Black Lion: An evening of storytelling, spirituality and South African flavours with Sicelo Mbatha

Immerse yourself in an evening of transformative storytelling, soulful spirituality, and vibrant South African flavours, with wilderness guide and acclaimed author, Sicelo Mbatha.

Join us for a rare opportunity to spend an evening in the company of Sicelo Mbatha — South African wilderness guide, founder of Umkhiwane Healing Pathways, and author of the celebrated memoir Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness.

Drawing on his Zulu heritage and decades of guiding in some of Africa’s wildest places, Sicelo offers a unique approach to being with nature that he calls “medicine walking”. This is a gentle, mindful way of connecting with the land — through slowing down, listening deeply, and walking with reverence. 

During the evening Sicelo will be sharing powerful stories and insights exploring trauma, healing, and our profound connection to the natural world. The evening will include personal stories and time for Q&A. Come alone or with friends to meet and build connections with a welcoming community of like-minded people seeking deeper relationships with nature and each other.

🍲 Enjoy an Authentic South African Feast
Savour delicious South African cuisine featuring aromatic curries, freshly prepared with options suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians.

About Sicelo

Sicelo Mbatha , or ‘Black Lion’, is a Wilderness Guide, founder of Umkhiwane Sacred Pathways and author of the acclaimed memoir, Black Lion: alive in the Wilderness. Born into the Zulu tradition, Sicelo has dedicated his life to fostering deep connections between humans and nature, guiding people on healing pathways through some of the most spectacular wild areas of South Africa, including the iMfolozi wilderness, Simangaliso wetlands and towering Drakensberg mountains. He believes that this medicine is transformative and needed to heal the world from wounds of environmental destruction and social injustice. He invites connection with landscape, nature and soul and shares generously the indigenous wisdom of his people. His work brings people into contact with the spirit of our collective humanness, or ‘Ubuntu’.

Organisers

Earlsfield locals, Jo and Jonty,  first met Sicelo on a walk during his visit to the UK two years ago. Inspired by his warm, wise presence, and his memoir, Black Lion, they later joined a trek with him in South Africa. Their small group included members of Sicelo’s own community, who were training under him in his unique approach to wilderness guiding. This experience offered a powerful insight into his deep commitment and passion for his work. On learning that Sicelo would be returning to Europe this summer, Jo and Jonty felt inspired to sponsor this event — creating an opportunity for a wider public to encounter his message and share in his wisdom.

🎟️ Purchase Your Tickets Now!

Your ticket directly supports Sicelo’s impactful community and conservation efforts in South Africa.

• Standard (£35): Includes buffet dinner.

• Premium (£50): Includes dinner plus a personally signed copy of Black Lion.