Thanda Island - Tanzania's Newest ECO-Luxe Jewel

Situated within southern Tanzania’s newly proclaimed Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, one of Thanda’s initiatives to further the restoration of the local marine life, Thanda Island is one of the few truly private tropical islands in the world.

Providing absolute exclusivity for families and friends to enjoy on a sole-use basis, it features just one expansive five-bedroom villa comprising an impressive glass rim-flow swimming pool, a boat house full of water activities equipment, a tennis court and an outdoor cocktail bar, a yoga sala and a fully equipped gym. It is surrounded by its own private coral reef which can be explored in total seclusion with a snorkel and mask straight from the beach.

 

 

Off-grid and solar-powered, Thanda Island offers guests an environmentally sensitive, fun and restorative Indian Ocean, East African experience infused with the Arabian influence of passing Arab Dhows on the horizon and a spectacular “Arabian Night” experience. Deeply committed to the conservation of the region’s marine life, as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef, Thanda Island invites guests to learn about the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles as they nest and their eggs hatch on the island or catch sight of whale sharks that congregate nearby from October to March.

Providing the further insight into the local way of life, they also introduce guests to the Swahili sea-faring culture on nearby Mafia Island and offer the opportunity to explore its ruins, coconut plantations, lakes as well as the underwater sights of Chole Bay in the Mafia Island Marine Park.

Officially opened on Friday 28 October 2016 with marine life and its ecology of upmost importance, working with Sea Sense, the local Tanzanian marine conservation NGO which Thanda Island closely supports.

 

Managing Director, Pierre Delvaux chronicled Thanda Island’s story that began in early 2006 cumulating in its environmental authorization in late 2013, the signing of the lease agreement in March 2014 and the beginning of the villa’s construction in early 2015. He went on to explain the vision and objectives for the development to provide a world-class, 5-star, exclusive private island and villa experience for discerning vacationers, whilst also aligning with the objectives of Marine Parks.

Delvaux went on to say: “Our mission is also to become involved in the education of neighbouring rural communities on Mafia in terms of biodiversity protection and particularly sustainable natural resource utilization. Our vision to create a unique and authentic guest experience within a protected marine reserve, whilst observing and directly participating in the protection and preservation of its natural resources in harmony with the Marine Parks Authority and neighbouring Mafia Island communities, has been very important to us right from the start.” 

Acknowledging this, Dr M.E Machunu, Manager of Marine Parks said: “The luxury villa and island development falls squarely within the Tanzanian agenda of attracting foreign investors to the country. This opening is both momentous and historical, as it is the first time that such an exclusive villa development has been permitted within the boundaries of a Marine Protected Reserve in Tanzania, and possibly within East Africa.”

He thanked Thanda sincerely for their commitment and initiative of investing in such a worthwhile development, explaining that the Government’s agenda to promote tourism was in harmony with conservation through sustainable development that not only assisted them to manage their natural resources, but also created employment and other benefits for neighbouring communities. He went on to explain that the Government was supporting tourism more than ever before, that Marine Parks and the Government were committed to supporting Thanda Tanzania Limited with this venture as it had followed all investment procedures and guidelines, including environmental authorization, and that they saw Thanda as an agent for growth in the region.

Pierre Delvaux wrapped up the day by thanking Dan and Christin Olofsson, who unfortunately were unable to attend the function, for their vision, enthusiasm, investment and commitment to developing such a world-class luxury villa hotel that had the opportunity to make such an enormous difference in the region in so many ways.

 

 

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Source: Theprteam.com

Asilia Africa Introducing Little Oliver's Camp

 

Aspiring to grow its footprint, its positive impact and to be a leader in improving and expanding natural habitats. Asilia is the first Sustainable Safari / Lodge Company in Africa to receive a 5 Star rating for Sustainability from GIIRS. Founded in 2004 with a strong presence in both Tanzania and Kenya.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of Tanzania’s most iconic camps in the Tarangire National Park, Asilia Africa will be opening Little Oliver’s on 1st July 2013. Deep in the south eastern corner of the park, surrounded by mystical baobab trees, is Oliver’s Camp, one of Tanzania’s original safari camps.

When Paul Oliver built the camp in 1992, he chose Tarangire because it offered an authentic, untamed African experience. 20 years on the camp still holds true to that philosophy and Asilia Africa celebrates this landmark anniversary with the opening.

Shower under the African stars

Little Oliver’s Camp will comprise of 5 luxury, en-suite tents overlooking a flood plain of the Minyonyo Pools, part of the Tarangire River, approximately 1km downstream from the original Oliver’s Camp. The spacious tents are beautifully appointed with furniture made from reclaimed dhow wood and the large decks maximize the views over the animal packed swamp ahead.

The tents have both indoor and outdoor showers, allowing guests to shower under the African stars. The communal dining area is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day and reflect on the day’s sightings. The intimate size of this camp makes it ideal for groups of friends or family who want to take it on an exclusive basis.

Walking in a National Park is a rare privilege

Activities at Oliver’s and Little Oliver’s are as diverse as the bird life in Tarangire! As well as traditional game drives, taking you off road for better game viewing, both camps offer walking safaris within the national park. To be able to walk in a national park is a rare privilege.

At both Oliver’s and Little Oliver’s walks can vary from a gentle morning game walk, where guests learn about tracks and spoor, to a 3 day wilderness adventure, sleeping out in a lightweight fly camp with nothing more than a tent and a small crew of staff. It is likely that you will get close to larger mammals with Oliver’s experienced walking guides but this is the chance to take a closer look at the little things and appreciate the African bush from the earth upwards.

Little Oliver’s will be built with the utmost respect for the environment in which it is situated. The original Oliver’s Camp was the first African accommodation to be certified through Sustainable Travel International‘s Sustainable Travel Eco-certification Program (STEP), the globally recognized gold standard in eco-certification, for its ongoing sustainability initiatives. Little Oliver’s will continue to uphold these high standards of sustainability.

Opening on the 1st July 2013 the rates start at US$ 580 per person per night on a full board basis, excluding national park fees. Tents can be booked on an individual basis or the entire camp can be booked for private groups.

Currently, Asilia’s portfolio of camps includes:

In Tanzania: Sayari Camp, Dunia Camp, Olakira Camp, Oliver’s Camp, Ubuntu Camp and Rubondo Island Camp.

On Zanzibar: Matemwe Lodge, Matemwe Retreat and Matemwe Beach House.

In Kenya: Rekero Camp and Naboisho Camp.

In Mozambique: Kubatana Camp. 

Asilia Africa. Believe in better.

www.asiliaafrica.com