Thanda Island

Upon arrival, Thanda Island instantly becomes your Indian Ocean home. This storied place is located on an uninhabited, 8-hectare tropical island in the turquoise waters of a marine protected reserve off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa.

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World that opened in 2016 as a luxury private island, Thanda Island has repeatedly been voted by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island.

Offering an exclusive, single-key Villa for you, your family and friends to enjoy completely for yourselves, it has five romantic, air-conditioned suites that open directly onto the beach, accommodating ten adults with additional beds available for children. On the island are also two traditional, open-air Tanzanian bandas (beach chalets) for your exclusive use.

This unique luxury getaway has been created for adventure, relaxation and total privacy. It offers spectacular snorkelling, diving, big game fishing and many other aquatic activities in this place of absolute natural beauty in the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve.

At your disposal is Thanda Island’s 36-foot adventure yacht Sazi, 28-foot reef runner, deep-sea fishing cat, Real Magic, and 34-foot Cobalt motor cruiser, Island Princess, commandeered by the highly experienced captain and crew.

They are part of the select team on Thanda Island, looking after your every need, including your own Chef, Hostess and Housekeeper, Activities Guide and Boatman.

Thanda Island is deeply committed to conservation and partners with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit in a range of marine conservation programmes including coral restoration and conserving the five species of marine turtles that occur in Tanzania’s waters, as well as the largest fish in the world – the gentle, human-friendly whale shark.

Thanda Island participates in community programmes on nearby Mafia Island, including education, sustainable fish harvesting and sport. Thanda’s Star for Life programme empowers young people on Mafia Island to reach for their dreams and lead healthy positive lives.

From above you see a teardrop of sand in a turquoise sea under East Africa skies. As you get closer, you see a secret, private island getaway that is so clearly unique. Thanda Island’s single-key Villa is for your exclusive use and has repeatedly been voted the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island by the World Travel Awards.

Stepping onto you own private 1100 metre beach, you know you will have the most beautiful, natural, adventurous, luxurious time here. The Villa offers sublime living and sleeping areas, including five exquisite, air-conditioned suites that open directly onto the pool and outdoor living area, surrounded by turquoise seas and silken sands. On the island are also two traditional open-air Tanzanian bandas (beach chalets) for your exclusive use.

You have a choice of thrilling water adventures, excursions and activities, including swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, island tennis, dining on ocean-fresh seafood or a choice of dishes to suit every dietary requirement.

You are free to explore the 8-hectare island where the only sign of human habitation is the occasional, traditional fishing dhow in the distance. This is a luxury getaway at another level, with all the activities, adventures, amenities and requirements you desire during your stay.

If you look up exclusive island getaways, or Tanzania or Tanzania private island, you will find Thanda Island in the tropical turquoise waters off the coast of East Africa. Of all the exclusive island getaways in the world, Thanda Island is hard to beat. As you step off the helicopter, the breathtaking Villa is right there and yours to enjoy.

There is only one Villa on the island. This is an exclusive-use, single-key experience of a lifetime on a private island within a protected marine reserve. It’s your home, with a paradise-inspired living area featuring five beautiful air-conditioned bedroom suites leading directly onto the beach.

The expansive living area has a wrap-around dining area with its 180-degree view of the ocean. Dining on Thanda Island is a taste adventure of delectable cuisine. Dine on the beach or on an Arab dhow or al fresco under African stars.

Adventure-wise, you have a choice of activities, with a boathouse full of equipment. A boatman is dedicated to you as your personal guide and the resident, highly experienced captain leads excursions in Thanda Island’s 36-foot adventure yacht Sazi, its 28-foot reef runner, deep-sea fishing cat, Real Magic, and 34-foot Cobalt motor cruiser, Island Princess.

Snorkel around Thanda Island or scuba dive with the island’s accredited, 5-star dive partner at Chole Bay for spectacular diving, including an intriguing diversity of coral reefs, five species of turtles and 400 species of enchanting reef fish.

Thanda Island is deeply committed to conservation and partners with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit in a range of marine conservation and educational programmes including coral and turtle conservation.

Thanda Island participates in a range of community programmes on nearby Mafia Island, including education, sustainable fish harvesting and sport. Thanda’s Star for Life programme empowers young people to reach for their dreams and lead healthy positive lives.

THE VILLA
Thanda Island’s luxury accommodation will provide you with the greatest experience possible. For those that require something more than the traditional bandas bungalows, we offer a luxury island villa, respectively called The Villa, which has relaxed living and sleeping areas as well as everything you’d expect from an extraordinary beach house, such as an indoor aquarium, a variety of musical instruments, a magnificent wine collection, a glass rim-flow swimming pool, an air-conditioned gym, a library with an extensive Ernest Hemingway book collection, and a wraparound dining area with a 180-degree view of the ocean.

The five on-suite bedrooms are air-conditioned with king-size beds, and an idyllic island feel. If required, additional beds for children can be set up in bedroom suites or the library.

Thanda Island with its Luxury Villa is offered in its entirety for your sole use and the island’s remote location assures complete privacy. Personifying beach house romance, the Villa is designed in coastal whites, greens and blues and features everything you would want in an extraordinary home, including an indoor aquarium, connoisseur wine collection, gym, glass rim-flow swimming pool, and a wraparound dining area with its 180-degree view.

The Villa has five beautifully appointed suites that open directly onto the beach, accommodating ten adults with additional beds available for children. A discrete and dedicated team, including the manager, executive chef, hostesses and butlers, housekeepers, guides and spa therapists take care of your every need. It is a home away from home, with all the comforts, amenities, facilities and adventures on tap.

The 82-foot Sea Leopard and her captain are at your disposal for short excursions, sunset cruises and fun days in the sun. We offer a wide range of island adventures, water sports as well as big game fishing. On the island you can play tennis, relax in a copper bath on the beach, make pizzas, explore the island and have as much fun as possible with your family and friends.

Upon arrival, Thanda Island instantly becomes your exclusive use Indian Ocean home. Unlike a hotel or other private islands villas with more than one villa, Thanda Island has one luxurious Villa that you have all to yourself in complete privacy.

In addition to the Villa it has two traditional Tanzanian bandas (bungalows) also for your exclusive use. It is without doubt one of the world’s most exclusive island getaways. Situated in your own protected marine reserve you can swim with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, and watch sea turtles nesting.

Experience thrilling watersports, a classic cruise, super yacht sailing and superlative game fishing, or simply relax and restore in a world where shades of turquoise infuse your days and tropical spices your nights.

Thanda Island’s single-key private Villa is inspired by the tradition of iconic family properties where generations and friends reconnect and spend precious time together. It is part of the African dream of the owners, the Olofsson family from Sweden, who styled the Villa and Thanda Island to offer everything they would want on a private island.

The island is off-grid and 100% self-sufficient, with excellent wi-fi internet access and mobile phone reception and at the same time it personifies idyllic natural beauty. There is no equivalent, it is natural, pristine, luxurious, magical, and it is entirely for you and your family and friends to enjoy on your own. It is so special and unique it reminds us the world is still a place of great beauty and wonder.

TANZANIAN BANDAS
If you would like to experience traditional Tanzanian life during your stay on Thanda Island, or you need extra accommodation in addition to the five sumptuous suites in the Villa, just up the beach you have free run of not just one double-story luxury beach bungalow, but two, or ‘bandas’ as they are called in Tanzania, for your exclusive use.

Our private island bungalow accommodation is a different take on unique luxury accommodations. Each of the two is every bit a luxury bungalow house, designed to exquisite standards, and offering all the comforts and services that define the Thanda way.

During your stay, you can come and go as you please from your bungalows, which are situated next to each other, right on the beach. They are fully air-conditioned, with two king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms in each, and are equipped to suit your every need, while offering distinctive island style and atmosphere.

Beautiful, locally hand-carved furniture and fabrics from Mafia Island in soft, natural colours enhance the authentic feel. With an ocean-cooled, open-living design, you can spend the day in your luxury beach bungalow, relaxing and dining, or you can sleep over if you choose.

Every part of Thanda Island is yours to enjoy, explore and restore in complete safety and privacy. The moment you arrive, the island instantly becomes your Indian Ocean home. This storied place is inspired by the tradition of iconic properties where generations of families and friends reconnect and spend precious time together.

It is part of the African dream of the Olofsson family from Sweden who styled Thanda Island to offer everything they would want on a private island, including luxury beach bungalows.

Together with Thanda Island’s select team, the Olofssons are the dedicated custodians of this sanctuary. The island is situated in its own marine protected reserve – the largest in the Indian Ocean where you can bathe in blue heaven and enjoy some of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving off the East African Coast.

Here you can swim with the gentle whale shark, experience sea turtles and a showstopping variety of tropical fish. Ride the trade winds in a traditional Arab dhow; go big game fishing, play island tennis and relax in Thanda luxury with delectable island cuisine, luxurious living and attention to detail.

No city lights, no traffic, no noise, just a few people surrounded by marine wilderness and wildlife. The island is off-grid and 100% self-sufficient, with excellent wifi internet access and mobile phone reception, as many of our guests require this.

DINING
As part of Thanda Island’s utterly private, magical island adventure, we offer a luxury dining experience. The cuisine is fresh, delicious and customised to your specific palate. We will contact you ahead of your visit to discuss the menu of your choice and to find out if you have any allergies or specific dietary requirements.

The Chefs source the freshest quality food, including ocean-fresh fish and shellfish, vegan and vegetarian produce, steak, game and chicken; crisp seasonal vegetables and tropical fruits. A variety of herbs are grown in the herb garden on Thanda Island, and tropical fruit and vegetables produced by local farmers are brought in from nearby Mafia Island.

The Chefs make their own coconut milk for the curries, as well as ice cream, sorbet, yoghurt and muesli. If you enjoy fish and seafood, this is paradise, and the Chefs are fish and seafood masters: the menu includes fish cooked to perfection, fish carpaccio, sashimi, sushi, prawn curries, lobsters freshly caught off Mafia Island, mangrove crabs, tuna, red snappers and a choice of other sea-fresh fish, caught by you or our team.

Gather round the Villa’s magnificent dining table or under a canopy of stars for an exotic royal feast. Breakfasts on the beach, picnics on a sandbank in the ocean and spicy Tanzanian cuisine are all part of the Thanda Island dining experience.

Dining on Thanda Island is a taste adventure of the region’s delectable cuisine. Enjoy lunch al fresco on the beach, or on a traditional Arab dhow. Indulge in ocean-fresh seafoods and experience a Swahili feast dedicated to the exotic flavours, spices and aromas of Tanzania.

Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander and saffron from the spice island of Zanzibar and coconut milk are used in many of the local dishes. Tanzanian traditional food includes a culinary crossover of Swahili, Arabic and Indian cuisine.

As part of the Island dining experience, there is a romantic, Swahili-themed night dedicated to the flavours of Tanzania and the spices of Zanzibar. The dishes include Swahili curries, prawn curries, rice, chapatis, samosas, local vegetable dishes, local desserts and Swahili chai.

Rice and ugali are two of the Tanzanian national dishes. Ugali is a stiff porridge made with maize, cassava, sorghum and millet. One of the most famous Tanzanian dishes is wali wa nazi – a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk.

For a taste of Italy, join the Chefs in making your own Italian pizza, cooked in the pizza oven. Or travel by boat for an adventure feast on neighbouring Mbarakuni Island. If you would like to fish, Thanda Island’s team will lead your fishing expedition to bring home the catch of the day for the Chefs to prepare for your dinner.

From ocean-fresh fish and seafood to beef, game and poultry dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan options, Thanda Island’s cuisine is delectably fresh and tailored to your individual tastes. The Chefs will contact you ahead of your visit to discuss your preferred menu options, and special care is taken to cater to all dietary requirements and personal culinary desires.

As part of Thanda Island’s luxury dining experience, the Chefs take great pride in offering our guests a taste adventure that includes traditional Tanzanian cuisine, European flavours and Asian fusions.

For an experience of Tanzanian cuisine, the Chefs prepare a Swahili feast dedicated to the flavours and aromas of Tanzania, tickled with spices from Zanzibar. Swahili curries, rice dishes, grills, local desserts, chai and more.

Ancient Arabian culture is very much part of the East African cultural mix, and the Thanda Island team offers an utterly exotic Arabian evening of indulgence and culinary delights.

Each and every meal and setting on Thanda Island is carefully conceived. From tropical fruit breakfasts at the pool to romantic candlelit dinners on the beach to completely indulgent feasts at the Villa’s vast dining table, island dining on Thanda Island is one of the reasons our guests repeatedly return.

EVERYTHING IS FRESH
Our chefs set a high value on healthy food. Every meal they prepare is fresh, from herbs freshly picked from the Island herb garden to papayas, coconuts, watermelons and pineapples. They make their own coconut milk for the curries, and they handmake the ice cream, sorbet, yoghurt and muesli.

FISH & SEAFOOD PARADISE
If you enjoy fish and seafood, this is paradise, and our chefs are fish and seafood masters: the menu includes fish cooked to perfection, fish carpaccio, sashimi, sushi, prawn curries, lobsters freshly caught off Mafia Island, mangrove crabs, tuna, red snappers and a choice of other sea-fresh fish, caught by you or our team, as well as seasonal oysters freshly-picked from Thanda Island.

THANDA ISLAND PIZZA
Pizza-making on our private island resort is part of the entertainment. Everyone gets involved at the alfresco dining area, where there is a traditional hand-built Italian pizza oven.

Here you can help make the pizzas with a choice of delicious ingredients, including flour from Italy, delicious cheeses, original prosciutto di Parma, cured hams and meats, artichokes, fresh tomatoes and fresh herbs from the island herb garden.

SWAHILI FEASTS
You can experience a Swahili feast dedicated to the flavours and aromas of Tanzania, tickled with the spices from Zanzibar. Swahili curries, rice dishes, grills, local desserts, chai and more.

Ancient Arabian culture is infused in East Arica, and we offer your friends and family an exotic experience of Arabian nights with a themed evening of indulgence, with chiffon drapes, incense, Afghan rugs, low tables, Arabian music and culinary delights.

SPA & WELLNESS
Wellness and happiness sum up the Thanda Island ethos, and the spa and wellness team goes out of their way to ensure that guests experience a profound sense of well-being and rejuvenation during their stay.

Most island getaway spas are shared with other guests, but on Thanda Island, the spa therapists are exclusively dedicated to you and the treatments can be customised to your individual needs. The spa therapists are brought in from nearby Mafia Island or Dar es Salaam during your stay.

To utterly pamper your body, they use an exquisite range of non-allergic products by Africology, leaders in holistic beauty care and wellness. This premium spa brand offers natural, organic products that harness the restorative powers of Africa’s rich natural resources, made from only the purest natural ingredients.

Thanda Island’s expert beauty and massage specialists have created a suite of special massages, facials, and body treatments, especially for Thanda Island. Given the absolute privacy you enjoy on the island, your treatments, including an island spa massage, can be done in the luxury island spa, on the beach, in your villa suite, or wherever you choose.

The entire island is exclusively yours, and this includes the island spa range of treatments that have been created with every need in mind. Thanda Island guests, men, and women alike, all say the island spa and wellness experience in its exquisite setting is so special and unforgettable that they would return to Thanda Island specifically for this.

A full list of treatments is presented to you ahead of your stay, so that the Thanda Island team can customise them, especially for you.

On arrival, many of our guests say they find it difficult to relax, but the wonder of Thanda Island is that it does it all for you. You’ll find yourself spontaneously letting go while you restore your vital force in this place of paradise, boosted by the specially formulated treatments offered by the island spa team.

The Africology range used on Thanda Island is completely natural, beneficial and non-allergic, with specific products for different skin types. The range includes high-performance masks, gels, serums, balms and regenerative creams, made from the finest natural products renowned for their healing, revitalisation and anti-aging properties.

Yoga, meditation and reiki are part of the wellness offering on the island. Your personal wellness specialist will guide you to experience a profound sense of health and happiness during your stay.

It will help you release tension, manage stress, have more fun, and enhance your mental strength, emotional resilience and physical fitness. There is no better place to experience this than on your own private island.

PRIVATE ISLAND WATER ADVENTURES
At Thanda Island, you have exclusive access to the stunning Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve as well as a fantastic range of water and marine sports. Our 36-foot adventure yacht Sazi, our 28-foot reef runner, deep-sea fishing cat, Real Magic, and our 34-foot Cobalt motor cruiser, Island Princess, are all at your disposal.

Our dependable captain and crew have taken command of all three vessels. Thanda Island is thus the finest choice for an exclusive family vacation destination.

SAILING, PADDLING & KAYAKING
Explore the reefs around your island in a kayak, sailboat or on your stand-up paddle-board. We can also organise a sailing trip on a traditional Arab fishing dhow. Enjoy a power ride on one of our jet-skis or go wakeboarding behind our speedboat, Island Princess.

SCUBA DIVING
If you enjoy scuba diving at any level, or you would like to learn to scuba dive, we will arrange this for you with Mafia Island Diving, our accredited 5-star dive partner at Chole Bay on nearby Mafia Island.

All dives are done from traditional Arab dhows in the Mafia Island Marine Park. The largest marine protected area in the Indian Ocean offers some of the most spectacular diving off the East African Coast, including an intriguing diversity of coral reefs, five species of turtles and 400 species of enchanting reef fish.

SNORKELLING
We have a resident snorkelling guide on Thanda Island who can take you on seven different snorkelling adventures around our Island. All ages and novices can enjoy this.

Marine turtles have frequently been sighted during snorkels, along with plenty of exciting marine species, including trumpet fish, threespot dascyllus, blue-spotted stingray, jewel damselfish, cleaner wrasse, goldbar wrasse, reef needlefish and cornetfish.

BIG GAME FISHING
If you would like to do some big game fishing, our captain and fishing guide will lead your fishing expedition on Real Magic to seek out iconic catch-and-release species or bring home the catch of the day for our chefs to prepare for lunch or dinner at your private villa.

Our guides are very passionate about all types of fishing and go out of their way to make sure you have the best possible experience. Children are also welcome to fish or learn how to fish. The fishing season is from September to March, with Sailfish from November to January.

SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS
One of the most emotional and spectacular ocean wonders you can ever experience is being up close with a whale shark, which can grow to an astonishing 18 metres.

These harmless, gentle giants – the largest fish in the world and categorised by the IUCN as vulnerable to extinction – are an incredible part of the Thanda Island experience, as they feed just south of the Island from October to March.

We are privileged to be able to share these beautiful creatures up close with you: you can either swim with them or view them from our luxury adventure vessel, ably commandeered by our trusted captain.

CRUISE THE ISLANDS
Cruise around Thanda Island and the surrounding islands in Thanda’s boat, beautifully appointed with a luxurious cabin, cocktail bar, dedicated waiter and a music system with a wide range of song choice. Sip on champagne and enjoy Island delicacies as you explore the magnificent marine reserves.

ISLAND ACTIVITES & FACILITIES
We have island activities for quests who want to relax and for those who want fun in the sun. For our guests who want to relax, there’s music, yoga, spa treatments and time out at our magnificent rim-flow pool. For our energetic guests, we’re geared for action.

From scuba diving and snorkeling, big game fishing, exploring the ocean in our catamaran or cruiser to playing tennis and volleyball, working out in the gym, walking and jogging on the beach and exploring the Thanda luxury island. Enjoy our special Egret Walk and, of course, dancing in the moonlight under African skies, before going back to your Bandas bungalow or Villa.

TENNIS & VOLLEYBALL COURT
In the early mornings, late afternoons or evenings (when it isn’t too hot) you might want to have a game of tennis or volleyball on our 16 x 35m artificial lawn court. It has white lines for tennis and yellow lines for volleyball. Constructed especially for your enjoyment on Thanda Island, it has night lights for those who would like to play after dark.

We are fully equipped with rackets, balls and even partners and opponents if you need them. Alongside the tennis court is the gazebo where friends and family can cheer on the match while having tea or cocktails.

VILLA GYM
We know that many of you enjoy your regular exercise and gym routine, and we have created your own private, air-conditioned Thanda Villa Gym for all types of training.

We offer a wide range of equipment – from running and bicycle machines to weight training and boxing equipment. Irrespective of your fitness level, we have all sorts of options. The gym is large enough to accommodate groups who can exercise simultaneously, if you so choose.

BIRD WALK
An interesting activity is the Thanda Island Egret Walk, where you head through the bush behind the Villa and onto a white-sand trail to visit the white, grey and black Egrets that inhabit our private island.

Thanda Island is an ideal home for them, with excellent fish, and they manage to hatch a great number of their delicate baby-blue eggs. At different times of the year you can watch them interacting with each other and with their young.

ADVENTURES & EXCURSIONS
When visiting Thanda Island, Tanzania’s exclusive luxury destination, you will be able to experience the mystery of ancient lands were agriculture, fishing, and commerce date back to the Iron Age, with remarkable findings at Juani’s Ukunju Cave. Trade in this area has traditionally been centered on the sea, led by the trade winds.

Traditional wooden dhows float between cargo ships in Tanzania’s main city of Dar es Salaam, and the culture and architecture reflect the country’s various African, Arabic, Indian, British, and European influences. Chole’s people have traveled in Arab dhows since the 8th century, and Zanzibar’s ancient spices came from the East.

EXPLORE CHOLE ISLAND
One of the most popular island excursions is the Chole Island Tour. We partner with our agents on nearby Chole Island who lead our guests on this community-based and historical journey to the east side of Mafia Island.

Weather permitting, the journey from Thanda Island takes about an hour and includes an experience of a traditional Arab dhow: the sea-going vessel used along this coastline for thousands of years.

EXPLORE DAR ES SALAAM
Explore Tanzania’s thriving harbour capital of Dar es Salaam, or ‘Dar’ as it is called, with its colourful mix of African, Arabic, Indian, British and German architecture and culture.

Experience the fishermen bringing in their daily catch and shop for intriguing African fabrics and artefacts in the markets. For Dar Es Salaam excursions we can even arrange a helicopter for an overnight stay or just a day visit.

EXPLORE THE LEGENDARY SPICE ISLAND OF ZANZIBAR
From ancient times, cloves, peppers, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg from India, Indonesia and Malaysia were brought to Zanzibar by wooden dhows sailing the monsoon winds. Spice farming is the mainstay of Zanzibar today.

Experience a spice tour and the mystique of the old city of Stone Town. We can arrange a helicopter or fixed-wing charter plane visit or an overnight stay in Zanzibar.

EXPLORE MAFIA ISLAND
Mafia Island is the closest inhabited island to Thanda Island. We can sail you over to Mafia for a day’s exploration of the Eleventh Century ruins, visits to the village communities and traditional boat-building craftsmen who use hand tools and hand-forged nails.

Road safaris around Mafia in the island’s legendary Landrover taxis are another option. Visit villages famous for their clay pots, ukili mats and coconut plantations.

EXPLORE JUANI ISLAND
One of the nine islands in the Mafia Island archipelago is Juani Island, with its extraordinary natural, amazonesque channel and blue lagoon on the eastern side of Mafia Island.

On board a traditional Arab dhow you experience stunning views of the southern part of the archipelago as you sail up the Juani Island channel with its azure waters, bordered by lush mangrove forests and populated by a fascinating range of bird species.

The journey takes you to the blue lagoon, which, with its sandy bottom and shallow waters is the perfect place for a refreshing swim with unimaginable views.

MARINE LIFE & COMMUNITIES
Thanda Island is part of research and conservation projects as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef. The island provides a basis for its neighbouring Mafia Island’s Marine Park Rangers to patrol the western side of Mafia and several other islands to stop illegal fishing in the area.

Thanda Island is deeply committed to the Mafia’s young people education and wellbeing, including programmes on sustainable fishing and marine conservation and the development of healthy sporting activities. We employ members from the community on the Island and offer high-end hospitality skills development and employment advancement.

A COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION
Thanda Island partners with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit on a range of marine conservation and educational programmes including the Ropes of Hope restoration of the coral reef project.

These include research conservation initiatives associated with the marine reserve and Mafia Island Marine Park, of which our flagship conservation project is the restoration of the Shungimbili Island coral reef in collaboration with local conservation partners.

Five species of marine turtles occur in Tanzania’s waters. The largest fish in the world – the gentle, human-friendly whale shark – feeds just south of the Island.

TURTLE NESTING
Five species of marine turtles occur in Tanzania’s waters: Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles. All are categorised by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered or critically endangered species.

We often have sightings around Thanda Island and know that you will be utterly amazed by these creatures. Our focus on sea turtles conservation has led to recreating a conservation haven for them, which has proven successful; the first Green turtle hatchlings were born at the end of May 2017.

We hope that increasing numbers of turtles will return to nest on the Island. It is still a rare occurrence and only seasonal, yet if you are lucky, you may witness this unique event during your stay.

WHALE SHARK CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMME
We invite you to participate in our citizen science programme where photos you take of the whale sharks near Thanda Island can be uploaded to ecoocean.org and sharkbook.ai.

Photo identification of the whale sharks, each with a unique pattern of ‘fingerprint’, is used to study their little known feeding, migratory and breeding habits. Our marine guides are equipped with GoPro cameras to record your time with the whale sharks.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Thanda Island team participates in a range of social upliftment programs on Mafia Island, which has approximately 60 000 people. The closest community village on Mafia Island is Ras Mbisi, eight nautical miles from Thanda Island.

We are committed to the education of young people concerning sustainable resource utilization and fish harvesting, and education in marine conservation and the development of healthy sporting activities, such as football.

COASTAL COMMUNITIES
Thanda participates in a range of social upliftment programmes on neighbouring Mafia Island, which has approximately 60 000 inhabitants. We are committed to the education of young people in sustainable fish harvesting, marine conservation, and the development of sporting activities, such as football.

UPLIFTMENT
A new private tropical island will be opening its doors in April 2016. Thanda Island is the beach residence of Swedish entrepreneur and philanthropist couple Christin and Dan Olofsson and is situated within southern Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve.

Furthermore, Thanda Island seeks to mirror the conservation and community upliftment successes that Thanda Safari has achieved in South Africa by partnering with the Tanzanian Marine Parks on a range of marine conservation and education programmes in the region.

STAR FOR LIFE
The Star for Life programme seeks to empower young people with the attitudes and emotional skills they need to focus on their school education and to make wise choices outside of school in order to stay healthy, positive and make positive contributions to their families and communities.

This programme, founded by the Olofsson Family in South Africa in 2005, has supported over 500,000 school learners over the years to reach for their dreams and live healthy lives and now operates in four countries with a staff of over 115 people.

Rooms: 5

Price: from 6.000 EUR per night

Source: www.thandaisland.com