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.
7 NIGHTS... AFRIKAN YOGA We've painstakingly structured the retreat in an MASSAGE attempt to capture THERAPY that all-illusive magic. In other words, by combing yoga, deep relaxation and light FRESH activity with ORGANIC cultural immersionCUISINE in a lush, natural environment we enter the time zone known as CONTEMPLATIVE TRAVEL CULTURAL IMMERSION... African Time. PURE BLISS
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.
RECONNECT TO THE SOURCE IN ZANZIBAR ONE DuringOF the 7AFRICA'S century, a time which saw the rise of Islam across Arabia, members of the Omani royal family made UngujaSECRET'S their home by migrating to the BEST KEPT Island. Subsequently, over the centuries Moorish th
culture established itself in Zanzibar, blending seamlessly with the indigenous Swahili customs. >>
Afrikan Yoga Retreat ZANZIBAR September 11 - 19th 2010
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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 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.
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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 YOGA‘Zayn RETREAT SESSIONS from the AFRIKAN Arabic phrase z’al barr’ which means, ‘FairDuring is this land’. Perhaps name to the Island’s the retreat there willrefers be approximately powder white beaches, crystal clearper turquoise two 1½ hour Tamare the Smai sessions day over waters or its beautiful coral gardens. Maybe it points 5 days. In between yoga sessions there will be to theplenty pleasant tropical climate and welcoming ofime for one-to-one instruction and nature of the island’sthe residents. theissues. case advice regarding practiceWhatever and related 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. YogaCONTEMPLATIVE is therefore a discipline aims to ground, TRAVELwhich 4 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.
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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 >> SUNDAY 11/09
ITINERARY THURSDAY 15/09
•
Arrival
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1 x morning AY session
•
Group introduction
•
Orientation talk
• •
Changuu Island day trip 1 x evening AY session
•
Personal time
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1 x evening Afrikan Yoga session
MONDAY 12/09 •
1 x morning AY session
•
Personal time
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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 >>
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
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End of retreat party
•
Close of retreat
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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 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
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 afrikanyoga.retreats@gmail.com Skype: james_umoja.travel