ABOUT
Zanzibar Yoga Festival will bring people together in the beautiful surroundings of Matemwe, Zanzibar. Under the starry skies and by the blue waters, we will explore connection, share healthy meals and stories and flow together. With a mix of yoga and non-yoga classes as well as currated workshops, we hope you will leave the festival feeling refreshed, energised and relaxed. Especially if you take advantage of the Spa treatments. We believe wholeheartedly in the power of community and yoga, and look forward to welcoming all to Matemwe!
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Please allow us to introduce ourselves.
Tizia Doriye
Co - Founder & Yoga Instructor, 33
Tizia is a remarkable individual whose life journey has woven a rich tapestry of experiences, resilience, and passion. For the past decade, she has called the vibrant city of Arusha, Tanzania, home. She has not only embraced the warmth of the local community but has also become an integral part of it.
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As a dedicated single mother, She finds joy and purpose in raising her three children.
Beyond her role as a mother, Tizia is a certified yoga teacher recognized by the Yoga Alliance. Her journey into the world of yoga has not only transformed her own life but has become a source of inspiration for those around her.
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She is the driving force behind an accommodation venture and a volunteer organization. These endeavors reflect her commitment to fostering community development and creating positive change in the lives of those she encounters. Through her accommodation services, she offers a welcoming haven for travelers seeking a genuine Tanzanian experience.
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One of Tizia's true passions lies in the enchanting allure of Zanzibar. Her love for Zanzibar is a deep connection to the island's unique charm and spirit.
She's excited about the upcoming Zanzibar Yoga Festival and She's eager to share the transformative power of yoga against the backdrop of Zanzibar's beauty, she looks forward to creating an experience that transcends the physical and touches the soul.
Sophia Schwer
Co - Founder & Yoga Instructor, 40
From a young age, Sophia was all about sports, but yoga wasn’t on her radar—until an injury changed everything. While recovering, she stumbled upon the transformative power of Yin Yoga, which helped her find stillness amidst the chaos, comfort in discomfort, and a deeper connection with herself. It became her refuge during tough times, like navigating a serious illness and avoiding surgery. When Covid hit, her online classes became a lifeline, both for her and her students, and she still practices regularly.
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While she’s a dedicated Yin Yogi at heart, Sophia also enjoys mixing it up with some strong power yoga sessions and flowing through Vinyasa.
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Her journey began in hospitality, where she spent 20 years honing skills that she still values today, especially with the travel adventures that came along. Driven by her passion for the environment, she made the leap to Nature-Based Solutions five years ago. After years of consulting and volunteering, she’s now settled in Tanzania, running her own consultancy focused on sustainability and conservation across Africa.
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On top of all that, Sophia has taught everything from figure skating to skiing, TRX, and spinning, along with yoga since 2017. Whether she’s training for an Ironman or flowing on the mat, she’s all about pushing limits and embracing new experiences!
