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, stories and flow together. With a mix of yoga and non-yoga classes as well as curated 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!
Please allow us to introduce ourselves.
Tizia Doriye
Co - Founder & Yoga Instructor, 35
Tizia has been based in Arusha, Tanzania, for the past decade, where she has built a life deeply connected to community, wellness, and meaningful human connection. Alongside her professional work, she is also a mother of three.
She is a certified yoga teacher recognized by Yoga Alliance and a trained massage therapist, with a strong dedication to holistic wellbeing. Her work is rooted in creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, restore balance, and experience the transformative benefits of yoga and bodywork.
Beyond her teaching and therapeutic practice, Tizia is the founder of an accommodation venture and a volunteer organization, both of which reflect her commitment to authentic hospitality, community development, and positive social impact. Through these projects, she has created welcoming environments for travelers and volunteers seeking a genuine and heart-centered experience in Tanzania.
A special part of her journey is her deep connection to Zanzibar. Inspired by the island’s beauty, energy, and spirit, she is especially excited to be part of the Zanzibar Yoga Festival. For Tizia, the festival is a beautiful opportunity to share the power of yoga and wellness in a setting that naturally invites presence, healing, and connection.
Through her sessions, she looks forward to offering participants an experience that goes beyond the physical practice — one that nurtures the body, calms the mind, 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.
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. Sophia has taught everything from figure skating to skiing, TRX, and spinning, along with yoga since 2017, always embracing new experiences!
