The steam from the rainfall shower rises on the wooden deck, inviting you to come closer to the warmth and comfort it offers. Here, you are truly laid bare, free from the distractions of the outside world. Surrounded by beauty and simplicity, you gain a newfound perspective on what living should truly be about—finding moments of contentment in the midst of chaos. In nature’s embrace, you feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such peaceful bliss.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in the demands of daily life. We hurry from one obligation to the next, finding our days filled with endless tasks, pressures, and distractions. We leave little time for meaningful relationships, self-care, and reflection, spending hours glued to screens and sacrificing restful sleep in the process. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles contribute to stress, anxiety, and physical ailments, and we become overwhelmed, often feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.
At Ishara, we have made mindfulness our foundation, catering to those who seek a purposeful, sustainable, and unique experience that combines the thrill of a safari with wellness of mind, body, and soul. Here, you will have the opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery that will leave you feeling renewed, refreshed, and inspired.
As you breathe in the crisp, fresh air and find yourself in untamed nature, you will feel a sense of peace and serenity wash over you. Spend a few days intentionally taking in sunrises and sunsets, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and rediscovering your circadian rhythm. Engage in a yoga session on the observation deck or find a spot to journal and meditate. Sit by a campfire in peaceful contemplation, eavesdropping on the secret conversations of hippos and marvelling at the galaxies above. And why not spend a night at the Starbed for a truly restorative experience? From guided walks through lush forest around camp to peaceful sundowners in the middle of nowhere, every activity at Ishara will reconnect you with yourself.
This place has been meticulously designed to be a sanctuary where the traditional safari experience is given a contemporary twist. Gone are the strict schedules and lack of downtime—here you have the freedom to design your own itinerary. Feel like getting a workout in or a swim before a late morning game drive? Go ahead. Want to pamper yourself with a signature spa treatment before enjoying a picturesque sundowner? Absolutely possible. Many guests find themselves wanting to stay a few extra days just to indulge in all that Ishara has to offer.
Ishara’s Shamba of Goodness aeroponic tower farm is pioneering innovative clean technology solutions to provide organic produce that is used in nutritionally balanced meals. Salads, soups and plant-based menu items are prominently featured, and international chefs routinely contribute to our menus to curate new experiences. But our dining experience is more than for sustenance, it is meant to elicit delight. Whether it’s savouring a warm, gooey cookie filled with decadent Nutella, the rich and velvety texture of a chocolate fondant, or a slice of freshly-baked banana bread, your tastebuds will be treated to an explosion of pleasure. And just like our own spirits, our dining is constantly evolving, offering new and exciting flavours to ignite the passion for delicious food.
Our people are the heart and soul of our community and their warmth, kindness, and unique personalities create the special atmosphere that makes Ishara stand out. Stepping off our bridge, you will immediately feel a sense of belonging, togetherness, and family that transcends language and ethnicity. Here, masks and walls melt away, and you’re left with an overwhelming feeling of acceptance and compassion. We foster a joyful atmosphere that encourages authentic connections and genuine bonds that will stay with you long after you leave. From playing a friendly game of backgammon to engaging in a profound conversation on a photo safari, you will be truly seen and heard in a way that is often hard to replicate in the outside world.
Renowned integrative medicine and lifestyle expert, Luke Coutinho, recently held a 4-night wellness retreat at Ishara. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the wild, participants from around the world were able to tap into the powerful healing energy and ancient wisdom of their surroundings to find their raison d’être. From invigorating game drives and immersive photography workshops to calming meditation and yoga sessions, each day was filled with a wide range of activities. Luke also held one-on-one sessions to delve deeper into individual issues, as well as insightful group sessions where participants could connect and learn from one another.
“It was a retreat unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and I am certain nothing will come close,” a participant noted. “I left a piece of my heart in the Mara but have come away with a whole new tribe of wellness warriors who are now family to me,” she says. “Time spent at Ishara has given me a new lease on life, strength, and resolve to be the best version of myself.” she ends.
Luke’s ability to unlock true human potential is both inspiring and admirable, and we were honoured to have him with us for a third time. “When I decided I wanted to take people out of their environments into the wild to heal and find meaning, I always knew it would be at Ishara,” he explains. “I have experienced how nature, the warmth of the people, and their realness has impacted me.”
“The effect this place has had on participants has been beyond my wildest dreams,” he continues, adding that there is already strong demand for future retreats and a lengthy waiting list of eager participants. “I will be back soon to restore, recharge, reset and just be.”
It’s not uncommon for guests to remark that they’ve never slept as well or laughed as much as they do at Ishara. There’s just something about this place that exudes a sense of healing and positive energy. And while it may be easy to get to, once you’re here, it’s incredibly difficult to leave. That’s the magic of Ishara—a place where people come together and feel completely at peace.
Beyond the commonplace safari, we promise to provide a journey like no other—one that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, reconnected, and ready to take on the world.
Photo credits: Eric Averdung, Japheth Supeyo, Imara Njeri