Thanda Island
The Experience
Accommodation Details
Experience unparalleled comfort in our carefully curated spaces. Each room is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while providing modern luxury.
- Total Rooms: Varies
- Air Conditioning
- En-suite Bathrooms
- Morning Service
Sanctuary Facilities
Stay Policies
Check-in & Out
Available Meal Plans
The Setting
Shungimbili Island, District of Mafia Island
Located in the heart of Shungimbili Island, District of Mafia Island, offering spectacular views and proximity to premium wildlife viewing areas.
Common Enquiries
Where is Thanda Island located?
Thanda Island is situated 33 kilometres east of the Tanzanian coastline, within the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve — Tanzania's largest designated marine conservation area — just north of Mafia Island in the Indian Ocean. The island is approximately a 25–30 minute helicopter ride from Dar es Salaam.
How many guests can Thanda Island accommodate?
The island accommodates up to 18 guests across its five-suite Villa and two traditional Tanzanian Bandas. Additional beds for up to nine children can be arranged within the Villa suites, making it ideal for large families or exclusive group celebrations. The island is always booked on a full exclusive-use basis — no other guests will share the island during your stay.
Is Thanda Island available for private exclusive use only?
Yes. Thanda Island operates on a single-key, exclusive-use model only. The entire island — including the Villa, Bandas, surrounding marine reserve, staff, and all facilities — is reserved exclusively for one group at a time. A minimum stay of five nights applies.
What marine wildlife can I expect to see?
The waters around Thanda Island are among the most biodiverse in the Indian Ocean. Guests may encounter whale sharks (with over 120 individuals identified in the area), humpback whales, dolphins, reef sharks, manta rays, hawksbill and green turtles, octopus, and hundreds of coral reef fish species. Sightings depend on the season, and the island's in-house marine biologist helps plan excursions to maximise each guest's time on the water.
When is the best time to visit Thanda Island?
Thanda Island is open year-round, with the best overall conditions between June and March. Whale sharks are most commonly sighted between October and February, while humpback whales migrate through the area between June and October. Sea turtles nest on the island's protected beaches primarily between November and February. The short rains in November and the long rains between April and May are the quieter season.
What activities are available on and around the island?
Activities include scuba diving and snorkelling, whale shark and dolphin swimming, deep-sea fishing, sailing, catamaran charters, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, guided coral restoration participation, beach volleyball, tennis on a floodlit astroturf court, yoga and meditation, spa treatments, gym, stargazing, birdwatching, sandbar picnics, and cultural excursions to Mafia Island's historic ruins and fishing communities.
How do I get to Thanda Island?
Guests fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, where the Thanda Island team provides a VIP concierge service through customs and immigration. Up to eight guests can then transfer to the island by private helicopter (approximately 25 minutes). Larger groups may fly to Mafia Island by fixed-wing aircraft and complete the transfer by a short helicopter or boat journey. All transfers are arranged and managed by the island team.
What awards has Thanda Island received?
Thanda Island has been voted the World's Leading Exclusive Private Island by the World Travel Awards eight consecutive years in a row. It is also a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, one of the hospitality industry's most prestigious global collections, recognising properties of exceptional quality, individuality, and service.
Is Thanda Island eco-friendly?
Yes — sustainability is fundamental to the island's operation. Thanda Island runs entirely on solar power, desalinates all its own fresh water on the island, maintains an active coral nursery and reef restoration programme, employs the majority of its team from the local Mafia Island community, and partners with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit on ongoing conservation projects. Guests are warmly encouraged to participate in conservation activities during their stay.
What is included in the Thanda Island rate?
The all-inclusive rate covers exclusive use of the entire island, all accommodation in the Villa and Bandas, all meals prepared by a dedicated Executive Chef, a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, activities (including diving and snorkelling equipment, water sports, tennis, and gym), dedicated staff (Executive Chef, Hostess, Housekeeper, Boatman, marine biologist, and more), laundry services, and VIP airport concierge assistance in Dar es Salaam. Helicopter transfers and private catamaran charters are available as additional packages.
Curate Your Stay
Speak with our safari concierges to tailor your accommodation experience perfectly to your needs.
+27 32 586 0149
reservations@thanda.co.za