About The Academy of Leisure Sciences Africa (ALSA)

The Academy of Leisure Sciences Africa is a specialist consulting practice dedicated to advancing Parks and Recreation. We combine scientific evidence with practical expertise to improve public space design that promotes healthy, active lifestyles and transforms communities.

Our work focuses on shaping urban environments that transform communities through equity, social justice, and inclusion. Over the past 20 years, our contributions have included:

• Curriculum development for the vocational and higher education sector in leisure and recreation services and management.
• Policy consulting with municipalities across South Africa to create effective frameworks for Parks and Recreation service delivery and management thereof.
• Design of intergenerational public spaces that encourage community engagement and support healthy living.

We are committed to creating public spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and scientifically informed.

About SomaTula

SomaTula was established with a simple but powerful vision: to help people reconnect with nature and discover themselves. As an internationally trained forest therapy guide, we are passionate about guiding people into natural environments and helping them slow down, unwind, and fully experience the healing power of the outdoors.

Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing — a mindful, immersive approach to nature that engages all the senses and supports overall well-being. Our motto is to transition from the World Wide Web to a Wood Wide World.

Unlike a hike or a casual walk, forest therapy is intentionally designed to help participants engage with nature through sensory invitations that encourage presence, restoration, and deep connection. Our guided forest walks are structured around a series of six sensory activities, inviting participants to:

• Slow down and declutter the mind
• Immerse themselves and experience the sublime moment in nature
• Reconnect with their body, breath, and surroundings

This gentle, supportive journey encourages healing, boosts mental clarity, and fosters a deeper sense of well-being — mentally, physically, and socially.

At SomaTula, we believe nature has the power to transform lives. Join us in the forest to breathe more deeply, see more clearly, and feel more alive.