Earlier this month, my husband and I went on what I can only describe as a trip of a lifetime: a Kenyan safari. Visiting Africa has always been one of those “someday” dreams for me—an African safari has been pinned to my vision board for years. So, when the chance to travel with Above Yoga Retreats popped up, I didn’t think twice.

We spent our week at a small resort nestled on the massive, 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It was about four hours northwest of Nairobi, but it felt like a world away. Every day, we alternated between yoga, safari game drives, and sharing amazing meals with 13 other attendees. We saw SO many animals. I’m still in awe of how close we got—like, “You-could-stick-your-hand-out-and-touch-a-lion” close (not that I was tempted).

Our guides were incredible, driving us around the conservancy in safari jeeps so bumpy we joked they doubled as lymphatic drainage treatments. They taught us so much about the animals, their behaviors, and how everything in the ecosystem works together. What really struck me, though, was how much of what I learned on this trip applies to life and business. Kenya gave me more than incredible memories—it gave me a fresh perspective.

Lessons I Brought Home

Rest Is Necessary for Success
Big cats—especially cheetahs—spend up to 90% of their time resting. At first, it seems lazy, but it’s actually critical for their survival. Hunting requires enormous energy: stalking, chasing down prey, and then dragging the kill to safety. Without adequate rest, they risk starvation or injury. It’s a great reminder that rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential to performing at our best.

Gather Evidence Before Deciding What to Fear
We were close enough to lions to practically touch them, but our guides assured us they weren’t the biggest threat. Surprisingly, hippos—those seemingly cute, chubby creatures—are far more dangerous, responsible for about 500 human deaths a year. It’s a powerful lesson: fear is often misplaced. Sometimes, the things we think are the scariest aren’t actually the ones we need to worry about. When we let go of preconceived fears and look at the facts, we often realize the truth is much less frightening—or that the real dangers are something entirely different.

The World Will Give You Clues—If You Pay Attention
One day, our guides suddenly sped toward a group of giraffes. They’d spotted something unusual: the giraffes’ positioning hinted at a predator nearby. Sure enough, after some quick radio chatter and expert observation, they brought us to a cheetah just hanging out under a tree. It was a perfect example of how subtle clues can guide you to exactly what you’re looking for—if you’re paying attention.

Invest in Symbiotic Relationships
The savannah operates on incredibly efficient systems of mutual benefit. Lions tolerate flies on their bodies because the flies feed on dried blood and help prevent infection. Similarly, birds perched on buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras eat ticks and parasites, keeping these animals healthy. It’s a reminder that the best relationships—whether personal or professional—are the ones where both sides bring value and thrive together.

Ask for Your Needs to Be Met
During lunch one day, another attendee shared that it was hard for her to relax in her room, which was located right off the main deck where we ate our meals. She could hear every conversation when people lingered after dinner. Our retreat leader immediately suggested moving meals to a quieter spot by the watering hole, which ended up being even more picturesque for everyone. The attendee finally got the rest she needed, and it reminded me of an important truth: not only is it okay to ask for what you need, but you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. Your needs matter, and advocating for them can create a better experience for everyone involved.

Your Day Is Good If You Make It That Way
On our last evening, while enjoying ‘sundowners’ (our nightly cocktails at sunset), I mentioned how I was dreading the long journey home. Flights and buses and layovers felt so exhausting to even think about. Our guide, Mike, gently challenged me: “Your day is good if you make it that way. The trip home doesn’t have to be bad—it’s just how you’re thinking about it.” Ugh he was right. Sometimes, how we approach a situation makes all the difference.

Passion and Kindness Are Memorable
Peter, one of the night guards, made sure we got to and from dinner safely in the dark. But he went above and beyond, sharing his love for astronomy and nature every evening. Using a telescope gifted by NASA guests, he showed us constellations and the moon, explaining what he’d taught himself over five years. On our last night, he gave us handwritten cards with our zodiac signs and meanings. He even brought out unique items, like a hedgehog to pet (they run wild around the property) and an ostrich egg for us to hold and take pictures with. Peter’s kindness and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable, proving that sharing your passion and a little kindness leaves a lasting impression.

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Wrapping It Up

This trip to Kenya was everything I hoped for and then some. I came for the animals and the adventure, but I left with so much more—a deeper appreciation for the balance of rest and action, a reminder to pay attention to the world around me, and some inspiration from the people who shared their lives with us.

It also hit me how much we all need to just pause sometimes. There’s so much to learn if we step back from the grind and look at the bigger picture. Whether it’s the way lions nap 90% of the time to save up for their big hunts, or how a retreat leader shifted things to help someone find peace, this trip taught me that rest, intention, and asking for what you need can change everything.

Kenya left me with memories I’ll never forget and lessons I’ll carry with me. It’s amazing how much clarity you can find when you immerse yourself in something new and completely different. This trip reminded me to stay curious, let go of what doesn’t serve me, and celebrate the connections that make life richer. If you’re dreaming of an adventure like this, trust me—it’s worth every second.