MNEMBA ISLAND LODGE
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Introduction
Mnemba Island is a tiny coral island 2.8 miles off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. It is uninhabited apart from Mnemba Island Lodge. Surrounded by breathtaking coral reefs, it boasts some of Africas most wonderful dive sites. Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world, offering a privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline.

Lodge Description  

Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have beautiful open views of the beach 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. Private beach dinners are often enjoyed by honeymooners.

Mnemba Island Lodge retains its exclusivity by having only 10 beachside bandas.  Hand-woven from traditional Zanzibarian palm-matting, each secluded banda has a spacious veranda and is hidden in the shade of a tropical beach forest, fringed by the pristine beaches that halo the Island. A palm-covered walkway leads to an en suite bathroom with shower and basin. All bandas have overhead fans.

Activities
You may fill the sun-drenched hours with a variety of water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing and swimming, or simply sunning on the beach. Optional extras include diving courses, deep-sea fishing, a tour of the ancient Spice Island of Zanzibar, and a range of relaxing massages and therapeutic treatments.

Mnemba boasts some of the worlds most beautiful dive sites. The clear blue seas provide unsurpassed visibility for both snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts you will be provided with all scuba and snorkelling equipment needed. Just a short boat trip from the Island, coral reefs drop into the deep open sea. You can enjoy two dives daily led by our experienced dive instructors. Please note that a valid diving certificate is required. If you dont have a diving certificate, Mnemba offers a professional dive school for beginners. Speciality dives include deep, night, navigation, drift and peak performance.

Mnemba is situated near the Pemba channel which is renowned for its excellent big game fishing Mnemba supports tag and release fishing. Big game fishing enthusiasts are catered for on a well-equipped boat, which can be hired complete with tackle and crew. The big game fishing season runs from July to March, with plenty of Yellowfin Tuna during the summer months. Billfish (sailfish), black marlin, striped and blue marlin tend to run from October to March. To ensure your stay at Mnemba is as relaxing and memorable as possible, our in-house therapist offers a range of massage and reflexology treatments. Mnemba offers fantastic snorkelling with 168 species of fish found on the house reef just a five-minute swim from your banda.

Weather

A tropical island, it can be humid. Sea breezes  bring cooler air and relief from the hot, damp weather.

The rainy season is in two monsoon seasons long rains in April & May, short rains  in November.

The average daytime temperatures are in the region of 26C/79F from June to October and about 28C/82F from December to February. Average water temperature from July to March is from 20C/68F to 25C/77F.

Best time to travel

The best months to visit Mnemba are from June to March.

Children

Children under 12 are welcome at the lodge provided there is no more than one child on the island at any one time. An extra bed can be arranged for a child 11 years and younger sharing its parents banda.

Camp closure

The camp is closed from 1 April to 31 May each year during the heavy monsoon long rains

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

How to get there
From Stone Town; 1 1/2 hour drive to pier, Mnemba Island is then a 20 minute boat ride. Sun Safaris can arrange all transfers.

Read more about:

Zanzibar