Wilderness Weekends
Highlights
3 Days
Friday-Sunday
On demand
Ardens
Belgium
€ 295
4-8 participants
Hiking
Wilderness
Reflection
Autonomy
Awareness
Creativity
Feeling exhausted from your hectic schedule? Craving a challenge and eager to learn? Missing the outdoors? Join us for a transformative 3-day wilderness weekend in the heart of the breathtaking Belgian Ardennes. Step away from the digital hustle and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aroma's of the spring forest.
On this wilderness weekend, we'll (re)ignite your inner fire with a perfect blend of hiking, wilderness skills, and reflective moments. Learn how to make a professional fire, set up a tarp, filter water, and navigate using the natural elements. We'll implement our newly developed skills immediately in nature and use them to become more self-sustainable. Can you brave a night with just a tarp, fire steel, and compass as your essentials?
But this weekend is not only about learning, it's also centered around being in nature. While on trail, traversing rivers and exploring valleys, we'll reawaken your senses and deepen your awareness to the natural world. Delve into forest bathing, wildlife tracks and medicinal plants as you decode the language of nature. We'll finish our days with savory meals by our bonfire, where we'll reflect on our journey and mark a connected to nature path forward.
Whether you are a seasoned nature enthusiast or new to the wilderness, this weekend is your chance to rediscover the basics, feel empowered, energized, and free. Come join us, step out of your comfort zone, rekindle deep-rooted instincts, and forge a deep connection to your nature.
Practical Info
Duration: 3 days, Friday to Sunday, Available on demand
Location: Ardens, Belgium
Activities: Hiking, wilderness skills workshops, reflective forest bathing, and bonding bonfires
Focus: Become creative, aware, and more autonomous in nature
Team: 4-8 participants to ensure a personalized experience
Price: € 295
Included
A complete and varied program with active, creative, and reflective activities in nature to aid your independence.
3 days and 2 nights camping in the wild
Full-time guidance by a Dutch/English guide
Wilderness skills (Fire, water, shelter, navigation)
Forest bathing, nature awareness, wild tracks and plants
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee and tea
Use of terrain and equipment during the activities
Thrival survival gift
Excluded
Transport to/from Ardens
Other (alcoholic) beverages
Rental gear
Nice To Know
For You?
This weekend is suitable for adults who:
can walk 12 kms with a backpack (full day with plenty of rest breaks)
want to disconnect from societal pressure and reconnect to nature
want to sleep under a night sky with nothing other than a tarp
want to learn, get creative, and become more independent in the great outdoors
Bring Your
Large backpack (minimum 50 liters) to carry items for 2 overnight stays in the bush
Tarp (available for rent)
Sleeping pad & sleeping bag (available for rent)
--> Detailed packing list will follow once you have signed up
On-site Facilities
We operate on a private terrain in the Ardens, where we are practically isolated from outside interference. From this basecamp, we'll venture into the various surrounding regions. There is no electricity and wifi available, however a dry compost toilet and emergency indoor shelter are. In need for a shower? We'll use the beautiful river in the morning. Our goal is to spend as much time outside, away from common privilege and comfort.
Daily Schedule
This suggested daily schedule gives you some insights into our weekend plan:
Day 1: Arrival 14:00-15:00
Arrive at 14.00 at our basecamp, and meet your fellow weekenders and guide.
Introduction and explanation of the weekend.
Exploration and discovery walk in the forest
Shelter and water filtration workshop.
Evening dinner by the campfire.
Optional stargazing and night forest exploration
Day 2:
Rise with the sun, coffee and the sound of the birds during a nature reflection walk
Breakfast with a wilderness view.
Navigate through the spring forests, valleys, and rivers of Maboge.
Lunch and a break
Use your senses to maximize your awareness.
Fire workshop and fire meditation.
Optional adventure with the implementation of your newfound skills.
Day 3: Departure 13.00
Rise with the sounds of the river, take a dip, and enjoy a nature breakfast at the campsite
Tracking of wildlife and the use of medicinal or edible plants
Weekend closing and check-out
Pack bags and return home with your reborn connection to nature.
Enjoy a revitalized, independent, and thriving state mind for weeks to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How physically demanding is the hiking portion? 💪
A: We hike between 10-12km (with a backpack). Participants should have a basic level of fitness. We will ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
Q: What's the accommodation like? 🛖
A: This is a weekend of sleeping under the moonlit night sky and going back to basics. The whole weekend we are camping. It's part of the experience to immerse yourself fully in nature. Nevertheless, backup indoor accommodation is always available.
Q: What equipment do I need? 🥾
A: Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a sleeping bag, a mattress, a tarp, and personal hygiene items. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. Rental equipment is available. However, we suggest bringing as much of your own gear so you can learn how to use what you have.
Q: Are meals provided? 🍲🥘🥖
A: Yes, all meals are included. Breakfast and packed lunch is freshly made in the morning. Dinners are prepared à la outdoor cooking with the group. You can indicate your food allergies and preferences in our questionnaire.
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: It is always recommended as a non-Belgian citizen next to your general health insurance.
Q: What are the question list that I was asked to fill in before departure?
A: Our health questionnaire is essential to understand your physical and mental well-being. Our insights list is intended to understand your interest and goals. We do not share any information with third parties.
Q: Will we have free time to do our own things?
A: Yes, we provide time for self-exploration and relaxation. Despite an action-packed weekend, we are above all also just being in nature. Our program is flexible and allows participants to chart their own path. We set the stage, but we co-create the experience together, which yields the most impactful results.
Meet Your Guides
Giles is an empathic globetrotter, nature enthousiast, and forever learner. After obtaining his doctorate in cancer research, he shifted his career and found his way back to nature through outdoor training and travel. Giles is currently a wilderness and safari guide with certifications across Europe and Southern Africa. He creates tailor-made wilderness experiences, where survival skills and experiential learning empower you to rediscover yourself in nature.
Giles’ motto is: "Find Your Nature"
Giles Vermeire
