The vast, white-sand beaches of Tanzania’s archipelago provide a blissful backdrop for yoga and meditation. Flow mindfully and deepen your practice while discovering the East African landscape, wildlife and culture at one of Zanzibar’s soul-nourishing yoga retreats.
Photo: Courtesy of BookYogaRetreats
Adventurous yogis will not be able to resist a few sun-kissed days at one of Zanzibar’s retreats: this remote African getaway is particularly popular for its proximity to Tanzania’s national parks and hiking attractions, and after all, most classical yoga postures are named after the animals you may encounter on safari. The northern villages of Kendwa and Nungwi in particular boast dreamy beaches with a selection of affordable and luxury hotels and resorts, many of which offer the possibility to combine yoga with wildlife spotting, water sports and other activities. Reconnect to nature, invigorate the body and calm the mind with one of these island retreats. As they say in Swahili: hakuna matata, or no troubles.
9-Day Beach to Safari Glam Camping Yoga Holiday in Tanzania
Sun Salute Retreats (Photo courtesy of Sun Salute Retreats via Book Yoga Retreats)
Sun Salute Africa’s all-inclusive retreat begins on the northern tip of Zanzibar, giving you the opportunity to relax at some of the most beautiful local beaches; you will then be whisked away to the mainland to see the ‘Big Five’ on safari. A final night will be spent in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro in secure tent lodges under the stars. The beachfront property where you will spend the days is surrounded by lush gardens of frangiapani and coconut palms, so you may not want to leave your cosy hammock. Especially not with such excellent in-house cuisine, using the finest local ingredients including freshly caught fish from the village of Nungwi, all served at candlelit tables by the sea. From this sunset-drenched yoga haven, with daily hatha classes led by experienced teacher Amanda Dee, your group will visit the Serengeti, Ngoro Ngoro, and Tarangire national parks for the ultimate Tanzanian journey. From US$3,579 / 9 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
4-Day Luxury Yoga Holiday at Z Hotel in Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
Yoga on Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar (Photo courtesy of the Z Hotel via Book Yoga Retreats)
This short but deeply fulfilling four-day retreat at the Z Hotel can be as action-packed or as chilled as you wish. Vinyasa and ashtanga classes twice a day taught by a qualified and caring local teacher on a rooftop yoga deck overlooking the Indian Ocean. These invogorating sessions are complemented by a 5O-minute massage, access to the Sky Spa, Jungle Gym and infinity pool. Visits to the historic island capital of Stone Town or a low-tide stroll along the beach from Nungwi as far as Kendwa will ensure you get the most out of your time in Zanzibar, and leave feeling truly refreshed and inspired. From US$845 / 4 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
8-Day Ashtanga Mysore and Vinyasa Flow Yoga Holiday in Zanzibar
Yoga in Paje, Zanzibar (Photo courtesy of Paje by Night via Book Yoga Retreats)
A minute’s walk from Paje beach, tucked away in the tropical paradise of the southeast coast of Zanzibar, the Paje by Night lodges guests in stylish bungalows and provides them with the very best environment for self-care and dedicated yoga practice, regardless of prior experience or level. The classes on this yoga holiday are guided by Carolina, a former dancer, with five morning ashtanga classes and 5 afternoon vinyasa sessions, as well as pranayama breathing and meditation exercises for a restful and revitalizing sojourn. Your visit will also include an hourlong massage at the in-house Balinese spa. Downtime can be enjoyed soaking in the jacuzzi, trying your hand at kitesurfing or simply having fun with the beach bar nightlife. From US$900 / 8 days
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8-Day Diving and Yoga Holiday in Zanzibar
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For Scuba lovers wanting to stretch and soothe tired muscles after plunging into the Indian Ocean, the Sunshine Marine Lodge offers the best of both worlds, in collaboration with Dive Point Zanzibar’s trusted dive masters. Twice daily guided boat outings are followed by gentle hatha yoga classes in the afternoons. This peaceful resort, perched on the cliffs of the northeast coast of Matemwe, provides a deluxe suite with an idyllic garden view, as well as daily breakfast and a lavish four-course meal every evening. You will be ideally placed to experience the natural beauty of Mnemba Atoll, one of Zanzibar’s most biodiverse coral reefs. From US$1,824 / 8 days
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8-Day Tanzania Wildlife and Zanzibar Yoga Wellness Safari Retreat
Photo: Courtesy of BookYogaRetreats
This rugged yoga retreat has it all: hot air ballooning over the Serengeti, wildlife spotting to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and black rhinos), five full days to soak up sun and good vibes on Zanzibar, and daily sunset yoga. Your journey will begin on a former coffee estate transformed into a charming country inn; it will end in the south of Zanzibar, near the Jambiani village, with a 60-minute full-body massage and body scrub. The team of internationally qualified yoga instructors will guide you in a hatha practice along with some stimulating acro or partner yoga. This holistic, health-conscious retreat includes juice detox, nourishing meals and organic broths. From US$3,192 / 8 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com