Vicky takes a trip to paradise!
Arriving at Thanda island, one feels like they have reached paradise, virtually undiscovered and surrounded by some of the most beautiful reefs in Africa. This island can easily be overlooked on any map. Only 1.1km in circumference and 350m wide, nestled within Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Marine Reserve just 30km off the coast of East African Tanzania one can feel this is an island getaway with a difference. To reach Thanda Island one needs to take a 30-minute flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island and then either a 45 minute boat ride or a 15 minute helicopter flight to Thanda.
It would be entirely possible to disappear off the grid here, slipping in and out of the crystal warm waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoying sundowners by the pool while being mesmerised by the magnificent African sunsets of East Africa. The style is ultra-barefoot luxury with its 5-bedroom exclusive villa and two traditional Tanzanian Bandas, offering an all-inclusive package with a variety of activities including watersports, yoga, tennis and a bucket list excursion of snorkelling with the largest fish in the oceans, the whale shark.
Photography: Vicky Pappadopolous
The snorkelling in this area is phenomenal, crystal waters, the variety of fish and their colours leaves you humbled by the underwater world. For the gym fanatic a fully equipped gym is available 24/7 at the villa, jet ski’s, stand up paddle boarding, diving, you name it, this island has it. Sunset cruises on the ocean and exploring the different reefs and nearby islands as well as Mafia island are only a boat ride away.
Service is by far excellent and customised to each guest’s needs. The staff are exceptionally warm and friendly, with a giving heart, nothing is too much to ask for, they take time to understand and learn guest’s preferences making each guest feel special by providing attention and care to each detail.
Even though this island is 1.1km in circumference, the staff find a different venue for guests to experience meals and keep it interesting. Whether it be a lunch set up on a deserted island nearby to Thanda Island or a sand bank in the ocean, or a Swahili dinner prepared under the African sky, there is always room for choice. Thanda Private Luxury is the ultimate in island paradise for everyone from families, a group of friends, generation holidays or even special occasions like small intimate weddings or special birthday celebrations. The only issue with Thanda Island is leaving your heart.
Contact The Craft of Travel for more details and packages and learn more as we have first hand experience and knowledge on what is rated as one of the world’s most exclusive island getaways.