about bwiti house

authenticy Missoko Bwiti + safety-first + worldwide reach

Authentic Missoko Bwiti iboga retreats since 1990, initiations, and provider training at the source in Gabon and through our alumni network worldwide.

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Internationally recognized expertise since 1990.

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Safety-first protocols with medical screening and nearby hospital access

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Worldwide network: 50+ trained providers offering retreats in USA, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Australia, Thailand and more

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Bwiti Initiation
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About Bwiti House

2025: Bwiti House goes global
22 centers worldwide, 50 certified providers, thousands people healed.

In the past decade, Moughenda has trained 50 certified Iboga Providers through the Bwiti House Global Program, helping thousands heal with Iboga Medicine. Today, providers operate in 22 locations across Gabon, Costa Rica, USA, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Thailand and beyond  carrying forward the Missoko Bwiti tradition with safety and integrity.

Provider Directory: Click Here

2012 : Moughenda Mikala launches the Bwiti House Global Iboga Provider Training Program.

Creating a structured pathway to transmit Missoko Bwiti knowledge, certify future providers of ibogaine therapy worldwide, and establish strict safety guidelines to ensure medical screening, cardiac evaluation, and responsible practice.

2011-2014 : Moughenda Mikala founded Iboga House in Costa Rica (Absorbed by Rythmia Life Advancement Center).

Iboga House was the first iboga retreat and ibogaine-based detox center established outside of Gabon.

Youtube videos are available here: https://www.youtube.com/@ibogahouse

1990 : Opening of Moughenda’s Village

Born into a 10th-generation lineage of Missoko Bwiti shamans in Gabon, Africa. Moughenda Mikala opened his sacred village in Gabon to foreigners from around the world. For over three decades, this unique place has welcomed seekers into the heart of authentic Bwiti tradition, guiding hundreds of people through iboga ceremonies with safety, integrity, and respect for ancestral knowledge.

1990 : Opening of Moughenda’s VillageBorn into a 10th-generation lineage of Missoko Bwiti shamans in Gabon, Africa.

Moughenda Mikala opened his sacred village in Gabon to foreigners from around the world. For over three decades, this unique place has welcomed seekers into the heart of authentic Bwiti tradition, guiding hundreds of people through iboga ceremonies with safety, integrity, and respect for ancestral knowledge.

2011-2014 : Moughenda Mikala founded Iboga House in Costa Rica (Absorbed by Rythmia Life Advancement Center).

Iboga House was the first iboga retreat and ibogaine-based detox center established outside of Gabon.Youtube videos are available here: https://www.youtube.com/@ibogahouse

2012 : Moughenda Mikala launches the Bwiti House Global Iboga Provider Training Program.

Creating a structured pathway to transmit Missoko Bwiti knowledge, certify future providers of ibogaine therapy worldwide, and establish strict safety guidelines to ensure medical screening, cardiac evaluation, and responsible practice.

2025: Bwiti House goes global22 centers worldwide, 50 certified providers, thousands people healed.

In the past decade, Moughenda has trained 50 certified Iboga Providers through the Bwiti House Global Program, helping thousands heal with Iboga Medicine. Today, providers operate in 22 locations across Gabon, Costa Rica, USA, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Thailand and beyond  carrying forward the Missoko Bwiti tradition with safety and integrity.

Provider Directory: Click Here

🌿 WHO WE ARE

Bwiti House is a retreat and training sanctuary devoted to the authentic transmission of the Bwiti Missoko tradition, the ancestral spiritual path rooted in the sacred use of Iboga in Gabon, Central Africa. Founded in collaboration with Moughenda Mikala, spiritual heir and master of the Missoko lineage, Bwiti House offers direct access to the source where Iboga and the Bwiti tradition have been practiced and preserved for thousands of years. Our mission is to unite ancient wisdom with modern integrity, guiding each participant toward a profound transformation grounded in truth, safety, and respect for the sacred.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ssLyChNTKXLu1Ha9

Gabon Day, ancient Bwiti teachings

🌍 OUR MISSION

To share the essence of Bwiti a path of truth, healing, and spiritual awakening.
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Through our Iboga retreats, Bwiti initiations, and Provider Training programs, we guide individuals to reconnect with their essence, with nature, and with the universal spirit.

💫 OUR COMMITMENT


• Authenticity: All our ceremonies are led by trained Bwiti Missoko Ngangas and initiates, carrying the original teachings.
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• Safety: Each participant undergoes a complete medical assessment, reviewed by an international team of doctors in coordination with the state-recognized medical center of Bifoun, located nearby.
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• Preservation: A portion of every retreat supports iboga reforestation, local community projects, and the preservation of traditional Bwiti knowledge.
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• Transmission: Through our certified Provider Training, we prepare the next generation of Iboga facilitators to serve with integrity, wisdom, and humility.

Gabon Day, ancient Bwiti teachings
State-Recognized Medical Center Nearby

Medical Support in the Heart of the Jungle

Your well-being is our highest priority.
Before joining any retreat, all participants complete a strict health assessment reviewed by our team of U.S. medical doctors, including an EKG, liver panel, and full medication review. This ensures that every guest arrives fully prepared and medically cleared for the experience. We screen all contraindications (QT-prolonging meds, MAOIs, SSRIs, etc.)

Bwiti House is located just 15 minutes from the Bifoun Medical Center, a government-recognized hospital providing modern medical support, including:

🫀 Cardiac and vital signs monitoring
💉 Emergency response capacity
🏥 In-patient and intensive care services
👨⚕️ Qualified doctors and nursing staff

Our team maintains direct coordination with the medical center to ensure rapid assistance if ever needed. Since 1990, no medical issues have been linked to Iboga itself at our location. On rare occasions, hospital visits have related to minor pre-existing conditions or everyday incidents in the surrounding nature.

‍This proximity offers an added sense of comfort and security, allowing every guest to immerse fully in the Bwiti tradition with calm and confidence, supported by professional care both on-site and nearby.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Bwiti is not a religion, it is a spiritual path of truth.
It teaches that healing begins with understanding, and that light always lies behind fear.
At Bwiti House, every journey is a bridge between the visible and the invisible, between the science of the body and the wisdom of the soul.

Gabon Day, ancient Bwiti teachings

OUR TEAM

Bwiti House brings together a circle of Bwiti healers, medical professionals, and international coordinators, working hand in hand to provide a deeply transformative experience that is safe, genuine, and spiritually pure.

Meet the team

✨ OUR VISION

To build a bridge between Gabon and the world, between tradition and modernity, allowing Iboga to continue awakening consciousness while honoring the people, the land, and the lineage that safeguard it.

Iboga: A Path to Self-Discovery and Ancestral Connection

Iboga, a plant from Gabon 🇬🇦 used in Bwiti spiritual practices, offers a journey that can be compared to the clarity and revelation of daylight. This path emphasizes self-focus‍, introspection, and a connection with ancestors, illuminating the inner self as if under the bright light of day.

Who we are

Interview with Moughenda mikala

The Ancestral Teachings of Bwiti
Passed down to the first Missoko people by the Spirit of Iboga , these teachings hold the keys to lasting healing‍ and peace of mind. They reveal a series of truths that illuminate the essence of life, our human identity‍‍, our purpose, and the workings of the mind. It’s less about acquiring new knowledge and more about awakening to our intrinsic nature, both individually and collectively.

These teachings are deeply intertwined with Iboga, supporting the healing process and providing participants with an exceptional set of maintenance tools. When used consistently, these tools bring about happiness, appreciation of life, and peace of mind. Their timeless relevance comes from the unchanging nature of humanity and the constant functioning of the human mind, regardless of the era we live in.

The truth, eternally unaltered, makes these teachings just as relevant for the ancients as they are for the younger generations .

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Firetalk and Bwiti Wisdom Lectures

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Pigmies rituals

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Herbal healings

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Traditional Bwiti Live Music

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Traditional Dancing Perfomance

significant distinction

⚠️ Important: Iboga 🌱 is completely different from Ayahuasca 🌿.

The spiritual and psychological journeys offered by Ayahuasca and Iboga are not just different; they are as contrasting as night and day, each providing unique experiences and outcomes. While both substances are used in traditional healing‍ and spiritual ceremonies, their effects, purposes, and the nature of the experiences they induce vary significantly, illustrating a stark divergence in their paths to healing and self-discovery.

Iboga v Ayahuasca
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Ayahuasca: External Journey vs. Iboga: Internal Journey

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Ayahuasca: Never Ending Healing Ceremonies 
Vs. Iboga Initiation: Once In A Lifetime

Moughenda Mikala, 10th generation Missoko Bwiti Shaman

“LIFE SHOULDN'T BE A NEVER-ENDING HEALING JOURNEY”

During this live journey, individuals reconnect with their inner child, revisiting their childhood to engage in direct dialogue and receive authentic answers to their heart’s most pressing questions. Truth seekers are encouraged to bring a list of questions.

Frequently asked questions

🌿 Everything You Need to Know About Bwiti House in Gabon ✨

Still have a questions in mind? contact us directly on WhatsApp!

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Is Gabon a safe place to travel to?

Gabon, known as the "Switzerland of West Africa" due to its wealth in oil, minerals, and woods, boasts a high GDP and a small population of 2 million. This prosperity is reflected in its safety, as indicated by its ranking in the 2023 Global Peace Index, just after Thailand and before Georgia. During your visit to Gabon, you'll be in the safe hands of Moughenda's team, with a 30-year track record of guest safety. Upon arrival, authorities will be aware of your intention to respectfully explore Gabon's treasures, aligning with the government's tourism promotion efforts.

Is Iboga Safe?

Iboga is safe when used responsibly under the guidance of a traditionally trained provider or shaman, following a comprehensive health assessment, EKG, and medication review. However, it's important to note its contraindications; individuals with cardiovascular or liver diseases, or those on certain medications or narcotics, may face serious risks.Additionally, the authenticity of Iboga is crucial. The market is rife with counterfeit products, including lab-grown Iboga that is too young for use and can cause significant harm. Therefore, verifying the source of Iboga is essential for safety.For those seeking Iboga for drug or alcohol detox, working with a Bwiti shaman experienced in its traditional use, like Moughenda, is key to ensuring a safe and effective detox process. Transparency about your health and medication history is vital for safety.

Is Iboga Legal?

The legal status of Iboga varies significantly around the world. In Gabon, Iboga is 100% legal, recognized as a national treasure and an integral part of cultural heritage, enshrined in the Gabonese constitution. This reflects its deep-rooted significance in traditional practices and ceremonies.However, the situation is different in many other countries, where Iboga is illegal. This is largely due to concerns about its misuse outside traditional contexts. Iboga is not a plant that should be purchased online and used at home, given its profound effects and potential risks. The misuse and disconnection from its ancient, ceremonial use, as practiced by groups like the Bwiti Missoko, have led to its illegal status in these regions.For those considering Iboga, particularly for drug or alcohol detox, it's crucial to consult with experienced traditional Healer/Shaman like Moughenda. Such experts are well-versed in its traditional uses and can ensure a safe and effective experience.

How does it feel to be on Iboga?

Iboga offers a unique experience that varies from person to person. At Moughenda's village, many describe it as being in a deep meditation, yet fully conscious and in control. It can be physically intense, heightening awareness.Distinct from other entheogens, Iboga, a root, is grounding. It fosters self-awareness and a deep connection to oneself and surroundings. Rather than an escape, Iboga encourages introspection. Reactions vary; some find peace and calm, while others experience a hyper-active mind. Its stimulant properties often keep people awake for 24 hours, allowing continuous conscious processing, without feeling tired. Sleep comes naturally afterward.

Will someone help me prepare for my trip and provide a packing list?

Absolutely! Once you book your retreat, we'll assign you a dedicated private concierge. They will guide you through the entire process, offering detailed preparation guidelines, informative packets, and comprehensive packing lists to ensure you're fully prepared for your experience.​

What's the difference between Iboga and Ibogaine?

Iboga, in its natural root bark form, is integral to traditional Bwiti Missoko ceremonies, offering a holistic approach to healing that encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. Under Moughenda's guidance, it's also used in medically supervised detox programs for drug/alcohol addiction, acknowledging its risks but leveraging its full therapeutic potential.In contrast, Ibogaine, an extract from the Iboga plant, is commonly used in detox clinics outside Gabon. While it's effective in binding to opiate receptors and aiding detoxification, Ibogaine lacks the comprehensive 'Spirit' of Iboga. This often results in a superficial treatment, leading to a pattern where clients may repeatedly return to clinics for additional treatments. Moughenda's 60 days ultimate detox program uniquely combines the detox benefits of Iboga with the profound healing of traditional Bwiti Missoko ceremonies. This method ensures a complete healing experience, addressing not just the physical but also the emotional and spiritual aspects, often overlooked by pharmaceutical-driven Ibogaine treatments. For a holistic and enduring recovery, Moughenda's approach, deeply rooted in traditional practices, is highly recommended. Request a discovery call

What's the difference between Ayahuasca and Iboga?

Iboga and Ayahuasca are akin to comparing day and night. Often, individuals turn to Iboga after experiencing multiple retreats with Ayahuasca, feeling a sense of being 'lost in translation.' Iboga excels in helping people recover from traumatic experiences, offering grounding and definitive healing. Unlike the ongoing journey that Ayahuasca might represent, Bwiti's aim with Iboga is not to perpetuate an endless quest but to facilitate self-discovery, allowing individuals to truly understand themselves and enjoy life in a sober state.

Is Iboga for me?

Very few people have heard of Iboga.  If you are thinking of Iboga, or feel an intuitive pull towards it, then likely the plant has something important to offer you. Full precautions must always be taken with a health assessment, EKG & medications review, and under the care of a traditionally trained Provider or Shaman, in a safe and appropriate environment.

Will I feel nauseous/vomit on Iboga?

Some people do, and some people don’t.  Everyone is different. We would estimate about 35% of people feel nauseous or vomit during ceremony. If you vomit during your ceremony, there is nothing to worry about. Vomiting is a natural way to help you physically, emotionally and spiritually purge, detox, and cleanse. Still, no one likes to vomit. The Bwiti House team is experienced and prepared to help people through this process as comfortably and effectively as possible.

Is there a special diet required before taking Iboga?

There is no strict diet required to prepare for Iboga.  However, following a clean and healthy diet as much as possible leading up to your retreat can reduce purging during your ceremony.  If your body is mostly clean and detoxed going in to ceremony, the medicine can more quickly get to the spiritual, emotional, and mental work with you.

Gabon Day, ancient Bwiti teachings
Aftercare

Helping you advance in your healing journey

Our team is located around the world and is here to provide you with aftercare sessions on demand.

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22 Iboga Centers in 9 countries

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Direct WhatsApp Support Line

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We speak English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Hindi, Croatian/Serbian.

Join our international team

Become a Certified Iboga Provider

The investment for your iboga retreat can be deducted from the cost of your provider training.

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Our Alumni

Aubrey Marcus

ONNIT FOUNDER & CEO @aubreymarcus

He is the founder of Onnit, a globally disruptive brand based on a holistic health philosophy he calls Total Human Optimization. Onnit remains an industry leader with products optimizing millions of lives, including many top professional athletes around the world.
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Watch Aubrey Marcus and Joe Rogan discuss Moughenda on the JRE #195 podcast, available on Spotify.


Gary Cook

Founder of Iboga Wellness Center Costa Rica

Gary Cook is the founder of the Iboga Wellness Center in Costa Rica, offering traditional iboga treatments. His journey began in 2011 when his son Jeff sought help for severe opiate addiction. After witnessing Jeff's transformation through treatment with Moughenda Mikala, Gary pursued training in the Bwiti tradition. In 2012, he completed his initiation in Gabon with the Missoko Bwiti tribe. With years of experience in plant medicines and shamanism, Gary's Iboga Wellness Center, established in 2014, is dedicated to traditional Bwiti practices using natural iboga root bark. The center focuses on holistic healing for issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction recovery, ensuring safety through medical screenings and preparation. Gary's work has significantly contributed to the recognition of iboga's therapeutic potential within the Bwiti spiritual framework.

Anthony Esposito

Founder & the lead Iboga provider at Awaken Your Soul in Costa Rica

is the founder and the lead Iboga provider at Awaken Your Soul, deeply connected to the spiritual essence of Iboga, a plant medicine that has significantly shaped his life and career. Anthony's journey into the world of plant medicine began after a profound personal struggle with deep childhood trauma and long-term reliance on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Spencer Burton

Founder & the lead Iboga provider at
‍Iboga Rebirth Church in Oregon - USA

also known as Mboka Missambo, is the founder of the Iboga Rebirth Church in Oregon, United States. He is a certified provider of psycho-spiritual healing using Iboga, having completed his certification and training. Spencer's work involves facilitating healing ceremonies and guiding individuals through transformative experiences with Iboga.

Gerry Powell

Entrepreneur & Founder of Ryhmia

is an entrepreneur and the founder of the Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica. He is known for his work in wellness and personal growth, particularly through the use of plant medicine. Before founding Rythmia, Powell made his fortune by selling a company for $94 million. This financial success allowed him to pursue his passion for wellness and create Rythmia, where he now helps others transform their lives through holistic healing practices.

Adele Emelson (DINZONA)

Founder & the lead Iboga provider at Iboga Temple in - Canada

also known as Dinzona, is the founder and a certified provider at the Iboga Temple in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She completed her certification at Bwiti House Gabon Campus in 2020 and has been trained in both psycho-spiritual healing and drug detoxification using Iboga. Adele’s journey with Iboga began in 2014 when she sought healing for various personal struggles, including addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. Her profound and transformative experience with Iboga led her to pursue deeper training and ultimately establish the Iboga Temple to offer healing to others.

Levy Baker

lead Iboga provider at
Iboga Wellness Center in Costa Rica

is the co-founder of Iboga Wellness Center that is one of the oldest center operating since 2013. This center specializes in psycho-spiritual healing retreats using Iboga root bark and its Total Alkaloid (TA) extracts. The center is located on Costa Rica's Pacific coastline and is known for providing a nurturing and supportive environment for profound life transformations.

Program Foundation:

The traditional Bwiti Missoko Initiation is a unique offering held only in Gabon by the Bwiti Missoko Tribe endorsed by the Minister of Tourism of Gabon, thus if this retreat piques your interest, it's crucial to inquire and ensure your booking aligns with the correct time-frame. For any further inquiries or deeper understanding regarding the Bwiti Initiation or Rites of Passage, feel free to select the relevant option on the application form.

About Bwiti House

Authentic Missoko Bwiti iboga retreats, initiations, and provider training at the source in Gabon and worldwide.

Apply Now 2025 Schedule

Who we are

Bwiti House is a traditional retreat centre rooted in the equatorial forest of Gabon — and yet our reach is global. Since the early 1990s, we’ve trained more than 50 iboga providers worldwide, enabling safe iboga retreats in countries like the USA 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, Portugal 🇵🇹, Australia 🇦🇺 and more. Our programmes are led by on-site traditional practitioners with deep lineage knowledge and rigorous safety protocols. Wherever you choose to heal, you’ll benefit from the same authentic wisdom, exacting standards, and global support network.

Our lineage

Moughenda Mikala is a 10th-generation Missoko Bwiti practitioner with more than 35 years of experience hosting and leading iboga retreats and Bwiti initiations. Since the early 1990s he has trained over 50 providers worldwide who now serve at respected international centres.

Moughenda Mikala, 10th-generation Missoko Bwiti shaman

Safety first

  • Health assessment before admission: EKG, liver panel, full medication review.
  • On-site traditional practitioners: Present throughout preparation, ceremony and recovery.
  • Nearby medical access: The village is approximately 10–15 minutes from Bifoun Medical Center, a state hospital that provides cardiac monitoring, ICU and emergency care, staffed by qualified medical doctors and nurses.
  • Track record: Since 1990, no medical issues at our location have been linked directly to iboga itself. Hospital visits have been for pre-existing conditions or nature-related incidents.
See FAQ for full details

Where you will stay

In 2025 we added brand-new rooms with private bathroom/WC and air-conditioning for extra comfort in the jungle environment. Meals are nourishing and aligned with retreat preparation guidelines.

Jungle village accommodation at Bwiti House

What we offer

Our approach in six steps

  1. Apply online and schedule an intake call.
  2. Medical screening (EKG, liver panel, medication review).
  3. Preparation: diet, sleep, hydration, and mindset guidance.
  4. Travel and arrival: transfer to the village and orientation.
  5. Ceremonies held in the Bwiti tradition with continuous support.
  6. Integration: on-site guidance and post-retreat resources.

Results that matter

Participants often report reduced anxiety, improved clarity and focus, release of old patterns, deeper self-acceptance and renewed purpose. Every journey is personal but we focus on safety, clarity of intention and long-term integration.