylan. We breathed, paused, listened… and yes, enjoyed a brief, humbling little run from some inquisitive ellies . Or perhaps it was us humans who were the truly inquisitive ones.

One unforgettable moment was watching a pride of lions resting beside a shallow dam as the sun dipped low, the blazing African sunset igniting the sky.

After our humbling little run and a short, grounding walk through the bush, we were welcomed by Ms T and Chef Agree. Their presence and care turned the moment into something truly special. Brunch unfolded right there in the wild – beneath the shade of ancient trees, surrounded by stillness, birdsong, and shared laughter. Nourishing, unhurried, and deeply soulful, it felt like a love letter from the land itself.

With so many moments to cherish, one final experience stands out deeply in my heart – our group sunset yoga session on the koppie. As golden light poured across the landscape, we moved and breathed together, embodying our inner glow. High above the land, wrapped in silence and vastness, time expanded and stillness spoke. Sunset hues kissed our faces as we paused to reflect – arriving fully.

In that sacred moment, our hearts felt the sun light up the essence of our deepest soul. We were home – in the sanctuary of self, the sanctuary of Sashwa, the sanctuary of wild hearts.

“Amaphupho Fezeka”, Dreams do become reality – especially here, where wild hearts always find their way home.

The call of the wild in my heart yearns to return and I cannot wait for October 2026. Where I will get to share bliss again, and where we will leave our footprints in the sand. To breathe in the serenity of peace, and to sit beneath the sunset skies alongside the sacred River of Stars at Sashwa. “Amaphupho Fezeka”, Dreams do become reality – especially here, where wild hearts always find their way home.