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New Private Island - Thanda Island Tanzania
Tanzania will see the opening of a new private island destination, Thanda Island, in April. The island is located in southern Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve.
Off the grid and solar-powered, Thanda Island will feature an expansive, five-bedroom villa with a swimming pool and a huge indoor aquarium.
The island itself is 20 acres in size, nearly three-quarters of a mile around and almost 400 yards wide. It is surrounded by its own private coral reef, with an exclusive-use zone extending over a half-mile that can be explored with a snorkel and mask straight from the beach.
Thanda Island is surrounded by its own private coral reef, with an exclusive-use zone extending over a half-mile that can be explored with a snorkel and mask straight from the beach.
Sailboats, stand-up paddleboards and single and double kayaks are all available for use. The more adventurous can catch sight of whale sharks that congregate just south of the island from October to February or spot endangered dugong, which are similar to manatees, while scuba diving with qualified instructors. A powerboat zone outside the Marine Park to the south of the island is perfect for water skiing, Jet-Skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. Game fishing on a 28-foot reef runner cat off nearby Mafia Island is another available activity.
Depending on the season, guests can watch turtles nesting and their eggs hatching. Five species of marine turtles inhabit Tanzania’s waters, two of which — endangered green and hawksbill — have recently returned to nest on Thanda. Guests can also experience Swahili sea-faring culture on Mafia Island and picnic on a neighboring atoll.
Exclusive use of Thanda Island is offered at $10,000 per night, with a minimum stay of three to seven nights, depending on the season. The all-inclusive rate includes a team of dedicated staff, boat transfers from Mafia Island and all activities offered on the island along with all meals and drinks, including a hand-picked selection of wines and Champagnes. Spa treatments, diving and exclusive wines and Champagnes are extra.
Thanda Island is the sister property of the Thanda Safari private game reserve in Zululand South Africa, a Leading Hotel of the World.
