Retreats can fail when logistics, local connection, or authentic engagement are neglected. A friend of Dave’s experienced this firsthand on a retreat in Morocco, inspiring him to draw on two decades of hospitality expertise to create Origins Africa Retreat.
Your role as the retreat leader is to sell the spaces on your trips and lead your main retreat focus (such as yoga or photography).
Our role as the retreat venue is to deliver an extraordinary guest experience on the ground in Tanzania that blends a wonderfully authentic experience of Africa, far from the tourist trail, with the highest standard of comfort and staff who genuinely make you feel like family.
When you plan your retreat with us, we’ll take your booking on an exclusive-use basis – meaning that you and your group will have private use of the whole retreat during your stay.
You’ll deal directly with us from start to finish, without the need for third parties, and can be as involved in the detail as much or as little as you like. Either way, everything in the following list is included in the price of your booking.
Our walled grounds cover more than 10,000 square metres of stunning native bushland high above the town and nature reserve for your group to enjoy in total privacy.
Our spacious rooms are all beautifully furnished by local craftsmen and the stylish ensuite bathrooms use state-of-the-art off-grid solar power to ensure you always get that piping hot shower and dependable power for all your creature comforts.
Read more about the accommodation here.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by our private chef using fresh, seasonal ingredients. We also include lots of tasty snacks and freshly made fruit juices.
Read more about the food here.
Stay hydrated thanks to our on-site purification system providing safe drinking water without the throw-away plastic bottles.
Our friendly local chalet hosts take care of all your needs throughout your stay, from making up your room to guiding and translating if you want to explore the town. They’ll even be at the airport to greet you on arrival.
Read more about the chalet host service here.
Enjoy unlimited use of our beautiful teak sauna with its handmade woodburning stove, cold plunge pool and balcony.
Read more about the sauna and our spa massage services here.
The spectacular 54 square metre deck is perched on top of the hill with incredible sunrise and sunset views over mountain skylines – yours to use as much as you like throughout your stay.
Read more about the deck here.
Our indoor studio and activity studio ensures your routine won’t be interrupted even if the sun’s too strong or there’s a rain shower when you want to practice.
Read more about the studio here.
The craft workshop is a great space for things like painting, woodwork and basket-making, and our network of local crafters are always on hand to lead individual or group sessions.
Read more about the workshop here.
We include a whole range of activities from local dance and drumming workshops to African painting, basket weaving and jewellery making.
Read more about activities with local creatives here.
Our wonderful Maasai watchmen (“Askari” in Swahili) and chalet hosts are available to guide you on walks right from the lodge gate through the stunning native bushland that we’re so lucky to be surrounded by. We never charge extra for these services.
Read more about local walks and hiking here.
Again, our Maasai guards and chalet hosts are always happy to accompany you on local explorations.
For your total peace of mind, the retreat is enclosed by a natural stone wall and security fence, protected 24 hours a day by our team of professional security guards.
Learn more about our safety and privacy here.
Members of our own team will be at Iringa Airport to meet you on arrival, and drop you off when you depart. Transfers are by private vehicle and free of charge.
Contact us to discuss your retreat plans, get a quote or join our mailing list.
Contact us