Starting from
$55
Mnemba Island 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 island is often referred to as Mnemba Atoll, although this isn't technically correct as an atoll is a ring of old coral reefs enclosing a shallow lagoon – whereas Mnemba is still a true island surrounded by reefs. Green turtles are regular visitors to the island; females come to nest on the pristine beaches, with the hatchlings emerging around 55 days later. In the forest, Mnemba is home to two species of antelope, the spaniel-sized suni antelope and the endangered Aders’ duiker; there are thought to be just 300–400 Aders’ duiker left in the wild, with around 25 of these found on Mnemba. And the rich biodiversity of the coral reefs surrounding the island is enhanced by a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, which are regularly spotted by visitors.
Mnemba Island is a popular scuba diving site, with a wide variety of corals and associated species, as well as occasional sightings of larger species such as turtles and dolphins. Calm conditions are most frequent in November and March, with maximum visibility. The island itself is privately owned and can be visited only as a guest at a price of US$1155 to US$1600 per person per night (2015 rates). Mnemba Island is a 90-minute drive from Stone Town across the main Zanzibar Island, before a twenty-minute boat crossing.
The marine reserve comprises four distinct habitats which are home to a diverse array of Indian Ocean wildlife:
• Nesting place of threatened green turtles (monitoring and protection project has been underway since 1996)
• Humpback whales (July to September)
• Three species of dolphin
• Whale sharks (the world's largest fish)
• Migratory and resident shore birds feed and roost on the Island
• Approximately 600 species of coral reef fish.
There's nowhere we know that's quite like Mnemba. There are very few places in East Africa where you can enjoy your own private island, with such stunning beaches and pristine marine life (although access to the reef is not limited to island guests). The service is exceptional, the food exquisite and everything runs like clockwork. It’s not cheap, but with lots of space, first-rate food and service, and one of the best beach locations in Africa, it is very good. If you're looking for a top-end destination for a super beach holiday in an exclusive setting, then it would be hard to beat.
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 enthusiast
• Snorkeling
• Fly-fishing
• Bird watching
• Optional extras include diving courses, deep-sea fishing, a tour of the ancient ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar
• Wildlife
Mnemba atoll in Zanzibar Island is full day trip start from nungwi village ahead to the mnemba ialsnd, it is just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar island near Matemwe fishing village. Diving and snorkeling at Mnemba is precious, there are schools of colorful tropical fish, mnemba is the only answer for the divers and those snoorkling lovers. The main activities on this tour is snorkeling, sea foods and sailing on the traditional dhow,