Mnemba Island is a small privately-owned barefoot Island Paradise off the pristine northeastern Coast of the Zanzibar Archipelago. For visitors longing to experience an extraordinary romantic getaway, just take a trip to Zanzibar, where you will discover a raw and exceptionally authentic Paradise on Mnemba Island. It is a great place for snorkeling and swimming tours in Zanzibar.
Visitors to this treasured island are treated to simple pleasures that eventually turn into the most cherished memories for a lifetime. This Island, with its accommodation facility, boasts spectacular open views of the secluded and quiet beach areas, as well as phenomenal vistas of Zanzibar beyond, enjoyed from the thatched dining and spacious sitting or bar area.
Location of Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is situated approximately 3 kilometers off Unguja Island (the largest Island of Zanzibar), off the northeastern Coast, and it is opposite Muyuni Beach.
An Oval Coral Reef extending for about 28 square kilometers surrounds Mnemba Island, and these Reefs are recognized as an important Marine Conservation Area.
Size of Mnemba Island
This privately-owned Island is triangular in shape, with a diameter of 500 meters and a circumference of only about 1.5 kilometers.
Mnemba Island and its surrounding Coral Reefs are sometimes referred to as the Mnemba Atoll.
The size and secluded location of this Island make it a perfect relaxation and getaway spot.
Tourist Attractions in Mnemba Island
Diverse Marine life
Marine life is one important attraction that makes Mnemba Island stand out, and you can expect diversity while here.
You will be amazed by the awe-inspiring nesting and hatching of Green sea turtles, over 600 coral reef fish species, three different dolphin species, Humpback whales, whale sharks, and many other species that are endemic to the Indian Ocean.
The Island is also a haven for the endangered Ader’s duikers as well as the Suni antelopes that occupy the nearby forest.
Tourist Activities in or around Mnemba Island
Traditional Dhow Cruises
Mnemba Island is adorned with traditional dhows that still drift across the horizon. Sailing is accompanied by finger-licking snacks (especially meats or fish) and drinks of your choice (champagne, wine, freshly-squeezed juice, or even cocktails), plus soft Zanzibari music.
Seaside Adventures
Some of the amazing and rewarding seaside adventures on Mnemba Island include swimming in the calm turquoise waters off the tranquil white-sand beach.
The crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches here reward visitors with unavoidable swimming and snorkeling opportunities during all tides.
Visitors interested in undertaking the more adventurous activities can try out some of the snorkeling spots that are reached by a 10-minute motorboat trip.
You can choose to unwind on your private stretch of beachfront where beautiful, graceful, and stupendous Bandas open onto the impeccable white sands from the shaded patch of the nearby Casuarina pine forest.
Visitors interested in lying in their respective Beach bandas are treated to meals (breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner) usually comprising purely Tanzanian coffee or tea, tropical fruits, aromatic Zanzibari or international dishes, and freshly-squeezed juice.
Relaxation at the beach-side is accompanied by chilled champagne and freshness to celebrate the beautiful tropical sunset in seclusion.
Honeymooners are guaranteed romantic candlelit dinners on the beach-side with gentle waves lapping at their feet.
Jaw-Dropping Water Sports
Some of the jaw-dropping watersport adventures on Mnemba Island include scuba diving, where travelers can venture into the mesmerizing world beneath the Zanzibari waves.
It is undeniable that Zanzibar has some of the most unblemished and untouched Coral Reefs in the Indian Ocean, and these remarkable views can be enjoyed from Unguja Island, hence relished by visitors of Mnemba Island.
Scuba diving in Zanzibar waters makes it possible to reach the shallow coral gardens and walls at about 30 meters deep and offers chances of spotting species of neon-tinted fish like the beautiful blue potato grouper and indigo Napoleon fish, in addition to the green-blocked turtles.
Visitors are also offered opportunities to scuba dive alongside several marine wildlife species such as dolphins, as well as the shallow reefs.
Mnemba Island, therefore, boasts of providing jaw-dropping diving experiences with some of the most spectacular and healthy coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, making it every visitor’s must-visit diving destination.
Spice Island Tours
Enjoy the different scents of cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, nutmeg, and many others as you tour Spice Island’s plantations.
Also, see the different trees/plants grown for natural cosmetics and medicines.
Spice Island tours sometimes incorporate visits to Livingstone’s House, the ancient Kidichi Persian Baths, and the stunning Maruhubi Palace ruins, among others.
Yoga
You can rejuvenate, re-connect, and re-awaken your soul during visits to the lush and phenomenal Mnemba Island.
After exploring the different activities on the Island, allow your fatigued self to unwind by indulging in massages and yoga in the peaceful retreat of your Banda.
You will be sure of leaving the Island after creating a holistic connection by participating in several wellness and spirit-awakening yoga sessions.
Prison Island Tours
Staying on Mnemba Island makes it possible to visit Prison Island, also referred to as “Changuu Island,” constructed in the 1860s to act as a holding place for Slaves before being shipped abroad or sold in local slave markets in Stone Town.
Prison Island is now popular for its giant Aldabra Tortoises, believed to be centuries-old.
They were initially sent to Zanzibar as a gift from the British Governor of Seychelles.
Try-Out Some of the Mouth-Watering Zanzibari Foods
Foods served on Mnemba Island are natural, fresh, and locally-produced, emanating and representing the essence of Zanzibar’s richness, soul, diverse history, and heritage.
The general food theme on this secluded and private barefoot beach represents simplicity and sumptuousness, with each culinary experience prepared with attention to detail and served at the perfect time and place to satisfy each guest’s aspirations.
Cultural Tours in Stone Town
Participating in cultural tours in Stone Town allows visitors to discover the rich heritage and soul of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
You will be amazed and appreciate the diverse architectural designs in Stone Town influenced by Arab, European, Indian, and African cultures.
Popularly known as Old Town or “Mji Mkongwe” in Swahili, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the rich history and heritage of Zanzibar can be uncovered.
While here, taste some of the local cuisines, learn about and try out the spices, shop for some African wear/souvenirs, visit the dhow construction school, visit some of the many historical buildings, and partake in many other activities.
Best Time to Visit Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is open all year round to visitors, but the perfect time to explore it is from June to September because they are sunny with little rainfall, which favors a wide range of activities.
Also, these months make it possible for visitors to encounter the Humpback whales.
Places to stay in Mnemba Island
Besides its beautiful appearance and exciting activities, Mnemba Island features a luxurious accommodation facility known as andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge.
This facility features 12 private and elegant Beach Bandas tucked within the tropical beach forest with large verandas, surrounding white sand beaches, palm-covered walks leading to the private bathrooms with showers, beautifully woodcarved large beds, thatched dining and bar or seating area.
The Bandas also have ceiling fans and stunning sea views, while other amenities/services include a spa/massage center, yoga, well-stocked bar, gift shop, outdoor swimming pool, well-stocked bar, private beach dinners, or romantic candlelit dinners.
Other accommodation facilities close to Mnemba Island include:
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Sunshine Marine Lodge is an extraordinary and secluded accommodation facility found across Mnemba Island and boasts stunning Swahili-style architectural design.
This lodge features 8 beautiful bungalows with 26 rooms surrounded by a lush tropical garden and also overlooking the Indian Ocean.
On-site the property is a spacious beachfront restaurant, adjacent outdoor swimming pools (one of which is an infinity pool).
SeVi Boutique Hotel
Set on the north-eastern side of the Spice Island and adjacent to Mnemba atoll is SeVi Boutique Hotel, featuring 14 rustic bungalows dotted across the verdant tropical gardens of palms.
Each of these bungalows features a private entrance, open-air restaurant, and spectacular beach views.
Kena Beach Hotel
Kena Beach is nestled within Matemwe Beach, within Matemwe Village on the Eastern Coast of Zanzibar.
The rooms here have en-suite bathrooms with free toiletries, wooden floors, thatched roofs, and huge beds with mosquito nets, air conditioning, and a minibar.
Guests of Kena Beach Hotel can enjoy private beach dining on top of free internet connection within the property.
Also, try out the Melia Zanzibar, Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort, Fakhwa Beach House, Tropicana Kendwa Beach Hotel, Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar, Hotel Riu Palace, Kendwa Rocks Hotel, Waikiki Resort Zanzibar, Homeland Swahili Lodge, Highland Bungalows, Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Villa Paradise on the Ocean, Mbv Hotel & Annex, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa, Pwani Silversand Beach Hotel, Matemwe Lodge, Miramont Retreat Zanzibar, Jafferji Beach Retreat, Zanzibar Magic Boutique Hotel, Karabai Villa, AHG Dream’s Bay Boutique Hotel, Mocco Beach Villa, and Zanzibar House, among others.
How to Get to Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is about 3 kilometers off the popular Unguja Island, off the north-eastern Coast, and near/opposite Muyuni Beach, a local fishing beach.
Leave Zanzibar Airport by car and be dropped off at Muyuni Beach, where you will embark on a 10-minute boat ride to Mnemba Island.
Alternatively, a one and a half-hour drive from Stone Town followed by a 20-minute boat ride also ushers visitors to the magnificent Mnemba Island.
