Access to Nature - Recovery.com Resource Library

October 3, 2022April 20, 2025

Ecotherapy: Using Nature’s Power to Heal

If you’re considering residential rehab, you might be feeling the need to get away from it all. You might also notice that many treatment centers are located in remote, naturally beautiful settings—and with good reason.

Spending time in nature has a powerful calming effect, and can help set you up for success in recovery. Rehab programs around the country employ the healing powers of the great outdoors, with experiential therapies like hiking, beach walks, and adventure outings forming a core part of the curriculum.

Any of these techniques helps you connect with yourself and the world around you: a relationship the recovery journey aims to right.

What Is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy, or nature therapy, is a broad term that loosely describes doing any outdoor activity with the goal of recovery. It can take place informally or in a clinical context, in a group or on your own. It’s not officially recognized in the DSM-5, but it is commonly employed by rehabs around the world.

Nature itself has therapeutic benefits.¹ In therapies that use nature immersion, patients spend time outside as part of the recovery process. In some programs, these activities have specific therapeutic goals. In others, patients use mindfulness techniques to soak up the peace and quiet of the world around them.

Getting outside can provide perspective that helps with the challenges of recovery.

Learning to Trust Your Instincts

Humans haven’t always lived in urban areas. Only 200 years ago, 90% of us lived rurally. But today, more than half of the global population lives in cities.² Despite its social advantages, this fast-paced urban lifestyle is stressful.³ Slowing down and grounding are necessary parts of the recovery process.

Engaging with nature has immediate emotional benefits.⁴ And research suggests that this is due to our evolutionary history. Our early ancestors relied on fresh water and vegetation to stay alive. Over time, we came to associate those resources with a sense of safety. Perhaps as a result, the human brain still responds well to these environments.

By spending time outdoors, you can tap into ancestral memories of safety. And when you feel safe, it’s easier to focus on healing.

Ways to Immerse in the Natural World

As a treatment, nature immersion takes many forms. You might meditate in a forest preserve, enjoy a guided walk, or get your hands dirty in the garden. And your treatment center might offer different outdoor therapies based on their staffing, location, and approach. Talk to your rehab’s admissions team to find out more about their available options.

You can also browse rehabs by activity, including hiking, fishing, river rafting, horseback riding, and more.

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan.⁵ This is the practice of using all your senses to be present and mindful in a forest setting. When you go forest bathing, you use mindfulness to take in your surroundings. You might focus on the coolness of river water, the scent of fallen leaves, or the sound of birdsong. An expert may guide you through meditation, or you may spend time in the forest alone.

Guided Nature Walks

Some rehabs offer guided nature walks.⁶ Whereas forest bathing is meditative and mostly unstructured, guided walks are led by certified guides. These are normally group activities.

A guided walk usually lasts for around 2-4 hours, during which you’ll share thoughts with the group as you enjoy the outdoors. Guides invite you to observe the life and landscapes around you, from swaying trees to colorful skies. By focusing on your immediate surroundings, you’ll find it easier to let go of the small things and find a sense of awe for the larger world.

Once the group is emotionally grounded, guides might engage you in a sensory experience like running your hands through the grass or smelling the flowers. This connection with the Earth brings you back into the present, and back into your own body.

Finally, you’ll have time for reflection. Your guide might ask you to meditate or write about the experience. This helps ease the transition back into the rest of your routine. Ideally, you’ll return to it feeling more centered and calm.

Gardening Therapy

You don’t have to be deep in a forest to reap the benefits of nature therapy. Horticulture therapy,⁷ or caring for plants, is a great way to destress and focus on the present. This is a great option for people with limited mobility, or those who don’t have off-site privileges at their rehab.

Whether you spend time in a garden or just water your bedside fern every morning, plant therapy lets you care for something outside yourself. You can also see the impact your touch has on another living thing. Every new sprout is thanks to your contribution of water, the right amount of sunlight, and attention.

Viewing the Outdoors

In some rehabs, you can enjoy the perks of nature therapy without even going outside. Studies show that just having a nature view out of a hospital window can improve patients’ mental health.⁸ This is helpful for people with a range of mental health issues. For example, looking at beautiful nature scenes can decrease depression and anxiety.⁹

How Nature Immersion Helps Recovery

Spending time in nature can improve a wide variety of issues, from chronic pain to anxiety. And studies show that it’s especially helpful for people with certain conditions.

Anxiety and Stress

If you experience severe stress or anxiety, you might be surprised how much relief a little time in nature can provide. According to experts, “the higher the stress level, the greater the effect” forest bathing has¹⁰ on these issues. It can even alleviate physical symptoms. In one study, just watching a nature video lowered viewers’ heart rates.¹¹ If your body is still healing from the effects of addiction, this could be an important part of your process.

Chronic Pain

If you have chronic pain, nature immersion can help with both its physical and mental effects. One study found that nature immersion not only relieved pain;¹³ it also boosted patients’ immune responses. They also reported decreased symptoms of depression.

Depression

Further research supports nature immersion as a treatment for depression.¹³ Most people report reduced depressive symptoms after spending time outside. This may be helpful for people with co-occurring disorders, like depression and addiction.

The Power of Nature to Treat Addiction

Nature therapy is a tried-and-true treatment for mental health. A growing body of research supports its use in rehab. And, it specifically benefits people in addiction recovery in several ways:

Reduce Cravings

Cravings put you at risk for relapse.¹⁴ And they can occur at any stage of the recovery process. Multiple studies show that after spending time in nature, people have less intense and fewer cravings.¹⁵ If this coping strategy works for you, you can use it before, during, and after residential treatment. Nature’s soothing effect is there any time you need it.

Improve Impulse Control

Addiction can damage your attention span¹⁶ and interfere with impulse control. This often makes it hard to commit to recovery.

Data shows that engaging with nature reduces impulsivity.¹⁷ As a result, ecotherapy might help you stay the course during treatment.

In one study, nature therapy was especially helpful for people recovering from opioid addiction.¹⁸

Connect With Yourself and Others

Unhealthy as it is, addiction is a coping mechanism. And when you enter recovery, you’ll need to develop new, healthier strategies. Spending time in nature can be an exciting way to connect with people, without using drugs.

This is also why nature can play an important role in aftercare. Returning to social circles associated with your addiction can increase your risk of relapse.¹⁹ By taking up new hobbies—like hiking or biking—you might just build a new, sober community.

Clinical Director Brenna Gonzales explains why The Hope House Scottsdale places so much emphasis on getting outside:

Most people living with addiction are stuck in their houses and are alone. To be outdoors, to reconnect with nature and themselves, gives people the opportunity to experience life again. There are mountains all around The Hope House. Some of the best hikes in Phoenix city are within five minutes of us. We also have a pool that clients can use daily. We take any opportunity we can to get people outside.

“Nature is the biggest distraction we like to have.”

Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Director at Soberman’s Estate, talks about how important it is for patients to unplug from distractions and focus on one another:

Residential rehab takes a person out of their normal environment. These days we have so many distractions at our fingertips: our cell phones, laptop, computers, television. There’s just so many distractions out there and we want to try and get away from that here. Nature is the biggest distraction we like to have out here. It’s a peaceful, quiet distraction. Something that can actually get you more in touch with yourself. It also allows for a certain kind of comradery amongst the patients here because they’re living with each other. They get to know each other, there’s a bond that forms.

If you prefer solo adventures, you can still relax in nature alone. Swimming in a body of water, hiking to a viewpoint, or even walking in the park can go a long way toward clearing your mind and bringing you back in sync with life. This valuable you-time creates space for your feelings, even when recovery is challenging.

Relaxing and Reflecting on Your Recovery Journey

The natural world holds many lessons. Simply observing it can help you connect with something greater than yourself. And nature-based therapies take that a step further, teaching you how to accept the present moment. In turn you can learn to accept yourself, just as you are, at every point on your healing journey.

To reconnect with nature during recovery, explore a list of rehabs offering experiential treatment and learn about their locations, housing options, complementary therapies, and more.

September 6, 2022May 29, 2025

Spain’s Relaxed Pace Sets the Stage for Recovery

Spain is known for its warm weather and rich culture, full of history and art. You’ll find everything in this temperate climate, from peaceful countryside to picturesque mountain and seaside views. If you’re looking for a holistic approach to treatment with a beautiful backdrop, you may want to attend a rehab facility in Spain.

Spain Offers a Warm Climate and Beautiful Views

There’s a reason that Spain is the 2nd most visited country in the world¹—or rather, there are several. People flock to Spain for its bright sunshine, mild climate, and beautiful landscape.

The Healing Power of Sunshine

Spain is known for its beautiful weather² and abundance of sunshine, and is a destination of choice for many Europeans wishing to escape the colder months. Spain’s official slogan is: “Where the sunshine follows you through every season,” which makes sense, since the country receives about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. It’s home to Alicante, the sunniest city in all of Europe,³ which gets about 349 hours of sun each month. Málaga comes in 4th place, with an average of 345 hours of sun per month, and several other Spanish cities make the top 30 list.

This beautiful weather isn’t just pleasant—it can also directly impact your recovery. Serotonin, a neurochemical best known for influencing happiness, is affected by your exposure to sunlight. A large body of evidence demonstrates the positive effects of good weather on mental health, including one study that found sunshine increased serotonin production⁴ in a sample group of men.

Spain’s relatively mild climate is warm year-round, although it’s generally colder and wetter the higher in elevation you climb and the further north you go. You may want to be mindful of this when choosing Spanish treatment centers in the best location for you.

Panoramic Views of the Sea, Mountains, and Countryside

This country is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on its eastern side, and the North Atlantic on the western side. Spain’s vast landscape⁵ is composed of several mountain ranges spread throughout the country, and its cliffsides offer unparalleled views of the gold-sand beaches below. Throughout the country, you’ll find small cobblestone villages and serene, peaceful landscapes dotted with orange, lemon, and olive groves.

Spain landscape — Spain’s serene and varied landscape promotes a deeper sense of connection to nature for many.

Clients at Camino Recovery, located in Vélez-Málaga on the southern coast, will live in a cortijo, a traditional rural farmhouse commonly found in that region. These historic Spanish homes are often surrounded by acres of land, and the Camino Recovery residence is no exception. The Sierra de Tejeda mountain range creates a beautiful backdrop, and clients are invited to explore the trails around the area and in the nearby Almijara and Alhama Natural Parks each Sunday.

The Mediterranean coast offers stunning views of the cliffs from The Bridge Marbella. You can take in the landscape from the tranquil outdoor seating areas, or from your room in this center’s Spanish villa.

At Ibiza Calm you can visit stunning neighboring beaches, namely Benirrás Beach with its amazing sunsets. The center’s main building is a 500-year-old Ibizan farmhouse surrounded by 8 private acres and lined with citrus orchards, and you can enjoy the stunning scenery during daily walks in the countryside.

These facilities aren’t set in natural areas by chance. Numerous studies have found that nature is an extremely important factor in a healing space.⁶ Research shows that the presence of gardens—and even just views of them—can reduce stress.

Vibrant Spanish Culture

Spain is chock-full of unique museums and art made by world-renowned artists like Picasso, Dalí, and Gaudí, set in historic towns and villages full of classic Spanish fare like tapas, or appetizers, and paella, a popular rice dish. Spain also has the 4th largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites⁷ in the world, with famous cultural landmarks like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada.

Some rehab facilities, like Camino Recovery, organize trips to nearby cultural attractions, like the Picasso Museum in Málaga, the birthplace of this famous artist. You can also explore the nearby pueblos blancos, or white villages, of Frigiliana and Comares, which are known for their cobblestone streets, beautiful views, and whitewashed homes and buildings.

Malaga — Some rehabs in Spain include trips to historic sites as part of their program.

Solice in Marbella also encourages clients to explore the nearby cultural attractions, like the city’s old town. Clients are also welcome to try local food and tapas, stroll along the promenade, and visit other nearby historic towns like San Pedro.

Accessibility & Ease of Travel

There are over 40 international airports in Spain,⁸ which makes flying to your location of choice much easier. Most U.S. airports have flights to at least 1 Spanish destination, and many larger U.S. airports operate flights to more than 1 location. Once you arrive, it’s simple to take another flight within Spain to your final destination, if necessary.

Many treatment centers offer an airport pickup service. Although Spain has an extensive public transportation system, it might be difficult to navigate on your own in a foreign country. Make sure to talk to your facility’s administration office to determine the best way to reach your rehab center.

Remember that while many people prefer to travel for inpatient rehab, this isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you would be more comfortable staying closer to home, there are plenty of rehab facilities around the world—some of which are likely in your area. Wherever you choose to begin recovery, it’s important to find a program that suits your unique needs.

Treatment in Spain’s Rehabs Is Tailored to You

Many rehab centers realize that treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and often needs to be specific to the client’s needs. In addition, several centers in Spain favor a one-on-one treatment approach, which is perfect for those who value their privacy. Although anyone can benefit from individualized care, people with a dual diagnosis, executive professionals, and high-profile clients may find it especially helpful.

Secluded properties can give you much-needed space to focus on healing without distractions, in addition to providing a safe environment to heal. This, coupled with personalized care, can help you put emphasis on your recovery process. Treatment centers like THE BALANCE Luxury Rehab and Istana Jiwa Ibiza treat 1 client at a time in their own, private residence. Istana Jiwa Ibiza’s villas are scattered around the island of Ibiza, and are unbranded with no observable connection to the center. This makes them a great option for those who would prefer an extra layer of confidentiality in recovery. At both centers, treatment programs are tailored to each client with a private team of specialists. There are no group activities or shared facilities.

The Balance Spain — THE BALANCE Luxury Rehab offers an ultra-private experience on its secluded grounds in Mallorca, Spain.

Some treatment centers, like Phoenix Programmes S.L., also offer stepped-down care options. Clients at this center can choose from online and daytime-only programs, or stay in their in-house sober living program. They realize that not all clients are able to, or want to, attend an inpatient rehab facility, and try to offer programs that will work for anyone’s schedule. In addition, they create a personalized treatment plan for each client.

Unique Activities and Therapies

Family and equestrian culture have strong roots in Spain, and some rehab centers focus on these aspects in their treatment plans. Because of their proximity to the ocean, some facilities offer unique therapies like surf and dolphin therapy, as well as a variety of other beach activities.

Equine Therapy

Spain has a strong equestrian culture,⁹ and 1 region even has a horse named after it: the Andalusian horse. Although equine therapy is not unique to Spain, horses are a big part of their history and traditions.

Camino Recovery’s program director Don Lavender pioneered equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), and has used it in his work since the 1990’s.

“Through interactions between the horse and the client, a therapist can help the client work through issues, often more effectively than talk therapy.”
– Camino Recovery

Seaside Activities

Outdoor activities aren’t just a way to have fun; they can also be an important part of recovery. Studies show that exercising outside has positive effects on your health,¹⁰ both mentally and physically. These activities don’t just invite you to let off steam; they may also help you develop new skills and build confidence.

With this in mind, THE BALANCE Luxury Rehab encourages clients to attend unique outdoor therapies, like surf and dolphin therapy. Adolescent participants in one study reported that spending time in these “blue spaces,”¹¹ or “environments characterized by the presence of water bodies” produced feelings of calmness and tranquility. In addition, they also offer more traditional outdoor activities like beach walks, yoga, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

Family Therapy

Family is an important component of Spanish culture, so it makes sense that so many treatment centers focus on family dynamics and include them in the rehabilitation process. And studies show that healthy close relationships contribute to your healing process.¹² Relationships like these, such as those with family, are associated with improved health and well-being.

Camino Recovery exterior pool — Family members are invited to Camino Recovery‘s property in Vélez-Málaga, Spain as part of their family program.

Camino Recovery understands the positive impact that family support can have during and after a client’s recovery. They invite family members to attend a 4-5 day family program, during which the family discusses their own issues and learns about healthy relationships and coping mechanisms in group therapy sessions. Family members are also encouraged to learn more at educational lectures.

Depending on your specific relationship with your family of origin, this type of therapy may or may not be a good fit. Whether or not you invite them to participate in this aspect of your recovery, you can still use your time in rehab to hone your interpersonal skills, either in therapy or with other members of your cohort.

Starting Your Recovery in Spain

Traveling somewhere new can help you gain perspective on life at home. At a rehab in Spain, that perspective might be informed by the majesty of nature. The culture’s focus on the arts might inspire you to create a life you love, using the tools you learn in a program tailored to support your needs and goals.

Learn more about all that rehabs here have to offer, including amenities, activities, specialized programming, and more, in our searchable directory of Spain rehabs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Spain

What are the benefits of rehab in Spain for addiction treatment?

Rehab in Spain offers serene scenes, warm weather, and is surrounded by historic sites. Centers may feature upscale amenities, personalized treatment plans, and a range of unique therapies, from equine therapy to seaside activities. Some ultra-luxury rehabs treat one client at a time.

What types of addiction are treated in rehab facilities in Spain?

Rehabs in Spain provide comprehensive treatment for various mental health and addiction concerns, including drug addiction, alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, depression, anxiety, and more.

What amenities and services can I expect in a luxury rehab in Spain?

Luxury rehab in Spain offers several amenities and services:

• Luxurious accommodations
• Private rooms
• Gourmet meals
• Spa services
• Pool
• Fitness facilities
• Beach access
• Business lounge

January 31, 2020February 6, 2025

The World’s Top 6 Places for Natural Healing

Location can be a large part of recovery. Where you are in the world will set your mood, provide you with the right nourishment and help you eradicate bad habits. The right location will offer you a cathartic release from negativity, give you a chance to reflect and learn, and help you slow down and process the challenging parts involved in recovery.

But the perfect healing place can be a tricky thing to find; by and large, these idyllic areas of the world are few and far between, despite how fundamental they are to our overall happiness and healing in life.

Here are 6 of the top natural healing places in the world.

1. The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Scandinavia is known for its natural healing remedies. Finland has saunas,¹ Denmark has hygge² and Iceland has mineral salt baths. For someone going through recovery, this part of the world has much to offer.

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon³ is healing at its finest. It’s a natural geothermic lagoon that oozes mineral-rich volcanic sulfur, which helps to exfoliate your skin and rejuvenate your mind.

Relax and learn how to become more present-minded while surrounded by Iceland’s glorious volcanic landscape. Be sure to visit the spa for a bathrobe, slippers and a cleansing mud mask, too.

2. The Healing Forests, Japan

Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy⁴ is a real thing, and it’s helping many people get back to nature, slow down and ultimately, find a sense of peace. ‘Forest bathing’ (as it’s commonly called) was developed in Japan in the 1980s and has become a fundamental part of modern Japanese medicine.

Many people in Japan believe that, quite simply, if a person visits a natural area and walks in a relaxed way (unlike the agenda-driven walks of London and New York), there are calming, restorative benefits to be achieved. It’s about opening up your senses, taking in the beauty of your environment, and working on becoming more focused on the here and now. For those going through recovery, forest bathing might just be the thing needed to find the reset button.

3. Mount Shasta, California

No, you don’t have to jet-set off to the far east to find a sense of spirituality, you can drive to the state of California and hike Mount Shasta, a mountain best known as the place where heaven and Earth meet.

Many people believe that they are called to Mount Shasta and that it is a ‘dimensional doorway to the frequency of love’. There are also guided meditations⁵ up the mountain helping you to connect your star seed lineage and find a sense of grounding.

When you come back down again, expect to be newly born again. This is natural healing at its finest.

4. Ubud, Bali

The jungle city of Ubud on the Indonesian island of Bali has long been known as a place of natural healing. Whether through cleansing rituals at Hindu water temples, yoga and ecstatic dance classes, or organic foods, Ubud offers visitors countless ways to reconnect with themselves.

Every spring, Bali celebrates an Indonesian Day of Silence⁶ where all distractions are removed and all noise stops. There are multiple wellness centers and tranquil areas to explore in Ubud, many of which are designed to help you progress along your journey to recovery.

[Be sure to explore our list of the best rehabs and wellness retreats in Bali, 2 of which are in Ubud. In the video below, we tour some of the top rehabs in Bali and explore what makes this island so special.]

5. Le Monastere des Augustines, Quebec City

A big part of the natural healing process is removing the distractions we surround ourselves with in everyday life, and Quebec City’s Le Monastere des Augustines⁷ is exactly the place to do it. This quiet hotel focuses on the mind, body and spirit, helping you form good self-care habits and rediscover balance.

Sleep therapy, spirituality, stress release and an appreciation for silence are all fundamental reasons to pay this hotel a visit, and outside its walls sits the small French-Canadian town of Quebec City, so you’re not entirely removed from some of the western comforts you might be more used to.

6. The Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel

Visitors from around the world come to the Dead Sea⁸ for therapeutic floats on its salty waters. This potassium-rich body of water is famous for its natural healing properties, and many people fly in to pay a visit to one of the resorts located along its shoreline.

The Dead Sea is the lowest body of water on Earth, and its natural healing powers include drawing out toxins from the body, soothing stress and reducing inflammation and swelling. Emerge with silky smooth skin and a calmed, collected mindset.

Natural Healing and the Journey to Recovery

Recovering from addiction and mental health concerns anywhere in the world is tough. Challenges will present themselves, but you are capable of moving through them. You don’t have to do it in a negative environment either. You can work through your recovery in a supportive, guided place, where natural healing aids your journey.

Discover our collection of rehabs with access to nature and filter by price, location, insurance accepted, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About The World’s Top Places for Natural Healing

How does location affect recovery?

The right location will offer you a cathartic release from negativity, give you a chance to reflect and learn, and help you slow down and process the challenging parts involved in recovery.

What are some of the top natural healing destinations in the world?

The top natural healing destinations are scattered all across the globe:

• Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
• Ubud, Bali
• Japan’s Healing Forests
• The Dead Sea in Israel
• Mount Shasta in California
• Quebec City’s Le Monastere des Augustines

What are the benefits of visiting natural healing destinations?

Visiting natural healing destinations has a variety of benefits. It fosters relaxation, mindfulness, and connection to nature, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Some of these destinations also offer activities that promote self-reflection, like yoga and meditation.

April 30, 2018February 13, 2024

South African Safari: A Recovery Journey Unlike Any Other

Get an inside look into rehab in South Africa as part of our Destinations series.

It’s a Tuesday morning in Kruger National Park, South Africa. You’re in the passenger seat of a safari vehicle, freshly made latte in hand, shaking off the remnants of last night’s slumber as you awaken to the scenery around you. As your eyes scan the savannah, you begin to soak in the staggering beauty of the surrounding landscape: grasslands stretching out in every direction as far as the eye can see; the horizon peppered with silhouetted baobab trees; birds flocking from the bushwillows in the day’s first light.

You’ve just started along your way when suddenly, you come across a lioness guarding a freshly killed buffalo, her family patiently waiting in the shade of a nearby acacia tree. Not much further down the road, you happen upon a herd of wild elephants lumbering through the bush, ears gently flapping in contentment as they dotingly urge along their young. As you marvel at the splendor of nature in this environment thousands of miles from home, it occurs to you that you’re a world away from where you were just days ago—and not just geographically.

Immerse Yourself in an In-the-Moment Experience

Taking an African safari for the first time isn’t just an exhilarating adventure, it’s also deeply beneficial to your recovery process. This is something the team at White River Manor—a luxury treatment center located just outside of Kruger National Park – well knows, which is why this distinctly South African experience is offered to each of their guests.

There’s enormous therapeutic value in stepping away from your daily routine – full of the patterns, habits, people and places that trigger your addiction – and fully immersing yourself in a new experience. On the Kruger safari, there’s so much to take in, one can’t help but be completely enthralled with it all. Seeing one of the “big five” in its natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even for people who’ve been familiar with the park their whole lives, the novelty never wears off: “Every time I go out there, I have a unique experience,” says Giles Fourie, White River Manor’s Director and Co-Founder.

white river manor cheetah — This photo of a cheetah was captured by a client on a safari in Kruger National Park. Learn more about getting the recovery of a lifetime at White River Manor.

Indeed, there’s nothing like witnessing majestic animals like lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo in their natural habitat, and steeping yourself in the all-encompassing wonder of the savannah, to declutter your mind and bring you into the present moment. And it’s in that mental space that you can best dedicate your full attention to your personal journey of change.

Let Nature Heal the Aches of Addiction

One of South Africa’s two most iconic safari destinations, Kruger National Park is home to over 20,000 square kilometers of flourishing wilderness. Its rich ecosystem boasts a staggering array of biodiversity—from prairie grasses, to towering trees, to the myriad animal species that inhabit them. It’s not uncommon to see a family of majestic Cape buffalo wandering among the shrubs, wagging their tails as Red-Billed Oxpeckers busily hop along their backs, or an enormous African Crowned Eagle carrying food to its nest in a Knob-thorn tree.

Nature soothes. It restores. It nourishes the soul. Being in nature gives us unparalleled perspective by reminding us that we’re but a small part of a much greater universe. Our bodies are naturally attuned to its sounds and rhythms, and being in its midst transports us to a transformative space. It’s no wonder countless studies prove the benefits of nature, ranging from reducing stress and anxiety, to improving immunity, to releasing dopamine in the brain – the perfect remedy for people in recovery. And what better place to receive a whopping dose of Mother Nature’s healing properties than on an amazing South African safari?

Steep Yourself in South African History and Culture

In addition to natural beauty, South Africa is also home to a thriving and fascinating culture. Kruger National Park hosts centuries of historical, archaeological and cultural heritage, and the guides at Safaria, White River Manor’s partnered luxury safari operation, are proud to share it with their guests. Their passion for the bush is contagious, and tours include captivating tales of old traders and rangers. Guests experience a truly personal glimpse into the land and its history that only a local can provide.

white river manor safaria — A photo on a safari with White River Manor’s partner Safari company.

And guess what? Being in a new cultural environment is also conducive to your recovery. By breaking with your daily routine and learning entirely new ways of seeing the world, you’re opening to new ways of thinking—and setting yourself up to make life changes in a positive and lasting way.

A Journey Through the Savannah Is a Journey Through Life

Much like a safari, recovery is a journey. A journey of self-discovery; of navigating your challenges; of creating the circumstances under which you’ll live your best life. It’s not hard to draw inspiration from this extraordinary experience – one only has to gaze out over the plains, full of life and brimming with the promise of new beginnings.

People in recovery aren’t so much unlike the savannah’s famed resurrection plant, which after years of drought and dehydration can restore itself into a lush, green bush with just a tiny trickle of water. With the right environment, resources, and people in your corner, you too can bloom into your best self.

We got to test out the resurrection bush for ourself. On our safari with White River Manor, the guide gave us some dead pieces of plant (seen on left). We put some of it in a glass of water overnight, and voilà! green, lush plant!

White River Manor executive treatment center is located just a few miles from Kruger National Park, set among a 100-year-old garden along the scenic banks of the White River. Their guests enjoy total immersion in nature and South African culture while still having all the amenities of a luxury Western resort. In addition to the Kruger safari, activities on offer include white water rafting, traditional African dancing and mountain biking. If you’re looking for a totally different treatment experience in a one-of-a-kind location, visit White River Manor’s profile to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safaris as a Rehab Activity

What’s a rehab activity in South Africa?

Some rehabs take advantage of South Africa’s natural wonders and offer clients a safari excursion. This experience isn’t just awe-inspiring, it can also help ground you in the present moment.

Can going on a safari help my mental health?

Yes. A key benefit of going on a safari is immersion in nature. Awe-inspiring experiences like this lower stress and increase your sense of meaning and connection, which improves mental well-being.

Where is White River Manor?

White River Manor is located in northeastern South Africa, just a few miles from Kruger National Park. The center is a 45-minute flight or 2.5-hour drive away from Johannesburg.