A beautiful retreat on Mafia Island, Tanzania, offering up-close, memorable encounters with whale sharks and other marine life.  

The shallow waters surrounding this tranquil island host a huge aggregation of whale sharks and coral reefs that we will explore by boat, collecting valuable conservation data. 

With an added splash of luxury this retreat is held in charming exclusive-use accommodation where we will take time to stretch, swim, meditate and come together to set our intentions for the year ahead.  

Our days will be filled with a mix of exploration and contemplation, exhilaration and relaxation.

After a thrilling scenic flight in a single prop Cesna aeroplane, you will arrive on Mafia island and be transferred to your accommodation at Bustani Lodge.  Settle into your room, then join the group for a light lunch in our private garden restaurant looking out over the Indian ocean.  Have a dip in the pool, and fully arrive before our afternoon orientation.  As we have the place completely to ourselves, enjoy your surroundings and the facilities then meet over dinner.  Sleep well in comfortable beds to the sound of chirruping cicadas. 

We will usually start early with dawn yoga, followed by morning whale shark  monitoring or exploring the marine park on the other side of the island.  During your time on retreat you can expect ~

• Dawn yoga/meditation practice

• Snorkelling with Whale Sharks

• Contributing to vital citizen science conservation research

• Introduction to Coral Reef Monitoring

• Journaling 

• Circling

• Exploring the enchanting Chole Island

• Meet friendly locals and experience the unique Mafia island lifestyle.

• Experiencing the beauty of the marine national park

• ‘Blue Lagoon’ visit

• Beach clean ups

• Conservation education and discussions 

• Craft workshops

• Swimming and relaxing around the pool

• A beach BBQ and sunset cruise on your final night
  (maybe even a game of beach volleyball with the boat crew!)

After a final breakfast, say goodbye to new found friends and hop on your transfer back to the airport to start your journey home or onward to other parts of Tanzania.