Iboga is a very personal process. We believe that if you speak with us and listen to our philosophies and the way that we deliver Iboga, you can make your own mind up as to whether or not this is the place to come. You do not need the opinion of another person to decide for yourself. Sovereignty of the self is what we advocate and through Iboga this will become clear.
- Ikara Retreat Centre has been ranked NUMBER 1 in this article by SITESEE:
The 9 best Iboga Retreat Centres for 2022. - Visit our Google Reviews
I have suffered a lifetime coming from a traumatic childhood. I have been working on healing for most of my adulthood. I knew i needed non traditional help to get me to a higher place of healing but I didn’t know exactly what would help.
A friend talked to me about Iboga and the Ikara Iboga Retreat Center. Immediately i knew working with Jamie and Melinda was what I needed to do next. From the first conversation I had with Jamie in November 2022, I felt it. He was able to assess my situation in a short call and made me feel so comfortable and confident that Iboga would help me.
Jamie and Melinda were incredible hosts and spiritual guides. They took the time to get acquainted with me before my arrival. So when I was finally meet them, our energies were already in sync.
They were able to guide and support me exactly as was needed on my journey. And what a journey it was. It was the most beautiful, incredible and enlightening experience of my life. It was difficult but I never once felt afraid, alone or lost. They took such great care of me. I was always checked on, supported, talked to, listened to and nourished both physically and spiritually.
I left Costa Rica energized and excited to return home. Excited to see what life has in store. Intrigued by how I would face my circumstances.
I look forward to returning to Ikara Iboga Retreat Center. I think this is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s a gift. And Jamie and Melinda both have the knowledge, experience, love and patience to make this journey perfect in every way.
A friend talked to me about Iboga and the Ikara Iboga Retreat Center. Immediately i knew working with Jamie and Melinda was what I needed to do next. From the first conversation I had with Jamie in November 2022, I felt it. He was able to assess my situation in a short call and made me feel so comfortable and confident that Iboga would help me.
Jamie and Melinda were incredible hosts and spiritual guides. They took the time to get acquainted with me before my arrival. So when I was finally meet them, our energies were already in sync.
They were able to guide and support me exactly as was needed on my journey. And what a journey it was. It was the most beautiful, incredible and enlightening experience of my life. It was difficult but I never once felt afraid, alone or lost. They took such great care of me. I was always checked on, supported, talked to, listened to and nourished both physically and spiritually.
I left Costa Rica energized and excited to return home. Excited to see what life has in store. Intrigued by how I would face my circumstances.
I look forward to returning to Ikara Iboga Retreat Center. I think this is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s a gift. And Jamie and Melinda both have the knowledge, experience, love and patience to make this journey perfect in every way.
Nirmala Lurvey
I feel so grateful to have found Ikara and have the utmost respect for what Jamie and Melinda are creating there. I have rarely encountered someone with as much passion as Jamie has for Bwete, Iboga and the people and teachings of Gabon. He is a fountain of knowledge and walks in his truth as an example for us all. Iboga is an extraordinarily powerful medicine and I felt safe and well cared for by this kind, big-hearted couple. The retreat center was stunning, the food was over the top delicious and they did everything they could to facilitate healing and support the process of transformation for all of us. I have been in the world of plant medicine for over 25 years and I recognize authenticity when I see it. I highly recommend Ikara and working with Jamie and Melinda.
Amy Finlayson, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Fantastic experience that I would highly recommend
My experience doing an Iboga Retreat with Melinda and Kuma at the Ikara Retreat Center was life changing and can't recommend it enough.
This was the first true "plant medicine" retreat I had gone on - quotes because that is a Western term and Iboga itself in Bwete thought is taking in a spirit. I found Ikara Retreat Center through Retreat.guru and it was one of the least expensive plant medicine retreats, which was one reason I chose it but also made me a little nervous as to why - was the retreat center less nice? Was it location in Costa Rica? Was it lower doses?
Turns out that Melinda and Kuma are just super dedicated to introducing people to the traditional Bwete Iboga Ceremonies and aren't out to just make a buck like so many others centers. They work directly with the Bwete people in Gabon, running an NGO to benefit the village they work with, and are extremely dedicated to bringing the traditions, ceremonies, and philosophy to Western audiences through their retreat center. You could tell just how much they care and how genuine they are about helping others experience the wisdom of the spirit they offer.
Overall it was an incredibly profound experience well worth the money. I'm particularly happy I chose this retreat over others that I had looked into which I now know wouldn't have been as genuine to the underlying ceremonies. They even speak to the head of the Bwete King Adumangana about each person doing the retreat, tying them into the process. You can check out the retreat centers Youtube and Instagram and has more that shows you just how genuine they are about spreading the experience and truth of Iboga. Also, feel free to reach out to them to ask questions because they were tremendously helpful in prepping me for the retreat, dispelling false notions, and just talking to me about how to get the best from the experience.
I will likely go back at some point and have certainly recommended this retreat to friends.
My experience doing an Iboga Retreat with Melinda and Kuma at the Ikara Retreat Center was life changing and can't recommend it enough.
This was the first true "plant medicine" retreat I had gone on - quotes because that is a Western term and Iboga itself in Bwete thought is taking in a spirit. I found Ikara Retreat Center through Retreat.guru and it was one of the least expensive plant medicine retreats, which was one reason I chose it but also made me a little nervous as to why - was the retreat center less nice? Was it location in Costa Rica? Was it lower doses?
Turns out that Melinda and Kuma are just super dedicated to introducing people to the traditional Bwete Iboga Ceremonies and aren't out to just make a buck like so many others centers. They work directly with the Bwete people in Gabon, running an NGO to benefit the village they work with, and are extremely dedicated to bringing the traditions, ceremonies, and philosophy to Western audiences through their retreat center. You could tell just how much they care and how genuine they are about helping others experience the wisdom of the spirit they offer.
Overall it was an incredibly profound experience well worth the money. I'm particularly happy I chose this retreat over others that I had looked into which I now know wouldn't have been as genuine to the underlying ceremonies. They even speak to the head of the Bwete King Adumangana about each person doing the retreat, tying them into the process. You can check out the retreat centers Youtube and Instagram and has more that shows you just how genuine they are about spreading the experience and truth of Iboga. Also, feel free to reach out to them to ask questions because they were tremendously helpful in prepping me for the retreat, dispelling false notions, and just talking to me about how to get the best from the experience.
I will likely go back at some point and have certainly recommended this retreat to friends.
R.H.
From the initial contact with amazing hosts Jaime and Melinda through six days of a full immersion escape from the pressures of daily life and clean living, my Ikara Retreat experience was truly transformative. I began a skeptic, and I left a changed person, truly healed, and transformed. I say don't waste your time or money on traditional western medicine mental health meds or endless talk therapy, instead go see these amazing people and spend time in their little slice of paradise. The Iboga experience - delivered through a wise and qualified Nganga- will challenge your preconceptions and leave you humbled, but if you go into it open, on the other side you'll find the gifts of true healing, serenity, and deep connection with your life's purpose and journey.
Michael Garabino
I could not be more pleased with the expert quality of service I received, and I revel in the miraculous results I worked so hard to attain. Melinda and Jamie are consummate professionals. They work fluidly together as a unit, seeing to the individual needs of each participant with efficiency, effectiveness and depth of multidimensional understanding. I felt safe, confident and secure interacting with what I can only describe as the most powerful medicine known to man. I was able to trust that all my needs would be met as I vulnerably battled my own Final Boss. During the processing phase, the level of attentiveness was a perfect balance. The offerings of delicious wholesome foods were highly palatable and fulfilling yet not too heavy. I thoroughly enjoyed conversing and interacting with the team individually and as a group. Their collective knowledge, experience and passion for Iboga made for thrilling, vibrant and consciousness expanding discussions. Melinda, and Jamie are exemplary representations of what it is to be an awakened being. I am so honoured and blessed to have been served a life changing medicine by these dedicated people who work tirelessly to facilitate the release of humanity from the prisons of our own minds. Thank you Ikara for keeping the tradition of this sacred medicine alive and for sharing it in countries with people who might not have had the opportunity to access it otherwise. Your graciousness, care and camaraderie have made a lasting impression on me and I will hold you in high esteem as the most interesting and enlightened people I have ever had the fortune to meet.
Laura C.
This was one of the most profound and important experiences of my life. I will never look at the world the same and I’ve found peace that wasn’t available to me before. I recommend anyone who is seeking answers to open your mind and heart to the experience. Kuma and Manga were exceptional hosts and I couldn’t imagine going elsewhere. They are true stewards of the medicine and have my utmost respect. I look forward to a return visit. Deep gratitude. Always.
Dr Corine Brown
This is a Magical place
Kuma and Melinda give so much Love and attention to every detail in this Journey with Iboga
This is a Powerful Medicine and needs to be taken in a safe environment with people that know what they are doing for your safety and Kuma and Melinda are those people
I had powerful cleanse and experience at Ikara
I would certainly recommend this to anyone that is seeking to experience this medicine
I also would recommend being completely honest with them
I am forever Grateful to them and looking forward to returning one day to go deeper
Thank you, Kuma and Melinda
Kuma and Melinda give so much Love and attention to every detail in this Journey with Iboga
This is a Powerful Medicine and needs to be taken in a safe environment with people that know what they are doing for your safety and Kuma and Melinda are those people
I had powerful cleanse and experience at Ikara
I would certainly recommend this to anyone that is seeking to experience this medicine
I also would recommend being completely honest with them
I am forever Grateful to them and looking forward to returning one day to go deeper
Thank you, Kuma and Melinda
Jimmy Massey
Truly Amazing Experience!
First of all the property and rooms are clean and Beautiful. The place is quiet and peaceful sunsets are incredible.
Kuma and Melinda run the place and they are both committed and loving. They were there to support me and truly cared for me like family. Kuma is like a brother he was there every time I turned around, My experience was life changing and I am living a cleaner healthier life, my body aches and pains are gone, I am even breathing much better… as a result I’m enjoying the fire inside me and I am running a marathon this weekend. I am so quiet and clear my stress is gone and for me the days and time is slowed down again. One of the best parts for me was when I got home I still feel I’m integrating and appreciating as each day passes. One of my friends went to Ikara after I was there and She absolutely loved it too. I cannot thank Kuma and Melinda enough. This review is from my heart and I will recommend this retreat if you are truly ready to become your best self and work for it! This team will give you the support you need to integrate the medicine. Iboga is not scary or negative in any way. It felt like the cleanest and most real experience for me. I felt Iboga as a comforting and supportive journey. For me Iboga is truth and true love…and just like truth and True love there is no other way but to embrace it and accept it and simply let go. it’s truly been a incredible journey for me and I will do it again any day and or every day! I Love you guys!! See you soon…
First of all the property and rooms are clean and Beautiful. The place is quiet and peaceful sunsets are incredible.
Kuma and Melinda run the place and they are both committed and loving. They were there to support me and truly cared for me like family. Kuma is like a brother he was there every time I turned around, My experience was life changing and I am living a cleaner healthier life, my body aches and pains are gone, I am even breathing much better… as a result I’m enjoying the fire inside me and I am running a marathon this weekend. I am so quiet and clear my stress is gone and for me the days and time is slowed down again. One of the best parts for me was when I got home I still feel I’m integrating and appreciating as each day passes. One of my friends went to Ikara after I was there and She absolutely loved it too. I cannot thank Kuma and Melinda enough. This review is from my heart and I will recommend this retreat if you are truly ready to become your best self and work for it! This team will give you the support you need to integrate the medicine. Iboga is not scary or negative in any way. It felt like the cleanest and most real experience for me. I felt Iboga as a comforting and supportive journey. For me Iboga is truth and true love…and just like truth and True love there is no other way but to embrace it and accept it and simply let go. it’s truly been a incredible journey for me and I will do it again any day and or every day! I Love you guys!! See you soon…
Shannon Stough, Florida, USA
This was one of the BEST experiences of my life. Jaime (Kuma) and Melinda were incredible hosts to this powerful plant and alternative healing practice. To anyone that is looking for a spiritual awakening Iboga might just be the answer your looking for. I see it as a crash course to finding answers and the guidance we need on a personal level. I learned a lot with Iboga, and the hosts made my stay extra special and welcoming. I don't think there are many healers out there that put the amount of love and respect on the practice than Ikara Retreat. I truly believe that the healers play one of the most important roles in their beliefs, purity and respect to the original process in order to allow the healing to take place. I'm forever grateful for my time here, the personal breakthroughs and the the long lasting impression it had on my life. Thank you !
Andrea Cabrera (5 Star Google Review)
Stumbling upon iboga at this specific retreat centre ikara has been the greatest honour of my life and I say this with no exaggeration. I owe all of my spiritual maturation, freedom and joy to my experience here. I have now chose to do iboga twice with Kuma and Melinda and both times have been both the most difficult and the best moments of my entire life. At first coming into iboga i had a lot of resistance I needed to release, but once I did Iboga enlightened my life with deep self awareness and a now true understanding of self love. My first iboga with kuma and Melinda I received healing of a concussion i got from a recent motorcycle accident, (healing meaning full recovery) but also was blessed with much more than I ever could have imagined as iboga reconnected me with my soul. The second retreat I went even deeper looking at different truths about myself and learning all the ways I needed to come clean in order to be whole again - iboga deprogrammed me from all this nonsense limiting beliefs and self sabotaging habitual patterns and illusions that has been cluttering up my head and causing havoc in my life. Gifting me with truth and wisdom. I am now the clearest, co-dependency free, most truly confident, light and free me I have ever been in my life.
I cannot express my gratitude in words to Kuma and Melinda as they believed in me and gave me exactly the right support at the right moments, that allowed me to reconcile and see the truth of myself. I owe my life to you both and your spiritual brothers and sisters Kuma and Melinda! Both Kuma and Melinda’s intentions are pure. They are not in it for any superficial nonsense. They are the realest people I have ever met, so real it is confronting because just being around their spiritual cleanliness you experience just how much you need to cleanse yourself. It’s so important to trust them throughout your journey. During the times in my work with iboga I struggled, I leaned on Kuma and Melinda for support. They will be there during the more difficult moments supporting you the entire way. That being said, they don’t coddle and validate the ego and it’s crutches (like many plant medicine ceremonies do limiting you from moving past the victim games the ego plays) but instead help you to grow by shining light on the areas of illusion you have fallen into and therefore have kept yourself from experiencing true freedom and love. This can be confronting, but a very important and rewarding part of the journey.
Both Kuma and Melinda are incredible at what they do. I wouldn’t be where I am now in my life had it not been for their true compassion and guidance. The Iboga given by Kuma is soft, loving and compassionate and will gift you with a connection to your soul if you let go of all that is self containing. The facilities at ikara are clean and absolutely blissful. Nothing compares to experiencing the love of iboga, with providers truly committed to their work for humanity surrounded by the beauty of the Costa Rican jungle. No words will ever come close to describe the gratitude I have for kuma and Melinda, & their commitment to the awakening of humanity. They are truly authentic!! And are people you can trust. It is such an honour to have had this opportunity to have received Iboga under the care of you Kuma and Melinda. Now embarking on this journey will be the greatest honour and opportunity of your life. If you are ready to face it all and set yourself free for yourself and humanity, do not hesitate. This is the place to do it. I hope to be blessed in continuing to explore deeper within myself under the support of you both and your spiritual brothers and sisters soon. Much love & see you both soon ❤️
I cannot express my gratitude in words to Kuma and Melinda as they believed in me and gave me exactly the right support at the right moments, that allowed me to reconcile and see the truth of myself. I owe my life to you both and your spiritual brothers and sisters Kuma and Melinda! Both Kuma and Melinda’s intentions are pure. They are not in it for any superficial nonsense. They are the realest people I have ever met, so real it is confronting because just being around their spiritual cleanliness you experience just how much you need to cleanse yourself. It’s so important to trust them throughout your journey. During the times in my work with iboga I struggled, I leaned on Kuma and Melinda for support. They will be there during the more difficult moments supporting you the entire way. That being said, they don’t coddle and validate the ego and it’s crutches (like many plant medicine ceremonies do limiting you from moving past the victim games the ego plays) but instead help you to grow by shining light on the areas of illusion you have fallen into and therefore have kept yourself from experiencing true freedom and love. This can be confronting, but a very important and rewarding part of the journey.
Both Kuma and Melinda are incredible at what they do. I wouldn’t be where I am now in my life had it not been for their true compassion and guidance. The Iboga given by Kuma is soft, loving and compassionate and will gift you with a connection to your soul if you let go of all that is self containing. The facilities at ikara are clean and absolutely blissful. Nothing compares to experiencing the love of iboga, with providers truly committed to their work for humanity surrounded by the beauty of the Costa Rican jungle. No words will ever come close to describe the gratitude I have for kuma and Melinda, & their commitment to the awakening of humanity. They are truly authentic!! And are people you can trust. It is such an honour to have had this opportunity to have received Iboga under the care of you Kuma and Melinda. Now embarking on this journey will be the greatest honour and opportunity of your life. If you are ready to face it all and set yourself free for yourself and humanity, do not hesitate. This is the place to do it. I hope to be blessed in continuing to explore deeper within myself under the support of you both and your spiritual brothers and sisters soon. Much love & see you both soon ❤️
sNatasha Willnes, Evolvewithtash
I was not sure what this retreat was going to be like given everything I had heard and read about Iboga, however I was not disappointed. Melinda and Kuma are beautiful, open souls who provide a very safe container and their center is beautiful overlooking the ocean. The ceremony was unlike any other psychedelic journey I have ever had and cannot be put into words. It will be different for each person, but by the morning after the first journey, my mind was ABSOLUTELY SILENT. This allowed me to listen to my soul, the world around me, and reconnect with life. I have never been so grateful to all aspects of life and this continues 3 weeks after getting home. That is not to say that every day is roses as life is full of ups and downs, but now I have unconditional love for whatever life brings my way. I used to wake up for 2 hours every night, however since getting home I sleep soundly for 8 hours straight for the first time in decades!! This alone is worth the experience! The journeys were confusing and I needed a good integration counselor to help me sort things out, however new things come up daily. My vision for my future is clearer than it has ever been and I am excited about the road ahead. Overall I would highly recommend Ikara Retreat Center to anybody hearing the call and looking to deepen their understanding of what makes them whole. I look forward to going there again soon.
Brad Bergman
.....I feel calm and centered- most of all I feel strong. I am so grateful for all of the experiences I’ve had in my life- I no longer feel like a victim to anyone but myself. I don’t know if I mentioned to you guys that my aunt was an alcoholic and drank herself to death when she was just a couple of years older than I am now. I feel strongly connected to her atm- I think this experience has been deeply healing for me but also for my family (my aunt specifically)- by addressing the trauma and addiction in myself I feel the freedom that has given to my ancestors and my children. I have a lot of work to do- but I feel strong and hopeful and capable. I also feel that whatever happens in the future, whatever change comes really has nothing to do with my goals and focus.I am so grateful to have had this experience and shared with the right people (you guys) at the right time. I am so excited to see what my life will become. I want to especially thank Jamie for the emotional support he extended to me during the second session- i very much felt it and needed it. Thank you for bringing me home to myself in a way I had entirely given up on
K.C.
There are no words that can encompass my gratitude, except to continue to honor spirit and help them realize their intuition that is calling them to the light. I will continue to do the work and help others to receive the medicine through you blessed souls. Thank you for your beautiful offering I am honored to receive. Thank you for all you are doing to heal the planet and the work you are doing to be a channel for spirit.
P.R.
Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my life has been wonderful since. I have figured out a lot about myself and have answered so many questions that have lingered in my mind. I just wanted to say thank you for this life changing experience it has really helped me choose a better way of life.
T.C.
Thank you for your support and guidance. So many riches and life, now that I have been liberated ... the purging and cleansing continues but at subtle levels, is ever continuous. There are so many teachings Here. My family is finally free from my anger. I am finally free
I.C.
Neither of us have used out meds since. XXX has no desire to drink alcohol. And I don’t even have any need for caffeine (I was drinking several energy drinks and coffees a day previously) It’s pretty crazy. The biggest difference for me is in appetite- like no desire to binge or snack out of boredom. I never expected that.
C.P.
I wanted to express how grateful I am for last weeks experience. All the noise and confusion have completely lifted and I'm finally able to see everything for the way things are and not react with judgment. I can hear people now and it's the biggest relief. I'm finally at peace with my mortality and left with an immense feeling of trust in god. When I returned home I witnessed police recovering the body of a young person who had died in their apartment and I can't help but feel like I stepped out of the way of a runaway train. I can finally meditate for the first time in my life and I think it will be an important part of the maintenance.
M.T.
Hi to all of you down there, I have been thinking about you all, I can’t say enough about my experience since I visited as it’s still a very life Changing event and ongoing process, I’m still being shown more and don’t always understand some of it or the magnitude of the vision process but I’m totally trusting in it as it’s created or facilitated many changes from externalism to inner enlightenment coupled with release of fear based existancisom and a willingness on my soul to be ok with the unknown.
Jamie: You we’re correct in stating that it’s better to not have specific requests from the experience but I REALLY had no idea of the magnitude of impact on the soul ! I still don’t fully understand all of it but continue to allow and embrace all that is still coming daily, sometimes that’s scary not knowing but I feel I am getting better at allowing it.
Thanks to all of you for being there and helping others and myself on this path. Much Love to you all
Jamie: You we’re correct in stating that it’s better to not have specific requests from the experience but I REALLY had no idea of the magnitude of impact on the soul ! I still don’t fully understand all of it but continue to allow and embrace all that is still coming daily, sometimes that’s scary not knowing but I feel I am getting better at allowing it.
Thanks to all of you for being there and helping others and myself on this path. Much Love to you all
M.L.