Thanda Island is taken on an exclusive basis only; a tiny island paradise to be enjoyed in complete, luxurious privacy, with family and friends. Here is the ultimate island accommodation in Tanzania, or indeed any of the Indian Ocean coast from South Africa to Kenya! Close to
Mafia Island Marine Reserve, and creating its own Marine Reserve environment, this is an exceptional spot for sea safaris, in sparkling seas awash with corals, reef sharks, dolphin and fabulous fish. It is also the site for nesting sea turtles, and the migrating route for humpback whales and vast cruising whale shark. The lodge delights in its location with a wealth of toys - beautiful boats of all kinds, paddle boards, jet skis, snorkels and diving equipment, all for guests’ use.
Years in the finding and making, Thanda has been shaped into a beloved jewel in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, creating a new option for luxurious stays in a stunning island location. In terms of design, Thanda is more Cape Cod than typical Tanzania style, with whitewashed, smooth wood work and flowing curtains giving a fine, luxury finish, complete with a grand piano, Provencal-styled central dining area and wide, covered verandas from which to soak up the magnificent sea views on all sides.
Thanda Island - The Facts
Designed as a large, central family villa, Thanda comfortably houses ten in five sumptuous and luxurious double rooms, each with beautifully finished glass and tile bathrooms and outdoor showers and blissful star baths. Further accommodation for at least eight more is round the corner, on the other side of the island, in two, double storey thatched bandas, beautifully built and finished in local materials. Wide verandas surround all rooms, providing shaded and comfortable cover in company or privacy, according to your whim.
The central sitting room is wide and open and airy, complete with a grand piano, sofas and a vast aquarium on one wall, overlooking the gardens and the sea. The gardens are now being further tweaked and tended, extending the original casuarina pine centre to include hundreds of palms and bouganvillea, and even areas of lawn. Wooden walkways lead to the beach and the pool house with all its glorious beach toys, and the floodlit, astroturf tennis court.
Thanda provides a curious mix of modern luxury, smart home comforts and ecological consciousness. Your air-conditioning and gallons of fresh water are provided by power from the lodge’s own solar farm; the second largest in Tanzania! All water is desalinated on the island, and more is being done to water the island and extend the gardens. The island employs and nurtures their own in house marine biologist, who spends each day recording and documenting local sightings, guiding guests on dives and snorkeling expeditions, and nurturing her underwater coral nursery and gardens. The emphasis is on conscious nurture of the marine environment, and developing awareness.
