Mnemba Island, Zanzibar (2024) - Images, Timings

Mnemba Island, Zanzibar Overview

Mnemba Island is a small private island owned by andBeyond, situated 3 kilometres off Zanzibar's northeast coast. It's renowned for its rich marine life and is surrounded by the Mnemba Atoll marine reserve, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving in Zanzibar. The island boasts white sandy beaches and coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can spot a variety of marine life along with green sea turtles and dolphins.

As an exclusive private island, Mnemba has a 200-meter zone restricted to non-guests. The clear waters around the island are ideal for exploring the underwater world, showcasing diverse sea life. Since 1996, Mnemba Island has been a safe haven for endangered green sea turtles, with these turtles laying eggs on the beaches between February and September. The popular marine life includes humpback whales, three dolphin species, whale sharks, and approximately 600 coral reef fish. Snorkelling trips are available through various tour operators from Nungwi and Matemwe.

How to Get There

Self-Travel: To get to Mnemba Atoll on your own, catch a boat from Nungwi Beach or Muyuni pier. It's a 20-minute ride from Muyuni and about an hour from Nungwi. If you're not staying on the island, boats drop you off at the nearby reef, a short distance from the small island.

Tours: If you prefer guided trips, full-day snorkelling tours from Nungwi and Matemwe Beach to Mnemba Atoll are available. These tours, including lunch, cost around $45 to $60 per person and run from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM.

Staying at andBeyond: For those staying at andBeyond, the lodge arranges transportation. A taxi picks you up from Zanzibar airport for a 1.5-hour road trip, followed by a 20-minute boat ride to Mnemba Island.

Staying on Mnemba Island - &Beyond

To experience Mnemba Island, book a stay at andBeyond, the only place to stay on the island. Known for hosting celebrities, the resort is a great post-safari retreat, suitable for families.

There are 12 beachside bandas for up to 24 guests, starting at around $1200 per person.

All-Inclusive Experience: The package covers three meals a day, airport transfers, laundry, and complimentary drinks. Guests get two dives (PADI Open Water certification required) to explore the underwater world.

Activities: Apart from diving, enjoy the beautiful beaches, a peaceful Dhow cruise, and yoga sessions. Witness green sea turtle nesting, and try fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing for an active island adventure.