ASHTANGA YOGA
SAFARI RETREAT
TANZANIA, AFRICA
5 – 15 November 2024
Join the prolific Laruga Glaser in the stunning Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro crater, where participants will have the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Accommodation will be in luxury tented camps and lodges, providing a comfortable and elegant base from which to explore the surrounding area.
SCHEDULE
The group comes together to start our safari yoga journey in the foothills of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). Our adventure begins in the wild Serengeti and continues through Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. We then head off to relax on the pristine shores of Zanzibar. Note that this schedule is for the safari portion of the trip and the yoga practice will be integrated seamlessly around these activities.
Arrival
Overnight: Mt. Meru Game Lodge
Venue: Arusha
The group trickles in from all over. A Zahi Journeys associate will welcome you at the airport and bring you to the hotel. Get to know the group over dinner. If you arrive early enough or the day before. There is the option to head to Mt. Kilimanjaro for a day trip. We recommend arriving a day early if you wish to do this.
Day 2: November 6th
Transfer to Serengeti Western Corridor
Overnight: Narudi Luxury Tented Camp
Venue: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Seronera
After breakfast we make our way to the endless plains of the great Serengeti. This drive takes through the Ngorongoro conservation area so you will be able to view the Ngorongoro crater on the way. On this day behold sights unlike anything you have ever seen. En route to Narudi luxury camps in the Serengeti. There is more than a good chance you will come across all of Africa’s big 5 animals
Day 3: November 7th
The Great Serengeti
Overnight: Narudi Tented Camp
Venue: Seronera
We spend the next few days exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti. On this day, witness one of the most spectacular sights with tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they make their way over the Mara river, dodging predators.
Yes, the safari is nothing less than a spiritual experience but it is the evening here that is consistently rated one of the best parts of the trip: Bonding with your fellow travelers around a campfire, under open starry, night sky listening to the sounds of the Serengeti. There is no other feeling in the world that parallels this.
Day 4: November 8th
Balloon Safari and transfer to Ndutu
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Venue: Serengeti
Wake up early in the morning for your balloon safari transfer (can be purchased in the extras section). Rise high onto the plains as the sun rises over the Serengeti.
Later in the morning join the rest of the group for a morning yoga session and a game drive en route to Ndutu Safari Lodge.
Day 5: November 9th
Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: The retreat At Ngorongoro
Venue: Ngorongoro Crater
On this day you will find out just why Ngorongoro crater is named one of the natural wonders of the world. We go up 600m and then descend into one of the most unique landscapes in the world. The crater is a very important refuge for a variety of wildlife. Most commonly seen are big bulls of elephants and vulnerable species of black rhinos. The crater is also home to big herds of wildebeest and zebras, Thomson and grant gazelles, hippopotamus, African cape buffalos, prides of lions, hyenas, golden and black-backed jackals, and close to 400 species of birds.
We stop for lunch at this beautiful spot by Madusi Hippo pool as you watch hippos play just meters away. Watch other animals wander by on the other side of the lake.
In the evening we make our way to “The Retreat At Ngorongoro”.
Day 6: November 10th
Lake Manyara National Park
Overnight: Mt Meru Game lodge,Seasons Lodge (Zanzibar)
Venue: Lake Manyara National Park, Zanzibar (optional)
Lake Manyara national park is a serene destination and is well known for tree-top lions. Surrounded by towering trees and the majestic peaks of the Great Rift Valley, this beautiful national park is the perfect escape.
As you explore Lake Manyara, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding savanna and a chance to spot an array of exotic wildlife, including lions, elephants, flamingos, and more.
From here if you purchased the Zanzibar add-on, you say goodbye to the rest of the group as we take you to the airport for your transfer to the paradisiacal land of Zanzibar.
The rest of the group continues to enjoy the destination with towering trees and the majestic peaks of the Great Rift Valley, before making our way back to Arusha.
Day 7: November 11th
Zanzibar Stone Town (Extra)
On this day we visit the historical culture and architecturally important town of Zanzibar with centuries of rich history. It includes a visit to the former slave market site, that now stands as an Anglican church built in 1871. We then move to town market and visit the Zanzibar Memorial Museum, House of Wonder built in 1883 (Beit-Al-Ajab), Old Arab Fort, Palace Museum, Old Indian dispensary (Cultural Center) and Maruhubi Palace Ruins via Living Stone House.
We then go on Zanzibar’s famous Spice Tour. With your group you will see and taste the tropical fruits, spices plantation, or plots on the island. A variety of spices plants used as ornament, medicines, flowers, fruits, and other interesting flora can be seen during spice tour and visit Kidichi bath built-in 1850 by the first Sultan for his wife Sheharzad (granddaughter of Fateh Ali Shah of Persia.
Day 8: November 12th
Zanzibar Beach (Extra)
Wake up at your time and spend the whole day by the Ocean. There are a variety of activities for the whole group from swimming in the warm blue water or strolling down the sandy white beach or relaxing under the shade of coconut trees and watching the day go by. If you refuse to sit still, there is a ton to do here; from wind surfing to para sailing, jetskiing and so much more!
Day 9: November 13th
Kwaheri
Over the course of the day our fellow travellers say some difficult goodbyes as they leave the group. We hear that you get tougher and goodbyes get easier as you get older. You will meet people that will leave an impression on you for a long time! Till we meet again… Kwaheri!
For those with flights in the evening or the next day, many of the group get together for activities of their favorite spots around Zanzibar, from lazing on the white sandy paradise of Pongwe to getting lost in the narrow streets of Zanzibar.
OVERVIEW
Throughout the retreat, there will be an emphasis on discipline, focus, and self-exploration through the practice of Ashtanga yoga. This retreat is suitable for those with some experience in Ashtanga yoga, although beginners who are committed to the practice are also welcome.
After the 7-day retreat, there is the option to visit the beautiful island of Zanzibar. This is an opportunity to relax in luxury accommodations on a pristine beach, explore the island’s rich history and culture, and perhaps try some water sports.
This luxury retreat is an opportunity to indulge in the beauty of the natural world, cultivate a deeper understanding and practice of Ashtanga yoga, and create lasting memories with a community of like-minded individuals in a supportive and welcoming environment.
YOU’LL BE STAYING HERE
Set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, the Mount Meru Game Lodge is nestled between the Usa river and the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to water buffalo, birds, and monkeys, including the elusive Colobus monkey.
The lodge & sanctuary date back to 1959, when Dr. Von Nagy bought the property as a family home. The main building dates back to the 1930’s and was originally the farm manager’s house, when most of the area on the southern slopes of Mount Meru were coffee plantations. The lodge is one of the oldest lodges in northern Tanzania. Great effort has been made to keep the lodge as original as possible while at the same time offering modern day comforts.
Narudi Tented Camp – Days 2 – 4
Narudi Tented Camp welcomes you with big 360° view tents. These tents are designed to perfectly fit every guest’s needs. Whether it is the living area with the most relaxing chairs you ever experienced, the veranda with a rooftop providing shade while you enjoy your cup of coffee, or simply the bedroom, with beds keeping you warm and comfy overnight – no wishes are left unfulfilled after you’ve been through the Narudi experience.
Ndutu Safari Lodge – Day 4
Ndutu Safari Lodge is the oldest Lodge in Tanzania and is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. The Lodge nestles unobtrusively under a canopy of giant acacias looking towards a soda lake, Lake Ndutu.
It is a traditional and authentic safari lodge. Steeped in history and famous for our homely warmth and generous hospitality, Ndutu offers peace, tranquillity and exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year.
The Retreat – Day 5
The Retreat at Ngorongoro is a meticulously themed lodge, set within 30 acres of land, with clear emphasis on nature and bird life in the area. As you walk around the lodge, you will be amazed at how nature has been integrated into this development.
Seasons Lodge (Extra) – Days 6 -9
Seasons Lodge is a family built and run boutique hotel situated in Pongwe, along the northeast coast of Zanzibar. At Seasons, guests are provided with a place to experience the colorful and raw beauty of Zanzibar, while leaving a low carbon footprint. Under the ethos of responsible tourism, Seasons is solely built with sustainable local material and excellent local craftsmanship.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Meals
- Accomodation
- Airport Pickup
- Airport Drop-off
- Local Transportation
- Park fees
- Local Flight – Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Laundry Service
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Flight to Tanzania
- Tips
- Tanzanian Visa
- Alcoholic beverages
PRICING
EXTRAS
ZANZIBAR 3 DAY EXTENSION (INCLUDING LOCAL FLIGHT) – $1,235.00/pp + $49.40 fee
Relax in Zanzibar after the safari of a lifetime
UPGRADE TO SINGLE ROOM
Get your own room for your own space and have a little more privacy – $585.00/pp + $23.40 fee
BALLOON SAFARI – $715.00/pp + $28.60 fee
Incredible views of the Serengeti from above
KILIMANJARO DAY HIKE – $520.00/pp + $20.80 fee
Climb to the first camp. Purchase this only if you plan on arriving prior to day 1. This is a great way to spend the day as the rest of the group trickles in
