Yoga Safari

Yoga Safari 10 Days - December 11-20, 2023

Experience an extraordinary 10-day yoga safari in Africa that promises to rejuvenate, awaken, and transform you like no other journey can! The first half of this adventure offers a classic African safari, allowing you to witness magnificent wildlife in their natural habitat, walk through the vast and untamed savannah, and connect with local communities deeply intertwined with nature. Integrating yoga into these experiences will forge a profound bond with the wildlife, the land, and the people you encounter.

The second part of the trip takes you to the captivating island of Zanzibar, where your yoga practice will reach new heights, guiding you towards self-discovery and interconnectedness. The area of Jambiani, where you'll conclude your journey, holds a unique energy that complements the serenity of the island, still aligned with the sea's rhythms and the changing seasons. This idyllic setting is the perfect space to delve into your yoga practice and nurture your overall well-being.

Throughout the entire expedition, Mie will be your dedicated guide, providing insightful instructions and fostering an environment that encourages self-reflection and personal growth. Together, we embark on an unforgettable adventure, blending the practice of yoga with the wonders of Tanzania's natural world and the vibrancy of its cultures.

Day 1 - Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to your lodge for your first night before embarking on safari.
Mealplan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Transit time: Approx. 1.5 hrs
Lodge Option: Kutoka Lodge

Day 2 - Tarangire National Park
After breakfast we drive towards Tarangire National Park for a full day game drive.
This park is stunning and has a wide range of animal life including endless herds of elephants. Adding to its beauty is the Tarangire river winding through and landscape dotted with spectacular Baobab trees.
You will overnight in the park at Tortilis Camp for a full immersive wilderness experience. Sunsets here are incredible and illuminates the landscape, revealing even more of its beautiful features.
Mealplan: FB
Transit time: Approx. 2 hrs
Lodge Option: Tortilis Camp

Day 3 - Manyara
After a morning game drive in Tarangire, we make our way to nearby Isoitok camp. This camp has access to incredible views overlooking Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley basin. The camp is situated close to the Maasai community of Esilalei of which it has a long standing relationship with.
Today will be an opportunity to ground and feel the Tanzanian landscape with all our senses. There will be time to go on nature walks, visit a traditional Maasai homestead (boma), and join a medicine plant walk. The sunsets overlooking the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara are stunning.
Mealplan: FB
Transit time: Approx. 2.5 hrs
Lodge Option: Isoitok Camp

Day 4 - Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, we make our way towards the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive.
This extraordinary “bowl of nature” harbors almost every species of African plains mammal, including the endangered black rhino. The views along the way, including onto the crater floor, are spectacular.
We then make our way back to Isoitok Camp. After some rest, enjoy a viewpoint walk overlooking Lake Manyara and The Great Rift Valley. Sundowner snacks and beverages will accompany you as you soak in a sunset overlooking Lake Manyara.
Mealplan: FB
Transit time: Approx. 1.5 hrs
Lodge Option: Isoitok Camp

Day 5 - 9
Zanzibar Island
After a relaxed morning and our medicine plant walk, we transfer to Arusha airport for your direct flight to Zanzibar. You will have five days to enjoy this island paradise near the fisherman's village of Jambiani.
Activities on offer range from traditional dhow sailing trips, snorkelling, kite surfing, dolphin watching, spice tours, and village walks. We work with Marine Cultures, an institute that guides us towards eco-sustainable activities.
There is the option to spend one night in the World Heritage site of Stone town. The mix of culture, atmospheric streets, and ancient architecture & history is captivating.
Mealplan: HB (Breakfast & Dinner)
Transit time: Approx. 1.5 hrs
Lodge Option: Sharazâd Boutique Hotel

Day 10
Departure
Enjoy your last day on Zanzibar. We will arrange the airport transfer for your return flight back home.

Highlights

Incredible wildlife viewing in some of the most iconic parks of Africa
Get to see lions, elephants, black rhinos, zebra, and many other animals
Exhilarating nature walks with local Maasai guides
Enriching cultural exchange and insights into indigenous cultures
Daily x2 rejuvenating yoga directly facing turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
Luxury villa right on stunning Jambiani beach; swimming pool on site
Nurturing food packed with fresh fruits throughout your trip will be served

Optional Activities & Excursions:

Sunset dhow sailing trips
Diving/Snorkelling
Kitesurfing
Island tour (Miwi & Niamembe)
Dolphin watching
City tour and lunch Stone Town (World Heritage)

The Yoga Practice

Throughout this retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to take your practice to a new and deeper level through a mindful vinyasa flow yoga approach combined with practices from other traditions to further unwind, find stillness, and invite positive energy. All levels are welcome, from beginner to the more experienced, and each session ends with a deep full body relaxation.

During days 1-4 on the mainland, yoga will be integrated once a day. The practice will be a combination of gentle body movement, asana (postures) practice, Yin yoga (mostly seated practice that helps to balance the flow of energy), yoga nidra (deep relaxation), pranayama (mindful conscious breathing), meditation, sharing circles, and self-reflection/journaling. Please note that the yoga schedule during these days is subject to change according to our wildlife viewing schedule and energy level.

During days 5-10 in Zanzibar, there will be a daily morning and late afternoon yoga practice. Each session is in a spacious Shala directly facing the Indian Ocean. The morning practice will be active and focused on connecting movement and breath to awaken your energy. You will be guided into asanas (postures) through well-combined sequences themed specially for each day. The late afternoon practice will be a combination of Yin yoga (mostly seated practice that helps to balance the flow of energy), yoga nidra (deep relaxation), meditation, and sound therapy.