Thanda Island Private Marine Reserve – Exclusive 3-Night Off-Peak Sanctuary3 Days • Beach Holiday
A rarified island escape on Tanzania's Mafia Archipelago, exclusively yours.
The Safari Experience
A meticulously planned adventure through the heart of the wild.
Thanda Island
is one of the world's most exclusive private-island retreats, set within a
pristine marine reserve off the Tanzanian coast. This three-night off-peak
escape grants you and your party sole possession of the entire island — its
five-suite Villa, two double-storey Tanzanian Bandas, and a dedicated team of
world-class staff. Surrounded by turquoise Indian Ocean waters teeming with
marine life, the island offers absolute privacy, barefoot luxury, and boundless
adventure. Arrive by helicopter from Dar es Salaam and leave every trace of the
ordinary world behind. Priced from USD $40,750 per night (off-peak).
Key Expedition Advantages
Exceptional encounters and exclusive services provided on this journey.
Inclusions & Logistics
What's Included
- ✓ Fixed-wing flights: Dar es Salaam ↔ Mafia Island (return)
- ✓ Boat transfers: Mafia Island ↔ Thanda Island (return)
- ✓ Exclusive villa use — 5 suites, up to 10 adults
- ✓ All meals & premium drinks (wines, spirits, cocktails)
- ✓ Snorkelling, jet skiing, kayaking, SUP, beach volleyball
- ✓ Spa treatments, floodlit tennis court, fully-equipped gym
- ✓ High-speed Wi-Fi & laundry service
- ✓ Dedicated personal island team throughout stay
- ✓ Local VAT at 18%
Safari Exclusions
- – Conservation Levy: USD $150 per person per stay
- – Marine Park Levy: USD $23.60 per person per day
- – Private dive charters (outsourced — additional cost)
- – Curios and gratuities
- – International airfares to/from Dar es Salaam
- – Mandatory travel insurance (Adults USD $44 | Children USD $22)
- – Passengers Facilitation Fee: USD $90 per person
- Single Person Room requires a minimum of 2 persons traveling together
- -Solo Traveler requires a minimum of 1 person traveling
- -Minimum of 7 nights stay is required from 15 December to 10 January
- -Christmas and New Year Supplement may apply during the peak holiday season dates
- -Seasonal closure of one or more hotels. Contact us for alternative options for your dates
- -Beach flight extra cost is only applicable when your shared beach charter flight does not have the required passengers load to operate the seasonal flight.
- -Payment of the flight supplement cost will ensure the flight operates on your beach date just for you. --We will update you if this applies to your booking.
Daily Safari Experience
Explore the vast landscapes from sunrise to sunset as we take you through our exclusive paths.
Island Orientation
Your journey begins at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, where a Thanda Island representative escorts you to your fixed-wing flight to Mafia Island. A scenic boat transfer then delivers you to your private sanctuary. The island team welcomes you with chilled towels and tropical refreshments before a personalised villa tour. Spend the late afternoon snorkelling the house reef or watching the sun melt into the Indian Ocean — a star-lit welcome dinner crafted by your private chef team concludes a perfect first evening.
Daily Highlights
Dining & Meals
All Inclusive
Marine Discovery & Leisure
Rise to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean and enjoy a lavish breakfast on your private terrace. A private snorkelling or diving charter explores the vibrant coral gardens of the surrounding marine reserve. Afternoons allow complete freedom — jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or a deeply restorative spa treatment. Sundowners on the beach precede an exquisite gourmet dinner.
Daily Highlights
Dining & Meals
All Inclusive
Reflection & Farewell
Savour your final morning on island terms — a beach walk, a gym session, a last swim in waters so clear they defy belief. A leisurely brunch marks the gentle farewell before your boat transfer to Mafia Island and fixed-wing return to Dar es Salaam. Three nights. A lifetime of memory.
Daily Highlights
Dining & Meals
Lunch • Breakfast
Safari Navigation
A visual representation of your journey across the majestic African landscapes.
Captured Moments
Verified Reviews
"A truly magnificent experience. The tour showed us parts of the wild we never expected to see."
Luxury Traveler
Verified Traveler
"Professionalism at its peak. The guides were exceptionally knowledgeable about the heritage of the plains."
Global Explorer
Verified Traveler
"Hands down the best tour company. They respect the wildlife while providing an intimate view."
Wildlife Enthusiast
Verified Traveler
Guest Satisfaction Rating
"Our service is defined by the stories told after the sun has set. We are proud to maintain a 98% satisfaction rate."
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Safari Details
Adventure Information
Have questions about this tour?
+255 787 MAASAI-1Essential Safari FAQ
Who is this package designed for?
The Island Essence is ideal for HNWI individuals, families, or executive groups seeking a short but deeply immersive private island experience. It suits those travelling by private jet who want a weekend-length escape without sacrificing any element of luxury.
How do we get to Thanda Island?
Your Thanda Island team coordinates a fixed-wing flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island, followed by a scenic boat transfer across the Indian Ocean to the island. The total journey time is approximately 1.5–2 hours from Dar es Salaam.
Is the entire island truly private?
Absolutely. Exclusive use means the island is reserved entirely for your group — no other guests, no shared spaces. Every member of the island team is dedicated solely to your group for the duration of your stay.
What marine activities are available?
Guests enjoy access to house reef snorkelling, jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and the island's extensive water sports equipment. Private dive charters are available at additional cost through the island's outsourced dive partner.
What is the minimum stay and booking lead time?
The Island Essence requires a minimum of 3 nights during off-peak season (12 January – 13 December 2026). A 25% deposit is required within 21 days of confirmation, with the full balance due 60 days prior to arrival.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes — the daily programme is a guide. Charles Ole Sipitiek and the Thanda Island team will tailor every detail to your group's preferences, dietary requirements, celebration occasions, and personal rhythm.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 60 or more days before arrival result in loss of the 25% deposit. Cancellations made less than 60 days before arrival incur 100% of total accommodation charges. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and mandatory for all guests.
Still Have Questions?
Our guides are available to answer your questions and help you plan your journey.