Mnemba Island Zanzibar
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Philosophy & sustainability

Finding sustainable solutions to the pressure being placed on Ocean resources, we have eliminated plastic water bottles, create awareness with conservation lessons, protect and monitor turtle nests, nurture a tree nursery and execute beach waste clean -ups daily.

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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.

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 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.

Location

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.

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Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon.

A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside bandas, for just 24 guests, connected to the breathtaking Mnemba atoll.

Discover sheer, unpretentious paradise on this exclusive island, where the simple pleasures become your most treasured of memories for many years to come. Relax and unwind on your own stretch of beachfront, where simple yet luxurious bandas peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest. Thatched dining and sitting or bar areas boast beautiful open views of the beach and spectacular vistas of Zanzibar beyond.

Accommodation

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.

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Just 12 beachside bandas with spacious verandas 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 Mnemba Lodge offers a rustic exclusivity and privacy unparalleled on the African coastline.

Dining

Late breakfast trays teeming with tropical fruit, freshly-squeezed juice and Tanzanian coffee can be delivered to the beach banda for those wanting to indulge in a lie-in. Fresh sushi and chilled champagne can appear discreetly at the guests’ beach loungers should they wish to celebrate the magnificent sunset in privacy. 

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Romantic candlelit dinners are served on the beach, with the waves lapping gently at guests’ feet. Allow yourself to relax and take a break with yoga and massages in the tranquil retreat of your banda.

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. 

SPA & Wellness

Seize the opportunity to rejuvenate in true African style. Just escaping to this barefoot paradise is soul soothing, with the open style design, the natural world is integrated into the lodge. Creating a holistic connection, engage in a wide range of wellness and spiritually awakening activities.

Activities

  • Wildlife marine. 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.
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  • Mnemba boasts some of the world’s most beautiful dive sites. 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.
  • Excellent birdwatching, beautiful walks around the Island or simply suntanning on the pristine beach may also be enjoyed.
  • Kayaking and windsurfing off Mnemba’s for those wanting a little more exercise
  • The essence of the Freddie Mercury tour Walk in the footsteps of Zanzibar’s legendary son, Freddie Mercury: lead vocalist and songwriter of the British-based rock band Queen. Born Farroukh Bulsara, Mercury’s family had immigrated to Zanzibar from India before his birth. He spent his early years amidst the winding cobbled streets, bazaars, churches and mosques of Zanzibar’s Stone Town. This part of the city is a multi-cultural mix of architectural influences, including 19th century coral-stone buildings, an old Arab fort, and a diverse collection of Swahili influences. Take a guided tour through these surrounds, where he lived until 1964, when the Zanzibar Revolution forced the family to leave. Visit the Zanzibar Gallery Shop, once the home of the Mercury family, wonderfully decorated with faded photographs of the musical icon. Admire the colourful triangular streamers draped across whitewashed walls, wood-shutter windows, and blue-painted timber doors. Next, head off to the Zoroastrian Fire Temple where the Parsi family worshipped, and where Freddie Mercury was initiated as a child. End this special-interest tour with a seafront lunch at Mercury’s restaurant, a modern-day tribute to the man, his inimitable talent, and his music.

Activities

  • The essence of the cultural tour Discover Zanzibar’s cultural gems in the company of a private and experienced guide, who will tailor-make your excursion to suit your personal interests and preferences. Appreciate the many cultural influences (African, Arab, Indian and European) and architectural features of Stone Town, also known in Swahili as Mji Mkongwe (Old Town).
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  • Gaze up at 19th century buildings, all built from coral stone. Stroll past large verandas with carved banisters and enormous wooden-feature doors. Follow the winding narrow streets full of bazaars, churches and mosques. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is ideally located in the old section of Zanzibar City, the main city of the archipelago. You will get a chance to experience how local dishes are cooked using the island’s variety of spices and coconut milk. There’ll be time to browse the busy markets, filled with African and Asian-inspired trinkets, aromatic herbs, and clothing. Perhaps you might choose to visit a traditional dhow construction site, or a local school. Your tour will end with a visit to the Stone Town Heritage Society, dedicated to conserving, sustaining, and restoring Zanzibar’s built environment and heritage. This personalized tour will provide the opportunity to visit different parts of the island, and experience the cultural diversity of Zanzibar’s evolution, history, arts and cuisine.
  • The essence of the ‘Discover the history of Stone Town’ tour Delve into the beauty and ancient history of Zanzibar on this fascinating Stone Town tour. Explore magnificent architecture, a labyrinth of bustling narrow alleys, and incredible sand and coral-stone houses, some over 200 years old, with intricately carved Arab and Indian doors. During this walking tour, your guide will recount Stone Town’s history (a mix of Indian, African, Arabic, and European influences) and provide a window onto Swahili culture and everyday life in Zanzibar. Our tour begins at Darajani Market, the main city market, which was opened in 1904. Here an abundance of colourful tropical fruits, vegetables, aromatic spices, and fresh fish from the island are haggled over, bartered, and sold, while you can buy a host of other souvenirs and local specialties from the stalls surrounding the market area.
  • Other highlights on our historical Stone Town tour are visits to:
  • The Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, built by Bishop Edward Steere in 1873, on the site of the Old Slave Market
  • The Sultan’s Palace Museum (Beit al-Sahel), also known as the People’s Palace, built in the 1890’s for members of the Royal Sultan’s family
  • The House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib), constructed in 1883 as a royal ceremonial function palace
  • The historic Africa House Hotel, the site of the English Club in 1888
  • The ocean-facing Jamituri (Forodhani) Gardens: a perfect spot for evening sundowners with a lively street-food market.

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