AFRICA SAFARI REFLECTIONS
Participant reflections from our REVIVE! Lifestyle Medicine Africa Safari Retreat 2025
"What an amazing experience that far exceeded my expectations! I received friendship, a feeling of belonging, peace and a connection with nature. I valued the people I traveled with, the local people and the shared experience with the animals."
Melinda Rathkopf, MD
Associate Professor
Allergy & Immunology, Emory School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
"The best parts of this retreat were sharing this unique experience with my husband and our new and wonderful friends, our amazing and generous guides and retreat leaders, the hospitality of the Ugandan community and the primates of course!"
Pam Witkowski
Civil Attorney
Co-founder, Direct Women's Health, PC
Melrose, MA
"This trip was truly life-changing! Not just the animals, which the guides made sure we saw the Big 5 and more, but the up-and-close cultural experiences with the native people made this trip more than what was anticipated or imagined!
Robyn and Melissa are a great team and put together a great educational series of talks on Lifestyle Medicine pillars, which we all participated in, and learned so much from each other, both health providers and travel companions. Feedback on making lifestyle changes are too many to mention, as all will be improving their health as we return to our everyday lives.
If an African Safari is on your bucket list, don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime! Huge Thank You and much Gratitude to Robyn and Melissa and to the Hornbill Safari and Treks team!"
Daniel Witkowski, MD, DipABLM, FACLM, FACOG
Co-founder, Medical Director
Direct Women's Health, PC
Melrose, MA
"What an incredible experience not only learning about the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine but practicing them while in Africa such as connecting with others on the trip and in the Ugandan community, being active in nature, sleeping soundly, eating relatively plant-based and healthy. I learned a lot and loved a lot!"
Elyce Cardonick, MD, FACOG
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Director, Cancer and Childbirth Registry, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Camden, NJ
"I enjoyed meeting many people of different cultures, evidence-based education on behavioral modification and wellness, many friendly new connections, witnessing animals in their natural habitat and the gift of meeting the Batua people. I valued the kindness the people of Uganda showed us, learning and laughing with all the attendees and hosts, feeling connected with people on the other side of the world, respecting the animals and learning about how amazing they are!"
Lauren Summerton, PT, DPT
Physical Therapy
Kaiser Permanente
Los Angeles, CA
"I received OMG so much! The people of Uganda were so warm and I was astounded by the different cultures we were exposed to. I thought I ate healthy, but I learned so much more about health and learning to live stress free. I valued the planning and organization for this trip, seeing so many animals, especially the endangered ones, meeting the Batua people, spending time in the fishing village and cooking with the local women."
Debra Copit, MD, FACR
Diagnostic Radiology
Breast Imaging
Wynnewood, PA
"A fabulous trip with so many great things! Loved all the participants, the leaders and the people of Uganda! Everyone was unique, engaging, interesting, kind-hearted, warm and friendly. I valued the planning of Robyn, Melissa & Andrew, all the drivers and staff. Exceeded expectations!"
Gillian Moss-Cohen
VP Finance at Meridian Electric
Voorhees, NJ
