Mnemba Island: The Ultimate Beach Getaway on Tanzania's Breathtaking Coastline

If there’s one island off the coast of Tanzania that screams “tropical paradise”, it has to be Mnemba Island. This secluded retreat lies around three kilometres to the northeast of Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, and is one of East Africa’s most exclusive destinations.

With just 12 rustic bandas that can accommodate only 24 guests, Mnemba Island offers a Robinson Crusoe experience like no other. It’s not only one of Zanzibar’s most sought-after honeymoon destinations but it prides itself on its conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Mnemba Island offers easy access to spectacular coral reefs where you can go snorkelling and diving. On sunset dhow cruises, you can marvel at the breathtaking coastline while indulging in the ultimate romantic escape.

If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of Stone Town or tour an exotic spice plantation, Unjuga is just a stone’s throw away. But if you prefer to take it slow, you can be pampered during an indulgent massage at Mnemba Island Lodge, followed by a candlelit dinner on the beach.

So if you’re looking for a private island that offers “barefoot luxury” in one of the world’s most beautiful marine environments, then Mnemba Island ticks all the right boxes.

Luxury accommodation on Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island Lodge boasts just 12 beach bandas, each of which nestles amidst tropical forest to ensure the utmost privacy. Constructed from palm fronds, the bandas are connected to ensuite bathrooms via palm-covered walkways and feature built-in barazas where you can kick back with a good book.

Detailed woodcarvings decorate each of the bandas while overhead fans complement the natural sea breezes. If you’re travelling with the family, there are two bandas linked by a walkway that can accommodate up to four people.

Dining on Mnemba Island

Days on Mnemba Island begin with a delicious spread of homemade muesli, baked goods and eggs cooked to order, all washed down with freshly squeezed juices and your choice of tea or coffee. Lunches are served on large wooden platters and comprise a delectable choice of mezze dishes. The multi-course dinners feature freshly caught fish, lobsters and prawns, accompanied by creative salads, spicy Zanzibari dips and sauces.

All meals are served in the resort’s open-air restaurant, which offers stunning views across the Indian Ocean.

Things to do on Mnemba Island

Diving and snorkelling

Zanzibar is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and Mnemba Island lies surrounded by this underwater richness. Snorkelling or scuba diving is the best way to experience its vibrant coral colonies and the marine life that calls them home. Water temperatures are around 26ºC (79 ºF) and the visibility can extend up to 40 metres (131 feet).

More than 430 fish species have been recorded on Mnemba Island’s house reef, which is just two minutes’ swim from the beach. Bottlenose dolphins also frequent the surrounding waters.

Fishing

Anglers can rejoice with exceptional game fishing just a short boat ride from Mnemba Island. In addition to barracuda, tuna and mackerel, sailfish, marlin and kingfish are regularly caught here. If you prefer to fly fish, you can do so directly off the island’s beaches while keeping in mind that Mnemba has a catch-and-release policy.

Yoga

Begin the day with a moment of mindfulness as you follow a Vinyasa flow led by one of the island’s experienced yoga teachers. While the focus is always on breath and seamless movement, no two classes are ever the same. Private yoga classes at Mnemba Island Lodge are backed by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

Watch green turtles nesting

Green sea turtles come to nest on the beaches of Mnemba Island and watching as the hatchlings scuttle into the water is an experience not to be missed. After meeting for sundowners, you’ll learn all about the lifecycle of turtles and the challenges faced by the newborns. Hatching is usually at its peak in February and March, although it can occur throughout the year.

Embark on a traditional dhow cruise

Watch as the sun sets with a cocktail in hand on a traditional dhow cruise or take a day trip to visit Changuu “Prison” Island. It was here that rebellious slaves were detained during the 19th century before the island became a quarantine station. Today, Changuu is home to a population of Aldabra giant tortoises that were shipped over from Seychelles.

Tour Stone Town

Fusing Asian, Arabic and African architectural influences, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not to be missed. Spend an afternoon exploring the Sultan’s Palace Museum and visiting the House of Wonders before enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the Forodhani Market. A tour of Stone Town can be combined with a visit to one of the many spice farms on Zanzibar’s main island of Unjuga.

When to visit Mnemba Island

June through to October is the dry season along the coast of Tanzania and this is considered the best time to visit Mnemba Island. During this period, clear, sunny skies and comfortable temperatures are the norm, making it ideal for enjoying the island’s blissful beaches.

In November, the temperature and humidity begin to rise, bringing afternoon showers interspersed with sunny skies. December is a great time to visit if you want to see whale sharks while January to March is considered the best time for diving in general. The rain becomes more intense in the lead-up to the “long rains” in April, which continue through to May.

How to get to Mnemba Island

Most visitors fly into Zanzibar International Airport, from where Mnemba Island Lodge collects guests. Alternatively, you may fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and catch one of the many daily ferries that connect to Stone Town. From here, it’s around 1.5 hour’s drive to the northeast coast of Unguja, followed by a 10-minute boat ride to the island. Guests should be aware that there are no jetties on the island and you may be required to wade a little in the water when you arrive at Mnemba Island Lodge.

If you’re visiting Mnemba Island at the end of a Tanzania or East Africa safari, Vencha Travel can help to arrange scheduled or charter flights from your endpoint to Zanzibar. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you may need to spend a night in Stone Town or elsewhere on the island of Unjuga before your transfer to Mnemba Island the following day.

NB:

Local Tanzanian airlines use small aircraft that are capable of carrying 9 to 13 passengers. Luggage is strictly restricted to 15 kg per passenger and must be carried in soft-sided bags or suitcases (no hard-shell cases are permitted onboard).

Need help planning your dream escape on Mnemba Island? Our Tanzania travel experts can make it happen. We offer a range of East Africa safaris that include visits to iconic national parks such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with a beach getaway on Mnemba Island at the end of your adventure.