A Visit to Magical Mnemba Island: Discovering Paradise in Zanzibar

Take observe, Island followers! The stunningly lovely 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 publish on most popular day trips from Zanzibar!

Right here is our overview:

Tips on how to profit from your go to to Mnemba Island

This beautiful spot is only one.5 kilometers lengthy and 500 meters extensive, but it surely offers sufficient house for pure rest, absolute privateness, tropical vegetation and loads of enjoyable within the underwater world.

It’s located simply 3 kilometers from the primary island of Unguja within the Zanzibar archipelago, so it’s a brief boat journey away.

A private dream journey and a perfect place to chill out, discover white sandy seashores, monitor down an unbelievable array of underwater creatures and even take in 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 likely one of the most necessary 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” will not be fairly right, as Mnemba Island will not be a lagoon, the reef extends across the whole island. Right here, you will discover numerous colourful coral reefs, turquoise waters and contemporary fish.

It’s an awesome expertise for everybody!

What to do on Mnemba Island

For those who’re in search of the very best snorkeling in Zanzibar, look no additional than Mnemba Island!

This small island off the coast of Zanzibar is house to a few of the most lovely 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 simple to search 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 just’re not allowed to go ashore. Each day, tons of 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 friends 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 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 find out 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’ll simply discover a tour that fits your schedule (like this one).

A snorkeling tour is nice worth on 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 gear, transportation and snacks ought to be included within the value. So, all it is advisable to fear about is having fun with your self. And that ought to be simple at Mnemba Island.

For those who’re seeking to keep away from the crowds, off-season is the very best time to go to Zanzibar (between March to Might). Although Mnemba Atoll could be busy, it’s nothing in comparison with what it’s like throughout excessive season. However on the whole, the reef is sufficiently big for everybody, so that you received’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 of methods out from there. You’ll have about two hours to discover all that Mnemba Atoll has to supply.

For those who want any assist, there’s all the time a information close by who can be very happy to indicate you round or level out animals you may not have seen by yourself. However should you’d somewhat go solo, that’s completely advantageous too!

The underwater world across the coral reefs off Mnemba Island is totally gorgeous. There are such a lot of colourful fish right here. These colours, this water, the white sandy seashores in entrance of Mnemba Island — simply superb.

With a bit of luck you’ll be able to uncover turtles, dolphins, starfish, rays, octopuses or lionfish. Simply spend just a few tremendous good hours underwater.

Here’s a tour with a personal boat:

After being picked up out of your lodge on Unguja, Zanzibar, you may be taken by non-public boat to Mnemba Island. Relying on circumstances, the coral reef of the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve could 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 means 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
• Non-public boat

So that you solely have to carry your swimwear, towels and your sunscreen. And keep 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 embrace two dives. Once more, all gear, drinks, snacks and transportation are included within the value.

Be aware: it is advisable to be licensed with PADI. Solely you then’ll be capable of discover a few of 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

Vital:

To all guests and guides, please remember that feeding wild animals – together with fish – will not be advisable.

Sadly, some folks nonetheless do that, attracted by the chance to take an awesome picture with plenty of fish round them. However this will have detrimental penalties for the setting and the native ecosystem.

So subsequent time you go snorkeling, wherever on the earth 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 personal island that may solely be accessed by reserving a keep on the andBeyond Mnemba Island resort. This luxury resort has room for simply 24 friends, making it very unique. Costs for an evening at andBeyond Mnemba Island begin at round $1200 per individual.

The cabins at Mnemba Island Lodge are small, however attractively designed bungalows proper on the seaside. You’ll be able to see the crystal clear water out of your mattress and still have a personal toilet.

Three meals per day are included within the value, 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 value.

For individuals who need to get pleasure from a lazy morning, breakfast trays filled with tropical fruit, contemporary juice, and Tanzanian espresso could be delivered proper to your seaside banda.

For those who’d wish to have a good time the sundown with a particular deal with, they’ll discreetly place sushi and champagne at your seaside lounger. And for a very romantic dinner, they’ll serve you proper on the seaside whereas the waves gently lap at your ft. Along with 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 strain being positioned on ocean sources, they’ve eradicated plastic water bottles, create consciousness with conservation classes, defend and monitor turtle nests, nurture a tree nursery and execute seaside waste clean-ups each day.

Company can get pleasure from sheer unpretentious luxurious whereas enjoyable on their very own stretch of personal beachfront. With easy but luxurious lodging, gorgeous 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

For those who’re seeking to discover the Mnemba Atoll with out spending a fortune, staying on the primary island, Zanzibar, is a good choice.

Whilst you received’t be capable of 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 picket beams and combined occupancy comes full with Wi-Fi, mosquito nets, bunk beds, a fan, a terrace and a shared toilet. Non-public rooms have balconies, non-public baths and/or four-poster beds. There are additionally huts made 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 ground. Different meals can be found by prior association. Parking is obtainable upon request.

Book your stay at Makofi Guest House

Z Lodge in Nungwi, Zanzibar

The Z lodge is the right place to remain for a singular and enjoyable seaside vacation expertise. With its modern London-inspired design, it provides a contemporary and unique tackle the normal seaside trip.

The lodge is about in a tropical backyard with steps main right down to the white powdery sands of Nungwi’s award-winning seaside and the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean.

All rooms come geared up 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 resorts in Africa’ – and is the one one in Tanzania – so that you could be positive you’re staying someplace really particular.

While they goal to supply a completely relaxed and stress-free setting, the placement of the Z additionally means they’re completely positioned to supply their extra ‘energetic’ friends a few of the finest diving, snorkeling and fishing obtainable anyplace on the earth, 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 journey away.

Book your stay at Z Hotel

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 house – this 3-star lodging will make your vacation really unforgettable!

Simply moments away from the beachfront palms the place you’ll be able to admire breathtaking sunsets over turquoise waters; right here lies tranquility amongst tranquil environment which can be good for rest. The Inexperienced Backyard additionally permits friends to take full benefit of their downtime with loads of peace and privateness on provide always all through their keep.

Casa Carlotta & Villa is located close to Nungwi Seaside, simply 200 metres away. Royal Seaside could be discovered after a nice 1.3 km stroll from the property and Zanzibar Worldwide Airport lies 61 km within the distance for straightforward 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 youngsters’s playground onsite – good for little ones seeking to stretch their legs earlier than exploring Zanzibar!

Book your stay at Casa Carlotta & Villa

Conclusion

Escape to the gorgeous, 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 obtainable for reserving.

If not staying right here, guests should ebook one in every of many exciting snorkeling or diving tours which offer entry to discover its breathtaking coral reef teeming with tropical fish, dolphins and extra!

Costs begin decrease per individual whenever you depart by boat from Nungwi for an unforgettable underwater expertise.

So, why wait? Prepare on your dream trip now on magical Mnemba Atoll!