Traditional Bwiti Fang Iboga Initiation - Gabon
Gabon
Up to 8 in group
August 4 - 12, 2024
Retreat Highlights
- Not for Profit - As a non-profit organization, Bwiti Roots directs 100% of the proceeds from our retreats back into the Bwiti communities. This vital income plays a crucial role in preserving the Bwiti culture and safeguarding the sacred plant medicines, including Iboga.
- Rooted in Authentic Bwiti Lineage - Our facilitators, both in Gabon and beyond, hail from esteemed lineages of Gabonese Disumba Fang Bwiti initiators. With deep ancestral connections, they bring forth the wisdom and traditions of their heritage, ensuring an authentic and profound experience.
- Bridging Connections to Gabon - Through our simultaneous ceremonies held in Gabon and abroad, we forge powerful connections between participants, the land, the Bwiti community, and the ancestors. This immersive experience cultivates a profound sense of connection and enables a transformative journey.
- We also offer shorter retreats in France and the UK. Visit our website bwitiroots.org to find out more
About this Retreat
Audrey, the visionary behind Bwiti Roots, is deeply rooted in her Bwiti Disumba Fang lineage, tracing back to her mother’s side. Her mother, Séraphine, a revered Nima (Bwiti Shaman), passed away in 1999 when Audrey was just twelve years old, residing in France at the time. In her final moments, Séraphine expressed her heartfelt wish to be laid to rest in her village in Gabon. Honoring this poignant request, Audrey’s father embarked on a journey to Gabon after Séraphine’s passing.
Initially, Audrey struggled to comprehend why her mother had chosen to be buried so far away, as she identified primarily with her French upbringing and had limited awareness of her Gabonese heritage. Nonetheless, a strong connection to Gabon persisted within her, courtesy of her mother’s presence there.
Despite Séraphine’s physical absence, her profound bond with Audrey remained unyielding. As Audrey matured, an increasingly compelling force urged her to visit her mother’s grave in Gabon. Eventually, she undertook the voyage, an expedition that would unveil her true identity, ancestral roots, and purpose in life.
Awaiting Audrey since her mother’s passing was her Gabonese family, who instinctively knew she would return to fulfill her destined role. During her initial visit to Gabon, Audrey underwent an initiation guided by her aunt, Mamou, a Bwiti Nima. By the end of this transformative experience, Audrey sensed the imminent transformation of her entire existence. Subsequently, upon returning to the United Kingdom, she relinquished her corporate career and shed all inauthentic aspects of her life, creating space to pursue her genuine purpose —the same purpose that had resonated through countless generations of women before her.
Today, Audrey embodies her role as a Nganga, a facilitator of Bwiti iboga ceremonies. With her profound ancestral connection, she holds sacred space, both in the earthly realm and the spirit world, ensuring safe passages for all participants. Serving as a bridge between realms, Audrey’s presence guarantees secure and transformative journeys for those who seek them.
Maman Ogningue, affectionately known as Mamou, is a revered figure within Bwiti Roots and a vital presence in the Ntann community. Residing in Ntann, she has dedicated her life to the sacred practice of the Bwiti tradition. Since 2007, she has held the esteemed title of Nima, a recognition bestowed upon her by the Gabonese Ministry of Health.
As the guardian of the temple and sacred objects, Mamou ensures the preservation and sanctity of the Bwiti heritage. Her role extends beyond that of a caretaker; she is also a skilled healer and serves as the head of the clinic, offering both physical and spiritual support to those seeking healing. Drawing from her deep wisdom and extensive knowledge, Mamou serves as a trusted guide in the initiation journeys of individuals following the Bwiti Disumba tradition.
Mamou’s impact reaches far and wide, having initiated over a hundred individuals in the Medouneu region to date. Her profound dedication to Bwiti Roots and the local community has been instrumental in preserving and passing down the sacred teachings and rituals of Bwiti.
With her expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Bwiti tradition, Mamou continues to inspire and guide both the members of Bwiti Roots and those who seek the transformative power of Bwiti.
Cytar (Bwiti Harp) player and Roger's spiritual son, Edzo plays a vital role in the ceremonies as a skilled cytar player, infusing the sacred space with the enchanting melodies and rhythms of this traditional instrument.
The cytar, a unique stringed instrument, holds immense significance in Bwiti rituals. Edzo's mastery of the cytar allows him to channel the energy of the spirits and create a captivating atmosphere during the ceremonies. Through the resonant tones and melodies emanating from his instrument, the spirits are beckoned and the participants are transported into a heightened state of consciousness.
During the ceremonies in the village in Gabon, the music played by Edzo is recorded directly, capturing the raw and authentic essence of the Bwiti experience. These recordings are used during ceremonies outside Gabon and`serve as a powerful conduit, carrying the energy and spirit of the village ceremonies to the retreat participants. By listening to this sacred music, participants can connect with the ancestral lineage and experience the transformative power of Bwiti, even when physically distant from the village.
To the mesmerizing sounds of the cytar, vibrant dances and soulful songs come to life, creating a harmonious union between the physical and spiritual realms. Edzo's role as a cytar player is integral in invoking the presence of the spirits and facilitating profound spiritual journeys for all those who embark on the Bwiti Roots retreats. His musical guidance sets the stage for deep exploration and connection to the divine forces that reside within and around us.
Roger, one of the esteemed founders of Bwiti Roots, embarked on his transformative journey in Gabon back in 1977. Initially arriving as a development worker, he crossed paths with the remarkable Seraphine Avome Ntoutoume. Plagued by relentless headaches that eluded the remedies of doctors and medicines, Roger found solace when Seraphine extended her invitation to seek treatment in one of her family’s villages—an invitation that would serve as his first Intiation and introduction with Bwiti. While his physical well-being swiftly improved, his apprehensions and curiosity hindered him from fully embracing the profound experience. However, as he made subsequent visits to Gabon, Roger gradually grasped the immense significance and power inherent in the Bwiti tradition.
When Seraphine passed away in France in 1999, Roger resolved to repatriate her remains to Gabon and lay her to rest in Ntann, her ancestral village. Beyond being a tribute to her memory, this poignant act symbolized the village’s rebirth.
Ntann, once a thriving community nestled deep within the forest, had caught Roger’s attention back in 1978 when it was facing decline. Seraphine often reminisced about her vibrant and peaceful childhood in the village. However, by 1999, only a handful of dilapidated huts veiled by overgrown foliage remained, along with a sole resident—Victor, the current village chief.
Following the solemn funeral ceremonies, Roger felt an unwavering conviction to breathe new life into this languishing place. It was during a transformative visit to Gabon in 2019, accompanied by his daughter Audrey, that an initiation experience inspired them to establish the Bwiti Roots NGO.
Currently residing in a village situated in the picturesque Limousin region of France, Roger steadfastly undertakes regular journeys to Gabon, honoring his commitment to the revitalization and preservation of Bwiti traditions.
Details of this retreat
The Bwiti initiation is a profound 7-day rite of passage, marking a significant transition from one stage of life to another. It serves as a transformative journey to connect with the ancestors and the spirit world, enabling participants to gain profound knowledge and wisdom from these realms.
Guided by experienced traditional native Bwiti Nimas practitioners, initiates consume a flood dose of Iboga during the ceremony. The practitioners skillfully navigate the intense and transformative experience induced by Iboga, providing guidance throughout. The initiation can extend for several days, leading to powerful introspective insights and physical and emotional cleansing.
Prior to the ceremony, participants undergo fasting, purification with traditional plant medicines, and other rituals to prepare themselves for this profound experience.
Initiates are encouraged to surrender to the process, placing trust in the guidance of the Bwiti practitioners. The ceremony spans several days, allowing initiates time to integrate their experiences and reflect on their profound significance.
Upon completion, initiates become members of the Bwiti community and are expected to uphold specific rules and practices. They may continue participating in communal rituals and utilize Iboga for spiritual and medicinal purposes throughout their lives.
Duration
The initiation ceremony itself spans 7 days, and we advise allocating 10 days to account for travel to and from your location. The village where the ceremonies occur is located deep in the Gabonese jungle, and travel times may vary depending on the season, often requiring many hours to reach the destination.
Location
Initiation ceremonies take place in our main village, Canaan, situated in the remote province of Medouneu within the depths of the Gabonese jungle. The facilities in the village are basic, aligning with authentic Gabonese traditional ways. Please note that this is not a luxurious retreat; it is a challenging experience, as true initiation entails. However, this authenticity amplifies the power and rewards of the journey.
While our NGO has constructed the necessary infrastructure to accommodate visitors, it remains simple and constructed using traditional methods. Expect to live in the manner of the local community, enhancing the experience’s potency, authenticity, and fulfillment.
Suitability
This profound experience is specifically designed for individuals who are already on the medicine path and possess prior Iboga experience. We do not recommend it for the culturally sensitive. As previously explained, an initiation necessitates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength.
For this reason, anyone desiring to embark on this transformative journey must undergo a thorough screening process to ensure the suitability and alignment of this experience with their individual path.
Itinerary
We provide assistance in arranging visa requirements and travel plans from Libreville to the village where the initiation takes place. Upon arrival in Libreville, accommodation will be arranged for you.
Throughout the ceremony, we will take care of all meals, plants, and materials required.
This comprehensive trip package ensures a seamless experience, with the only responsibility being your flights to and from Gabon.
We are a Non-Profit organisation. 100% of the revenue from our retreat is spent protecting and preserving Bwiti culture. See our website bwitiroots.org to find out more
Guided by experienced traditional native Bwiti Nimas practitioners, initiates consume a flood dose of Iboga during the ceremony. The practitioners skillfully navigate the intense and transformative experience induced by Iboga, providing guidance throughout. The initiation can extend for several days, leading to powerful introspective insights and physical and emotional cleansing.
Prior to the ceremony, participants undergo fasting, purification with traditional plant medicines, and other rituals to prepare themselves for this profound experience.
Initiates are encouraged to surrender to the process, placing trust in the guidance of the Bwiti practitioners. The ceremony spans several days, allowing initiates time to integrate their experiences and reflect on their profound significance.
Upon completion, initiates become members of the Bwiti community and are expected to uphold specific rules and practices. They may continue participating in communal rituals and utilize Iboga for spiritual and medicinal purposes throughout their lives.
Duration
The initiation ceremony itself spans 7 days, and we advise allocating 10 days to account for travel to and from your location. The village where the ceremonies occur is located deep in the Gabonese jungle, and travel times may vary depending on the season, often requiring many hours to reach the destination.
Location
Initiation ceremonies take place in our main village, Canaan, situated in the remote province of Medouneu within the depths of the Gabonese jungle. The facilities in the village are basic, aligning with authentic Gabonese traditional ways. Please note that this is not a luxurious retreat; it is a challenging experience, as true initiation entails. However, this authenticity amplifies the power and rewards of the journey.
While our NGO has constructed the necessary infrastructure to accommodate visitors, it remains simple and constructed using traditional methods. Expect to live in the manner of the local community, enhancing the experience’s potency, authenticity, and fulfillment.
Suitability
This profound experience is specifically designed for individuals who are already on the medicine path and possess prior Iboga experience. We do not recommend it for the culturally sensitive. As previously explained, an initiation necessitates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength.
For this reason, anyone desiring to embark on this transformative journey must undergo a thorough screening process to ensure the suitability and alignment of this experience with their individual path.
Itinerary
We provide assistance in arranging visa requirements and travel plans from Libreville to the village where the initiation takes place. Upon arrival in Libreville, accommodation will be arranged for you.
Throughout the ceremony, we will take care of all meals, plants, and materials required.
This comprehensive trip package ensures a seamless experience, with the only responsibility being your flights to and from Gabon.
We are a Non-Profit organisation. 100% of the revenue from our retreat is spent protecting and preserving Bwiti culture. See our website bwitiroots.org to find out more
Schedule
Day 1 - arrival and setting up in the village
Day 2 - Day 4 - Spiritual showers, Shamanic plant diet, Bwiti preparation rituals
Day 5 - Initiation ceremony (flood dose of Iboga given)
Day 6 - 2nd ceremony to celebrate the initiate rebirth
Day 7 - Goodbyes and time spent with elders and Nimas
Day 2 - Day 4 - Spiritual showers, Shamanic plant diet, Bwiti preparation rituals
Day 5 - Initiation ceremony (flood dose of Iboga given)
Day 6 - 2nd ceremony to celebrate the initiate rebirth
Day 7 - Goodbyes and time spent with elders and Nimas
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Bwiti Roots, Gabon
Directions
You will be picked up from Libreville airport in Gabon
Accommodation
Nestled within the lush jungle in Medouneu. Our village is a testament to the rich heritage of the Bwiti Fangs, offering an experience deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. At the heart of the village stands the traditional Bwiti temple, a sacred sanctuary where initiations and ceremonies take place on a regular basis. Our village also boasts a traditional medicine clinic, lovingly overseen by Mamou, our revered Nima (traditional Bwiti Shaman). This clinic serves as a refuge for those seeking healing for physical and spiritual ailments. Patients journey from neighboring villages, drawn by the potent power of forest plants used exclusively for treatments. Here, the natural world interweaves with the spiritual. As you embark on this journey, you will find that our facilities are very traditional and basic, crafted in the traditional Bwiti way. You will bath in the nearby river, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Your accommodations will be humble jungle habitations, connecting you intimately with the land and its elements.
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
We welcome you to a Bwiti village in lush Medouneu jungle. Experience ceremonies at the sacred Bwiti Fang temple. Mamou's traditional medicine clinic heals physical and spiritual diseases using forest plants. Basic facilities, jungle habitation, and river baths create an authentic, powerful healing journey. Embrace simplicity for transformation.
Meals
All your meals will come from the forest or plantations on our village. The food will be simple in accordance with the diet that should be followed during a Iboga initiation.
What's Included
- Complete initiation ceremony
- Airport transfers
- Hotel in Libreville
- All meals and throughout the retreat
- All materials required for the ceremonies
- Accommodation
- Dedicated time to spend with the Nimas (Bwiti spiritual guides)
- Access to the Bwiti Roots post-ceremony community and regular updates on our projects in Gabon
What's Not Included
- Flights to the country the retreat will take place
- Any visa or entry permit fee if applicable
