overview
Mnemba
Island sits about 3 miles off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. Surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs, it boasts some of Africa’s most wonderful dive sites, and is a nesting ground for turtles. Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world, surrounded by spectacularly clear turquoise water with sand that's so white it almost defies belief.
The Zanzibar Archipelago and its ‘Spice Islands’, discovered by Arab traders in the 8th century, are bathed in the heady scents and romance of a bygone era of traders, explorers, sailors and sultans. Traditional dhows (coastal Arab sailing vessels) drift across the horizon, and coconut palms bend improbably over long stretches of white sand.
Mnemba
Island is small enough to walk around barefoot in about 20 minutes and is empty apart from Mnemba Island Lodge, an intimate beach hideaway offering the finest service, gourmet catering and island activities including snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and scuba diving the gloriously clear waters of the surrounding Indian Ocean. Optional extras include diving courses, deep-sea fishing, a tour of the ancient ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar, and a range of relaxing massage and therapeutic treatments.
The lodge is small, catering for just 20 people, and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. The accommodation is low key and rustic, a natural haven of absolute privacy and peace. If you're looking for glossy resort style luxury, you won't find it here - the whole thrust of this place is to allow you to enjoy what is really special - the sun, sea, beach and sheer indulgence of being on a private island in the Indian Ocean.
Each banda is set back into the fringes of the pine forest at the island centre to ensure absolute privacy and distance from the nine other beach chalets along the eastern shore. Each suite is wonderfully spacious, with billowing light cotton nets and soft African prints, and all have overhead fans and guest areas with beautiful sea views. Each is made of natural local materials, with a detached, spacious bathroom accessed via a palm-woven walkway. All rooms have large open windows and front directly onto the beach, so you can get out of bed, walk a few yards and plunge straight into the sea.
Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have been designed to curve along the beach to make the most of breathtaking sea views and spectacular coral reefs beyond. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns are sailed into Mnemba daily on traditional ngalawa outriggers, and prepared as exotic delicacies. Lunch is usually served on large wooden carved Zanzibar platters heaped with delicious mezze (finger food). Romantic candle-lit dinners are enjoyed on the beach with the waves gently lapping at your feet. Privatebeach dinners are often enjoyed by honeymooners.
The lodge is run with an aim to preserve the ecological balance of the island and surrounding reefs. They are presently lobbying to secure the sanctity of the island as a marine park. These sandy shores are surrounded by rich, colourful reefs teaming with fish, from tiny shoals of coral dwellers to impressive dolphin, barracuda, tuna further afield. Between December and March Mnemba’s rare green turtles may be seen laying their eggs, and dolphin pods are commonly seen throughout the year.
Mnemba is the perfect beginning or end to the ultimate Tanzanian safari. Should you wish to visit the Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, enjoy a Chimpanzee safari, or even climb Mount Kilimanjaro, we will gladly assist you in tailor-making your Tanzanian itinerary.