Take be aware, Island followers! The stunningly stunning Mnemba Island in Zanzibar is beckoning you to come back and uncover its azure waters and white sandy seashores.
This idyllic paradise in Tanzania is a nature lover’s dream come true, boasting a thriving coral reef with hundreds of tropical fish in addition to being a part of the world-famous Mnemba Atoll.
Whether or not you’re in search of a calming trip or an adventurous diving journey, this Zanzibar area has all of it.
Begin planning your journey to Mnemba Island in the present day – take a look at our put up on most popular day trips from Zanzibar!
Right here is our overview:
Easy methods to benefit from your go to to Mnemba Island
This pretty spot is just one.5 kilometers lengthy and 500 meters extensive, but it surely supplies sufficient area for pure leisure, absolute privateness, tropical vegetation and loads of enjoyable within the underwater world.
It’s located simply 3 kilometers from the principle island of Unguja within the Zanzibar archipelago, so it’s a brief boat experience away.
A private dream journey and a really perfect place to chill out, discover white sandy seashores, observe down an unbelievable array of underwater creatures and even absorb some solar in shallower water.
This island is particular due to its measurement and exclusivity, however most significantly due to the coral reef that surrounds it.
This reef is named Mnemba Atoll and is without doubt one of the most necessary nature reserves in East Africa. This can be very well-preserved and presents many alternatives for diving and snorkeling, in addition to quite a few colourful fish.
Though the time period “atoll” just isn’t fairly appropriate, as Mnemba Island just isn’t a lagoon, the reef extends across the total island. Right here, you will discover numerous colourful coral reefs, turquoise waters and contemporary fish.
It’s an excellent expertise for everybody!
What to do on Mnemba Island
In the event you’re in search of one of the best snorkeling in Zanzibar, look no additional than Mnemba Island!
This small island off the coast of Zanzibar is house to among the most stunning coral reefs on the earth, making it an ideal place to go snorkeling.
There are many tour operators providing journeys to Mnemba Island from each Nungwi and Kendwa, so it’s straightforward to seek out one that matches your schedule.
The journey out to Mnemba Atoll takes about two hours, but it surely’s effectively value it for the unbelievable views of brightly coloured fish and coral.
What makes Mnemba Island particular is that you simply’re not allowed to go ashore. Daily, a whole lot of vacationers come to Mnemba Atoll to snorkel, however none are permitted to set foot on the island.
The small island with its stunning seashores is privately owned; solely visitors of the posh resort there are allowed entry. See under for more information if you want to remain there.
Again to find the pristine great thing about Mnemba Island, a real paradise!
Whether or not you’re in search of tranquility or to discover the fascinating underwater world of this atoll – right here everybody can discover what they need.
Glimpse an array of charming corals whereas diving and snorkeling amidst hundreds of vibrant fish species. Watch in wonderment as majestic sea turtles lay their eggs on shorelines fringed by lush foliage. Don’t miss out on recognizing whales and dolphins swimming close by too!
Slip into newfound seclusion amid romantic surroundings – there’s no higher place than this idyllic isle.
Seeking to discover the underwater world with out having to spend hours studying find out how to dive? Then snorkeling is the proper exercise for you!
Excursions to Mnemba Island
There are half-day and full-day excursions, and you’ll simply discover a tour that fits your schedule (like this one).
A snorkeling tour is nice worth in your cash. You possibly can select a less expensive group tour or resolve to go for a private tour. For all these excursions, all tools, transportation and snacks needs to be included within the worth. So, all you want to fear about is having fun with your self. And that needs to be straightforward at Mnemba Island.
In the event you’re seeking to keep away from the crowds, off-season is one of the best time to go to Zanzibar (between March to Could). Despite the fact that Mnemba Atoll will be busy, it’s nothing in comparison with what it’s like throughout excessive season. However typically, the reef is large enough for everybody, so that you gained’t really feel crowded when snorkeling.
The boats will drop you off proper on the fringe of the coral reef after which anchor a bit methods out from there. You’ll have about two hours to discover all that Mnemba Atoll has to supply.
In the event you want any assist, there’s at all times a information close by who could be very happy to point out you round or level out animals you may not have seen by yourself. However should you’d fairly go solo, that’s completely advantageous too!
The underwater world across the coral reefs off Mnemba Island is completely beautiful. There are such a lot of colourful fish right here. These colours, this water, the white sandy seashores in entrance of Mnemba Island — simply wonderful.
With a bit luck you may uncover turtles, dolphins, starfish, rays, octopuses or lionfish. Simply spend a number of tremendous good hours underwater.
Here’s a tour with a non-public boat:
After being picked up out of your resort on Unguja, Zanzibar, you can be taken by personal boat to Mnemba Island. Relying on circumstances, the coral reef of the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve will be reached in as little as 20 minutes.
When you’ve accomplished the snorkeling, take a break on an idyllic sandbar. Absorb some rays as you munch away at delectable seasonal fruits and different tasty morsels.
Then make your manner again to Unguja’s shoreline; observe fishermen returning with their day’s catches earlier than being transported safely house once more!
Included are:
- Lodge pickup and drop-off
- Snacks
- Water
- Conservation price
- Personal boat
So that you solely have to carry your swimwear, towels and your sunscreen. And bear in mind, nature is unpredictable. So particular sightings of dolphins, turtles or different animals are usually not assured.
You possibly can additionally select a diving tour, which embody two dives. Once more, all tools, drinks, snacks and transportation are included within the worth.
Be aware: you want to be licensed with PADI. Solely then you definately’ll have the ability to discover among the most stunning areas, Mnemba Atoll has to supply.
For one thing to do at night time, take a look at our put up: Zanzibar Nightlife: The Island’s Magical Nightlife
Essential:
To all guests and guides, please bear in mind that feeding wild animals – together with fish – just isn’t advisable.
Sadly, some folks nonetheless do that, attracted by the chance to take an excellent photograph with plenty of fish round them. However this may have unfavorable penalties for the setting and the native ecosystem.
So subsequent time you go snorkeling, wherever on the earth it might be, resist the temptation to feed the fish or contact corals and different marine life.
See additionally: The Best Markets in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Staying on Mnemba Island
andBeyond on Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Mnemba Island is a non-public island that may solely be accessed by reserving a keep on the andBeyond Mnemba Island resort. This luxury resort has room for simply 24 visitors, making it very unique. Costs for an evening at andBeyond Mnemba Island begin at round $1200 per particular person.
The cabins at Mnemba Island Lodge are small, however attractively designed bungalows proper on the seashore. You possibly can see the crystal clear water out of your mattress and still have a non-public toilet.
Three meals per day are included within the worth, in addition to two dives (for which you should have no less than a PADI Open Water certification). The switch from the airport or Stone City in Zanzibar metropolis in addition to the laundry service and drinks are additionally included within the worth.
For individuals who wish to get pleasure from a lazy morning, breakfast trays filled with tropical fruit, contemporary juice, and Tanzanian espresso will be delivered proper to your seashore banda.
In the event you’d prefer to rejoice the sundown with a particular deal with, they’ll discreetly place sushi and champagne at your seashore lounger. And for a really romantic dinner, they’ll serve you proper on the seashore whereas the waves gently lap at your toes. Along with yoga and massages in your banda, permit your self to chill out and take a break from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life.
Discovering environmentally pleasant options to the strain being positioned on ocean assets, they’ve eradicated plastic water bottles, create consciousness with conservation classes, shield and monitor turtle nests, nurture a tree nursery and execute seashore waste clean-ups each day.
Friends can get pleasure from sheer unpretentious luxurious whereas enjoyable on their very own stretch of personal beachfront. With easy but luxurious lodging, beautiful views of Zanzibar past, and quite a lot of actions obtainable, Mnemba Island is bound to create reminiscences that may final a lifetime!
Cheaper lodging in Nungwi, Zanzibar
In the event you’re seeking to discover the Mnemba Atoll with out spending a fortune, staying on the principle island, Zanzibar, is a superb possibility.
Whilst you gained’t have the ability to set foot on the atoll itself, there are many diving and snorkeling excursions that may allow you to see all it has to supply.
See additionally: Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Makofi Visitor Home in Nungwi, Zanzibar
This quaint, cozy guesthouse in thatched-roof buildings is only a 2-minute stroll from stunning Nungwi Seaside and solely 64 km from Abeid Amani Karume Worldwide Airport.
A easy shared room with wood beams and blended occupancy comes full with Wi-Fi, mosquito nets, bunk beds, a fan, a terrace and a shared toilet. Personal rooms have balconies, personal baths and/or four-poster beds. There are additionally huts manufactured from coconut palm wooden and palm leaves. One hut with upscale facilities is air conditioned.
Continental breakfast is served in a courtyard with a white sand flooring. Different meals can be found by prior association. Parking is offered upon request.
Book your stay at Makofi Guest House
Z Lodge in Nungwi, Zanzibar
The Z resort is the proper place to remain for a singular and enjoyable seashore vacation expertise. With its modern London-inspired design, it presents a contemporary and unique tackle the standard seashore trip.
The resort is ready in a tropical backyard with steps main right down to the white powdery sands of Nungwi’s award-winning seashore and the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean.
All rooms come outfitted with LCD TVs, cable TV, Wi-Fi and docking stations, so you may get pleasure from all the fashionable conveniences whereas on trip.
The Z has been named one of many ‘trendiest resorts in Africa’ – and is the one one in Tanzania – so that you will be positive you’re staying someplace actually particular.
While they goal to offer a very relaxed and stress-free setting, the situation of the Z additionally means they’re completely positioned to supply their extra ‘energetic’ visitors among the greatest diving, snorkeling and fishing obtainable anyplace on the earth, in addition to a variety of water sports activities.
The world-renowned Mnemba Atoll has certainly one of highest concentrations of turtles anyplace on Earth, and is only a half hour boat experience away.
Casa Carlotta & Villa in Nungwi, Zanzibar
Nestled in Nungwi, Casa Carlotta & Villa is a haven of serenity and luxury. Boasting free WiFi entry, lush backyard views, an inviting shared lounge space and terrace area – this 3-star lodging will make your vacation actually unforgettable!
Simply moments away from the beachfront palms the place you may recognize breathtaking sunsets over turquoise waters; right here lies tranquility amongst tranquil environment which can be excellent for leisure. The Inexperienced Backyard additionally permits visitors to take full benefit of their downtime with loads of peace and privateness on supply always all through their keep.
Casa Carlotta & Villa is located close to Nungwi Seaside, simply 200 metres away. Royal Seaside will be discovered after a nice 1.3 km stroll from the property and Zanzibar Worldwide Airport lies 61 km within the distance for simple entry to this idyllic spot. An airport shuttle service can also be obtainable at a further price if wanted! And as an added bonus there’s even a kids’s playground onsite – excellent for little ones seeking to stretch their legs earlier than exploring Zanzibar!
Book your stay at Casa Carlotta & Villa
Conclusion
Escape to the beautiful, secluded isle of Mnemba – simply three kilometers from Unguja (Zanzibar)!
Right here you may get pleasure from a tranquil retreat and all that this paradise has to supply. Unwind in type on the unique abdBeyond’s Mnemba Island Villa, with 24 villas obtainable for reserving.
If not staying right here, guests should e book certainly one of many exciting snorkeling or diving tours which give entry to discover its breathtaking coral reef teeming with tropical fish, dolphins and extra!
Costs begin decrease per particular person if you depart by boat from Nungwi for an unforgettable underwater expertise.
So, why wait? Prepare in your dream trip now on magical Mnemba Atoll!
Journey Dudes
I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
