To get to Thanda Island, guests fly directly to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam with Swiss Air, Qatar, Emirates, South African Airways and British Airways. On landing at Dar es Salaam: the Thanda Island team will meet you and accompany you through customs, ensuring a smooth, quick entry into this beautiful country. From here, you board either an 8 or 4 seater helicopter and 45 minutes later you land on Thanda Island, right at the villa for the start of your private island adventure. (Please Note: helicopter transfer is subject to availability and an additional charge, upon request). Alternatively, domestic carriers fly the 30-minute route to Mafia Island’s 1.6km tar runway from Dar es Salaam from where guests can transfer to Thanda Island by boat.

Villa bedroom amenities include beds, fans, aircon, mosquito nets, outdoor bath, indoor shower, outdoor shower, in-room safe, wifi and laundry. Banda amenities include beds, mosquito nets, indoor shower, minibar, in-room safe, wifi and laundry.

Experience the mystique of ancient lands where agriculture, fishing and trading date back to the Iron Age, with unique finds in Juani’s Ukunju Cave. Trade here has always revolved around the sea, guided by the trade winds. In Tanzania’s capital city of Dar es Salaam, traditional wooden dhows glide between cargo ships and the culture and architecture reflects its diverse African, Arabic, Indian, British and European influences. Chole’s people have travelled in Arab dhows since the 8th century, and Zanzibar’s ancient spices came from the East. One of the most popular excursions is the Chole Island Tour, community-based and historical journey to the east side of Mafia Island. Weather permitting, the journey from Thanda Island takes about an hour and includes an experience of a traditional Arab dhow. Mafia Island is the closest inhabited island to Thanda Island. We can sail you over to Mafia for a day’s exploration of the Eleventh Century ruins, visits to the village communities and traditional boat-building craftsmen who use hand tools and hand-forged nails. Road safaris around Mafia in the island's legendary Landrover taxis are another option. Visit villages famous for their clay pots, ukili mats and coconut plantations.

Thanda Island offers beautiful, warm, tropical weather. Rain showers are mostly short, followed by sunshine, bringing a wonderful freshness to the environment. Thanda Island has a tropical climate with approximately 1,800mm of rain each year, diving into two specific rain seasons: the "long" rains in late April to May and the "short" rains in November. Thanda Island lies across the trade winds and experiences the northeast (Kaskazi) and southest (Kusi) trade wind seasons. The Kaskazi usually starts at the end of November and lasts into February. The Kusi winds are strong in June and July.

Over the Rainbow of London can be booked, along with Thanda Island, from December through to March before she returns to the Mediterranean for the European summer, during winter months in Tanzania. Explore the remarkable uniqueness of the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve on a day cruise or get lost in the magic of the Indian Ocean and spend a night indulging in the ultimate relaxation of a cruise-to-nowhere aboard Over The Rainbow of London. Culture enthusiasts can explore ancient Arabic history and enticing spice plantations, with an overnight cruise to Zanzibar, or dive the pristine 1,500km² Marine Park of Tanzania’s secret paradise, with a private charter to Mafia Island. Over the Rainbow of London sleeps up to ten guests in four rooms, including a master suite. She is also capable of carrying up to five crew on board to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating features throughout to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere.