Nature Therapy: Africa’s Best-Kept Secret
Nature Therapy: Africa’s Best-Kept Secret
The African wilderness has long been a place of adventure, where travellers seek out iconic wildlife encounters. But beyond the thrill of the chase, a quieter, more profound experience is emerging—one where nature itself becomes the guide.
Nature therapy offers an exciting twist on the traditional safari—think forest bathing, grounding, moments of mindfulness, and a true connection to the bushveld.
When Grant Hine, eco-therapist and founder of Zen Guiding first introduced forest bathing and nature therapy programmes into select lodges in South Africa, something remarkable happened. Visitors weren't just observing wildlife—they were connecting with it on a profound level, finding healing, and experiencing Africa in ways they never imagined possible.
But nature therapy isn't simply a walk in the woods. As Hine explains, nature therapy has the potential to change people's lives. It changes their perspective on the natural environment, and they come to understand the deep connection between themselves and every element of nature—from the trees in the savannah to the earth beneath their feet.
"Once on a walking safari, we stopped, took our shoes off, and walked down to the river to do a water meditation. The next thing, a large herd of elephants came into the river. We sat there for 45 minutes, just connecting with about 60 elephants, grounding. So, we're touching the rocks. We're touching the water. And we’re connecting with the elephants in a different state of consciousness. What’s special is that animals pick that up, and they're not threatened by it, they don't want to attack, and they don't run away. They just carry on with their normal behaviour. The guides, who had worked at that lodge for many years, said it was the best elephant encounter they had ever had.”
Grant Hine, Zen Guiding
So why aren't more African destinations embracing this revolutionary approach to wildlife experiences?
Traditional safari experiences often focus on checking off wildlife sightings, rushing from one animal to the next. When guests are focused on what they hope to see on a game drive, be it leopard, lion or cheetah, they are already focusing on a proposed future and are not living in the present. If guests aren’t encouraged to focus on the present moment they can miss the nature-connection experience—and the profound healing potential of Africa's natural spaces. Nature therapy invites us to slow down, be present, and truly commune with our surroundings (rather than moving straight on to the next sighting).
How can we transform the safari experience?
In a world where we’re more digitally connected than ever, many travellers are seeking something deeper—a connection to nature, to themselves, and to our place on the planet.
Hine is pioneering this shift. He’s bringing forest bathing (and other practices) into Africa’s landscapes, evolving it into something uniquely suited to the savannah, the bush, and the forests on our continent. Hine ran the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) for 17 years, writing several guiding manuals along the way. He has a Master’s Degree in Psychology, and originally started training on Zen Guiding in 2016 with a few lodges, including The Outpost, Tswalu and Singita Lebombo in the Kruger National Park. He has spent the last three years with Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, as well as introducing Nature Connection Ecotherapy within Singita.
But this isn’t just a feel-good philosophy—it’s backed by science.
- Studies show that grounding (for example, walking barefoot) improves sleep, reduces stress, and even speeds up healing.
- Research proves that seeing greenery helps patients recover faster.
- Negative ions (which you breathe in simply by spending time in nature) have been linked to improved mood and increased mental clarity.
- Nature connection is essential for mental and physical well-being.
Hine’s training encourages safari guides to invite guests to stay in the moment rather than anticipating the next sighting; engage all their senses, including listening to bird calls and feeling the energy of the trees; allow time for silent communion with nature, where guests can seek guidance and wisdom from the natural world; and embrace science-backed practices like grounding and forest bathing.
“Surrounded by ancient milkwood trees and walking barefoot on the soft, humus rich forest floor, this experience engages our guests to be fully present in absorbing the magic that the forest offers,” says Sean Ingles, General Manager at Grootbos. “Many guests leave profoundly moved by the deep connection they feel with nature.”
Who’s embracing nature therapy?
Nature therapy attracts travellers seeking more than a standard safari. They’re looking for a meaningful break from their ‘always on’ digital world. Hine says today’s travellers want to see the Big 5, but they also want to feel something. They’re looking for experiences that allow for introspection and reveal personal insights.
These visitors tend to be:
- Well-versed in nature-therapy, especially forest bathing
- Seeking a meaningful Big 5 lodge experience that transcends traditional game viewing
- Passionate about exploring their African roots and discovering their authentic self
- Interested in personal growth, wellness and nature conservation
Hine works closely with lodges keen to offer guided eco-therapy experiences. And the best part? It requires no major infrastructure, just skilled guides and the raw beauty of Africa itself.
For Africa’s tourism industry, this is an opportunity to lead global wellness travel while promoting conservation through connection. As Hine says:
"When people truly connect with nature, they protect it. We're not just creating experiences—we're nurturing environmental stewards."
A practical guide to tapping into nature therapy tourism.pdf