Watersports
These activities include:
- Glass rim-flow pool
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving (on request)
- Sailing
- Deep sea fishing
- Jet ski
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Wakeboards
- Water skis
- Swimming with whale sharks
Thanda Island is a private island, nestled within Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve just off Mafia Island – south of its famous neighbour Zanzibar. Just one kilometre in circumference and 350 metres wide, this haven is exclusively for your own private use.
Thanda is perfect if you're travelling as a family or a large group of friends as it is the only property on the island and will be exclusively for you - with the exception of the accommodation staff of course.
Providing complete escapism from the world, the luxurious facilities and idyllic location have earned Thanda Island the accolade of World's Leading Exclusive Private Island at the 2016 World Travel Awards and it also features on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2017.
There are numerous activities to keep you entertained, including snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, floodlit tennis court and beach volleyball. Depending on the season, you can even swim with whale sharks. As well as these activities you can of course just relax and soak up the sun by lazing on the beach, on a sun lounger or in the glass-rimmed pool. You will have access to spa treatments, a yoga sala and an air conditioned gym. If you wish to leave the island then there are excursions that can be arranged from a cruise around Thanda and the neighbouring island, visits to Chole Island, Mafia Island and Zanzibar.
The 20-acre private island consists of 1 villa with 5 suites, all with en suite, for up to 10 adults and up to nine children. Each suite includes indoor showers and outdoor baths, air conditioning, and private patio space. There are another two banda-style beach huts for a further eight guests each. If you wish to have more than 10 adults in the villa then this can be arranged. The open plan living area is huge and boasts a wonderful lounge and dining room. The outdoor decking offers a breakfast boma, pizza oven, BBQ, bonfire area, cocktail bar and here you will find the pool. There is even an aquarium near the staircase and grand piano. The island is accessed via a 45-minute helicopter ride from Dar es Salaam or a 45-minute boat journey from Mafia Island.
Staying on Thanda Island is an experience our words cannot do justice, you have to experience it to appreciate it fully.
- A privately owned island with a villa for private use
Hotel Highlights
- A private island for exclusive use
- Voted the World's Leading Exclusive Private Island
- The surrounding seas are home to whale shark, turtles, dolphins and dugongs
- Numerous activities and facilities included
Hotel Features
General Info
- 6 rooms
- Transfer duration: 45 minutes by helicopter from Dar es Salaam or 45 minutes by boat from Mafia Island
Main Facilities
- Diving
- Fitness facilities
- Outdoor pool
- Spa facilities
- Watersports
- Weddings
- Wifi
Accommodation Type
- Barefoot style
- Boutique
- Eco-friendly
- H&J Recommended
- Hidden gem
- Luxury Collection
- Off the beaten track
- Private homes
- Private island
Board Basis Options
- All Inclusive
- Self Catering
Hotel Gallery
a pool next to a body of water
a close up of a pool of water
a person sitting on top of a sandy beach
a group of people on a beach
a group of lawn chairs sitting on top of a sandy beach
a woman sitting on a bench
a sunset over a body of water
a person riding a surf board on a body of water
a body of water
a sunset over a body of water
a blue and white house
a body of water
a house with a pool in front of a building
a large white building with palm trees in front of a house
a blue pool of water in front of a house
a large pool of water
a pool next to a body of water
a palm tree in front of a building
a palm tree in front of a building
a house with a pool in front of a building
a house with a pool in front of a building
a small house in a pool
a house with a pool outside of a building
a room filled with furniture and a large window
a white sink sitting under a window
a room filled with furniture and a large window
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a living room filled with furniture and a bed
a room filled with furniture and a blue chair
a blue and white shower curtain
a bedroom with a bed and a curtain
a large white bed in a room
a bedroom with a bed and a chair in a room
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a body of water
a bedroom with a large window
a group of lawn chairs sitting on top of a wooden table
a person sitting next to a body of water
The Villa Decking
a chair sitting in front of a body of water
a bench next to a pool of water
a room filled with furniture and a large window
a room full of furniture
The Villa Helicopter
a room filled with furniture and vase of flowers on a table
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a living room filled with furniture and a fire place
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a person sitting at a beach
a group of lawn chairs sitting on top of a beach
a group of palm trees on a beach near a body of water
a garden with water in the background
a group of palm trees next to a body of water
a sandy beach
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a view of a living room filled with furniture and a large window
a room filled with furniture and vase of flowers on a table
a living room filled with furniture and a large window
Yoga
a building with a pool table
a plate of food on a table
a bunch of food sitting on top of a wooden table
a double sink and large mirror
The bandas
The bandas
a chair sitting in front of a window
The bandas
a house with trees in the background
a group of people on a court with a racket
a woman sitting on a bench
a person riding on the back of a boat
Lets Talk
Want to find out more about Thanda Island? Speak to our Africa experts.
Facilities
Relaxation
If the setting alone is not enough to relax you then you can enjoy the spa treatments on offer, a yoga class, gym or a spot of tennis. In the evening gaze at the stars.
Excursions
You are not just limited to the island, there are activities to do if you wish to leave it. Activities include:
- Visit neighbouring Mbarakuni Island for the day, Dar es Salaam or Mafia Island
- Enjoying a picnic on a relaxing sandbank
- Exploring the legendary spice island of Zanzibar
- Visits to Dar es Salaam or Mafia Island
Room Types
There are two sleeping areas, either in the villa or in the bandas.
The Villa
There are 5 suites each with their own bathroom. The villas can take 10 adults and up to 9 children, though if you would like more adults in the villa this can be arranged.
- Air Conditioning
- Balcony or Terrace
- Bath
- Internet
- Safe
- Sea View
The Bandas
The Banda style beach huts for another 8 guests. There is an extra charge if you wish to use these.
- Air Conditioning
- Bath
- Safe
- Sea View
- Separate Shower
Food & Drink
The food at Thanda is freshly prepared by the property's chef and designed to your requirements.
Own personal chef
Thanda Island’s cuisine is fresh and fully produced to your specific requirements. Their private chef will contact you ahead of your visit to discuss the menu of your choice which can include freshly caught fish and seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes, seasonal vegetables and tropical fruits as well as an array of desserts. Whether you want breakfast on the beach or a romantic dinner away from the rest of the group to bonfires or picnics on a sandbank in the ocean - whatever you desire, they will deliver.
Family Friendly Facilities
Thanda island welcomes children off all ages and can arrange activities to suit their needs.
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