Emoyeni Retreat Centre

"I had the privilege of visiting the Emoyeni retreat centre in November 2025 along with its human, animal and nature residents. As a life coach who is often seeking space for release, calm and focus. Emoyeni is a wonderful gifted fit. On my arrival, I was welcomed home by Mervyn and the team who carefully take care of this vast and natural property. The space is inviting, natural and peaceful. The amenities are well suited for searching souls looking to retreat from the city or town noise. It is also a wonderful place simply to recharge your body, mind, soul and spirit. There is a wonderful selection books in the library, a comfortable communal space to enjoy in stillness. The food on offer is simple and nutritious. Accommodation varies between ensuite or shared ablutions. The rooms are basic and comfortable. There is a rondavel shaped meditation hall, an outdoor pond, many walking paths, and for us who are in touch with nature and outdoor shower. As a retreat facilitator I will be loaning the space for a humble healing retreat, in April 2026. I look forward to continuing to being part of the Emoyeni supporters. Some preparation notes: - Arrive early afternoon to avoid unnecessary traffic and the summer afternoon thunder showers. - The road is fairly okay. As you get closer to Emoyeni drive more cautiously. - Pack comfortable clothing, light but protective. - Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, medication, torch and mosquito repellent if needed. - Remember to carry along a gift which you can leave behind. It is also a wonderful offer to volunteer some of your time whilst at Emoyeni in the form of assisting around the property. Enjoy this gift!"

"I am deeply grateful for Emoyeni. Over the years, I have returned many times for retreats and restful weekends, each visit offering renewal and grounding. The care and thoughtfulness evident in every detail of the space is something I truly value and appreciate. The daily rhythm is both calming and nurturing, creating the space to reconnect with oneself and with nature. The noble silence observed between the evening meditation and breakfast the following morning allows for deep reflection and a profound slowing down. I wholeheartedly recommend Emoyeni to anyone who values mindfulness, stillness, and meaningful connection with self and the natural world. You do not need to be a Buddhist to experience the peace, insight, and restoration that Emoyeni offers."

"What a fabulous retreat!!!!! A normal looking farmhouse. I've had 2 fantastic weekends here (years ago). You share a room (you literally just sleep there) and enjoy great vegetarian food. Between 9pm and 9am is silence ... I loved it! Normally you start your mornings early - I usually attended a Tai Chi or similar weekend. Exercises early, then breakfast (in silence) and then some work ... either in the kitchen prepping for the next meal, cleaning the lounge and dining area or garden work. Days are filled with exercises, work, meditation and more exercises. Always meet new and interesting people. Close to Johannesburg, it's a perfect distance to spend a weekend."

"A typical retreat weekend starts with a light supper, followed by an introduction of the weekend's theme and a meditation session. Noble silence is then observed. The next morning starts with a soft bell that wakes everybody up, followed by light stretching exercises and meditation. Thereafter a lovely breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, yogurt and cereals in beautiful nature surroundings. To show gratitude for this wonderful environment and generosity, retreat goers are affording the opportunity to work an hour, either in the kitchen or garden. The day then envelopes with lectures and meditation sessions. Lunch is the main course of the day and is always a memorable experience (so much that you will always want to get the recipe to try it out at home). A power nap, some reading, a walk and more meditation in the afternoon is a real spoil for many. Supper is a delicious salad, a soup and freshly baked bread with a closure discussion of the day's experiences and meditation. This is the basic framework - your own experience of centering yourself, filling your cup and pressing the pause button and what it means to you... cannot be explained in this limited space. Highly recommend, it's a compassionate space which accommodate all beliefs and religions, delicious food, comfortable and safe environment, like-minded people, nature, silence, balance and calm and finding and exploring yourself again in this challenging and high demanding life we all live. Thank you Emoyeni for creating a wonderful and special space for all beings to experience this..."

"Emoyeni is a jewel of South African Buddhist culture and practice, nestled deep in the Magaliesberg, yet only 90 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is a place where you can go to restore body and mind. Meditation retreats (usually over a weekend, but also for longer periods) are highly recommended. Mervyn, the Buddhism/ meditation teacher, and the other residents and staff, are kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. The delicious vegetarian food, the quiet order of the place, the library, the meditation hall, and the beautiful Bushveld setting ... all make the whole experience deeply refreshing. This is the perfect place to go if you wish to get a taste of what meditation is, or are more experienced and want to deepen your practice amongst like-minded people. Thank you Emoyeni!"

• 📍 A 65 Buffelshoek Farm, Mooinooi, 0325, South Africa
• 📞 +27 82 308 1533
• 🌐 http://www.emoyeni.org.za/

Opening Hours

• Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM