Renata Harper
About:
Renata Harper is a yoga teacher and writer with a special interest in intuitive movement and nature connection. She finds sanctuary in stillness and rest, and in laughter and celebration. Renata prioritises nourishing, whole-body movement and encourages you to be yourself and follow your curiosity. She feels most at home in nature and offers a unique yoga experience that draws inspiration from the South African bushveld.
Renata is the founder of Wild Yoga Africa. Based in Hoedspruit, Wild Yoga Africa hosts immersive yoga and nature experiences—including yoga wilderness trails and retreats—in some of South Africa’s wildest places.
“I so enjoy Renata’s movement classes! I instantly warmed to her fun, light and non-judgemental way of teaching. Very much appreciating the freedom to express and move in my own way, I never feel pressured to conform to traditional expectations. I find the gentle, flowing movements really support in strengthening and toning my body, in a most natural way. Renata is confident in her presentation, intuitively feeling into the group dynamics and each person’s needs, allowing each session to unfold accordingly. I especially enjoyed the Soft Soma workshop—it was fabulous to have extra time to delve deeper into this unique modality, and to be able to share and interact with the other participants too.”
– Lynette
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in 300-hour Trauma-Informed Facilitator Training (Somatics, Yoga & Embodied Practices), SomaPsych and Legacy Motion – online (Oct 2023–Sep 2024)
Various courses with movement/embodiment teacher Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen – online (ongoing)
100-hour “‘Deeper Body” advanced yoga training, with focus on lymphatic system, living breath and moving from within – FluidUs Academy and Joëlle Sleebos (2023)
3-day Authentic Flow immersion with Satu Tuomela, with focus on embodiment of cerebrospinal fluid, skin and fat – online (2022)
Intuitive Nature Guiding, FGASA-accredited Spirit of the Wild programme – Bergplaas Nature Reserve (2021)
100-hour “Revitalization” advanced yoga training, with deep focus on the digestive and lymphatic systems – The Shala School of Yoga (2021)
75-hour “Immersion in the Roots and Traditions of Yoga” advanced training, 10-day teachers’ retreat in India – Jim Harrington Yoga (2019)
120 hours “Advanced Yoga Fundamentals” of Yoga Synergy – online (2017)
RYT-200 – Jim Harrington Yoga (2017)
FGASA-accredited Nature Guide Level 1 NQF2 (Lowveld), Greater Kruger – Africa Nature Training (2016)
“What an incredible experience! I was made to feel safe and comfortable from the start. So grateful to have been part of this mini- retreat. It was so relaxing, an energy shift in the most beautiful way, and has changed my outlook on life. There was the perfect balance of structured activities and free time.”
– Farzana
“After our yoga wilderness trail, I felt more at home in my body than ever. I enjoyed Renata’s incorporation of nature’s creatures: from damselflies to elephants, her ecological passion is infectious.”
– Ashleigh