East Africa deal: charter superyacht ‘Over the Rainbow’ and stay on a private island

By Katia Damborsky 17 December 2018

Experience the luxury of Thanda Island and the beauty of surrounding Tanzania on board the 35m/115ft motor yacht ‘Over the Rainbow’ at a reduced rate throughout January.

Offering adventure-hungry charterers the rare opportunity to explore the lesser-travelled cruising grounds of East Africa, the classic motor yacht Over the Rainbow has announced a special rate in the region. On a Tanzania private yacht charter vacation, guests can expect to encounter powdery-sand beaches, desert islands coated in palm trees and pods of whale sharks idling below the waves.

Throughout January 2019, this offer can be extended to include exclusive access to a multi-award winning private island and protected marine reserve in the heart of the Indian Ocean; Thanda Island.

After stepping off the superyacht, guests will enjoy unparalleled luxury as the entire island becomes their own personal oasis. Days can be spent stretching out by the glass-rimmed infinity pool, indulging in pampering spa treatments, and sampling world-class cuisine and speciality cocktails under a tropical sun.

drone shot of superyacht over the rainbow on the sea in tanzania with islands in background

aerial view of thanda island with shallow green and blue seas and white sandy beaches, with plants covering interior of island. solar panels visible also

aerial view of luxury motor yacht over the rainbow off the coast of East Africa surrounded by bright blue seas with sand bar in background

Private island, Thanda Island, shot of villa accommodation and glass-edged infinity pool with palm trees in background and terrace seating around pool

Since being launched in the 1930s by Dickie and Sons, Over the Rainbow has traversed the globe and accrued a fascinating history, with many of her original features still intact. YachtCharterFleet’s editorial team had the privilege of being hosted on board the motor yacht in Tanzania and can attest to her Old-World romance and timeless charm.

Among her stand-out features, we found the yacht houses part of an enormous collection of Ernest Hemingway literature, and her media room is home to a chair thought to have belonged to Winston Churchill.

Above the galley, stained-glass windows allow rainbow-filtered light to flood the room, and on the walls of the salon, the outline of a dartboard from World War II, complete with pinpricks where darts missed their mark, reminds guests that the classic yacht is a valuable piece of maritime history.

classic motor yacht over the rainbow main salon with polished wood surfaces, white sofas and flag framed on wall

detail shot of box of vintage cigars on board luxury charter yacht over the rainbow's main salon

close-up image of a scale model of dickie and sons superyacht over the rainbow following a refit by Mondo Marine. Model located in main salon.

master stateroom on luxury charter yacht over the rainbow, view of four poster king size bed and storage units built into the walls

detailed shot of winston churchill champagne box in main salon of luxury motor yacht over the rainbow

interior detail of statue on luxury charter yacht over the rainbow

Over the Rainbow is perfectly primed for East Africa yacht charters, as she benefits from plenty of alfresco deck spaces where guests can drink in their surrounds. The main deck offers shaded dining, and the expansive sun deck volunteers a large table and sofa-style seating, adjoined by reclining chairs and an observation deck. At night, candles light up the space, creating the perfect ambience for gazing up at a clear night sky studded with stars.

During the day, a wealth of water toys will allow guests to make the most out of the turquoise waters and resplendent marine life. The experienced captain can organise excursions to remote islands and pristine sandbanks encircled by coral gardens, and provide snorkelling equipment and Seabobs to get closer to octopi, starfish and reef sharks darting through the shallows.

The interiors of the luxury yacht have been styled to maximise her vintage beauty, with elegant paintings, polished wood and bespoke accents. Accommodation is provided for 11 guests across four cabins, which enjoy an impressive configuration to ensure the entire charter party is catered to.

superyacht over the rainbow over the rainbow entertainment area with table and tv

detailed shot of wheel on classic motor yacht over the rainbow with control panels in background

twin cabin on luxury charter yacht over the rainbow

detailed shot of flower at foot of bed on motor yacht over the rainbow

After an excitement-packed few days, guests can envelope themselves in secluded serenity on Thanda Island. The yacht will deliver guests directly to the island retreat, and a helicopter pick-up will transfer them to Dar es Salaam airport at the end of their stay.

As the editorial team soon discovered, Thanda Island’s idyllic setting suitably complements the island’s vast selection of wellness facilities and devoted relaxation areas. Guests can enjoy yoga, meditation and reiki sessions from various locations around the eight-hectare islet, as well as massages, body treatments and a copper bath on the beach overlooking the water.

Lofty cabanas and a plethora of sun-loungers peppering the main terrace offer additional places to recline and absorb an abundance of beauty all around.

For a little more action, guests can take to the floodlit sports court and engage in a game of tennis or volleyball, followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. Water toys including kayaks, paddleboards, Jet-Skis and water tubes are on hand for fun on the water, but for a closer look at the protected marine reserve, a resident marine biologist can accompany you on a snorkelling trip to view the coral nurseries.

With so much to see and do, everyone who takes advantage of this special offer will find something to enthral, captivate and make memories to last a lifetime.

diners enjoying water being served on thanda island, a luxury private island in tanzania with views of beach and palm trees in background

copper bath on the beach on thanda island, surrounded by candles with sun setting on horizon

man serves woman drink on outdoor terrace of thanda island, a private island retreat off the coast of tanzania, with views over the ocean through palm trees in background

shot of woman underwater through glass of infinity pool on luxury private island, Thanda Island, in East Africa

In order to find out more about M/Y Over the Rainbow and her reduced rates throughout January, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, view everything to see and do on Thanda Island.