WISDOM OF WHALE SHARKS
YOGA RETREAT
4 - 11 December 2026
Mafia Island, Tanzania
PERHAPS YOU'RE CRAVING...
... a break from responsibility
... more silence and less noise
... a reminder that life is bigger than emails, deadlines and to-do lists
... time in nature & connection that genuinely changes how you feel
Join us on Mafia Island, Tanzania, for an unforgettable 8 days retreat combining daily yoga, ocean adventures and swimming with whale sharks.
MAFIA ISLAND - TANZANIA
Remote, peaceful and largely untouched, Mafia Island offers a slower pace of life and a chance to truly switch off.
Surrounded by turquoise water, coral reefs and white-sand beaches, it's the perfect setting to reconnect with nature, spend time in the ocean and enjoy a week away from the demands of everyday life.
Its simplicity is part of its magic.
WHY WHALE SHARKS?
Whale Sharks are the largest fish on the planet, yet they move through the ocean with remarkable calm and grace.
Swimming alongside them is a humbling experience. Time seems to slow down, distractions fade away and you're invited into a rare moment of presence and awe.
An experience one will not easily forget.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Slow mornings • Ocean adventures • Connection
A week designed to help you unwind, reconnect with nature and experience the magic of swimming alongside whale sharks and other marine life.
Daily Morning Yoga
Start each day with gentle movement, breath work and meditation.
These practices help you arrive fully in your body, calm the mind and prepare for another unforgettable day on the ocean.
5 Unforgettable Days of Whale Shark Encounters
After yoga and breakfast, we head out onto the turquoise waters of Mafia Island in search of whale sharks.
With experienced local guides, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel alongside these extraordinary animals in their natural environment. Every encounter is unique. Some days are quiet and reflective, while others bring multiple sightings and moments of pure wonder.
Gentle Giants
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and completely harmless to humans. Watching them glide effortlessly through the water is both humbling and unforgettable.
The Experience
Swim, observe, rest and simply enjoy being out on the ocean. The boat remains nearby at all times, allowing you to participate at your own pace.
Each Day is Different
Nature leads the way. Weather, sea conditions and sightings vary, making every excursion a unique experience.
Workshops
Throughout the week, we'll explore a range of practices designed to help you slow down, reconnect and create space for reflection.
Expect breathwork, movement and mindful workshops, inspired by the wisdom and traditions of East Africa.
These experiences are offered gently and with no pressure. Take what resonates and make the retreat your own.
OUR SEASIDE STAY
For seven nights, we will call this beautiful beachfront lodge home.
Wake to the sound of the ocean, enjoy fresh meals overlooking the sea and relax in comfortable air-conditioned bungalows just steps from the beach.
Simple, peaceful and surrounded by nature, it's the perfect place to slow down and fully immerse yourself in island life.
INVESTMENT
Included
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7 nights accommodation in a beachfront lodge
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Airport Transfers and all transport for scheduled activities
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Daily breakfast, light lunch and 3 course dinner
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Water, coffee and tea
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Five whale shark excursions
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One Mange Sandbank Trip, including snorkelling and lunch
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Daily mindful activities throughout the week
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Daily yoga
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Complimentary use of kayaks
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Retreat goodie bag
ANY QUESTIONS?
MESSAGE KARIN ON WHATSAPP OR BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL!
GETTING HERE IS EASY
Getting here is easier than you might think.
1) Fly to Dar es Salaam (DAR)
Most international visitors will arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This is the main gateway to Mafia Island, with flights from Europe, the Middle East and various African countries.
2) Take a short flight to Mafia Island
From Dar es Salaam, it's just a scenic 30–40 minute flight to
Mafia Island Airport (MFA).
Airlines operating daily flights:
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Coastal Aviation
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Auric Air
3. Transfer to your accommodation
Once you land, we'll arrange your transfer to the lodge. The drive takes around
10 - 15 minutes, so you'll be settling into island life in no time.
YOUR HOSTS
We're passionate about creating an experience that brings people together through nature, adventure and genuine connection.
Throughout the week, we'll guide your yoga practices, workshops and group experiences while ensuring there's plenty of space to relax, explore and enjoy the magic of Mafia Island at your own pace.
Karin Schulte
Karin is a yoga and movement facilitator who brings a warm, intuitive and grounded approach to her retreats. Her sessions draw from Yin Yoga, somatic and mindful movement, sound and meditation, creating space to slow down, reconnect with the body and simply be present.
Living in Namibia, she feels a deep connection to the ocean and has a particular love for the warmth and freedom of tropical waters. Time in, on and around the water is deeply calming and restorative for her, and after hosting her first ocean retreat in Zanzibar in 2024, she knew she wanted to continue creating experiences where people can combine movement, nature and adventure.
Her connection with the ocean, together with her love of creating meaningful experiences for others, is what brought her to this retreat. Alongside Maja, she looks forward to sharing a week of yoga, ocean adventures, whale sharks and plenty of time to simply enjoy the magic of Mafia Island.
Maja Mika
Maja is a yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, author and retreat creator with a deep love for the ocean and all marine life. She feels most at home in the water and has had the privilege of swimming with dolphins and whale sharks - experiences that have shaped the retreats and experiences she creates today.
Her own journey through periods of depression, anxiety and self-doubt led her to discover yoga, breathwork and other practices that helped her reconnect with herself and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Maja brings a compassionate and intuitive presence to her teaching. Her retreats offer space to slow down, reconnect with the body, breathe, reflect and simply enjoy being present. As a true ocean lover, she is especially excited to share this week of movement, adventure and unforgettable encounters with the whale sharks of Mafia Island.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to have yoga experience? Not at all. This retreat is suitable for all levels. Daily sessions are gentle and adaptable, offering support whether you're new to yoga or have years of practice. Everyone moves at their own pace.
What if I come alone? Most participants join solo and leave with new friends. The small group size encourages connection, yet there's plenty of space for reflection and personal time.
Is swimming with whale sharks safe? Absolutely. We follow all local safety guidelines and are accompanied by experienced guides. Whale Sharks are gentle giants - they swim calmly and will not touch you. You'll be supported every step of the way.
How fit do I need to be? Moderate fitness is sufficient. Nothing strenuous is required. The focus is on connection, presence and experiencing the environment, not endurance.
What should I bring? We'll provide detailed guidance once you reserve your spot.
Is this retreat suitable for families or children? The retreat is designed for adults, but families with teenagers are welcome if they're mature enough to fully enjoy the experience. It remains a small, intimate group focused on personal growth and connection with the ocean.
Do I have to take part in every activity? Absolutely not. While we encourage participation in most experiences to get the full benefit of the retreat, you are always free to sit out or step back from any activity if you don't feel comfortable. You remain fully in charge of your experience and sovereign in your choices.
Is this retreat for women only? Not at all! Everyone is welcome.
What is not included in the price? - Flights & visa - Travel insurance and travel expenses - Spa treatments - Additional scuba diving & activities - Optional staff tips
"My retreat with Karin in Zanzibar felt like a breath of fresh air, and it was the first retreat that helped me unwind and transform myself with gentleness and kindness instead of the forceful efforting so common with similar retreats.
Her seamless management of logistics in the background, her bright playful energy, her wide open heart and the general lightness of the atmosphere she created made my body exhale on much deeper levels than it normally does among strangers, and invited me to show my true self more freely.
Her presence holds a deep honesty that feels like it was built from a rich and loving relationship with her own self, and that realness helped me to explore my own depths in ways I was not able to do by myself.
The way her energy radiates authenticity by example showed me that this kind of presence is so much more valuable for inner transformation than endless verbal instruction or exercises. The way her energy guided me toward my own courage felt intuitive, gentle and natural, and had effects for me that lasted well beyond the retreat. I am deeply grateful for her gentle leadership and for our rich friendship that started on that retreat.”
Sybille, NA