Thanda Island – the perfect paradise in Africa /

Our helicopter lifted into the air and the entire Indian Ocean seemed to stretch out before us, shimmering turquoise. A half-hour flight by helicopter awaited us on Thanda Island, a small teardrop of sand off the east coast of Tanzania. Looking down, we see a traditional fishing dhow making its way through the azure waters.

A sea turtle floated briefly on the surface before submerging again. White sandbars glinted in the sun, next to sapphire blue channels of deeper water. A tiny speck of an island came into view ahead of us. We circumnavigated the island by plane before landing.

Only 8 hectares in size, 1 km in circumference and 350 meters wide, this little piece of paradise takes only 15 minutes to walk around. Thanda Island is a jewel in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and one of the world’s most exclusive island destinations. Thanda Island opened its doors in 2016 and has since been voted the world’s leading exclusive private island for seven consecutive years by the World Travel Awards, the travel industry’s most prestigious awards program.

Located in the Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, a marine protected area between the Tanzanian mainland and the Mafia Archipelago, this shark fin-shaped sand triangle is a secluded paradise, surrounded by coral reefs, which protect it from stormy seas.

Thanda was designed with families in mind, the owners wanted to create a sanctuary where generations of families could spend time together, to reconnect and bond away from the distractions and pressures of the outside world. At the heart of the island is an elegant beach house villa with five double bedroom suites, all of which lead directly onto the beach.

In the spacious living room there is an indoor aquarium filled with tropical fish, a private library, a Steinway grand piano, an impressive wine collection and even a cigar humidor. The outdoor dining area has 180⁰ views of the ocean and glass-walled infinity pool. There are two double storey chalets on the other side of the island for those of your party who may want a little more seclusion.

White sand surrounds the island, fringed by shimmering, azure water. The beach is perfect for sunbathing and walks to collect shells, and in the evening beach dinners next to a crackling beach fire are a wonderful end to the day. Step from the shimmering sand into the water and you’ll be immersed in the largest protected marine reserve in the Indian Ocean, and the only private marine reserve along the entire East African coast. Coral, sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and more are at home here, and the island’s marine biologist can guide you to see blue-spotted stingrays, trumpetfish, cornetfish, jeweled damselflies, and countless other colorful tropical fish. Of course, if you don’t feel like it or don’t need a guide, you can just put on a mask and fins, dive into the water and take a look for yourself.

Scuba diving is another favorite activity. The waters around Thanda teem with incredible marine life, including over 400 species of fish. If you are not a diver and want to learn it can be arranged at Mafia Island Diving on nearby Mafia Island. Diving takes place from traditional Arabian dhows in the Mafia Island Marine Park, which has some of the most spectacular diving sites off the East African coast.

An absolute highlight of the waters around Thanda are the whale sharks. Swimming with these gentle giants of the ocean is one of the most amazing ocean experiences you can ever have. Whale sharks can grow to an astonishing 60 feet (18 meters) in length, and despite their name, they are harmless, feasting only on plankton. You can swim with these incredible creatures from October to March, the largest fish in the world, just south of the island.

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For those looking for some over water activities, there is a boat house full of equipment, with everything you need for sailing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Adrenaline junkies can go waterskiing and tubing, or maybe deep-sea fishing on the island’s 8.5-meter reef runner cat. There is also a full tennis court, volleyball court, yoga sessions and a fully equipped gym, if you want to stay active. If you prefer a little less action, a cruise on a traditional dhow might be more your thing. Alternatively, the island’s beauty and massage specialists have created a full range of specialty massages, facials and body treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. and relax in no time.

Dining on Thanda is an experience in itself. The food is fresh and delicious. If you love seafood then this is heaven – fish carpaccio, sashimi, sushi, shrimp curries, freshly caught lobster, mangrove crabs, tuna, red snappers, seasonal oysters picked fresh from Thanda Island and a choice of other fresh fish. For variety, the menu also includes beef, game, poultry, vegetarian dishes, seasonal vegetables and tropical fruit. From dining at the villa’s beautiful dining table to alfresco meals on the beach under a canopy of stars, pizzas from the wood-fired oven, picnics on ocean sandbars and Swahili feasts that highlight Tanzania’s exotic flavours, spices and aromas – the food is varied and exceptional.

What started as the owner’s dream to find a small, remote, uninhabited tropical island off the coast of East Africa is today one of the world’s most exclusive private island getaways, a perfect beach getaway and a paradise for getting together. spending time with family or friends – and as the island is only bookable on an ‘exclusive use’ basis, you’re guaranteed to have the whole island to yourself during your stay.

Thanda Island is pure escapism and exclusive elegance at its best. In Swahili, Thanda means to like or love… and this special place offers plenty to fall in love with.