The Eco-Friendly Luxury of a Private Island: A Haven for Sustainable Tourism
Discover the allure of an exclusive private island, Thanda Island, nestled off the Tanzanian coast. Experience the perfect blend of opulent luxury and wildlife conservation efforts, fostering the revival of majestic creatures in a serene environment.
Thanda Island, located off the Tanzanian coast, is a small piece of land that can only accommodate a few guests at a time, but it is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
This luxury estate can only be rented as a whole, with nightly rates starting at $33,000. Guests at this tropical paradise may encounter some of nature's most magnificent creatures, such as the whale shark, the largest fish in the sea.
Thanda Island Hotel, the brainchild of Swedish entrepreneurs Dan and Christin Olofsson, has been in operation since 2016. Located a 30-minute helicopter ride from Tanzania’s biggest city, Dar es Salaam, Thanda sits amid a private marine reserve with a rigorous conservation and restoration program that benefits visitors and surrounding island communities.
"They aimed to design the perfect getaway," shares Antigone Meda, the general manager. She mentions that the island mainly attracts multigenerational families and groups of friends, who usually stay for about five to eight nights.
The island's villa is the main accommodation, with a design inspired by the Kennedy family's beach house in the US.
The island's villa is the main accommodation, with a design inspired by the Kennedy family's beach house in the US.
courtesy Thanda Island
The island includes a villa and two open-air beach chalets. Meda mentions that the design of the villa was inspired by the Kennedys' beach home in Cape Cod, giving it a beach romance vibe with a touch of East African flair.
Thanda aims to be self-sufficient by having a seawater desalination plant, rainwater harvesting system, and the largest off-grid solar farm in Tanzania. Additionally, organic waste is composted on site.
The hotel’s sustainability credentials are just one reason why environmentally conscious travelers are drawn to it. Situated within Mafia Island Marine Park, specifically Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, guests have exclusive access to these pristine natural surroundings during their stay.
In addition to relaxing on the island's white sand beaches, guests can enjoy a variety of thrilling water activities such as jet skiing, jet boarding, kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, and kite surfing. However, the most popular activities are diving and snorkeling. Visitors can easily spot whale sharks, humpback whales, and blacktip reef sharks with just a short boat ride away.
The island's conservation program, which began in 2017 with the hiring of a marine biologist, is currently fostering these species. The team has grown significantly over the years and now includes a partnership with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit.
Whale sharks are frequent visitors to the waters near the island, with over 120 individuals identified.
Whale sharks are frequent visitors to the waters near the island, with over 120 individuals identified.
courtesy Thanda Island
The island itself is home to a protected turtle nesting area, with five different species residing there. One significant development is the hatching of green turtles that began in 2017. However, a large portion of the conservation work is carried out in the surrounding waters.
Hassan Jumbe, the dive master at Thanda, plays a crucial role in the coral restoration project. Just a short 10-minute boat ride from the island, Jumbe oversees a coral nursery. Here, coral fragments are carefully cut into smaller pieces and attached to ropes hanging from floating pontoons. These fragments are then left to grow. Another method involves securing small corals to the seabed, providing them with room to flourish.
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Jumbe began in 2022 and noticed that there weren't many fish in the waters near the island at that time. However, he now sees a significant improvement. He mentions, "There's a big difference now. We have a very healthy reef and a lot of fish around. The local people are proud of this positive change."
The ocean plays a crucial role in our lives.
According to the dive master, most of the people living nearby, especially on Mafia Island located 16 nautical miles away, depend on fishing to make a living. Despite the private reserve being restricted, Jumbe highlights that the reefs serve as a protected breeding ground. This allows fish populations to spread out to a larger area, enabling sustainable fishing practices.
"The ocean means everything to us," Jumbe emphasizes. "Many people underestimate the significance of coral reefs."
Meda explains that the project's goal is to protect and revive a one-hectare reef area within the next five years.
As well as reef restoration, the island hosts a turtle hatching zone. Five turtle species live in the marine park around Thanda Island.
As well as reef restoration, the island hosts a turtle hatching zone. Five turtle species live in the marine park around Thanda Island.
Thanda Island has become home to a thriving population of blacktip reef sharks. What used to be just one or two sharks can now be seen in abundance when diving into the waters. In fact, it is possible to be almost surrounded by these majestic creatures. Additionally, the waters around the island have recorded an impressive number of one hundred and twenty individual whale sharks.
Tourism has brought numerous benefits to the Mafia Island community. Most of the staff members at Thanda Island are locals from the neighboring island. Additionally, Thanda Island actively supports local entrepreneurs and small businesses, according to Meda.
Jumbe also mentions that residents of Mafia Island have received training in open water diving and coral restoration, further engaging the community in tourism-related projects.
One of the world's most misunderstood creatures, on the verge of extinction, is being given a lifeline.
"Some guests even assist us with our projects on Mafia Island," she explains. "They feel a duty to help. It brings them joy to see that luxury travel can have a positive influence."
Cherae Robinson, founder and CEO of luxury travel operator Tastemakers Africa, has her eye on Tanzania's vibrant coastal region.
She believes that a holistic approach to sustainable tourism is gaining momentum in Africa, especially because tourism is closely linked to the environment. Robinson notes that sustainability is at the forefront in some areas, showcasing the continent's commitment to responsible travel.
Thanda Island has been awarded the title of "World's Leading Exclusive Private Island" by the World Travel Awards for the past eight years. Its reputation, much like the corals surrounding its pristine shores, keeps on expanding.
Editor's P/S:
Thanda Island is a luxurious paradise that offers an exclusive escape while prioritizing environmental conservation. With its diverse wildlife, including whale sharks and humpback whales, and its extensive restoration programs focused on coral reefs and turtle nesting, the island embodies responsible tourism. The hotel's commitment to sustainability, including seawater desalination and rainwater harvesting, aligns with the growing demand for ethical travel experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty while knowing that their presence contributes to the preservation of its delicate ecosystem.
Beyond its environmental initiatives, Thanda Island actively engages with the neighboring community. By employing local staff, supporting small businesses, and training residents in diving and coral restoration, the hotel creates economic opportunities and fosters a sense of ownership among the people of Mafia Island. This holistic approach to tourism ensures that the island's resources benefit both visitors and the surrounding population, promoting a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.
