A sacred iboga ceremony,
at the edge of the world.
A deeply transformative retreat in Zanzibar — a plant-medicine ceremony, psychotherapy and integration, carefully guided, in a setting of rare beauty.
A meeting with yourself, guided by an ancient tradition
Iboga is a plant medicine used for centuries in the Bwiti tradition of Central Africa for healing, clarity and reconnection. During a retreat, you ingest the plant under the close supervision of facilitators, within a guided spiritual ceremony. The experience is profound, complex and deeply personal — an inner journey that can bring freedom from old patterns, the healing of trauma, and a rare clarity about your life.
More than a ceremony
Every retreat weaves together preparation, ceremony and integration — so that transformation does not remain a memory, but becomes part of you.
The sacred ceremony
The central iboga ceremony, conducted in the Bwiti tradition, under close supervision, in a safe and sacred space.
Psychotherapy
Individual sessions and sharing circles, to prepare the mind and give meaning to the experience.
Integration
Time for reflection, guided integration, rest and nature — so insights take root in everyday life.
All our facilities
Bar & restaurant
Ceremony room
Wellness & spa
Workshop space
Luxury accommodation
Garden & poolBar & restaurantCeremony roomWellness & spaWorkshop spaceLuxury accommodationGarden & poolBar & restaurantCeremony room
I set out on this path as a simple seeker. Iboga showed me who I truly am — a transformation you cannot read about, only live. From that day, I felt called to open this door for others too.
I built Ananda Villa as a sacred space, where everything — from where you sleep to the hands that watch over you — is chosen with the best intention. In 2025 I was myself initiated in Gabon, in the Missoko Bwiti tradition, so I can stand beside you not only as a host, but as a brother on this path.
I guarantee you one thing: here you will be held with care, in the best space I can offer, with full respect for this plant and for you.
Over 15 editions, in more than 5 years
Over the years we have guided hundreds of people through this experience, edition after edition, in Zanzibar. Each retreat has written its own story of transformation.
The team that walks beside you
You don't walk alone. The retreat is guided by Tembo and Julie — initiated in the Bwiti tradition and trained in hypnotherapy — alongside a small team that accompanies you from the first conversation until you are home.
Nzambe Divanga, also known as Tembo, is a Nganga Missoko — a Franco-Gabonese hypnotherapist and musician, and a former member of the traditional Gabonese dance troupe Mbeng Ntam. Initiated in Gabon over 25 years ago, he was the close assistant and designated successor of his spiritual father. Since 2015 he has been authorised to serve the sacred plant and lead ceremonies — which he guides today with strict respect for tradition and a therapeutic approach.
Julie — Mudanga in Bwiti — was initiated in Gabon in 2007 in Mabundi, the female branch of the Bwiti Missoko Ngonde tradition. She has since risen through the tradition's ranks in the traditional way. She met Nzambe Divanga in 2013, and ever since they have travelled the world together to bring the Bwiti to those in need. She is also a hypnotherapist.
Meet Nzambe Divanga (Tembo) — a glimpse into the Bwiti tradition.
Alongside them: 3–6 assistants initiated in the Bwiti ceremony, a translator (English / French) and the hosts at Ananda Villa Zanzibar — so everything flows smoothly and safely, in your language.
Every applicant is known personally, through an interview, before the retreat.
Real stories of transformation
People who went through the retreat — in their own names and words.
Iboga came to me in the hardest moment of my life. This retreat freed me not only from suffering, but also from self-sabotage, from (some of my) toxic patterns and a considerable set of stored childhood traumas. It gave me connection with myself and lasting joy, peace, gratitude and a state of presence. The retreat was impeccably organized, with facilitators who truly support you throughout the whole process. I recommend it from the soul, for the soul!
· 2022 · a completely different person, inside and out
Despite being in a difficult period, I stumbled upon an upcoming Iboga retreat and felt compelled to participate. Iboga became my guiding Plant Teacher, helping me uncover what was missing in my life and empowering me to make positive changes. The Iboga ceremony immersed me in the rich Bwiti tradition, providing a profound sense of awe and transformation. It reprogrammed my destructive behaviors, cleansed my subconscious, and improved my relationships. Iboga is like a time travel vehicle, offering self-discovery and empowerment. Zanzibar's warm atmosphere, incredible accommodation, and delightful food enhanced this life-changing experience.
While I've explored psychedelics for years, Iboga offered a uniquely lucid and analytical journey to the root of my consciousness. Like a magic remote, it replayed defining moments of my life, offering a profound, objective understanding of my experiences. Iboga is not a shortcut; it's a key, enabling clear evaluation and acceptance of past experiences. Equipped with a deeper understanding of my choices, I can now exercise true Free Will and consciously shape my present.
I joined an Iboga and Bwiti retreat in April 2025, and it was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It helped me see myself clearly, understand how I was hurting myself, and take full responsibility for my life. The teachings of forgiveness came at the perfect time, allowing me to move forward feeling whole, empowered and grounded. The shamans held us with deep compassion and strength, like loving guides. Iboga is powerful and should be approached with respect, humility and care.
My retreat provided a profound personal and professional transformation, allowing me to disconnect from habitual reactions and reframe responses. This pause gifted a self-therapeutic space, unearthing an inner world from insignificant thoughts. It was an intimate introspection, offering an escape from existential blind spots. This distancing from automatism nurtured new response patterns, enabling a deeper understanding of self and liberation from preconditioning.
The Iboga retreat was a life-altering experience for me. From the moment I decided to join, I felt a strong sense of alignment and purpose. During the ceremony, I met the Shaman and experienced rapid recognition of my traumas and intentions. In the following days, I immersed myself in learning and understanding Iboga, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. This journey of growth has been an incredible blessing — I'm forever grateful.
A transformative journey of self-discovery and healing in Zanzibar through Iboga. Letting go of expectations, embracing detox and setting clear intentions paved the way for profound insights and change. The facilitators created a safe and supportive environment, guiding us through rituals and symbolism. The experience offered lucidity, sensory acuity and the power to transform perceptions and emotions — unlocking inner peace, self-acceptance and the ability to pause between stimulus and response. Iboga is more than a ceremony; it is a tool for profound growth.
Iboga Retreat Zanzibar
1–8 November 2026
An intimate edition of no more than 12 people at Ananda Villa Zanzibar.
Seven nights of preparation, ceremony and integration, guided by initiated Bwiti healers and psychotherapists.
7 spots are already booked.
Enrollment is by interview — the remaining spots can fill quickly.
Payment is made in three stages:
The advance deposit is refundable only in case of force majeure, pandemic, war, earthquake — or if you cancel up to 2 months before the retreat.
Everything is arranged for you
Included in the price
- Accommodation at Ananda Villa Zanzibar, 7 nights in deluxe double rooms
- All meals and drinks (no alcohol)
- Round-trip airport–hotel transfers
- Private psychotherapy and integration sessions
- 1 Iboga ceremony
- 2 initiated Bwiti healers (facilitators and psychotherapists)
- 3–6 assistants (initiated in the Bwiti ceremony)
- 1 translator (English / French)
- 2 excursions
- Relaxation massage
Not included
- Flights to Zanzibar
- Visa fee (does not apply to Romanian citizens)
- Mandatory travel insurance (~$44/pers)
- Offerings (recommended 2 × €50)
Areas where iboga can support healing
Psychedelics are not a panacea, not a magic pill.
They create a context — a space in which you have the opportunity to heal yourself.
They open a door; it is up to you whether you choose to step through it.
Depression, anxiety, burnout, PTSD
Addiction — alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, food, compulsive behaviours
Trauma from abuse, abandonment, violence, neglect
Guilt, shame, self-criticism, anger, self-sabotage, self-limiting beliefs
Stopping the perpetuation of transgenerational trauma
Resetting the reward–punishment circuits in the brain
Connecting with a higher level of spirituality
Reconnecting with your own body and authentic self
A deeper understanding of self
From the first intention, all the way home
An iboga retreat does not begin in Zanzibar — it begins the moment your soul was drawn to this plant.
Here is the full path, as you walk it with us.
Setting your intentions
A process that begins even before the interview — from the moment you heard of this plant and your soul was drawn to it. It is an important step, and the facilitators help you bring your intention into its most useful form before the ceremony.
The initial interview
A video session with a member of our team who has been through the initiation ritual themselves. Based on the interview and a short preliminary questionnaire, we speak freely about your life, current challenges, past experiences, substance use, medication (where relevant) and patterns. You receive guidance about the ceremony and can ask anything. This process is not for everyone — we want to make sure it is the right place for your needs and intentions.
You have been accepted
If there is compatibility, you pay the deposit (€1,000) and book your own flights so you arrive in Zanzibar on 1 November. Once you have your flight details, send them to us — so we can arrange the airport transfer.
Physical & spiritual preparation
There is no "Iboga diet", but the cleaner you eat, the less your body has to detoxify during the ceremony — and the more fully the plant can work its magic. This is also when you prepare your mind.
Preparation guide & recommended documentaries
Nutrition
- Organic, minimally processed foods
- Meat and seafood from natural or wild sources
- Plenty of fruit, vegetables and nourishing plant foods
- Grounding foods: root vegetables, bone broth, soups and stews
- Minimal or no sugar; cut fizzy drinks and sweet beverages
- Cut alcohol 7–14 days before
- Reduce caffeine (max 1 coffee/day, to avoid headaches on ceremony day)
- Drink plenty of filtered water (3–4 litres/day or more)
- Cut ultra-processed foods, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors
Medication
- Stopping most medications is recommended when working with Iboga.
- Not permitted: antidepressants (SSRIs), sleeping pills, barbiturates or recreational drugs.
Mind
- Reduce time on TV, computer and social media. The more detached you are, the less Iboga has to "travel through" to reach the essence of what you want to receive.
Recommended documentaries
- Hamilton's Pharmacopeia — S03E04
- Journey to the Edge of Consciousness
- The Wisdom of Trauma
- Independent Lens — S23E12, Glimpses of Consciousness
- Neurons to Nirvana — Understanding Psychedelic Medicines
- How to Change Your Mind
- Dosed (2019 / 2022)
- In Waves and War (Netflix)
Documents, health & packing
A few minutes of preparation now save you a lot of stress at the airport or on the plane. Sort out documents, insurance and your ECG in advance, and pack the essentials.
Full checklist: documents, health, money & packing
Required documents
- An ordinary electronic passport, valid for at least 6 months from entry (temporary passports are not accepted)
- Mandatory local medical insurance (since 1 Oct 2024): done online at visitzanzibar.go.tz, $44/person, regardless of any other insurance. Required at boarding — show the barcode.
- Romanian citizens do not pay a visa on entry (if you are asked for $50, show your passport again)
- An ECG (electrocardiogram) taken within the last week
On arrival
- Fill in the Arrival Declaration Form — bring your own pen.
- In the airport car park a driver waits with a sign bearing the hotel name.
- Politely decline the porters in reflective vests — you have only a short way to walk.
Health & safety
- "Africa" vaccines are not mandatory for Tanzania. Recommended: mosquito repellent (tropical Autan), light long-sleeved clothing, possibly prophylaxis agreed with your doctor.
- A small medical kit: hand sanitizer, tablets for stomach/fever/allergies/pain, rehydration salts.
- For the ocean/excursions: sea-urchin protection footwear + your own snorkeling gear (hygiene).
Money
- Bring new dollars, issued after 2007 — older ones are not accepted in Zanzibar.
- Cash for personal expenses, tips, souvenirs.
- Internet SIM ~$15 (12.5 GB) in Paje; the same SIM costs $40 at the airport.
What to pack
- Recommended: sunscreen, sunglasses, insect spray, sun hat, aloe/after-sun gel, flip-flops/crocs, reusable water bottle, toiletries, a good book, journal + pen, hand sanitizer, headphones, sleep accessories (earplugs, eye mask), healthy non-perishable snacks.
- Mandatory: passport, Zanzibar insurance, recent ECG, cash (new dollars), swimsuit, light breathable t-shirt + long trousers, an open mind.
- Pack essentials in your carry-on (medication, swimsuit, a change of clothes) — luggage is sometimes lost or delayed.
- Zanzibar uses UK sockets — bring an adapter + a small power strip if you travel with several devices.
- If you have room in your checked bag, bring clothes/supplies you no longer use — they are donated locally.
Digital detox. From Monday 2 November in the evening until the closing ceremony (Friday 6 November) you will have no access to your phone — about 4 days. Let your family and friends know in advance and leave your affairs in order.
Iboga — older than any study
Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) grows in the equatorial forests of Central Africa — Gabon, Cameroon, Congo.
From its root bark, the Bwiti peoples draw a medicine of the soul — which they call the Holy Wood (in French, bois sacré) — used for centuries for healing, initiation and reconnection.
It is a guarantee no modern study can match: time itself.
What recent research says about ibogaine
Scientific interest in ibogaine has surged in recent years — from clinical trials in veterans to policy decisions at the highest level.
In April 2026, President Trump signed an executive order accelerating psychedelic research for mental health — with ibogaine the only substance named explicitly. The order directs $50 million through the ARPA-H program and tasks the FDA and DEA with creating an access pathway for eligible patients (under Right to Try), alongside psilocybin and MDMA. Official fact sheet →
88% less PTSD in veterans with brain injuries
In 30 special-operations veterans with traumatic brain injuries, a single dose of ibogaine (with IV magnesium) cut PTSD symptoms by 88%, depression by 87% and anxiety by 81% within a month. WHO disability scores dropped from 30.2 to 5.1, with no serious cardiac events.
Source →Signs of neural repair on scans
EEG and MRI analysis of the same cohort showed a reorganization of brain networks: increased theta rhythms in those with improved executive function, reduced hypervigilance, and signs of neural repair at the cortical level.
Source →Freedom from opioid dependence
Observational studies from several international clinics report significant reductions in opioid craving and withdrawal symptoms after ibogaine treatment, some with sustained abstinence for months after a single session.
What you want to know before applying
How much does the retreat cost?
• €1,000 on booking (after the interview)
• €900 by 1 October 2026
• €600 in cash at check-in in Zanzibar
After 14 September the price is €2,800.
What's included in the price?
Not included: flights, visa, travel insurance (~$44) and offerings (~2 × €50).
How does enrolment work?
The process is not for everyone — we want you to be in the right place for your needs.
Is it safe? What screening is there?
Every applicant goes through an interview and a health questionnaire, and a recent electrocardiogram (ECG) is required before departure.
Antidepressants (SSRIs), sleeping pills and certain medical or psychological conditions may contraindicate participation.
Where does the retreat take place?
How many people take part in a retreat?
The 1–8 November 2026 edition is limited to 12 participants.
I want to sign up
Leave your details and we will contact you for the initial (video) interview.
5 of 12 spots left for the 1–8 November 2026 retreat.
* or contact us directly on WhatsApp
Thank you!
We have received your application. We will contact you soon for the initial interview.
Participation requires good physical health and adequate psychological preparation.
Certain medical or mental health conditions may contraindicate participation — every applicant goes through a screening process.
This site is informational and does not constitute medical advice.