Mie is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher by Yoga Alliance. She is also an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT), which acknowledges the experience of over 1000 hours of actual teaching. Mie strongly feels that yoga practice is for everyone, regardless of age, physical conditions, social-economic status. She does her very best to make the sequence accessible to practitioners of all levels.
“There is a depth, an intensity to the experience of the practice with Mie. Intentionally sequenced, carefully composed, beautifully fluid: it’s a journey through all the layers to heart and to truth.”
Rooted in Tanzania and passionate about community, organizers Jay (Tarakwai Safaris) and Mie (Flow with Mie) are behind the conscious yoga safaris. Beyond creating beautiful and impactful yoga experiences, they strive to uplift Jambiani, the village in Zanzibar where the retreats end. Their efforts range from supporting local plastic recycling initiatives with children to empowering local women through yoga instruction. During your yoga retreat, you'll have the chance to see (or even participate in) fun workshops where kids learn about plastic pollution and how to collect it responsibly.
Safari njema (have a good journey)!
Can you tell us about your personal story and how you came to found Tarakwai?
I was raised in Tanzania, as a third-generation Tanzanian. My family has deep roots there, and I have formed strong bonds with various places and people. After moving to Canada and completing a degree in Environmental Sciences, I felt a strong pull to return. Fueled by a love of adventure, a deep affection for Tanzania's people and nature, and a desire to promote sustainable travel, I founded Tarakwai.
What is special about Tanzania for you?
Apart from its rich biodiversity and cultural diversity, what I find special about Tanzania is its people. I am consistently impressed by the kindness of Tanzanians. The phrase "Tupo Pamoja," meaning "we are together," is commonly heard among them. Wherever I am in Tanzania, I feel welcomed and assured, knowing there are always people ready to help out at any time.
What should not be missed on a safari through Tanzania?
Tarangire National Park is one of my favorite wilderness destinations. This park is home to so much wildlife including elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and much more. What makes it special for me however, are its stunning landscapes and the majestic Baobab trees. Exploring with a guide unlocks even more wonders—such as learning that Baobab trees store up to 5000 liters of water in their bark, which elephants rely on for moisture-rich bark during the dry season.
How did you come up with the idea of combining yoga and safari in one trip? And what is so special about this combination?
Raised with Ayurvedic principles, I've always valued mindful living. So it was a matter of time before we began integrating wellness into our safaris. The idea came to life when a German yoga instructor requested a custom yoga safari. Extreme positive feedback from his group fueled our decision to offer regular yoga safaris.
I find practicing yoga on safari deepens people's appreciation and connection to their surroundings. It's as though yoga leaves a “cleaner” you, and allows every experience to leave a more powerful impression. While safaris are amazing by themselves, adding yoga adds a transformative layer.
What can participants expect from the Yoga & Safari trip?
Guests can look forward to excellent accommodations, especially at the stunning oceanfront Sharazad Boutique Hotel in Zanzibar. It's an ideal spot to conclude a safari and go deeper into yoga practice. They can also expect to be impressed by their driver/guide, who will not only “wow” with their skill in spotting animals, but for their enjoyable company, becoming like another friend during the safari.
What is the biggest highlight for you on this trip?
To me, it's incredible to be able to spot so many different animals in a national park, but seeing them against stunning scenery is awe-inspiring. Many visitors are especially amazed by Ngorongoro Crater. This massive collapsed volcano, transformed into a magnificent "bowl of nature", hosts nearly every type of African plains mammal, including the endangered black rhino.
What special experiences or anecdotes do travelers often remember the most?
Safaris are amazing, but our enriching activities like guided nature walks truly elevate the experience. Even in Zanzibar, we provide a fascinating walk exploring a village and learning about the local culture. Guests consistently praise our guides who bring the experiences to life - particularly the funny and wonderful Mbayani who leads the medicinal plant and Maasai cultural walks from Isoitok Camp.
Another aspect is the yoga itself. We pride ourselves on the teachers we select for these trips. They are dedicated to their craft and have a depth of knowledge and experience that clients really appreciate and often comment on afterwards.
