Wellness in Africa goes far beyond yoga poses and sun salutations. Across the continent, time-honoured healing traditions invite travellers to reset, reconnect, and recharge—body, mind, and spirit.
From soul-soothing sound therapy to herbal steams crafted from indigenous plants and mineral-rich hot springs cherished for generations, Africa’s ancient wellness retreats offer a chance to slow down, listen, and restore.
The power of sound
Vimbuza Dance/unesco/Wikimedia Commons
Across the continent, music has always been medicine. Traditional rhythms, chants, and instruments are used not just to entertain, but to heal. In East Africa, the Tumbuka people’s Vimbuza dance blends movement and drumming for emotional and psychological restoration. Today, retreats in Kenya and South Africa are offering sound baths, where singing bowls, gongs, and indigenous instruments create a meditative experience that calms the mind and balances energy.
Tip: Look for retreats that work with local musicians or trained practitioners to ensure authenticity and respect for cultural heritage.
Herbal saunas and steams
Bowl holding imphepho at the Mgungundlovu Multimedia Centre/JMK/Wikimedia Commons
Indigenous herbs have long been central to African healing rituals. Imphepho (African sage) and Artemisia afra (African wormwood) are burnt for cleansing, while herbal steams and baths harness plant properties for relaxation and detoxification. Modern wellness retreats in South Africa and Namibia now combine these age-old practices with spa treatments—using local herbs for aromatic baths, steaming rooms, and restorative massages.
Tip: Ask retreat hosts about the origin of their herbs and whether local communities are involved in sourcing them sustainably.
Hot springs: Nature’s own spa
Uganda Hot springs in kasese/Pmubiru/Wikimedia Commons
Mineral-rich hot springs have been cherished for generations. At Badplaas, a resort in Mpumalanga, visitors can soak in mineral-rich waters long celebrated for their therapeutic properties. Ihimba and several other hot springs in Uganda have been used by local communities for rheumatism and skin ailments. Visitors today can soak in these natural pools, enjoying not just the physical benefits but also a connection to the traditions that have preserved them.
Tip: Remember to respect the cultural significance of these sites. Some springs are considered sacred; follow local guidance and signage.
Retreats that blend tradition and modern wellness
Several retreats now combine ancient practices with contemporary wellness:
- Sashwa, South Africa: Offers infrared saunas, meditation, and plant-based healing programs.
- Soul Awaken, Cape Town / Montagu: Mineral baths, herbal treatments, and nature immersion for a mindful reset.
- Sound Healing Africa, Kenya: Sound therapy courses and retreats using both African instruments and global sound techniques.
These experiences offer visitors a deeper, more grounded approach to wellbeing, far beyond the yoga mat.
Mindful wellness
While exploring these ancient practices, it’s essential to approach with respect and curiosity. Many of these healing traditions are still part of local cultural and spiritual life. Participating responsibly ensures that wellness tourism supports communities and preserves practices rather than appropriating them.
A journey beyond the mat
Wellness in Africa isn’t just a trend—it’s a return to traditions that honour the mind, body, and spirit through nature, rhythm, and ancestral knowledge. Sound, water, and herbs offer not only relaxation but also a sense of belonging and balance that modern life so often disrupts. Step off the mat, leave your phone behind, and immerse yourself in Africa’s ancient healing landscapes.
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