Africa - Luxury Rehab

June 7, 2019May 8, 2023

Top 5 Benefits to Going Abroad for Mental Health Treatment

“Environmental factors may increase a person’s risk of addiction, including a chaotic home environment and abuse, parent’s drug use and attitude toward drugs, peer influences, community attitudes toward drugs, and poor academic achievement.”¹
The National Institute on Drug Abuse

There’s no arguing that environmental factors play a large role in facilitating addiction, substance abuse and depression. From a person’s family life and personal relationships to their economic stature and career, there are many “realities” that factor into why addiction is such a prevalent problem.

And it is a prevalent problem.

In 2017, over 70,200 people died from drug overdoses in the United States, and 19.7 million people across the country battled substance abuse.² The 2021 UNODC World Drug Report revealed an estimated 36 million people worldwide struggle with drug us disorders³ while the World Health Organization Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2018), estimates 283 million people struggle with alcohol use disorders (AUD) worldwide.⁴

When it comes to recovery, then, our everyday surroundings might not be the best place for it. In fact, a complete disconnect is arguably the healthiest way to recharge and reset.

Here are five reasons why going abroad for mental health treatment is a smart choice.

1. Disconnect from “Normality”

Oprah Winfrey once said:

“Surround yourself with those who only lift you higher.”

Taking yourself out of your normal routine and everyday surroundings can provide a fresh, new beginning for recovery. Chances are, in your current situation, you are surrounded by many “reasons” to drink or use, whether your friends encourage it or the tension with your family makes you feel the need to numb.

Going abroad to a rehab treatment center means you can disconnect from current enablers and negative people in your life, and remove the notion of peer pressure, judgement and snarky comments.

Here, you can begin to regain control over your choices and can consciously choose to improve and get better on your own terms, without fear of what others might think.

2. Get Specific and Expert Treatment

When it comes to rehabilitation, there are a plethora of treatment options available across the globe, and different countries often have their own unique treatment approaches to help heal a variety of addictions.

In Portugal, for example, several rehab centers offer ibogaine treatment to help recovering opioid addicts. But, ibogaine treatment is controversial. Although the U.S. government has declared opioid addiction an epidemic across the country, they’ve banned the use of ibogaine treatment as a viable recovery solution. For opioid addicts, then, ibogaine-assisted treatment only exists abroad.

Further, doctors and clinicians often specialize in particular areas and gain a reputation worth noting. To get the best treatment from these experts, it might require visiting a rehab center somewhere other than at home.

3. Gain a New Perspective

Oftentimes, what’s needed to jumpstart recovery is a new perspective.⁵ While family and friends often enable us to abuse drug and alcohol, so too can the way we see the world. When it comes to substance abuse, it’s common for our perspective to be negativity skewed, and negativity facilitates more negativity.

Perhaps you’re not earning enough money and you’re frustrated, for example. Perhaps your family takes you for granted. It might even be something as little as someone not saying thank you when you do something nice.

Whatever it is, new experiences, new cultures and observing a new way of living life can help us shift our perspective on everyday activities and experiences, and consequently, it can help us climb out of negativity. In Spain, for example, good weather, delicious food and a slower pace of life can help us breathe, heal and ultimately, overcome our addictions.

4. Save Yourself a Little Money

It’s often the case that rehab centers abroad are less expensive than rehab centers at home (depending on where you call home, of course).

If you’re from Britain, your sterling will get you a lot further if you attend rehab in Thailand, and you won’t be sacrificing on the quality of care. Accessibility to a rehab facility because of one’s economic viability can be a big barrier to attending rehab. It might be more cost-effective to travel abroad for recovery. Plus, you get to see a little of the world, which can only do you good.

5. Gain Privacy

Admitting addiction and seeking help is courageous. Sometimes you may want to participate in drug and alcohol treatment with complete privacy and discretion, perhaps even keeping it from people close to you (and your employer). Although staying local for treatment has its own set of advantages, going to rehab abroad can allow a person more privacy. You don’t have to disclose your reason for travel and you’re less likely to bump into those you know.

Experience Something New

Going abroad for rehab has many personal benefits attached to it. From altering our perspective and removing ourselves from unhealthy environments to getting specialist treatment at an affordable price, there are many reasons why a different country can aid in recovery.

But while these reasons have weight, there’s one overarching reason to attend rehab abroad, and that’s to simply experience something new. A new place, a new culture and a fresh take on life can jump-start the next chapter of life for many, and these personal learnings are arguably as important as the treatment program itself. These new paths we seek can help us heal.

Discover our collection of luxury rehabs around the globe. Filter by price, treatment approach, and more, and view key information about each center, including reviews, to find what you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Abroad

Why do people travel abroad for rehab?

Going to rehab abroad is appealing for a few reasons:

• Removal from daily triggers
• Access to specific therapies, such as ibogaine treatment
• An extra layer of privacy
• Affordable treatment
• New experiences and perspectives

What are the benefits of a destination rehab?

Affordable luxury programs, greater privacy, exciting cultural experiences, exposure to a different way of life, and unique, specialized treatment draw people to rehab abroad.

Is it cheaper to go to rehab in another country?

Some regions offer more affordable addiction treatment than others. For example, luxury rehabs in Asia cost between $3,000 to $15,000 per month while a 30-day luxury rehab program in the U.S. falls between $25,000 and $50,000.

April 30, 2018June 29, 2023

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.

September 6, 2017June 29, 2023

Luxury Rehab in South Africa: A Visit to White River Manor

When my colleague and I were invited to visit a luxury rehab center in South Africa, I was intrigued. I had been to the continent of Africa once before, but never to South Africa. I knew it would be a fun place to visit, but what I quickly discovered upon arrival is that it is an ideal place for recovery.

Getting There

Although a long flight across the Atlantic, there are 2 U.S. airports (JFK and Atlanta) and numerous other major European and Asian cities offering direct flights to Johannesburg, South Africa. The airport in Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International) is the busiest African airport and was completely renovated and expanded for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa. It was nicer and had more shops and restaurants than most U.S. airports I’ve been to!

Once we arrived in Johannesburg we had two options to get to White River Manor. One option is a pick up by White River Manor directly at the airport in a luxury van for about a 2.5 hour drive to the center. Or, the second option, which we chose, is to take a 45 minute connecting flight to the Kruger/Mpumalanga airport and White River Manor will pick you up for the 15 minute ride to the center. With connecting flights basically on the hour, we were able to pick the perfect time for the connection and found that option to be extremely convenient.

First Impressions

We arrived at the Kruger airport and I knew right away we were in a special place. Since this airport is the gateway to the world famous Kruger National Park, the terminal is built to look like an African lodge, and the interior and exterior are African themed, with lots of information about the “Big Five.”

Within minutes, we were met by a White River Manor staff member who helped us with our bags and loaded them into a luxury Mercedes van. On the quick ride to the centre, we were able to take in the surrounding beauty of this part of South Africa. A lot of rolling hills and farmland. The climate and scenery reminded us of time spent in Napa Valley, California.

We turned off the main road and after a few more minutes saw the entrance to White River Manor. Once past the main gate, the driveway runs through a grove of tall trees, and then leads to the main building. The main building’s front room is where clients first check in and has a welcoming, yet modern style.

As we began to tour the grounds and surrounding buildings, I was immediately struck by the perfect serenity that is offered in this place. Thousands of miles away from home, I felt completely comfortable and immediately refreshed. As we sat and talked on the patio with the owner, Jerry Hartless, and other members of the team, I recognized another element that is sometimes missing from luxury centers: excellent service. Staff checked in with us frequently to make sure that our needs were met, bringing us lattes, and giving us a menu to choose which course we preferred for the upcoming meal.

The Story Behind White River Manor

The location of the center was formerly a 5-star boutique lodge that was well regarded in the area. Jerry, a successful American businessman who had his own struggles with addiction in the past was looking to start a luxury rehab centre in South Africa. So when the property came up for sale, he purchased the property and transformed it into the world-class centre it is today. While there we were able to hear his and his team’s vision for offering luxury treatment that has better accommodations and better customer service at a fraction of the price of U.S. luxury centers.

A Personalized Program

White River Manor provides a highly personalized program, and is a great fit for executives who might need more flexibility from a treatment program than others. While 28 days is a very short time for rehab, White River Manor has structured a program that makes full use of that time and when there is buy in and drive from the client they have seen great success.

Enjoying an African Experience

A key piece of the program is the excursions clients go on to enjoy being in Africa. Whether it’s a safari in Kruger National Park, white water rafting, traditional African dancing, mountain biking, the team helps clients make the most of being in South Africa! While we were there we had the opportunity to enjoy a safari in the neighboring Kruger National Park. So cool!

Check It Out for Yourself!

After having spent a few days at White River Manor myself, I highly recommend it to people who are open to traveling for rehab. If you are, the benefits are well worth the trip!

Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Rehab in South Africa

Is there luxury rehab in South Africa?

There are a number of luxury rehabs in South Africa. They’re known to offer the benefits of a premium center, like high-quality programming and upscale accommodation, at a more affordable price point than Europe or the U.S.

Is there rehab for CEOs in South Africa?

South Africa has several luxury rehabs. Some are geared toward CEOs and offer specialized executive programs that accommodate their clients’ work needs, including flexibility around schedule and tech use.

How do I get to White River Manor?

Support staff will pick you up from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport and drive you to their center 2.5 hours away. Or, you can take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, 15 minutes from the center.