Tanzania will see the
opening of a new private island destination, Thanda Island, in April. The
island is located in southern Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve.
Off the grid and
solar-powered, Thanda Island will feature an expansive, five-bedroom villa with
a swimming pool and a huge indoor aquarium.
The island itself is 20
acres in size, nearly three-quarters of a mile around and almost 400 yards
wide. It is surrounded by its own private coral reef, with an exclusive-use
zone extending over a half-mile that can be explored with a snorkel and mask
straight from the beach.
Thanda Island is surrounded by its own private coral reef, with an exclusive-use zone extending over a half-mile that can be explored with a snorkel and mask straight from the beach.
Sailboats, stand-up paddleboards and single and double
kayaks are all available for use. The more adventurous can catch sight of whale
sharks that congregate just south of the island from October to February or
spot endangered dugong, which are similar to manatees, while scuba diving with
qualified instructors. A powerboat zone outside the Marine Park to the south of
the island is perfect for water skiing, Jet-Skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. Game
fishing on a 28-foot reef runner cat off nearby Mafia Island is another
available activity.
Depending on the season,
guests can watch turtles nesting and their eggs hatching. Five species of
marine turtles inhabit Tanzania’s waters, two of which — endangered green and
hawksbill — have recently returned to nest on Thanda. Guests can also
experience Swahili sea-faring culture on Mafia Island and picnic on a
neighboring atoll.
Exclusive use of Thanda
Island is offered at $10,000 per night, with a minimum stay of three to seven
nights, depending on the season. The all-inclusive rate includes a team of
dedicated staff, boat transfers from Mafia Island and all activities offered on
the island along with all meals and drinks, including a hand-picked selection
of wines and Champagnes. Spa treatments, diving and exclusive wines and Champagnes
are extra.
Thanda Island is the sister property of the Thanda Safari private game
reserve in Zululand South Africa, a Leading Hotel of the World.
For more information or
to reserve island vacations on Thanda Island, please visit www.thandaisland.com.