January 02 – 14, 2026
Yoga, Solidarity and Nature
This journey and retreat reflect our deep wish to keep expanding our understanding of the world and to move through it with a conscious, attentive gaze wherever we go.
It is a different kind of trip to Kenya —one we return to for the second time— where we’ll share with you experiences that come from love, connection, and a perspective far from conventional tourism. Together, we’ll practise yoga and meditation on and off the mat, in some of the most breathtaking natural settings on Earth.
In collaboration with several NGO projects, we will have access to local communities, learn about daily life from the inside, and experience both the vitality of Kenyan culture and the serenity of its wild landscapes.
Our time in Kenya unfolds in three chapters:
Nature in its purest form
We will visit Lake Naivasha National Park, Crescent Island, and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Lake Naivasha is a bird-lover’s paradise, home to over 400 species and several families of hippos. From the lake we will sail to Crescent Island, the wild setting of the famous movie Out of Africa. Giraffes, impalas, dik diks, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, buffalos, mongooses and pelicans can often be spotted walking freely across the island and its shores.
We then travel to the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife reserves and one of the few where the Big Five still roam. We’ll enjoy two respectful safaris guided by local experts, discovering the reserve’s most magical corners and meditating at sunrise and sunset.
Feeling the silence of protected nature and watching animals in their natural habitat is an experience beyond words.
Yoga, sea, culture and community
We will continue to Lamu, a place suspended in time: a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements, and an island with endless beaches and centuries-old traditions. There are no roads —only sandy paths— giving Lamu a quiet, unique charm.
We will stay in Shela, the island’s most iconic village, known for its architecture, its warm community and its artistic life.
We will sail on a traditional dhow at sunset, explore Manda Toto (one of the most beautiful nearby islands), discover the old town of Lamu, its infinite beaches, dunes and mangroves.
Each day we will have guided meditation and pranayama sessions, and from the moment we arrive in Lamu we will practise two yoga classes daily (morning hatha and evening yin, restorative or yoga nidra).
We will also visit the NGO projects we support in Lamu, spend time with local children, and connect with the communities who call the island home.
Nairobi and the hope of a brighter future
Our journey ends in Nairobi, where we will visit the neighbourhood of Kibera with a local guide and see firsthand the transformative work of Kibera Hamlets, especially for children.
All activities throughout the trip, including the safaris, are contracted directly with local people, without agencies or intermediaries.
25% of the retreat’s profits go directly to the projects Manda Maweni Child Care Initiative and Kibera Hamlets. You will be able to see with your own eyes how your contribution is used.
This journey is designed as a sustainable experience rooted in deep respect for the culture and its people, and also as a path of self-inquiry. It invites not only joy and wonder, but reflection on the vast diversity of our world.
We truly feel this is the journey of our lives, and we would love for you to be part of it.
TEACHER
Paloma Dorado
Paloma started practising meditation 20 years ago, guided by a desire to understand human nature. Passionate about the relationship between science and spirituality, she studies Physical Sciences, and later, she works for the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN), located in Geneva.
At the same time, she trained as a therapist in various energy techniques and therapies, and collaborates with the meditation instructor Javier de Salas as an assistant, in retreats and workshops in Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong and Bali, including the Asia Yoga Conference and the Om Yoga Show, in London .
She immerses herself in the practice of yoga and trainned as a Sama Yoga teacher, a soft and deep style, which combines classic Hatha yoga asanas with Chi Kung postures and mantras, and as a yin yoga teacher.
Guided by her love for yoga and meditation, she founded Shama Retreats, as a conscious life project, where she shares spaces for practice, rest and connection. Nowadays, Shama Retreats, is a small company which organizes around 16 yoga and meditation retreats per year in nature, in Spain and Portugal, in collaboration with international teachers.
Share these beautiful days with us in Kenya
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
PROJECTS: Kibera Hamlets & Manda Maweni Child Care Initiative
On this meaningful journey, we collaborate with several projects dedicated to supporting children in Kenya. 25% percent of the retreat’s profits is donated directly to these initiatives, with no intermediaries.
Kibera Hamlets, Nairobi
Kibera, the largest informal settlement in Africa with over one million residents, is home to Kibera Hamlets, a community-led project that supports children from families who have limited access to education and daily meals.
Every day, more than 100 children attend their classes and receive both breakfast and lunch. The project also runs a small shelter for those who cannot live with their families, where the NGO’s team provides care and protection.
Kibera Hamlets also supports young women who have finished secondary school through its programme at Migori Secondary School. Around 300 girls attend this school, where they are taught by volunteer teachers and university students completing their practicum.
Manda Maweni Child Care Initiative, Lamu
On the island of Lamu, we collaborate with the Manda Maweni Child Care Initiative, located in a remote mining community where conditions are extremely harsh: very high temperatures, no electricity, no access to drinking water, and some of the highest rates of poverty and illiteracy in the region.
Thanks to this project, food is purchased every month to ensure that all the children in the community receive a meal. They are also building a community shelter —a safe gathering space where children can eat and families can meet.
The project provides basic education and is expanding year by year so that more children can access school. Donations also help cover essential supplies and contribute to healthcare support for the community.
VENUE
These days will take us across the country, practising yoga and meditation while resting in comfortable, sustainable accommodations surrounded by nature.
During the first part of the journey, we will stay in Lake Naivasha National Park, where wetlands and small islands are alive with wildlife, and we will explore the spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve. In both locations, we will sleep in charming lodges close to the natural parks, embracing the silence and stillness of the African savannah under a sky filled with stars.
On Lamu Island, we will stay in a beautiful and cosy boutique hotel just a short walk from the sea, complete with a private yoga shala for our group. The hotel offers double, single, and even semi-open suites with spacious terraces and stunning views.
All rooms have access to the pool and a lovely garden filled with a remarkable variety of exotic birds. Designed in traditional Swahili style, the hotel features tranquil lounging areas, hammocks, and shared spaces perfect for connecting with one another.
The food is delicious, prepared with fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients that reflect the flavours of the region.
In Nairobi, we will stay in a comfortable and peaceful hotel—an ideal place to rest on our last night before the journey home.
How to get there?
The meeting point for the group will be the arrival hall of Nairobi International Airport (NBO) on the morning of January 3rd at 7:30 am.
Therefore, you can book any flight that lands in Nairobi (NBO) before 7:00 am on January 3rd.
If you prefer to arrive the night before, just let us know and we will recommend you a hotel to stay.
For your return, we recommend any flight departing from Nairobi airport between 11.00 pm on January 13th and 1:00 pm on January 14th.
You can contact us before booking for flights and we can help you to choose the best option.
You’ll find more details in the FAQ section: “Which day should I book my flight, and which airport should I arrive to?”
PROGRAM
During the first days, we will travel inland through Kenya, staying in Lake Naivasha National Park and Crescent Island, enjoying two safaris in the Masai Mara, and connecting with Maasai culture. Each day will begin and end with sunrise and sunset meditation.
We will then fly to Lamu Island, where we’ll enjoy daily yoga practice, the island’s nature and culture, and visits to two children’s support projects we collaborate with.
The journey ends in Nairobi, where we will gain a deeper understanding of life in Kibera through the work of Kibera Hamlets.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Arrival in Nairobi. Airport pick-up.
Transfer to Lake Naivasha National Park, passing through the Great Rift Valley.
Boat trip on Lake Naivasha, followed by a guided walk on Crescent Island among giraffes, zebras, impalas, and thousands of birds.
Sunset meditation.
Rest at our accommodation.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Naivasha → Masai Mara
Journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Check-in, lunch, and rest.
Respectful visit to a Maasai village and introduction to the culture.
Sunset meditation.
Monday, January 5 & Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Masai Mara – Safari Days
We begin each day with gentle stretching and a short meditation.
Full-day safari drives through the Masai Mara, discovering its vast plains, unique vegetation, and extraordinary wildlife, observing animals in their natural habitat.
Time to connect with the stillness, peace, and silence of the reserve.
Sunset meditation.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Masai Mara → Nairobi → Lamu
Transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi and flight to Lamu.
Boat transfer to Shela.
Arrival at the hotel, restorative yoga, and welcome dinner.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Retreat begins – Lamu
Morning yoga, pranayama, and meditation.
Daily mindful exploration of the island’s beaches, nature, and community projects.
Morning hatha yoga session.
Guided visit to Lamu Town (UNESCO World Heritage), learning about Swahili culture.
Visit to ANIDAN (Aid to Children in Africa).
Return to Shela at sunset.
Evening yin yoga and yoga nidra.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Morning hatha yoga session.
Free morning to explore Shela or relax on the beach.
Afternoon sail along the coast on a traditional wooden dhow.
Sunset meditation on board, followed by arrival at a natural beach.
Dinner and bonfire under the stars.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Morning hatha yoga session.
Boat journey through mangrove channels to visit the Manda Maweni Child Care Initiative.
Visit to the village and time with the children.
Visit to the ancient ruins of Taqwa.
Restorative yoga, meditation, and guided relaxation.
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Morning hatha yoga session.
Dhow excursion to Manda Toto Island, with optional snorkelling.
Lunch on board cooked by our local guides.
Return to the hotel.
Evening yin yoga and yoga nidra.
Monday, January 12, 2026
Morning hatha yoga session.
Free morning to stroll, shop, or enjoy your final moments in Lamu.
Sunset walk through the dunes and outdoor meditation.
Closing circle.
Farewell dinner.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Lamu → Nairobi
Flight to Nairobi.
Visit to Kibera with the NGO Kibera Hamlets and a local guide.
City tour to understand daily life in Nairobi.
Rest at the hotel.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Transfer to the airport and international departure (early morning or morning flights recommended).
End of trip.
(*) The daily schedule can change depending on the weather conditions and the duration of the excursions.
12 days of connection, nature and yoga practice
What's Included?
A transparent, surprise-free price
From the very beginning—before you book—you will know exactly what is included in the price.
We do not use the common “shared travel fund” model, where most expenses are not included and are decided spontaneously among participants.
For clarity, smooth organisation, and peace of mind, all accommodations, transports and excursions are booked and paid for in advance, avoiding last-minute surprises and helping you understand your real costs from day one.
Limited spots.
Retreat includes:
Pick-up at Nairobi Airport
Transport to the start of the safari
Respectful safaris in Lake Naivasha National Park and Masai Mara, including all park entrance fees, a boat excursion on Lake Naivasha, and a guided walking safari on Crescent Island
Accommodation: 1 night in Lake Naivasha and 2 nights in Masai Mara
Visit to a local Maasai village
Sunrise and sunset meditation & pranayama sessions during the safari days, with stunning views over the natural parks
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari days
Transport Masai Mara → Nairobi airport
Domestic flights Nairobi → Lamu Island
Boat transfers Lamu airport → Shela (round trip)
Accommodation in Shela with breakfast (7 days / 6 nights) in the selected room type
Use of the yoga shala
Two daily yoga and meditation sessions in Lamu
Daily boat transport Shela ↔ Lamu throughout the stay
Guided visit to Lamu Town (UNESCO World Heritage)
Sunset dhow excursion, beach dinner, and bonfire
Dhow trip to Manda Toto Island, including lunch cooked on board and snorkelling
Visit to the ANIDAN project
Visit to Manda Maweni Child Care Initiative + traditional local meal
Donation to the Manda Maweni project
Transfer Nairobi airport → hotel
One hotel night in Nairobi with breakfast
Guided visit around Nairobi with transport
Visit and donation to the Kibera Hamlets project
Transfer Nairobi → airport on departure day
Personal guidance throughout the entire journey from local travel experts, one yoga and meditation teacher, and one assistant teacher
Donation of 25% of the retreat profits to the community projects we will visit in Kenya
Not included:
International flights to/from Kenya (we can help you choose the best option)
Entry visa for Kenya (mandatory)
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
Additional nights or any meals not mentioned in the programme
About the accommodation
Rooms within the same category may vary in size, location, or specific features. Our classification is based mainly on single vs. double occupancy, so we cannot guarantee that all rooms within the same price category will be identical—whether within the same property or across different accommodations.
PRICES
Total Price per person
SHARED ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
All prices are per person.
OPTION 1.1
Double Room (King Bed)
One spot in the retreat, staying in a double room with a king-size bed and a private bathroom. Beautiful views of the garden.
Only for couples or two people travelling together who wish to share the same bed.
Total price per person:
2.350 € + VAT
OPTION 1.2
Twin Room (Two Beds)
One spot in the retreat, staying in a double room with two separate beds and a private bathroom.
You will share the room with another participant from the retreat.
Total price per person:
2.450 € + VAT
OPTION 2.1
Superior Suite (King Bed)
One spot in the retreat, staying all 6 nights in Lamu in a superior deluxe suite with a private bathroom and sea views.
This suite features a king-size bed, a private bathroom, a large terrace, and two beautiful outdoor lounge areas overlooking the ocean.
As the bedroom has one king-size bed, this option is only available for couples or two people travelling together who wish to share the bed.
In Naivasha, Masai Mara and Nairobi, accommodation will be in a standard double room with a king bed.
Total price per person:
2.650 € + VAT
OPTION 2.2
Superior Suite (Two Beds)
One spot in the retreat, staying all 6 nights in Lamu in a superior deluxe suite with a private bathroom and sea views.
This suite features two double beds: one in the main bedroom and another in a semi-open space, plus a large terrace and an outdoor lounge area overlooking the ocean.
We recommend this option for two friends or two people travelling together.
In Naivasha, Masai Mara and Nairobi, you will stay in a standard twin room with two beds.
Total price per person:
2.650 € + VAT
SINGLE ROOM OPTIONS
All prices are per person.
OPTION 3.1
Standard Single Room
One spot in the retreat, staying in a single-use private room with a private bathroom.
In Lamu, this type of single room is smaller in size. In the other destinations, the room size is standard.
Total price per person:
2.850 € + VAT
OPTION 3.2
Superior Single Room
One spot in the retreat, staying in Lamu in a very spacious single-use room (with a double bed) and a large private bathroom.
This room is located on the top floor and includes a generous outdoor lounge area with several relaxation spaces and beautiful sea views.
Total price per person:
3.150 € + VAT
Booking and payment policy:
- To reserve your spot, we request a €500 deposit.
- Click the blue button “Reserve Your Spot”, select your preferred room option, and complete the deposit payment by card.
- We recommend creating an account on our booking platform, WeTravel (with your own username and password), as this will make it easier to manage future payments.
- Once your payment is made, your spot will be confirmed automatically (you’ll receive an email within about 5 minutes).
- The deadline to pay the remaining balance is November 20. If the second payment has not been received by that date, Shama Retreats reserves the right to cancel the reservation.
- If you book after November 20, the full amount will be required at the time of booking.
- If you are travelling alone and choose a double room, you will share with another participant.
Important: We cannot guarantee that a suitable roommate will be available (sometimes groups are uneven or there is no one of the same gender requesting a shared room). In the unlikely event that we cannot pair you with another participant, you will be asked to pay the single-room supplement. - The retreat price includes all services and classes listed above.
It is not possible to book individual days or a shorter version of the retreat. - Bookings will be accepted up to one week before the start of the trip.
Cancellation policy:
If you cancel before November 1, 50% of the amount you have paid will be kept as a credit valid for any of our retreats for the next two years.
The remaining 50% is non-refundable.If you cancel between November 1 and November 20, you will receive a refund of the amount you have paid minus the deposit, which is non-refundable.
If you cancel after November 20, no refunds will be issued.
You may transfer your booking to another person at any time (a friend, family member, colleague, etc.).
The new participant will only need to pay the name-change fee for the internal flight.In the unlikely event that the retreat must be cancelled by us due to force majeure, we will refund 100% of all payments you have made within 7 days.
Personal expenses—such as international flights or any costs not paid directly to us—are not refundable.
Most travel insurance policies offer trip cancellation coverage that can include flights, accommodation, and other expenses in case you need to cancel for any reason.
We will be happy to recommend suitable insurance options to protect your trip.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Most travel insurance plans cover retreat payments, flights, and accommodation costs if you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly. They are generally affordable and provide valuable peace of mind.
Any questions? Feel free to contact us at: info@shamaretreats.com
FAQs
We will meet the group at Nairobi International Airport (NBO – Jomo Kenyatta) on Friday, January 3rd at 7:30 AM.
You may book any flight that lands before 7:00 AM on January 3rd, or you can arrive earlier if you prefer (we can help arrange an extra night near the airport and a transfer — not included in the retreat price).
Yes. You must apply for the electronic visa before travelling.
It must be done only through the official website: www.etakenya.go.ke
⚠️ It is very important not to use any other websites or intermediaries, as there are known cases of fraudulent pages.
We will email you step-by-step instructions to guide you through the application.
We will schedule a Zoom meeting a few weeks before departure to answer questions and review practical details.
You will also receive a detailed travel guide by email, including packing recommendations, money exchange, health advice, and other useful tips.
We will travel in 4×4 vehicles with experienced drivers and in a private minibus for road journeys.
We will also take a domestic round-trip flight between Nairobi and Lamu, already included in the retreat price.
The group will be composed of 12 to 17 participants, which allows us to create an intimate, warm, and supportive atmosphere.
This retreat is designed for people who already have some experience with yoga or meditation, although advanced practice is not required.
We offer variations and adaptations in every class, so what matters most is coming with an open and conscious attitude.
Having some familiarity with the practice will help you make the most of the experience and feel comfortable with the rhythm of the retreat.
If you’re unsure whether this trip is right for you, feel free to call or write to us — we’ll be happy to help you decide.
The journey combines more active days (longer 4×4 drives, early morning safaris, deep contact with nature) with slower days in Lamu, where we’ll enjoy morning and evening yoga classes, time at the beach, and visits to the community projects we support.
There will be moments of rest and a couple of free mornings.
Although all activities are recommended, participation is not mandatory.
However, the retreat is designed as a shared group process, evolving day by day through the practices and collective experiences.
If you prefer to travel independently or join only certain activities, this retreat may not be the best fit, as the power of the experience comes from the journey we take together as a community.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers arriving from Europe or most other countries.
We recommend consulting your local travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure to receive personalised advice based on your health history.
Yes. All participants must have travel insurance that covers medical assistance, cancellations, and potential incidents during the trip.
For everyone’s peace of mind, we will ask you to send us a copy of your insurance before departure.
If you don’t have one, we recommend the basic or backpacker plan with IATI Insurance.
You can have a look at our cancellation policy here. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers unexpected changes or cancellations.
The daily programme may be adjusted if necessary due to local conditions or unforeseen circumstances, always with the intention of offering the best possible experience.
Shama Retreats reserves the right of admission in cases where a participant’s physical or mental condition could compromise their safety or the well-being of the group, as well as in situations of disrespectful or disruptive behaviour.
We also reserve the right to cancel the retreat in case of force majeure (such as travel restrictions, extreme weather, or unexpected issues at the destination).
In that case, a full refund of all payments made will be issued.
Simply contact us at info@shamaretreats.com, we’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you decide if this retreat is right for you.
Call us at +34627419996 or write to info@shamaretreats.com and tell us what you are looking for.
Communicating and asking all the questions you need, is the best way to check if what we offer fits with what you want or feel like at this moment.