afrikan yoga retreat zanzibar 2010
DESCRIPTION
7 NIGHTS... Afrikan Yoga, massage therapy, fresh organic cuisine, cultural immersion... PURE BLISS This year between 12 - 19th September, Umoja Travel and Pablo Imani are teaming up to host the first Afrikan Yoga Retreat on the paradise island of Zanzibar.TRANSCRIPT
CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL
AFRIKAN TIME >>
This autumn, between 11- 19th September, Umoja
Travel and Pablo Imani are teaming up to host the
first Afrikan Yoga Retreat on the paradise island of
Zanzibar.
There are only 16 places available, which means that
you have sufficient personal space for yourself, time
for individual yoga and alternative health advice and
the opportunity to have fun connecting with others
in a meaningful way.
We've painstakingly structured the retreat in an
attempt to capture that all-illusive magic. In other
words, by combing yoga, deep relaxation and light
activity with cultural immersion in a lush, natural
environment we enter the time zone known as
African Time.
It is here, in this zone, where we breathe deeply and
easily... where we sunbathe in the natural joy and
sheer exhilaration of being alive. Our wish is for you
to experience all of the above (and much more) by
joining us on this contemplative journey.
ZANZIBAR >>
The Island of Unguja, widely know as Zanzibar, lies in
the Indian Ocean, off the East African coast of
Tanzania. Zanzibar is truly one of East Africa's best
kept secrets, whose reputation has primarily spread
within independent traveler circuits. However,
despite its relatively low key profile, the island has
been know to adventurous voyagers thoughout
history. From the early Greeks, to the Romans and
(as temple carvings in Luxor suggest) the Egyptian
pharaohs as well.
During the 7th century, a time which saw the rise of
Islam across Arabia, members of the Omani royal
family made Unguja their home by migrating to the
Island. Subsequently, over the centuries Moorish
culture established itself in Zanzibar, blending
seamlessly with the indigenous Swahili customs. >>
Afrikan Yoga Retreat
ZANZIBAR
September 11 - 19th 2010
7 NIGHTS...
AFRIKAN YOGA
MASSAGE THERAPY
FRESH ORGANIC CUISINE
CULTURAL IMMERSION...
PURE BLISS
RECONNECT TO THE SOURCE RECONNECT TO THE SOURCE RECONNECT TO THE SOURCE RECONNECT TO THE SOURCE
IN IN IN IN ZANZIBARZANZIBARZANZIBARZANZIBAR
ONE OF AFRICA'S ONE OF AFRICA'S ONE OF AFRICA'S ONE OF AFRICA'S
BEST KEPT SECRET'S BEST KEPT SECRET'S BEST KEPT SECRET'S BEST KEPT SECRET'S
CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL
Contemplative travel is any journey we
embark on with the primary goal of taking
time out for ourselves for reflection.
Although people undertake such 'retreats'
for many different reasons, the common
benefits that may be experienced are:
physical and mental rejuvenation, clarity
of purpose, renewed inspiration in daily
life, enhanced creative problem solving
abilities and the motivation to make
significant positive changes in life.
CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL 2
AFRICAN TIME >>This year between 12 - 19th September, Umoja
Travel and Pablo Imani are teaming up to host the
first Afrikan Yoga Retreat on the paradise island of
Zanzibar.
There are only 16 places available, which means that
you have sufficient personal space for yourself, time
for individual yoga and alternative health instruction
and the opportunity to have fun connecting with
others in meaningful way.
We've painstakingly structured the retreat in an
attempt to capture that all-illusive magic. In other
words, by combining yoga, deep relaxation and light
activity with cultural immersion in a lush, natural
environment we enter the time zone know as
African Time.
It is here, in this zone, where we breathe deeply and
easily... where we sunbathe in the natural joy and
sheer exhilaration of simply being alive. Our aim is
for you to experience all of above (and much more)
by joining us on this contemplative journey.
ZANZIBAR >>The Island of Unguja, widely known as Zanzibar, lies
in the Indian Ocean, off the East African coast of
Tanzania. Zanzibar is truly one of East Africa's best
kept secrets, whose reputation has primarily spread
within independent traveler circuits. However,
despite its relatively low key profile, the Island has
been known to adventurous voyagers throughout
history. From the early Greeks, to the Romans and
(as temple carvings in Luxor suggest) the Egyptian
pharaohs as well.
During the 7th century, a time which saw the rise of
Islam across Arabia, members of the Omani royal
family made Unguja their home by migrating to the
Island. Subsequently, over the centuries Moorish
culture established itself in Zanzibar, blending
seamlessly with the indigenous Swahili customs. >>
CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL 3
CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL 4
AFRIKAN YOGA RETREAT SESSIONS
During the retreat there will be approximately
two 1½ hour Tamare Smai sessions per day over
5 days. In between yoga sessions there will be
plenty ofime for one-to-one instruction and
advice regarding the practice and related issues.
ZANZIBAR >>
This is clearly evident in the Stone Town section of
Zanzibar Town which although being distinctly
African in character, is reminiscent of medinas like
those in Marrakesh, Morocco and parts of Andalusia
in Southern Spain.
Some sources suggest that the name Zanzibar comes
from the Arabic phrase ‘Zayn z’al barr’ which means,
‘Fair is this land’. Perhaps name refers to the Island’s
powder white beaches, the crystal clear turquoise
waters or its beautiful coral gardens. Maybe it points
to the pleasant tropical climate and welcoming
nature of the island’s residents. Whatever the case
may be, it is fair to say that Zanzibar is a truly
spectacular retreat setting.
AFRIKAN YOGA >>
The Sanskrit word yoga comes from the root word
‘yuj’ which means to ‘yoke’, to unite or join together.
Yoga is therefore a discipline which aims to ground,
heal and integrate us.
Afrikan Yoga, traditionally known as Tamare Smai is
a practical system for optimal health and well being
which strengthens the body and mind. This yoga
consists of fluid and sensual postures that promote
healing, toning and flexibility. These exercises are
complimented by deep breathing and meditative
practices for cultivating the mind. Smai was practiced
in Ancient Egypt as an intrinsic part of one of Africa's
great wisdom traditions.
AFRIKAN YOGA RETREAT SESSIONS
During the retreat there will be approximately
two 1½ hour Tamare Smai sessions per day over
5 days. In between the sessions there will be
plenty of time for one-to-one instruction and
advice regarding the practice and related issues.
PABLO IMANI >>
Pablo Menfesawe-Imani is an alternative health
consultant, massage therapist, author and lineage
holder of Afrikan Yoga in the UK, Ghana and Togo,
West Africa. He has been teaching Tamare Smai for
close to a decade and will be leading this year's
Afrikan Yoga Retreat in Zanzibar.
ITINERARY
THURSDAY 15/09
• 1 x morning AY session
• Changuu Island day trip
• 1 x evening AY session
FRIDAY 16/09
• 1 x morning AY session
• Sandbank picnic
• 1 x evening AY session
SATURDAY 18/09
• 1 x morning AY session
• Stone Town tour
• Personal time
• Traditional dhow boat cruise at sunset
SUNDAY 19/09
• Personal time
• End of retreat party
• Close of retreat
ITINERARY >>
SUNDAY 11/09
• Arrival
• Group introduction
• Orientation talk
• Personal time
• 1 x evening Afrikan Yoga session
MONDAY 12/09
• 1 x morning AY session
• Personal time
• 1 x evening AY session
TUESDAY 13/09
• 1 x morning AY session
• Jozani Forest trek
• 1 x evening AY session
WEDNESDAY 14/09
• 1 x morning AY session
• Traditional Swahili village tour
• 1 x evening AY session >>
CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL 4
RETREAT INFO
• Dates: 11th - 19th September 2010
• Retreat venue: Imani Beach Villa, Zanzibar
• Accommodation: full board
• Facilities: Moorish style restaurant, private
beach, beach umbrellas, chaise lounges (for
sunbathing)
• Number of spaces available: 16 people
• Cuisine: fresh organic food, catering to all
requirements (vegetarian and vegan included)
• On site services: massage therapy
• Afrikan Yoga: approx 2 daily sessions
(morning/evening) over 5 days, group Q&A
sessions and individual instruction
• Activities: 2 day Cultural Immersion Tour:
Stone Town tour, dhow boat cruise at sunset,
• Optional daily activities: Changuu Island day
trip, Jozani Forest trek, sand bank picnic,
Traditional Swahili village tour
• Transfers: all inclusive
Umoja Travel
'Umoja' is a Swahili word which may be translated as
unity, oneness or interconnectedness. Here, at Umoja
Travel, our driving passion lies in connecting people
from diverse cultural backgrounds to share deep,
meaningful and life-enhancing experiences. We call
this Interconnected Travel and it comes from the
recognition that: we can visit so many hotels, see so
many cities, beaches and incredible mountain vistas
but what usually stays with us on those journeys, are
the people we meet along the way...
It's all about the people
ZANZIBAR DHOW BOATS
Dhows are traditional cargo boats, generally thought to
be of Arab origin. These boats are synonymous with
romantic images of Zanzibar since they are a regular feature
of the coastline with their huge lateen-sails. On the 6th day
of the Afrikan Yoga retreat, as a group we will be taking a
dhow boat cruise at sunset. It's going to be incredible.
RETREAT RATES
£599 pp for 7 nights
(excluding flights)
Note: Umoja Travel is a ground operator however
we are able to book flights through our ATOL
licensed travel agent partners.
BOOKING & CONTACT INFO
Spaces are limited so call us
to secure your place now:
+44 203 086 9191
+44 7733 550 732
Skype: james_umoja.travel
CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL 5