Off the shore of Tanzania

Nestled in Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, across from the Rufiji River Delta and Selous National Park, Jumeirah Thanda Island is situated 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers) east of the mainland, and just 7 degrees south of the equator. 

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Getting to jumeirah Thanda Island

International guests can fly directly to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam with Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, or South African Airways.

On arrival, the Jumeirah Thanda Island team provides personalised VIP assistance* through immigration for a smooth and stress-free experience.

From Dar es Salaam, guests can choose:

  • Helicopter transfer*: A luxurious Airbus EC155 B twin-engine helicopter offers a seamless 25-minute flight directly to the island for up to eight guests.
  • Fixed-wing option: A 30-minute flight aboard a 12-seater aircraft to Mafia Island, followed by either a scenic 30-minute boat ride or a quick 10-minute helicopter hop to the island.

We recommend arriving in Dar es Salaam in the morning to allow same-day transfers (unless choosing the direct helicopter option*). For late arrivals, several international hotels in Dar es Salaam are available for overnight stays.

Please note:

  • Boat transfers from Mafia Island must depart before 17h00.
  • Guests may need to wade through shallow water during the boat ride, so comfortable attire is advised.

*Additional charges apply.


Transport information
Helicopter transfers from Dar es Salaam to Jumeirah Thanda Island
Helicopter
  • A private 25-minute helicopter flight directly from Dar es Salaam International Airport to Jumeirah Thanda Island for minimum waiting and transfer times.
Passengers
  • Depending on numbers, our helicopter is available with a maximum carrying capacity of six passengers.
Luggage
  • In most cases only SOFT bags are permitted. Max 15kg per person (inclusive of hand luggage).
  • Speak to our reservations team for options on hard and excess baggage.
Contact
  • Please note that helicopter transfers are subject to availability. To request a quote, please contact reservations.
Domestic flights from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island
Domestic Flights
  • Several domestic carriers fly the 30-minute route to Mafia Island’s 1.6km tar runway.
Private charters
  • Fixed Wing / Private Charters are available between Dar es Salaam and Mafia Island.
  • These fights are included in the package price and are for the transportation of luggage as well as guests that exceed the maximum helicopter capacity.
Contact
  • Please speak to our reservation team for specific enquiries.
Mafia Island to Jumeirah Thanda Island
Kilindoni
  • The Jumeirah Thanda Island Team will meet guests off their flight in Kilindoni, Mafia Island’s main town.
Taxi
  • Alternatively, for a shorter 20-minute transfer by boat, guests may choose to take a 40-minute taxi journey by car to the northwest of the Island, from where they will be taken by boat to Jumeirah Thanda Island.
Boat
  • They will then be transferred by boat to Jumeirah Thanda Island, an approximate 30-minute journey.
Contact

Address

Shungimbili Island, Mafia District, Tanzania

Telephone

+27 32 586 0149