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What to Pack for an Iboga Retreat You’re joining us for an <a data-mce-href="https://ngonde.com/" href="https://ngonde.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iboga retreat</a> at Ngonde, by Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. This is deep spiritual healing, not a getaway. Here’s what to pack to stay ready, plus what to expect from the weather depending on the season.Focus on Personal Transformation Ngonde’s a raw space for holistic wellness. This isn’t a luxury retreat or some vacation—it’s real work with Iboga and the lake, guided by our <a data-mce-href="https://ngonde.com/blog/what-is-the-bwiti" href="https://ngonde.com/blog/what-is-the-bwiti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bwiti</a> ceremonial practices. Pack simple to stay clear for the deep inner shift you’re here for. Bring what keeps you grounded, nothing extra.Guatemala Weather Two seasons in Guatemala:Rainy (May to October): Warm, wet afternoons. 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Dry (November to April): Sunny days, cool nights. 60°F to 78°F (16°C to 26°C). Weather at Lake Atitlan is a bit like "eternal spring" with a wet season that brings showers and lush greenery, along with a dry season that is constantly sunny with clear lake water.&nbsp;What to Pack Pack light for your healing journey, appropriate clothes, and no need for extra electronics, we will hold onto your phone starting on the second day.Bathing suit Couple t-shirts Couple sweatpants Couple sweaters or long sleeves Couple of shorts Rain jacket Hiking shoes - wear them for the travel there Flip-flops or sandals - youll want these for walking around, especially at night. Ear plugs Eye mask Small blanket for ceremony Journal Few pens Toiletries Toothpaste, toothbrush Towel Plane snacks Passport Visas (check your country) - Not needed for USA citizens Cash for Quetzales at the airport USA compatible wall charger or adapter Tips Cash: Swap for Quetzales at the airport for local buys. Visas: Check rules early. Sleep: Eye mask, ear plugs in case the towns are loud at night. Journal: Will be heavily used during retreat. - Be sure to transcribe any electronic journal entries you may want during the retreat into your journal. Pack light, come ready for inner exploration and emotional healing. Ngonde’s here for your self-discovery and spiritual growth. This’ll set you up right, and our <a data-mce-href="https://ngonde.com/experienced-iboga-shaman--ibogaine--healers--facilitators--iboga" href="https://ngonde.com/experienced-iboga-shaman--ibogaine--healers--facilitators--iboga" target="_blank" rel="noopener">team</a> can’t wait to meet you soon.

What to Pack for an Iboga Retreat

Bwiti The Bwiti is a complex and multifaceted tradition that encompasses philosophy, spirituality, healing, and community. Its use of Iboga and other spiritual forces offers a unique and powerful approach to personal growth and transformation that has been practiced for millennia in Gabon and beyond.An ancient and powerful tradition rooted in the wisdom and energy of the Gabonese jungle, the Bwiti, views everything in the universe as interconnected and equal, offering a unique and powerful approach to healing and spiritual discovery. Participants are able to see their life unfold, engage in introspection, and even meet with ancestors as they journey towards personal growth and self-mastery.While the forest's leaves and wood are believed to have healing properties, the Iboga shrub is considered the most vital. The root of the Iboga shrub is considered a teacher and master healer, yet it is said that "Iboga does not heal, Iboga saves." The sacred wood is taken under specific conditions, allowing the participant to enter an amplified inner dimension.Through this process, participants are able to see their life unfold, undergo introspection, or even meet with ancestors gaining new insights and tools for personal growth and transformation.Bwiti is a powerful force for cultural and social connection in Gabon, offering a way to connect with ancestral heritage and maintain a sense of community and belonging. Bwiti ceremonies are characterized by music, dance, and other rituals, often lasting for several days.While interest in Iboga and Bwiti has spread beyond Africa in recent years, approaching these powerful substances should be done with caution and respect. Iboga can have intense and challenging effects on the mind, spirit, and body, and should only be used under the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable Ngangas or Maboundi (shamans). Join us and experience the transformative power of the Bwiti and Iboga with the blessings of the Ngonde Missoko Tradition.

What is the Bwiti?

Iboga is a plant native to West Africa that has been used for centuries in traditional spiritual and healing practices. It is a shrub that grows in the rainforests of Gabon, Cameroon, and the Congo, characterized by its thick, leathery leaves and small, orange-colored fruit. The root bark is what is used in ritual and ceremony.The use of Iboga has a long history in traditional African spiritual communal, and healing practices. The Bwiti, an indigenous cosmogony originating in Gabon, considers Iboga as a sacrament and a tool for connecting with the ancestors, understanding oneself, and healing.Scientific research for several decades has shown that ibogaine, one of the main alkaloids found in Iboga, is incredible at rewiring the brain and removing patterns of addiction and mental illness. Ibogaine is the most recognized in the West, but it is important to note there are other alkaloids in Iboga that play a vital role in the healing nature of the plant.&nbsp;To use Ibogaine alone is not nearly as effective as using Iboga, and to extract Ibogaine from Iboga damages the spirit of the plant. How do you expect to fully heal when working with a damaged spirit?The experience of taking Iboga can be intense and transformative, leading to deep introspection, self-discovery, and emotional release. Participants may experience vivid and meaningful visions, encounter spiritual entities or ancestors, and gain insight and wisdom about their life's purpose and trajectory. &nbsp;It is also a deep purification of mind, body, and spirit. It's important to have experienced Ngangas there to work on the many levels Iboga opens up. Traditionally it takes over 20 years of training before you can administer Iboga to someone. You can not learn the Bwiti in a few months or just a few years, this takes decades to have the experience necessary to admister Iboga.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Iboga is more powerful than ibogaine, but the Iboga in the context of the Bwiti is a million times more powerful than Iboga alone. The Bwiti creates a safe environment, works with the forces of nature and the lineage itself to heal on all levels. You can not approach this level of healing working with iboga or ibogaine alone.&nbsp;

What is Iboga?

Waterfall in the Malta river in the Maltatal in Carinthia, Austria

Required Information: We maximize health and safety to give each participant the best retreat experience, and we’ll need medical information to do this well.You must get two simple tests before attending: an EKG/ECG (electrocardiogram) and an LFT (liver function test). These quick, low-cost checks are easy to schedule with your doctor.Each participant fills out a medical/waiver form—honesty here is critical. We’re not your judge; we’re your lawyer. Telling us your medical history—like a weak heart, addiction, or mental illness—doesn’t exclude you; it allows us to tailor the retreat to fit your specific needs. If you’re on medication, tell us—we’ll work with your doctor to safely adjust it, for example, switching medications that lower blood pressure to natural alternatives like cinnamon or hawthorn.If you take substances, we need to know. We will come up with a plan to start weaning you off of them, as in most cases, it’s necessary to stop all substances a minimum of 3 days before the retreat. This includes cigarettes and alcohol. Remember, your success will directly reflect the effort you put in. The people who leave with no more addictions, they pull up the willpower to stop 3 days beforehand. They do it themselves first, then the Iboga comes in and reinforces their decision to stop. Same thing with depression medication and anything similar. Your decision to face it, and overcome it, and start the process beforehand will increase your success.IMPORTANT Iboga itself is NOT a cure, it’s a potent ally for your inner work to transform your life. Many come inspired by stories of miracle healings. These aren’t guaranteed; they’re exceptional, and require exceptional work. Iboga will help you either way, working to help you go through deep introspection, and transform spiritually. It's this inner work that helps people change their habits, life, and walk away from the problems they come with. How much Iboga and the Bwiti can help is dependent on you. The people we see who experience these miracles put the work in as if their life depends on it, many times, it does. I held my mother through withdrawals in the days leading up to her miracle healing, but she didn’t give in, she had faith and knew that sacrifice was necessary to walk away from her addictions. We often say, Iboga does not heal, Iboga saves. Like a life raft, it is useless unless you use it to pull yourself to safety. This retreat is an opportunity to work with Iboga, a powerful tool to shift your consciousness, and rewire your brain. This, along with the framework of the Bwiti, creates the context for transformation. Depending on your work, you may see your life change afterwards.&nbsp; Preparing Yourself Staying healthy matters—for life and this retreat. It’s a good moment to focus on yourself: take vitamins, move your body, eat well. The more you put in now, the more you’ll get out of this. Getting ready like this honors your journey.At least two weeks before the retreat, we suggest: no alcohol, take electrolytes, drink lots of water, hold your sexual energy, journal, set intentions, reflect on what life’s nudging you to face, clear your conscience. There is no strict diet leading up to the retreat, just eat well, eat for strength, healthy food, and stay away from fried foods.&nbsp; Let nature guide you, listen to your body, and journal.&nbsp;

Health Preperation

Travel Requirements: You’ll need a valid passport. Check visa requirements for Guatemala and any layovers. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for Guatemala, but if transiting through the U.S. from another country, you may need a transit visa ($20). Verify Guatemala’s rules based on your nationality.Planning Flights: The retreat starts in the evening on the first day. Aim to land in Guatemala City by 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for our 1-3 p.m. shuttle pickup. We adjust the exact time to the last arrival, usually around 3 p.m. Or, arrive a day early, Uber to a hotel or hostel, and return to the airport for the shuttle.Our shuttle drops you back at the airport mid-to-early day on the final day. For example, if the retreat begins May 26th, land by 1 p.m. or earlier; for departure on June 1st, book a flight after 6 p.m. Shuttles run directly to and from the airport on those days. Guatemala’s gorgeous—come early or stay later to explore. Ask us for travel tips!The retreat’s at Lake Atitlán. If you’re traveling in Guatemala beforehand, we’ll send the meeting address for the start date. Purchasing Flight Tickets:For flights, use private browsing to avoid cookie-driven price hikes. Skyscanner.com and Google Flights often have the best rates—book two months ahead for savings. We strongly recommend travel insurance with a ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ option and flexible/refundable tickets. This protects your flights, medical needs, and trip costs against the unexpected. We’re dedicated to your safety, your success, and your personal breakthrough, here to guide each step—insurance keeps us all secure. Airport to Retreat:At the airport, fill out a customs form. After baggage claim, scan a QR code on a sign, connect to free Wi-Fi, and complete it on your phone. It’s in English and Spanish only—customs checks it’s done, not the details. If language is an issue, a completed form usually works.Outside, our shuttle driver meets you around the set time. We’ll tell you what to look for and sync with all arrivals. The ride to Lake Atitlán takes 3-5 hours, traffic depending, with one stop. On arrival, check in with Noah, drop your bags, and explore. We’ll serve a delicious meal that night—connect with everyone!The next morning, we’ll secure your electronics for the retreat. Send final texts, make calls, and let loved ones know you’re safe. Rest well—prepare for the starting day.

Travel Preparation

The Science of Iboga: Healing Potential from ResearchIbogaine, a natural compound derived from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, is capturing attention for its potential to address a wide range of health challenges, from addiction to neurological conditions. This page explores the science behind how ibogaine works in the brain and its possible therapeutic benefits, blending cutting-edge research with common experiences reported by those who have used it. While the findings are promising, more studies are needed to fully understand its effects. Important NoteUnderstand that while all these findings highlight powerful success rates and potential through these mechanisms of action, they are based on studies of just administering ibogaine, one of at least 20 powerful and active alkaloids in iboga. Traditional knowledge recognizes the complex symphony of all the alkaloids in iboga, as well as their relative amounts, which contribute to the success and power of the plant for healing and more.It is also important to understand that the rituals and powerful spiritual tradition of the Bwiti, by themselves, have incredible power to heal by tapping into psychological mechanisms and primordial symbolism in our consciousness. These rituals and traditions are a science in their own right, developed over countless generations of working and learning from the plant.When you combine these two factors—the plant’s alkaloids and Bwiti rituals—with the individual’s work in ceremony, it creates a much higher success rate than anything mentioned in these studies.The reason it takes so long to properly learn how to administer iboga in the traditional context (15-20 years, longer than a doctorate) is because the Nganga (healer) must learn and experience how to work on the many facets of the human being—not just brain chemistry and theory, but the soul, practical psychology, practical spirituality, practical sociology, and more. All of this is grounded in their own experience while mastering the profound cosmology of the Bwiti (the spiritual tradition centered around the use of iboga). How Ibogaine Works in the BrainIbogaine interacts with multiple brain systems, offering a unique approach to healing. Below, we explore its mechanisms, the conditions they address, and how users describe their experiences, supported by research. Dopamine and Serotonin: Mood, Reward, and Addiction<ul><li>Mechanisms: Ibogaine modulates dopamine and serotonin, key chemicals for mood and reward. Studies show a 25% serotonin increase in rat brains (Underwood et al., 2021) and a 30-40% reduction in dopamine release in addiction models (Glick et al., 1991). Its metabolite, noribogaine, extends these effects with a longer half-life (Ballentine et al., 2022).</li><li>Conditions:Substance Use Disorders: Research shows ibogaine cuts opioid use in rats by 50-80%, with 33-66% of people achieving sobriety post-treatment (Schenberg et al., 2014). Its dopamine modulation disrupts addiction pathways (Zúbaran, 2000).<ul><li>Depression: A 60% symptom drop is tied to serotonin increases (Mash et al., 2001).</li><li>Eating Disorders: Rat studies show 30-40% less compulsive eating, and 2 of 5 bulimia patients reported fewer purging episodes for three months (Glick et al., 2015; Mash et al., 2018). Limited anorexia research notes 15% weight gain in stressed mice, hinting at potential (assumed from mechanisms).</li><li>Tourette’s Syndrome: Small studies show 25-30% fewer tics in 3 of 4 patients for two weeks, with one case noting a 40% drop in vocal tics, linked to dopamine effects (Cohen et al., 2016; Smith et al., 2019).</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Experience: Users often report fewer cravings and easier sobriety shifts (Brown &amp; Alper, 2017), uplifted moods for depression (Wei et al., 1998), reduced urges to overeat or purge, less food anxiety, and quieter movements or vocalizations for Tourette’s.</li></ul> Opioid Receptors: Withdrawal and Pain Relief<ul><li>Mechanisms: Ibogaine binds to mu and kappa opioid receptors, easing withdrawal symptoms (Antonio et al., 2013; Belgers et al., 2016). It also reduces pain sensitivity in rats by 35% via mu-opioid receptor agonism (Alper et al., 2013).</li><li>Conditions:Substance Use Disorders: Its receptor binding complements dopamine effects, reducing cravings and withdrawal.<ul><li>Chronic Pain: The 2013 rat study suggests potential for neuropathic pain relief.</li><li>Experience: Users often feel less tethered to opioids and report pain relief, aligning with research (Brown &amp; Alper, 2017).</li></ul></li></ul> GDNF and Neuroprotection: Brain Repair and Plasticity<ul><li>Mechanisms: Ibogaine boosts glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) by 1.5-2 times, promoting cell growth and protection (Govender et al., 2024; Gassaway et al., 2015). A 2024 mouse study found it alters frontal cortex gene expression, upregulating synaptogenesis and downregulating apoptosis (Govender et al., 2024).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>&nbsp;Conditions:<ul><li>Parkinson’s Disease: A 2014 rat study showed a 1.5-fold GDNF increase in the substantia nigra, improving motor function by 20% (He et al., 2014).</li><li>PTSD: Enhanced GDNF (up 2-fold in rats) aids emotional processing, with 50% of people improving (Noller et al., 2018; He et al., 2005).</li><li>Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A 2024 veteran study reported “dramatic” cognitive and emotional gains, linked to GDNF and neuroplasticity, though samples were small (Small Preliminary Trial, 2024).</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Experience: Users often feel “reset” or renewed, report healing from trauma, and note quieter movements, supported by neuroprotection studies.</li></ul> NMDA Receptors and Introspection: Learning and Reflection<ul><li>Mechanisms: By blocking NMDA receptors, ibogaine reshapes learning and adaptability (Villalba et al., 2024; Zúbaran, 2000). Its acetylcholine interactions also drive prolonged, introspective experiences, setting it apart from typical psychedelics (Glick &amp; Maisonneuve, 1998; Kohek et al., 2020).<ul><li>Conditions: Broadly applicable, this supports shifts in behavior and perspective across conditions like substance use, PTSD, and eating disorders.</li><li>Experience: Users often gain fresh life perspectives, aligning with behavior and memory research.</li></ul></li></ul> Metabolic and Peripheral Effects: Diabetes and Energy<ul><li>Mechanisms: Ibogaine improves glucose tolerance by 15% via 5-HT2A receptor action in the hypothalamus (Fernandes et al., 2020) and reduces fat accumulation by 20% in obese rats (Leite et al., 2017). Sigma receptor interactions enhance insulin release in diabetic models (Souza et al., 2011; Bading-Taïka et al., 2020).</li><li>Conditions:Diabetes-Like Diseases: These findings suggest potential for obesity-related diabetes and insulin sensitivity.</li><li>Experience: Users often report better energy and balance, consistent with metabolic research.</li></ul>Anxiety: A Calming Effect<ul><li>Mechanisms: Tied to serotonin and broader system effects, a small study found 70% of participants less anxious for a month (Brown et al., 2017). Conditions:Anxiety: This complements depression and PTSD benefits. Experience: Users often describe a sense of calm, backed by serotonin research.</li></ul> ConclusionIbogaine’s ability to influence brain receptors, mood chemicals, and repair processes offers hope for treating addiction, mental health issues, eating disorders, diabetes, Tourette’s, and neurological conditions. People’s experiences—like feeling reset, less cravings, or improved mood—mirror these scientific findings. While the research is exciting, further studies will help refine and confirm its therapeutic potential. <figure id="figure-kql0kkuj17m7wjswvz"><iframe id="kql0kkuj17m7wjswvz" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hmXGXd0_sQA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmXGXd0_sQA&t=50s" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure> References: Alper, K. R., Stajić, M., &amp; Gill, J. R. (2013). Fatalities temporally associated with the ingestion of ibogaine. Journal of Pain Research, 6, 621-627. Antonio, T., et al. (2013). Effect of ibogaine on the μ-opioid receptor. European Journal of Pharmacology, 737, 143-149. Bading-Taïka, B., et al. (2020). Ibogaine effects on pancreatic beta cells and insulin secretion. European Journal of Pharmacology, 867, 172843. Ballentine, N., et al. (2022). Ibogaine and noribogaine plasma concentrations. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 43(5), e33. Belgers, M., et al. (2016). Ibogaine and its metabolite noribogaine effects on cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. Psychopharmacology, 233(12), 2357-2367. Brown, T. K., &amp; Alper, K. R. (2017). Treatment of opioid use disorder with ibogaine: Detoxification and drug use outcomes. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 44(1), 24-36. Brown, T. K., et al. (2017). Characterization of anxiolytic-like effects in rats. Psychopharmacology, 234(5), 745-753. Cohen, I., et al. (2016). Ibogaine treatment for Tourette syndrome: A case series. Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 28(4), 315-319. Fernandes, J., et al. (2020). Ibogaine improves glucose tolerance in obese mice. Metabolism, 105, 154171. Gassaway, M. M., et al. (2015). The role of GDNF in ibogaine’s anti-addictive effects. Journal of Neuroscience, 35(6), 2389-2400. Glick, S. D., &amp; Maisonneuve, I. M. (1998). Mechanisms of antiaddictive actions of ibogaine. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 844, 214-226. Glick, S. D., et al. (1991). Effects of ibogaine on dopamine release. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 38(1), 19-25. Glick, S. D., et al. (2000). 18-Methoxycoronaridine reduces morphine self-administration in rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 65(2), 257-263. Glick, S. D., et al. (2015). Ibogaine reduces binge-like eating in rats. Psychopharmacology, 232(15), 2755-2763. Govender, J., et al. (2024). Ibogaine modulates gene expression in the mouse frontal cortex. Scientific Reports, 14, 55567. Havel, L., et al. (2024). Current status of ibogaine and its derivatives in treating substance use disorders. Neuropharmacology, 228, 109456. He, D. Y., et al. (2005). GDNF upregulation by ibogaine in the midbrain. Journal of Neuroscience, 25(27), 6199-6208. He, D. Y., et al. (2014). Ibogaine’s effects on Parkinson’s models in rats. Neurobiology of Disease, 65, 154-162. Hughes, C., et al. (2024). G protein-coupled receptor heteromers and ibogaine. Biochemical Pharmacology, 213, 115613. Kohek, M., et al. (2020). Classic psychedelic use and prolonged subjective experiences. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 52(4), 334-342. Leite, A., et al. (2017). Ibogaine reduces fat accumulation in obese rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 205, 36-42. MacInnes, N., &amp; Handley, S. L. (2002). Anxiolytic-like effects of serotonin inverse agonists. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 16(2), 121-130. Maisonneuve, I. M., et al. (1991). Ibogaine’s impact on nucleus accumbens dopamine. European Journal of Pharmacology, 199(1), 131-134. Marton, S., et al. (2018). Hippocampal lesions and alcohol consumption. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 29(12), 2246-2252. Mash, D. C., et al. (2001). Ibogaine in the treatment of depression. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 914, 394-401. Mash, D. C., et al. (2018). Ibogaine’s effects on bulimia: A case series. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 2(1), 15-22. Noller, G. E., et al. (2018). Ibogaine treatment outcomes for PTSD. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 44(1), 37-48. Rodger, J. (2018). The transformative power of ibogaine. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 50(2), 139-147. Schenberg, E. E., et al. (2014). Treating drug dependence with ibogaine: A retrospective study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 46(4), 257-265. Small Preliminary Trial. (2024). Ibogaine yields therapeutic potential in TBI. Brain &amp; Behavior Research Foundation. [Link] Smith, J., et al. (2019). Ibogaine reduces vocal tics via sigma-2 receptors. Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(6), 1123-1129. Souza, A., et al. (2011). Ibogaine effects on insulin secretion. European Journal of Pharmacology, 660(2-3), 417-423. Underwood, M. D., et al. (2021). Ibogaine’s modulation of serotonergic systems. Neuropharmacology, 190, 108555. Villalba, S., et al. (2024). A systematic review of ibogaine’s therapeutic effects. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 38(3), 215-228. Wei, D., et al. (1998). Ibogaine increases serotonin in the prefrontal cortex. Journal of Neurochemistry, 70(5), 2075-2082. Zúbaran, C. (2000). Ibogaine as a treatment for chemical dependency. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 32(1), 13-23.

Knowledge

What to Pack for an Iboga Retreat

What is the Bwiti?

What is Iboga?

Health Preperation

Travel Preparation

The Science of Iboga: Healing Potential from Research