A partnership with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) allowed Ms Maliga Naidoo, Founder and Director of SomaTula, to become the world’s first INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Tourist Guide, successfully launching a new wellness initiative in South Africa.
| Client | Location | Core Challenge | Solution | Key Results |
| SomaTula – Forest and Nature Immersion | Durban, South Africa | Need for science-based certification to launch professional forest therapy services | INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide training & practicum | Global-first qualification, launched new services in South Africa, strong participant feedback |
The Challenge:
Ms Maliga Naidoo, founder of SomaTula, aimed to introduce professional, science-backed forest walks and retreats across South Africa to support personal wellbeing and a deeper connection to nature. To launch her practice with credibility and a strong foundation of evidence, she required rigorous, internationally recognized certification for her professional development.
The Solution:
Ms Naidoo enrolled in the INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide training course. The program offered a structure based on a strong foundation of scientific evidence, a well-structured online learning management system, and continuous, constructive guidance from mentors like Susan Joachim. The training provided a deep understanding of Forest Therapy (FT) and its capacity to enhance individual wellbeing and create environmental awareness.
The Results:
Qualifying in December 2025, Ms Naidoo became the world’s first INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Tourist Guide. The practicum sessions demonstrated noticeable participant transformations, reaffirming the value of the training and the power of nature-based healing for mental health, immune disorders, and stress management. As a result, SomaTula is now well-positioned to introduce guided walks and retreats across South Africa’s diverse landscapes.
“The programme framework is structured on a strong foundation of scientific evidence… The training has been both inspiring and professionally enriching.”
— Ms Maliga Naidoo, Founder and Director, SomaTula
Discover how INFTA certification can transform your wellness practice.
