Mnemba Island Lodge

Mnemba Island Lodge is situated on an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometres 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.

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.

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. Traditional dhows (coastal Arab sailing vessels) drift across the horizon, and gentle soft-spoken islanders tend to your every need. You may fill your days relaxing on the soft white-sand beaches or indulging in irresistible pursuits in the gloriously warm waters. Fresh fruit, fish and shellfish are served daily, and romantic candle-lit dinners at the water’s edge will capture your soul.

This exquisite, private island with its white coral-sand beaches and spectacular coral reefs is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world.

• Just 10 beachside bandas
• All with en suite bathrooms
• Overhead fans
• Spacious outdoor verandas
• Guest areas with beautiful sea views
  
  

accommodation

Each of the 10 secluded bandas 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. Zanzibar is famous for its intricate, detailed woodcarvings and the scrolled headboards adorning the beds are created by some of the Island’s most skilled artisans.

Sheer unpretentious paradise, the architecture of the Lodge offers a rustic exclusivity and privacy unparalleled on the African coastline. Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have beautiful open views of the beach and spectacular coral reefs beyond.

dining

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 (fingerfood). 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.

activities

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Beautiful swimming beaches are readily accessible and guests can cavort in the waves regardless of high or low tide.

An astounding array of reef fish and other underwater marvels occur on the reefs surrounding the island, and a number of magnificent dive sites are easily reached from Mnemba.

Mnemba boasts some of the world’s 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 that you need. Just a short boat trip from the Island, coral reefs drop into the deep open sea.

Two dives daily, led by experienced dive instructors, are included in your stay at Mnemba Island. (Please note that a valid diving certificate is required.)

For those wanting to take it easy, snorkelling around the island offers guests a memorable experience, with boats and snorkelling guides available to take guests to more remote reefs. Both snorkelling and scuba diving equipment are provided at no extra cost.

More than 430 species of reef fish have been recorded on the house reef, a mere two minute swim from the beach. Bottlenose dolphins frequent these waters year round and guests have the opportunity to interact with these magnificent creatures either from the boat or in the water.

Something remarkably special to experience is to seeing
green turtles laying their eggs on this idyllic private island. Green turtle laying season is year-round with a seasonal peak in February and March - and is something truly wonderful to witness.

The ocean depths around Mnemba are a fisherman’s paradise, with game fishing species such as barracuda, tuna, mackerel, kingfish, sailfish and marlin frequently encountered. Fly-fishing enthusiasts can fish directly off the island’s beaches, while deep sea fishing can be arranged at an extra cost. Mnemba follows a policy of catch and release.

Excellent birdwatching, beautiful walks around the Island or simply suntanning on the pristine beach may also be enjoyed.

From those wanting a little more exercise, kayaking and windsurfing off Mnemba’s white coral beaches are both available for guests.

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.

wildlife

Mnemba Island boasts a wealth of sea life and marine species. The coral reefs surrounding the island are home to a vast variety of reef fish, anemone and other marine specimens, while diverse pelagic fish and marine mammals thrive in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Humpback whales, as well as many species of dolphin, a number of shark and several types of ray are encountered in the ocean depths. A variety of predator fish in the area include barracuda, mackerel, kingfish, sailfish and marlin.

The island itself provides a nesting ground for the threatened green turtle, as well as many bird species, including the rare crab plover. The tiny suni antelope roams the forest in the centre of the island and the recently introduced and highly endangered Ader’s duiker may also be spotted. Divers around Mnemba may encounter the world’s largest fish, the gigantic whale shark. Pods of dolphin are found in the warm tropical waters near Mnemba, and snorkellers and divers at Mnemba often encounter these charismatic denizens of the deep at close range.

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