Take notice, Island followers! The stunningly lovely Mnemba Island in Zanzibar is beckoning you to come 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 on the lookout for a calming trip or an adventurous diving journey, this Zanzibar area has all of it.
Begin planning your journey to Mnemba Island as we speak – take a look at our publish on most popular day trips from Zanzibar!
Right here is our overview:
How to take advantage of your go to to Mnemba Island
This beautiful spot is only one.5 kilometers lengthy and 500 meters broad, nevertheless it offers sufficient area for pure rest, absolute privateness, tropical vegetation and loads of enjoyable in the underwater world.
It’s located simply 3 kilometers from the principle island of Unguja in the Zanzibar archipelago, so it’s a brief boat experience away.
A private dream journey and a super place to chill out, discover white sandy seashores, observe down an unimaginable 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 known as Mnemba Atoll and is likely one of the most essential nature reserves in East Africa. This can be very well-preserved and provides many alternatives for diving and snorkeling, in addition to quite a few colourful fish.
Though the time period “atoll” shouldn’t be fairly right, as Mnemba Island shouldn’t be a lagoon, the reef extends across the total island. Right here, yow will discover numerous colourful coral reefs, turquoise waters and recent fish.
It’s an incredible expertise for everybody!
What to do on Mnemba Island
When you’re on the lookout for one of the best snorkeling in Zanzibar, look no additional than Mnemba Island!
This small island off the coast of Zanzibar is residence to among the most lovely coral reefs in the world, 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 discover one that matches your schedule.
The journey out to Mnemba Atoll takes about two hours, nevertheless it’s effectively price it for the unimaginable views of brightly coloured fish and coral.
What makes Mnemba Island particular is that you simply’re not allowed to go ashore. On daily basis, 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 lovely seashores is privately owned; solely visitors of the luxurious resort there are allowed entry. See beneath for more information if you need to keep there.
Again to uncover the pristine great thing about Mnemba Island, a real paradise!
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for tranquility or to discover the fascinating underwater world of this atoll – right here everybody can discover what they want.
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.
Trying to discover the underwater world with out having to spend hours studying how to dive? Then snorkeling is the right exercise for you!
Excursions to Mnemba Island
There are half-day and full-day excursions, and you may simply discover a tour that fits your schedule (like this one).
A snorkeling tour is nice worth in your cash. You’ll be able to select a less expensive group tour or determine to go for a private tour. For all these excursions, all tools, transportation and snacks needs to be included in the value. So, all you want to fear about is having fun with your self. And that needs to be straightforward at Mnemba Island.
When you’re wanting to keep away from the crowds, off-season is one of the best time to go to Zanzibar (between March to Might). Although Mnemba Atoll may be busy, it’s nothing in contrast to what it’s like throughout excessive season. However in normal, 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.
When you want any assist, there’s all the time a information close by who could be very happy to present you round or level out animals you may not have seen by yourself. However in case you’d fairly go solo, that’s completely high-quality 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’ll be able to 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 lodge on Unguja, Zanzibar, you’ll be taken by personal boat to Mnemba Island. Relying on situations, the coral reef of the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve may 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 approach again to Unguja’s shoreline; observe fishermen returning with their day’s catches earlier than being transported safely residence once more!
Included are:
- Resort pickup and drop-off
- Snacks
- Water
- Conservation price
- Personal boat
So that you solely want to deliver your swimwear, towels and your sunscreen. And keep in mind, nature is unpredictable. So particular sightings of dolphins, turtles or different animals aren’t assured.
You would additionally select a diving tour, which embody two dives. Once more, all tools, drinks, snacks and transportation are included in the value.
Notice: you want to be licensed with PADI. Solely then you definately’ll find a way to discover among the most lovely places, Mnemba Atoll has to supply.
For one thing to do at night time, take a look at our publish: Zanzibar Nightlife: The Island’s Magical Nightlife
Necessary:
To all guests and guides, please remember that feeding wild animals – together with fish – shouldn’t be advisable.
Sadly, some individuals nonetheless do that, attracted by the chance to take an incredible photograph with numerous fish round them. However this may have adverse penalties for the atmosphere and the native ecosystem.
So subsequent time you go snorkeling, wherever in the world it could 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’ll be able to see the crystal clear water out of your mattress and still have a non-public toilet.
Three meals per day are included in the value, in addition to two dives (for which you have to have at the very least 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 in the value.
For many who need to get pleasure from a lazy morning, breakfast trays stuffed with tropical fruit, recent juice, and Tanzanian espresso may be delivered proper to your seashore banda.
When you’d like to rejoice the sundown with a particular deal with, they will discreetly place sushi and champagne at your seashore lounger. And for a very romantic dinner, they’ll serve you proper on the seashore whereas the waves gently lap at your toes. As well as to yoga and massages in your banda, enable 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 stress being positioned on ocean sources, 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.
Visitors can get pleasure from sheer unpretentious luxurious whereas stress-free on their very own stretch of personal beachfront. With easy but luxurious lodging, beautiful views of Zanzibar past, and a wide range of actions accessible, Mnemba Island is certain to create recollections that may final a lifetime!
Cheaper lodging in Nungwi, Zanzibar
When you’re wanting to discover the Mnemba Atoll with out spending a fortune, staying on the principle island, Zanzibar, is a superb possibility.
Whilst you gained’t find a way 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 lovely 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 product of 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 on the market upon request.
Book your stay at Makofi Guest House
Z Resort in Nungwi, Zanzibar
The Z lodge is the right place to keep for a singular and stress-free seashore vacation expertise. With its up to date London-inspired design, it provides a recent and authentic tackle the standard seashore trip.
The lodge is about in a tropical backyard with steps main 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’ll be able to get pleasure from all the fashionable conveniences whereas on trip.
The Z has been named one of many ‘trendiest inns in Africa’ – and is the one one in Tanzania – so that you may be certain you’re staying someplace really particular.
While they goal to present a very relaxed and stress-free atmosphere, the placement of the Z additionally means they’re completely positioned to supply their extra ‘energetic’ visitors among the finest diving, snorkeling and fishing accessible anyplace in the world, in addition to a variety of water sports activities.
The world-renowned Mnemba Atoll has one in every 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 really unforgettable!
Simply moments away from the beachfront palms the place you’ll be able to respect breathtaking sunsets over turquoise waters; right here lies tranquility amongst tranquil environment which are excellent for rest. 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 may be discovered after a nice 1.3 km stroll from the property and Zanzibar Worldwide Airport lies 61 km in the gap for simple entry to this idyllic spot. An airport shuttle service can be accessible at a further price if wanted! And as an added bonus there’s even a kids’s playground onsite – excellent for little ones wanting 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’ll be able to get pleasure from a tranquil retreat and all that this paradise has to supply. Unwind in model on the unique abdBeyond’s Mnemba Island Villa, with 24 villas accessible for reserving.
If not staying right here, guests should e-book one in every 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 while 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 am certain you’ve got had comparable experiences I had while touring. You are in a sure place and a fellow traveler, or an area, tip you off on a little-known seashore, bar or lodging. Nice journey ideas from different vacationers or locals all the time add one thing particular to our travels. That was the inspiration for Journey Dudes.
