From above you see a teardrop of sand in a turquoise sea - a secret island with a private luxury villa created with complete respect for the natural environment. This exceptional award-winning island haven offers an exclusive-use, single-key luxury villa experience on a private island within a protected marine reserve. It is a place of absolute natural beauty where marine life flourishes and at the same time it is an ultra-luxury experience with everything you could dream of during your stay, and absolute privacy assured.
An Exclusive Private Island Escape in Tanzania
Set in Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve and surrounded by its own coral reef, this beautiful private island retreat is one of the only truly exclusive tropical islands in the world. Eight hectares in size, one kilometer in circumference and 350 meters wide, the Island features just one luxurious private villa with five suites and two rustic Tanzanian Bandas, offering a sanctuary to enjoy in complete seclusion with family and friends. Depending on the season, guests can swim with the gentlest giant of the ocean, the whale shark, and may watch turtles nesting and their eggs hatching. Marine conservation is at the core of the Island’s offering and guests are encouraged to get involved in a range of projects, such as marine wildlife monitoring or awareness workshops with villagers on neighboring Mafia Island. On the Island, guests can rejuvenate and enjoy a variety of water sports or island activities as they explore this remarkable destination, where shades of turquoise infuse the days and tropical spices the nights.
A Welcome Sense of Arrival
Between the mainland of Tanzania and Mafia Island, this beautiful private getaway is in the middle of the warm Indian Ocean, surrounded by stunning coral reefs. To get to the island, you fly directly to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the local team greets you and accompanies you through customs, ensuring a smooth, quick entry into this beautiful country. From here, there are several options for the transfer to Thanda Island. One is a helicopter transfer directly to the Island which takes 45 minutes. The other one is a 30-minute fixed-wing transfer in an 8 or 12 seat plane to Kilindoni and then a short boat ride of approximately 30-minutes to the island, situated 33 kilometers east of the Tanzanian coast. On arrival it instantly becomes your Indian Ocean beach home and exclusive use private island accommodation. As you step off the boat or helicopter, the Villa is right there, with its paradise-inspired living area and five exquisite bedroom suites that lead directly onto the beach.
Luxurious Private Island Accommodations
One of the world’s truly exclusive tropical escapes, the Island features one private five-bedroom villa to enjoy in complete seclusion plus two traditional open-air beach bungalows with two bedrooms each.
When you first set eyes on the island’s single-key Villa for your exclusive use, you know you will have the most beautiful, natural and luxurious time here, under East African skies. The Villa offers sublime living and sleeping areas leading directly onto the pool and outdoor living area, surrounded by turquoise seas and silken white sands.
The Villa has five exquisite suites that open directly onto the beach, accommodating ten adults with additional beds available for children. On the island are also two traditional open-air, double-story, two-bedroom Tanzanian bandas (beach cottages/bungalows) for your exclusive use. The entire island is your home away from home, with an incredible choice of amenities and adventures included in the price. Taking care of you is the Island’s discrete and dedicated team: the on site manager and executive chef, hostesses, butlers, housekeepers, guides and spa therapists.
Unique Island Activities & Excursions
You have a choice of thrilling water adventures, excursions and activities, including swimming with whale sharks (October-March), snorkeling, island tennis and exploring ancient Arabic history. At the same time, the island immerses you in pure, natural pleasures - strolling along your own private 1100 meter beach, dining on ocean-fresh seafood or exploring the 8-hectare island where the only sign of human habitation is the occasional, traditional fishing dhow in the distance. On the island, you infuse your being with the warmth of the sunshine, the glitter on the water and the pristine beauty. Swim with the gentle whale shark; dive in the largest marine protected reserve in the Indian Ocean; ride the trade winds on a traditional Arab dhow; indulge in a Swahili or Arabian feast; have a massage or copper bath on the beach. This is just a taste of what makes the island unique.
Scuba diving and diving excursions can be arranged upon request with our accredited dive partner, Mafia Island Diving, at additional cost. The dive sites around Mafia Island are widely regarded as having the most spectacular reefs for diving and snorkeling in sub-Saharan Africa. You can also partake in a range of excursions off-island arranged at an additional cost with our local partners - including, amongst others, exploring the spice island of Zanzibar, gorilla sightings in nearby Rwanda, and safari in the Serengeti.
A Commitment to Conservation & Sustainability
Located just off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa, the Island offers discerning travelers exceptional experiences amidst one of the world’s most magical and secluded private islands. Situated in a protected marine reserve, this eco-friendly island offers complete privacy and the opportunity for you to set your own pace, be it exploring the region’s varied flora and fauna or local marine life. The Island is deeply committed to the conservation of the local sea life and the Shungimbili coral reef, as well as initiatives with social uplift programs on the nearby Mafia Island (the name 'Mafia' is derived from the Arabic morfiyeh, meaning group or archipelago, and from the Swahili mahali pa afya, meaning a healthy dwelling-place). The Island is powered by renewable energy and designed for eco-conscious travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature.
The Island Experience at a Glance
Envelop yourself in the calm and tranquility of your own tropical private island sanctuary at this stunning marine reserve in Tanzania, Africa, where your every need will be expertly catered to.
- 1 five-bedroom luxury villa
- 2 two-bedroom traditional double-story Tanzanian Bandas
- Infinity swimming pool
- 1,100-meter-long private beach
- Helipad and private jetty
- Snorkeling, diving, and water sports equipment
- Steinway grand piano
- Floodlit tennis and beach volleyball court
- Fully equipped, air-conditioned gym
- Luxury superyacht
- Deep-sea fishing catamaran
- 1930s classic cruise yacht
- High-speed WiFi
- A dedicated and talented team of local staff members
- On-demand spa and wellness treatments
- Instructor-led yoga, meditation, and reiki available
Your Exclusive Rate Includes:
- Transfer by helicopter directly to the island or alternatively fixed-wing flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island, followed by a short transfer to the island by boat or helicopter
- Luxury accommodation in the private Villa and Bandas
- Use of the island's superyacht at your desire (if included in package)
- Exclusive use of the entire island and all facilities
- A dedicated and talented team of staff members
- Laundry (please note: no dry cleaning available)
- All meals and drinks, including the Island's private selection of wines, spirits, champagnes, and cocktails
- Local VAT
Please note that the rate does not include the Conservation Levy , Marine Park Levy, curios or gratuities.
