Origins’ location close to the equator and about 1,700m (5,500ft) above sea level gives it a pleasant climate all year round.

Temperatures are generally 22-30C (72-86F) during the day and 12-17C (54-62F) at night. The main differences between the seasons are the chances of rain, wind and how the landscapes look.

December-February: Warm & photogenic landscapes

December is Dave’s favourite month at the retreat. With the rains just starting, the landscape is rich and green, and it’s not too late for a safari in very photogenic conditions.

Rainy season in Iringa doesn’t mean constant or predictable rain. There’s usually plenty of sunshine, and when rain does come it’s warm and often clears away after a few hours.

We’re well set up for all weather conditions at Origins. For yoga, there’s the open-air deck when it’s fine and the indoor studio when it’s not. The social hub of the retreat is our terrace – fully covered, but open-sided, with a huge wood burning fireplace in the centre.

March: We’re closed

March is typically the rainiest month and we close to give our whole team a very well-deserved break.

July-November: Dry, best for safari

From July onwards, vegetation dies down making it easier to spot wildlife on safari, further helped by animals congregating around waterholes and rivers. The drier landscapes may be slightly less beautiful, but you’ll have the best chance of seeing lots of the big stuff – elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes etc.

At the retreat itself, the dry season means warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, often with a strong mountain breeze. This is cosy season for us: Blankets and stories round the fireside, and making use of the hand-made log burners in many of our bedrooms.

April-June: Lush green

Much like December to February, this is the transition between the rains and dry season. Landscapes are at their most lush in April, so it’s a wonderful time to experience our beautiful natural environment and the surrounding nature reserve.

The abundance of fruit also brings the monkeys and baboons to their most playful around the retreat in this season!

One of the appeals of Origins is that we’re off the beaten track, beyond the usual tourist trail.

However, getting here is still quite straightforward: An international flight into Dar es Salaam then a one-hour domestic connection to Iringa Airport, where we’ll meet you with a complimentary transfer for the 20-minute drive up to the retreat.

Lots of international airlines serve Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport): KLM is a convenient option via Europe with good connections from all over the US, and avoids transiting the Middle East. Emirates and Qatar Airways are also convenient options with a wide range of connections from all over the world, including Australia.

Air Tanzania and Auric Air fly daily or twice-daily from Dar es Salaam to Iringa, every day except Sunday. If you’re not using a travel agent, you’ll probably need to book that connection separately through one of their websites.

We recommend between 6 and 10 nights at the retreat, optionally followed by 1 or 2 nights at the bush camp.

We do accept bookings for shorter stays, but this starts to limit your group’s opportunity to make the most of the community, landscape, facilities and all the activities we offer.

Please contact us for rates, which will depend on your group size and which options you want to include.