MEN’S RETREAT
BONAFIDE MEN’S RETREAT WEEKEND
A 2 night Retreat for Men hosted by Joe Fleming and Thongo Lifikile in the Rustler’s Valley area where you can connect, reflect, and rejuvenate. This weekend will provide you with a safe haven for you to deepen your relationship with yourself, restore confidence and build meaningful bonds with others. We’ll make sure you’re well looked after, warm, well fed and welcomed.
DATES
June 21 - 23rd
INCLUDES
2 Nights Accommodation (1 night in the Cave, 1 Night Ndumba/Private Room), 2 Steams, All meals (Farm to Table), San Pedro (Huachuma) Hike, Private consultations before and during event, Plenty of downtime to explore the area.
A PERSONAL INVITATION
Over the last 8 years of hosting motorcycle adventures in Southern Africa I’ve had a desire to put together a new experience for Men based on feedback from these trips and what I’ve observed was most enjoyed.
Joining alongside me for the weekend is my great friend Thongo Lifikile. You may have seen her in photos from Vision Quest or along my travels to Lesotho where I’ve stayed at her round house (Ndumba) She’s been a massive part of my own personal growth.
Our aim is to provide you with an experience that; gives you a space to nurture in nature, a safe environment to connect with others on a deeper level than we’re used to while using spiritual modalities & practices that will enable you to open your heart and mind.
At its core, I believe there’s an opportunity to grow a genuine ‘brotherhood’ with others who may need a reminder that they’re not walking a path alone.
I know there’s other men out there who want to know they’ve got someone to lean on or reach out to.
I know there’s Men who are willing to do the same for others.
I know there’s men out there who are looking for a bit more in their life..
I invite you to join a new style Bonafide experience. There’s no labels needed for this but for now I’ll invite you to the first ‘Bonafide Men’s Retreat’ weekend away in the Rustler’s Valley area from June 21-23rd.
You’ll see below what to expect over the weekend and I’ll share as much info with you that I feel you need to know to prepare yourself.
Ultimately, you just bring yourself, some comfortable clothing and an open mind.
I thank you greatly for trusting in me to provide you with an unforgettable experience and one that I hope benefits you and those you love in some way.
Yours in adventure,
Joe Fleming
THE LOCATION
Franshoek Farm Ficksburg
Our venue for the retreat is a beautiful working farm just outside of Ficksburg called ‘Franshoek Farm Ficksburg’. The farm is a truly special and peaceful part of South Africa that offers a variety of lodging, their own farm stall with local fresh food, horse riding, lovely hikes from the farm and their motto is to arrive here and to ‘nurture in nature.’
It’s safe to say that as Men it’s helpful to know where we need to be and at what time. While the itinerary below gives a full schedule of the days; we’ll keep it loose and allow things to flow to make sure you’ve got plenty of personal time to use as you see fit.
**THIS IS NOT A MOTORCYCLE FOCUSED EVENT. Feel free to arrive in the area by whichever means you prefer. There is a 20km gravel road to the accommodation with a few water crossings along the way. Should you want to bring your bike there’s plenty of other gravel roads to explore around on.
ITINERARY
-
0700-0800: Depart at your leisure from Johannesburg
1100 - 1300: Arrival at Franshoek Farm and Polo School. Google maps shows a 4 hour drive here via the N3.
1300 - 1400: Lunch, Introductions and Weekend Brief
1400 - 1600: Natural Steam and cold pool swim at the Wet Lav
1600 - 1715: Downtime
1715 - 1730: Briefing
1730 - 1830: Evening Hike
1830 - 1930: Downtime at the cave
1930 - 2030: Dinner
2030 - until: Fireside chats
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0700 - 0800: Light breakfast and tea
0900 - 1300: Silent Huachuma Hike (6 - 8kms; very easy pace)
1300 - 1400: Lunch
1400 - 1600: Natural Steam and cold pool swim at the Wet Lav
1600 - 1930: Free time
1930 - 2030: Dinner
2030 - Until: Fireside Chats
-
0600 - 0800: Coffee
0800 - 0900: Breakfast
0900 - 1000: Final Chat
1000 - Until: Depart at your leisure but also feel free to stick around as long as you’d like
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
OVERNIGHT IN THE CAVE
Our first night of the retreat will be spent here in the Cave which is a short hike up from where we’ll park the vehicles. The views from the cave are incredible and provide you with great perspective as to where you are.
This cave has a lot of history and is known for hosting a variety of traditional ceremonies over the years.
The cave features plenty of spots to sleep, spots to build fires, a natural kitchen & braii area, multiple hiking trails from it and also a nearby waterfall with fresh spring water.
OUTDOOR STEAM HUT
One of the practices we’ll enjoy throughout the weekend is steaming as we find this as a great way to open and close the space. There’s an Outdoor Steam Hut located at the WetLove which is a great place to find some peace. The area features a small pool that has been dammed using the local mountain water and some epic views overlooking the valley from the lawn.
Steaming is known to help improve circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, clear congestion, promote skin health, aid in workout recovery, loosen stiff joints, burn calories, boost your immune system and remove toxins.
SILENT HIKE WITH HUACHUMA (San Pedro)
After our evening at the cave we’ll set out on a 6-8km ‘Silent’ and ‘easy’ hike working with Huachuma.
Hiking with Huachuma can offer unique benefits due to its traditional use in spiritual and therapeutic practices. Wachuma is believed to enhance introspection, promote emotional healing, and foster a deep connection with nature. This can lead to profound personal insights, a sense of inner peace, and a transformative experience as hikers engage with their surroundings on a deeper, more spiritual level.
While you may find it difficult to remain in silence for this hike, it’s an opportunity for you to connect with yourself, connect with the land and we’ll all have an opportunity later in the day to talk about our experiences.
FARM FRESH FOOD
At the farm they have their own garden which has been on the farm for over 30 years. We believe an essential part to this retreat is making sure you eat healthy and wholesome foods during your time here.
We’ll make sure all of the meals are hearty, nutritional and give you the right nutrients you need to take on the day ahead. You’ll even be provided fruits and a great trail mix for the hike.
While there are lots of veggies on the property that will be the focus, we’ll also provide you with a traditional South African braai or Potjiekos meal.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
Throughout the weekend we may use a range of instruments to guide you along the way. Most commonly used in these types of ceremonies are drums, shakers, dance and song.
If you happen to have any of these at home feel free to bring with you and use throughout the weekend. We find that playing instruments is a great way to connect to your heart and enhance the experience.
FIRE SIDE CHATS
As with all Bonafide adventures, we’ll have the fires going every night and there will always be a seat there waiting for you. We find sitting around the fire at the end of the way marks the completion of a long day, a central meeting point for everyone and a place for you to always feel welcome.
Our time and chats around the fire are an opportunity for you to feel safe, to be heard, share whats on your mind and for others to listen. We ask that you respect those who want to share, be kind, be respectful and cast no judgement on to those who are willing to share.
We ask that the conversations and things you hear during the retreat stay within this circle of Men who joined us.
YOUR HOSTS
JOE FLEMING
Joe has been exploring a spiritual way of life using spiritual modalities, sacred plant medicines and traditional practices for the past 6 years.
Through this time he’s been incorporating some of his learnings slowly into his adventures and how he show’s up for others in the world.
While he does not have any qualifications for hosting retreats he’s confident in his ability to guide others based on the life experiences he has grown through.
THONGO LIFIKILE
Thongo Lifikile walks a path, anchored in understanding around New Earth Frequency.
She is trained in the use of traditional African medicines and associated modalities.
She has also spent time initiating with sacred plant medicines, including Psilocybin and medicines from South America.
She works with and honors the sacred plants and holds a deep space of integrity and safety.
RETREAT INFO
PRICING
R6000
WHILE WE FIGURE THIS EVENT OUT WE’D LIKE TO KEEP ENTRY COSTS LOW. IF CASHFLOW IS A CONCERN AT THE MOMENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE ARE HAPPY TO WORK SOMETHING OUT WITH YOU.
INCLUDES
2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
1ST NIGHT: WE ALL SLEEP IN THE CAVE
2ND NIGHT: OPTION TO HAVE A PRIVATE ROOM OR SLEEP IN THE NDUMBA AS A GROUP
ALL MEALS
2 NATURAL STEAMS
ACCESS TO SWIMMING AREA
HUACHUMA HIKE
LOTS OF FIRES
HIGH 5’S ALL AROUND
EXPECTATIONS OF YOU
COME WITH AN OPEN MIND
NO ALCOHOL CONSUMED OVER THE WEEKEND
DIGITAL DETOX: WHILE WE’D LIKE TO MAKE THIS A PHONE FREE WEEKEND, WE’LL ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO YOUR BEST WITH THIS AND REMAIN PRESENT WITH THE GROUP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
NO JUDGEMENT OR GOSSIP OF OTHERS
KEEP WHAT IS SHARED BY OTHERS IN CONFIDENCE TO YOURSELF
BOOK NOW
WHAT TO BRING
The majority of our time spent over the weekend will be outdoors regardless of what the weather is doing.
We recommend you pack and wear item’s that you would take as if you were going on a hiking trip; think of adequate hiking shoes, comfortable clothing that will keep you warm, keep you dry and block wind if necessary.
You’ll also want comfortable clothing for the evenings that you’re ok to sleep in and get dirty if need be.
Backpack for hiking (Large enough to carry sleeping bag and minimal supplies)
Headlamp
Thermal clothing (weather dependent)
Camping towel
Hiking Clothing
Pants - Breathable/Comfortable
Shirt - Breathable
Baselayers - In the event of cold weather you’ll want to have some form of long underwear if need be
Shoes - Comfortable shoes you would use for an easy hike
Water bottle (1.5L +)
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Blanket/Sleeping Bag - Bedding will be provided but you may want extra options for the evening in the cave
Hydration pack (or your bottle)
Scarf
Kikoi
Loose fitting/Comfortable clothing for the evenings
Journal & Pen
Power bank
Swim trunks/costume
Rain Jacket
