Mnemba Island

Overview

Zanzibar’s Hidden Paradise of Luxury, Nature, and Serenity

Mnemba Island, Zanzibar is a tiny private island off the northeast coast of Unguja (Zanzibar). A triangular coral reef encircles the island (part of a marine protected area), creating a clear-water lagoon ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The setting features white-sand beaches fringed by palm and casuarina trees, with unobstructed Indian Ocean vistas. Mnemba is run as an exclusive resort – it is privately owned and only registered guests may land on the island – which gives it a tranquil, uncrowded feel.

Island Attractions

The island’s protected reefs teem with marine life. Coral gardens support hundreds of reef fish species, and it’s common to see bottlenose, spinner and other dolphins playing in the clear bay waters. Occasional larger visitors include whale sharks and migrating humpback whales (July–September) passing offshore. On land, Mnemba’s sandy beaches are nesting grounds for endangered green sea turtles – nesting peaks around February–March each year. The island’s role as a marine sanctuary means shorebirds also roost on the beaches and reef flats. Together, these features make Mnemba famous for its snorkeling and diving, scenic ocean views and rich biodiversity.

When to Visit

Mnemba follows Zanzibar’s tropical climate.

• The long dry season (June–October) and short dry season (December–February) offer the sunniest, warmest weather.
• The main rainy months (March–May) and short rains (November–December) bring frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity.
• Underwater visibility is often best in the late dry season (November–March), when calm seas prevail – making Mnemba snorkeling and diving especially rewarding. Seasonal wildlife highlights include humpback whale sightings from July through September and peak green turtle nesting in February–March.
• In general, planning around Zanzibar’s dry seasons will give the most reliable beach and diving conditions.

Excursion and Activities in Mnemba Island

Whether you’re exploring land or sea, Mnemba Island is packed with eco-friendly adventures:

• Scuba diving & snorkeling: Mnemba’s reef is famous for clear, calm waters. Guests typically enjoy two guided dives per day (for certified divers) and gear is provided with stays. Visibility often reaches 20–40 meters, so snorkeling over the shallow reefs is excellent.
• Boat trips & wildlife tours: Excursions launch to nearby dive sites, sandbanks and dolphin habitats. Popular tours include dolphin-spotting cruises or sunset sails in the Indian Ocean.
• Wellness & relaxation: Yoga sessions on the beach or deck help guests unwind at sunrise. The resort also offers spa treatments and beachfront massages for relaxation.
• Romantic dining: The island is known for private beachfront meals. Candlelit dinners on the sand (often featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruits) are a signature experience, as are late breakfasts served on your villa’s veranda overlooking the ocean..

Where to stay

Accommodation is centered on a single luxury eco-lodge. The lodge has just 12 thatched beachfront bandas (villas) for a total of about 24 guests. Each villa is set in a tropical forest and opens onto its own stretch of white-sand beach. The rustic-chic bandas feature en-suite bathrooms, high thatched ceilings and private shaded verandas. Service is very personalized: for example, each villa is assigned its own butler for attending to guests. Dining is casual and open-air – fresh seafood, local fruits and Zanzibar specialties are served daily, and romantic candlelit dinners on the beach are common (guests often enjoy private beachfront breakfasts or sunset snacks).

How to get around

Mnemba Island is very small – only about 500 meters across – so getting around is easy. There are no cars or roads on the island; guests simply walk between their banda, the dining area, spa and beach. The lodge arranges small boats or skiffs for ocean activities (diving, snorkeling or dolphin tours), but otherwise the island is entirely pedestrian. This car-free, low-impact approach keeps the atmosphere quiet and natural.

Getting there

Travel to Mnemba requires a two-part transfer:

Road transfer:

• Most visitors are picked up by private car or minivan (often arranged by the lodge) and driven from Zanzibar International Airport or Stone Town to the northeast coast of Unguja. This road trip takes about 1.5 hours.

Boat transfer: 

• From the coastal drop-off point (near Paje or Muyuni), an open motorboat carries guests roughly 10–20 minutes across to Mnemba Island. There are no docks on Mnemba – boats come right up to the beach, and passengers wade ashore in shallow water. Transfers are weather-dependent and cannot be done at night.

Schedule: 

• Transfers run at fixed times. Morning departures usually start around 6:00–6:30 AM, and the last return boat leaves by about 4:30 PM. Plan ahead so you arrive before the evening cutoff.