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.
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.
Mnemba follows Zanzibar’s tropical climate.
Whether you’re exploring land or sea, Mnemba Island is packed with eco-friendly adventures:
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).
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.
Travel to Mnemba requires a two-part transfer:
Road transfer:
Boat transfer:
Schedule: