Pilgrimage to the Motherland

A Shamanic Warriorship Call of the Ancestors to the Land Before Time

March 8th - March 22nd, 2025

Come to the Heart of the Universal Mother in Love, Service, & Wisdom

This Pilgrimage to the Motherland is a heart journey of remembering our sacred contract with the Earth.

It is a call from the ancestors; a call to restore balance in our lives and in our relationship with Mother Earth.

It is a call to bring forth a new kind of warrior energy that is heart-centered, compassionate, and in alignment with love, service, and wisdom to support the Turning of the Ages.

In this pilgrimage we will travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe…

In South Africa, we will travel to Timbavati, known as the “river of stars” and stay in the iconic Kruger National Park.

Here we will open our hearts and awaken our love and connection to the sacred land as we honor the nature around us, as well as the animals, land, and people.

Here we will listen to the deep call of the dragon to transform our pain into our medicine, we hear the sacred roar of the lions and awaken to a more profound truth of our service in the world.  

We will hold our Opening Activation at the Three Rondavels in the Drakensberg (Dragon) Mountains on our way to Kruger.

South Africa

o   6 Days at Kruger National Park

o   Two Eco-friendly Lodges in Kruger National Park

o   Morning and Evening Safari Drives to Connect with the Animals and Land

o   Shamanic Teachings, Ceremony, Rituals, Music, and more…

o   African Vision Walk-About

Zimbabwe

We will bring the deep lessons, connections, and activations with us as we walk the second part of our pilgrimage, in Zimbabwe with Mhondoro Mandaza, connecting to the ancestors of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘The smoke that thunders,” while integrating and deepening our commitment to Mother Earth.

 o   Great Zimbabwe

o   Shamanic teachings and Ceremonies with our Ancient Ancestors and Earth Nation

o   Motherland Cave Ritual

o   Star Knowledge Initiation

o   Victoria Falls

o   Shamanic teachings, Ceremonies, and Rituals with the Water Nation

o   Connect to the Healing Energies of the largest waterfall in the world as we walk the 13 gates of Soul Purpose

o   Mhondoro Mandaza Kandemwa, Water Spirits Carrier, will be our Guest Facilitator throughout Zimbabwe

o   Beautiful Accommodations

o   Day of Silence and Integration for our Commitment to Service

o   Closing Circle

Your Lead Facilitators

Carley Mattimore and John Malan

&

Your Guest Facilitators

Mhondoro Mandaza Kandemwa

Stephanie Urbina-Jones & Jeremy Pajer

Scroll down below the itinerary for more information on your facilitators…

Cost Timeline

$7,899

  • $8,600 Night Owl after August 15th, 2024

  • $9,500 after September 21st, 2024

Note: A non-refundable deposit of $1,200 is due to reserve your space for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

Shamanic Warriorship

This truly is a pilgrimage into the heart of Africa to discover a more expanded understanding of each participant's unique offering to nature in love, service, and wisdom as Shamanic Warriors of the New Earth.

The group is limited to twelve (12) participants who will be guided and supported by seasoned Master Facilitators, Carley Mattimore and John Malan.

Along with guest facilitators Jeremy Pajer and Stephanie Urbina-Jones.

We are also honored to include the renowned Mhondoro Mandaza Kandemwa while in Zimbabwe.

Itinerary

March 8-14, 2025

  • Giraffe on safari

  • Rukiya Safari Camp

  • Dining Room at Rukiya

  • Excursion from Rukiya

  • Cape Buffalo and Kudu

  • Baby Elephant on the move

  • Tracking at Rukiya

  • Outing at Kruger Wildlife Sanctuary

  • River at Rukiya

  • Evening at Rukiya

  • Garonga Safari Co

  • A visitor at Garonga!

  • Comfort at Garonga

  • Garonga Bedroom

March 14-15, 2025

Integration and Transition Night in Johannesburg

Staying at the Vista Lodge

One night stay over in Johannesburg before departing for Zimbabwe. 

Group Circle Integration & Transition

Departure for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on South African Airways

Pick up by the bus at the airport and connect with Mandaza Kandemwa.

March 15-18, 2025

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

  • Teachings and Rituals with Mhondoro Mandaza Kandemwa in Zimbabwe 

  • Explore Great Zimbabwe Ruins--An Ancient City built between 1100-1400 AD

  • Daré (Traditional Dream Circle) with Mhondoro Mandaza

  • Deep Remembering of our Ancient Past with the Stars and Earth

  • Stay at the welcoming and beautiful Cleavers Lakeview Resort

Stay at Cleavers Lakeview Resort in the lush vegetation of Zimbabwe. Here we will fully engage with Mhondoro Mandaza (Baba), with his sacred connection to the ancestors of the land, in what was formerly known as the breadbasket of the world, one of the most fertile lands on the African continent.

We will explore the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe to reconnect to the history and connection to the stars and earth held in the stones of the ancient city. At the lower level, there will be native dancing, drumming, and artisans offering their wares.

Baba Mandaza will be traveling with us throughout Zimbabwe both at Great Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls as Guest Teacher supporting our pilgrimage in the Motherland. 

  • Lush Vegetation at Cleaver's

  • Great Zimbabwe Ruins

  • Great Zimbabwe Artisan

  • Great Zimbabwe

  • Great Zimbabwe Ruins

  • Mandaza teaching at Great Zimbabwe

  • Carley and Great Zimbabwe Artisan

  • On top Great Zimbabwe

  • View from atop Great Zimbabwe Ruins

  • Great Zimbabwe Dancers and Musicians

  • Cleavers Lakeview Resort

  • Looking Out at Cleavers

Victoria Falls

March 18-22, 2025

& Zambezi River

  • Experience the power of Victoria Falls--One of the Seven Wonders of the World 

  • Commune with the Baobab Tree of Life

  • Connect to the Great Spirit of Nyami in the Zambezi River

  • Integration of Our Pilgrimage to the Motherland

  • Rebirth and Activation Water Ceremony

  • Day of Silence

  • Gorgeous accommodations at Nguni Lodge

We will depart Cleaver’s Lodge for Victoria Falls via bus, and arrive at the beautiful Nguni Lodge, where delicious food and comfortable lodgings are included with a refreshing swimming pool.

From here, we will be guided through the thirteen gates of the Water Nations at Victoria Falls with Mhondoro Mandaza Kandemwa. Here we will connect to the great Spirit of Nyami, who resides in the Zambezi River where we will rebirth through an activation ceremony with its healing waters.

We will Commune with the Baobab Tree, the cosmic tree of creation on how we can strengthen our commitment to nature. This will be a time to integrate our journey and deepen the messages from Mother Earth that have been seeded in our psyche for healing and planetary service.

  • Room at Nguni Lodge

  • Victoria Falls

  • Carley, Mandaza and John at Victoria Falls

  • Looking Over Victoria Falls

  • Victoria Falls

  • Baobab Tree

  • Mandaza Teaching

  • Mandaza Teaching

  • Connecting with Tree Wisdom

  • Nguni Lodge

  • Swimming Pool at Nguni Lodge

  • Nguni Lodge Accommodation

Included in this trip:

  • 6 days in Kruger National Wildlife Park with daily Sunrise and Sunset Safari Excursions

  • Shamanic Teachings, Rituals and Ceremonies

  • Lodging, Accommodations & Food

  • Traditional Wisdom Sharing with Mondhoro Mandaza Kandemwa in Zimbabwe

  • Bus Transportation through Zimbabwe

  • Park Admissions & Fees

  • High Ratio Facilitator / Journeyer Connection

Not included in this trip:

  • International and Domestic Flights

  • Tips for Accommodations, Staff, and Transportation

  • Dinners/lunches for off-site adventures

  • Trip Insurance 

  • Personal purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, etc. 

  • Personal Reading by Mandaza Kandemwa

  • Transport Fee from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Testimonials of Previous Journeyers

  • Suzi Evans

    “A trip to Africa was not on my proverbial “bucket list” so it’s somewhat inexplicable that I have been there three times since 2016. I had never felt called to go to the continent until in late 2015, when Carley whispered in my ear at a dinner party that she and John would be leading a trip in the spring, something deep inside me stirred, and while it was not an immediate “Yes!”, the calling to make the journey grew stronger each day. It wasn’t until well into the first trip that I learned to recognize the pulling sensation in my soul as the call of the ancestors. The first trip cracked my heart and mind wide open and has led me to fully embrace the powerful connections and healing energies available to support us from “the ancestors”. I came to see that the land, the trees, the animals, the rocks, and the humans are all our ancestors. Each subsequent trip has taken me to a deeper level of knowledge and has not only supported me in my spiritual growth but has impacted my family and friends as they make their way on their own paths…”

    Find more of Suzy’s message here.

  • Dhela Griffith

    “My name is Dhela Griffith and I am from Stonewall Texas. In 2022 I was blessed with the opportunity to journey to South Africa with Carley and John Mattimore and members of the A'ahara Spiritual Community. What a beautifully planned and spiritually awakening trip! Carley and John are wonderful human beings and any opportunity to travel with them should be jumped on!!! From sightseeing, amazing food, bushwalks and safaris to shamanic breathwork, ceremony and magic filled circles it was the trip of a Lifetime! I highly recommend!”

  • Cloanne Wundrow

    “Traveling to Africa with Carley and John in 2022 was amazing. They guided each step of our journey, yet in a magical way they allowed each of us the freedom to seek our own heart. Each moment holds a memory, and each moment was blessed. Carley and John definitely hold a key to seeing Africa in new depth and wonder. I am most grateful.”

  • Patricia Lowinske

    “I have travelled twice to South Africa and once to Zimbabwe with Carley and John. Their knowledge and extensive planning skills really shine through both the itineraries and actual day-to-day adventures. Everything is well organized and taken care of so participants can fully show up for the many rich and life changing experiences. They are effective communicators who provide an open and respectful space for any concerns that may arise, differing opinions, and freedom of choice (when possible). Group sharing of each individual’s journey and process is encouraged, respected and highly valued. I would definitely travel again with Carley and John and cannot adequately emphasize how much exceptional care and enthusiasm they devote to leading participants on these exciting destination trips!”

  • Liz Sandford

    “The Africa trip in 2018 with John and Carley far exceeded my expectations. They were accommodating, thoughtful, cautious, and extremely loving. The trip was incredibly well-coordinated and included excellent food, accommodations and an amazing driver. I felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trip. They are an exceptional team who create life changing experiences. I would highly recommend a trip they organized. It doesn’t get better than this!”

Meet Your Lead Facilitators

Carley is co-author of Sacred Messengers of Shamanic Africa: Land of ZepTepi. She is a Shamanic Midwife for our times, a Shamanic psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in working with children, adults, and families as well as a Therapeutic Energy worker (Healing Touch Practitioner and Shamanic, Usui and Tibetan Reiki Master). In addition, Carley co-facilitates a Global Shamanic Multi-Dimensional Mystery School with Judith Corvin-Blackburn, author of Activating Your 5D Frequency. Carley continues to deepen her own soul work as she listens to the call of spirit guiding her journey to her next right step.

Carley Mattimore

John is an explorer, mainly of his inner life but lately of the world at large as well. He works to be of service to his family and community with an open heart for each soul he meets. He is fascinated with dreams and has studied with Dr. Jeremy Taylor, Mhondoro Mandaza, and Farai Hove, a Zimbabwe healer. He is deeply grateful for his life.

John Malan

Carley and John are cofounders of Aahara Spiritual Community, an active 501(c)(3) non-profit congregation of Venus Rising, since 2011. As Shamanic Ministers and Master Shamanic Breathwork Facilitators, they offer psycho-spiritual workshops in the Heartland of the US, including Dare’ Dream Circles, The Shamanic Healing Initiatory Process (SHIP), and their signature program, The Embodied Warriorship Path--a series of initiations for a new paradigm of warrior energy.

Carley and John offer journeys to Africa and other places, empowering journeyers to connect with the natural world in support of Mother Earth. They are both graduates of the White Lion Leadership Academy in Timbavati, South Africa. They are explorers of the world in love and respect, traveling to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Tonga, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Egypt, Colombia, China, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, and Peru. 

They support others in finding their inner authority and becoming conscious, independent beings who fulfill their role in the interdependent web of nature through action.

Meet Your Guest Facilitators

Stephanie Urbina Jones and Jeremy Pajer are the founders of Freedom Folk and Soul. They are committed to guiding folks on their journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Empowering those who seek to live a life of passion, purpose, joy, and personal freedom. 

Stephanie and Jeremy studied, prayed, walked, talked, worked, and turned over stones in the road and in their hearts over a combined 40 years to heal and create a life of humility, wisdom, and grace. Having personally experienced the Toltec path and journey of transformation they were called to give back what they have been given and share their experience, strength, and hope with other souls on the path of wellness and higher consciousness. They feel called to be compassionate stewards, witnesses, and teachers supporting others with a desire to heal and find their own map to freedom on their chosen life path. In all their years of healing, the modalities and tools they carry have become some of the most powerful for healing and spiritual growth. 

They offer Workshops, Firewalks, Concerts, Authors' Journeys, Sacred Initiation Shamanic Classes, Breathwork, Native American Ceremony, Toltec Wisdom, 12-Step Traditions, Private Intensives, Ministerial Training, Teacher Facilitator Certifications, and Power Journeys all over World.

Stephanie Urbina Jones & Jeremy Pajer

  • Jeremy Pajer is truly a master of transformation and a leader in the field of personal freedom. He has spent the last 19 years dedicating his life to spiritual growth and the healing arts.  He has a practical, down-to-earth, fun, and loving approach to transformation and to helping people embrace their humanity. Jeremy shares his wisdom, creativity, and playfulness as Co-Founder of Freedom Folk and Soul and Lead Minister of the Healing Arts. He is the co-creator and master facilitator of the Toltec Sacred Breath Journey, a Toltec Teacher, and a Personal Freedom Coach.  He brings his love and knowledge of Firewalking, Breathwork, Native American Ceremony, Toltec Wisdom, 12-Step Traditions, and Shamanic Practices to people through leading firewalks, pouring sweat lodges, facilitating workshops in the US and abroad, and coaching people on their individual path of freedom.  He has studied with many masters from many traditions.

  • Stephanie is a singer, teacher, writer, healer, soulseer, dreamer, mama, sister, friend, wife, and lover of life. Stephanie Urbina Jones brings her passion, heritage, and experience in living a life of creative freedom to people all over the world. She is a #1 Billboard songwriter, international touring artist, minister, master Toltec Breathwork facilitator, teacher, and co-founder of Freedom Folk and Soul. Jones carries the spirit name Shaman Heart and is committed to guiding folks on journeys of self-discovery, healing, and transformation while empowering those who seek to live a life of passion, purpose, and personal freedom. Whether she is writing a song, producing a festival, performing, creating a pilgrimage, or hanging with friends, she is following the calling of her heart and chiseling out her soul! In the past few years, Jones has touched audiences across the US, Mexico, Europe, and Japan by using her voice to inspire change in the world. Jones has a passion for transformation and is a living example of not only dreaming but bringing those dreams to life.

Meet Your Guest Teacher

Baba Mandaza Kandemwa

Baba Mandaza Kandemwa, as he is known, was born a svikiro, which means "a traditional healer" in his native tongue of Shona. In addition to being a healer, a svikiro is a carrier of many earth and water spirits. Baba Mandaza is also a mhondoro--one who is in constant prayer on behalf of others.

As a vessel of the spirits, Mandaza receives visions and dreams, makes offerings, performs healing rituals, and serves as a messenger for the Ancient Ones.

Mandaza teaches us to become "living prayers" to be in service to the One Spirit that exists in everything. He is a Custodian of indigenous knowledge and wisdom, a Medicine man, a Peacekeeper, a Spirit Medium, and Mhondoro of the lion totem and, as such, a sacred Messenger.

Come to the Heart of the Universal Mother

in Love, Service, & Wisdom