Mnemba Island

Discovering Mnemba Island and its attractions

Mnemba Island offers an enchanting setting reserved exclusively for guests and staff of the &Beyond Mnemba Island hotel. It is the only hotel on this wild island, free of roads and dwellings. With its pure white sand, turquoise waters and exceptional seabed, this private island is a magical place that will guarantee you unique moments of rest and relaxation.  The natural beauty of Mnemba Island’s landscapes is unparalleled; it is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Zanzibar archipelago. 

Its area, 500 metres in diameter and around 1.5 kilometres in circumference, allows visitors to walk around it in 20-30 minutes. Another major advantage for lovers of swimming and lounging with their feet in the water: the absence of algae on the island’s fine sandy beaches of Mnemba Island. The effects of the tide are also less noticeable on Mnemba Island’s beaches. At low tide, the water level drops, but it does not recede completely as on the other beaches of the archipelago. Swimming is therefore possible throughout the day. A dream setting for an exotic holiday in Tanzania. Mnemba Marine Reserve is a very well-known diving spot for its magnificent coral reef and rich biodiversity. This protected area is home to a wide variety of corals and tropical fish that you can discover during a diving or snorkelling session.

Observe the exceptional marine wildlife around Mnemba Island

Renowned for its corals and the wide variety of colourful fish it shelters, the protected nature reserve is a true sanctuary for marine life. A wide variety of Indian Ocean wildlife thrives peacefully in the warm waters of Mnemba Island’s lagoon. Here are the animals you may discover on Mnemba Island: 

• Green sea turtles. This threatened species has chosen the calm beaches of Mnemba Island to lay its eggs between February and September. You may have the chance to admire this incredible natural spectacle during your stay. 
• Humpback whales
• Dolphins
• Whale sharks
• Many migratory birds
• More than 600 species of multicoloured fish, including clownfish, snapper, napoleon wrasse and jackfish

Exploring the seabed is an integral part of an experience on Mnemba Island. The Mnemba Marine Reserve, which works to preserve the species it shelters, is one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in the Zanzibar archipelago. &Beyond hotel guests have the opportunity to discover an incredible area teeming with corals and coral fish just a few metres from the beach. Boat trips for snorkelling around Mnemba Island are included in the room rate. While the shoreline is reserved exclusively for hotel guests, the snorkelling and diving spots located off the island’s coast are accessible to everyone. 

Luxury and eco-friendly accommodation at Mnemba Island Lodge

Mnemba Island is a private island paradise with just one lodge: the & Beyond hotel. This luxurious property blends into its surroundings thanks to a natural, understated design for complete immersion. The 12 spacious villas open onto nature and are set on the edge of the forest to preserve guests’ privacy while offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean just a few metres away. A pure, unpretentious beachfront paradise for an escape from it all. Meals overlooking the ocean, candlelit dinners on the beach, yoga classes, massages, snorkelling, boat trips and many services will complete your experience on this intimate and exclusive island. 

Cultural immersion in the lives of Zanzibar locals near Mnemba Island

As human presence is limited to hotel guests and staff on Mnemba Island, cultural immersion and meeting local people will take place on the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. Enjoy an excursion to Zanzibar Island to wander through the streets of Stone Town, visit a fishing village, discover Swahili cuisine and local crafts at the city markets. Immerse yourself in local flavours by taking part in the famous Spice Tour for moments of sharing and authentic encounters.

Water activities around Mnemba Island for all levels

Observing marine life is the flagship activity of a stay on Mnemba Island; however, other options are available to vary the pleasures in this paradise setting. Here are a few activity ideas to discover on Mnemba Island for a pure moment of escape:

• Dhow excursion (traditional sailing boat)
• Snorkelling and scuba diving
• Kayaking or paddleboarding
• Deep-sea fishing

Protecting the environment of Mnemba Island: a lasting commitment

A true natural treasure, Mnemba Island is a protected and regulated area. The aim is to preserve the biodiversity of the fish and coral on the atoll’s seabed. Various measures have been put in place to protect this exceptional environment by the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area (MIMCA). A new conservation fee for Mnemba Atoll came into force in June 2023. A fee of USD 100 per day per person applies for any stay on the island, while a fee of USD 40 applies to visitors taking a snorkelling excursion off the island. These measures aim to limit the number of visitors and to generate the financial resources needed to preserve this fragile ecosystem.

The best times to visit Mnemba Island

The climate on Mnemba Island means you can visit it all year round, although the best time remains the dry season, which runs from June to October.

If you would like to witness turtle eggs hatching, we recommend visiting between April and September.

Accessibility and travel advice for getting to Mnemba Island

The only way to get to Mnemba Island is by boat. The transfer arranged by the &Beyond hotel is from a beach on Zanzibar’s main island, 1 hour 15 minutes from Stone Town and 1 hour 30 minutes from Zanzibar Airport. 

Honeymoon on Mnemba Island: an idyllic and romantic experience

With its private white-sand beach, turquoise waters, romantic dinners with your feet in the water, and its magnificent sunsets over the Indian Ocean, Mnemba Island provides a paradise setting for an exceptional honeymoon. A stay in this preserved environment will guarantee precious moments, a change of scenery and unrivalled serenity. 

Enjoying a tailor-made stay on Mnemba Island with Off Road Tanzania

Would you like to experience a moment of escape on the wild, unspoilt island of Mnemba? Off Road Tanzania offers you tailor-made support for a unique getaway on this paradisiacal island in the heart of the Zanzibar archipelago. With a personalised itinerary suited to your budget, ideas for immersive and out-of-the-ordinary activities, and expert advice, our expertise enables us to design the holiday of your dreams on Mnemba Island. Why not combine this exceptional stay with a safari circuit during your trip to Tanzania? We are able to bring all your wishes to life.