Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island is a romantic private and more exclusive island of Zanzibar situated about 3 kilometers off the northeastern tip of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago – Tanzania and opposite Muyuni Beach. Mnemba Island is triangular in shape about 500 meters in diameter and about 1.5 kilometers in circumference, the island is surrounded by an oval reed seven by four kilometers in extent (These reefs have been declared a marine conservation Area).

Mnemba Island is often called Mnemba Atoll and is a popular site for scuba diving, the island is associated with a wide variety of corals and associated species and large marine species such as turtles and dolphins can be sighted most especially in November and March.

Mnemba Island sits within a halo of coral reef and is adorned with white sand beaches, a casurina pine forest and sapphire waters , the island is a secluded paradise perfect for couples and families who wish to unwind, make memories and reconnect amidst nature and away from the city noise.

Mnemba Island is a private island owned by &Beyond and is famous for its celebrity guests, the island is also a great post – safari getaway for families. &Beyond offers 12 luxurious beachside bandas accommodating 24 guests.

WILDLIFE AT MNEMBA ISLAND

Mnemba Island boasts an impressive range of wildlife include above and below water creatures, the island is a home to

• the tiny Suni antelope originally brought from Jozani Forest in Unguja
• The Ader’s duiker which is the rarest antelope species in Africa and they experts estimate that there are only 3—0 600 remaining in the wild. Mnemba Island was choosen to become a conservation area for the Ader’s duiker since there are no natural predators, the island is a home to a population of 25 Ader’s duikers. They are difficult to spot as they are very secretive.

Mnemba Island is surrounded by an oval reef which has been declared a marine Conservation area, the island hosts Humpback whales, 3 species of dolphin and whale sharks which are often seen in the warm waters surrounding the island.  The Turtles and their nesting season “The Turtle Nesting Season” happening in February and March is one of the most exciting sights on Mnemba Island.

Mnemba Island is a protected area for turtles, often the Green turtles lay their eggs in the warm sands of the island.

ACTIVITIES AT MNEMBA ISLAND

SNORKELLING

Mnemba Island and its beaches offer fantastic conditions for snorkeling and swimming and this is due to the favorable tide, the best snorkeling site on the island can be reached by a 10-minute motorboat journey which can be arranged by the staff of &Beyond.

For experienced with diving certificates which are required, here is a private diving center which is run by PADI. Instructors run two dives each day and this is included in your stay at &Beyond. The center also offers PADI Diving courses, during a dive, divers have a chance to see bottlenose dolphins, sharks and a few lucky guests have even seen the whale shark – the world’s largest fish.

Note: All Snorkeling and Scuba diving equipments are frees

DEEP SEA FISHING

Deep Sea Fishing is another amazing activity to do at Mnemba Island, during this experience you have a chance to catch King fish, barracuda, tuna, mackerel, sailfish and marlin. Also fly fishing on the beach can also be organized, the resort follows a policy of catch and release.

RELAXATION

Mnemba Island is the best destination for relaxation, take a deep breath, inhale the sea breeze and appreciate the mesmerizing views. Some guests of the island choose to relax on sun loungers in privacy, however fitness enthusiasts can book a yoga session on the beach or indulge in a massage at the wellbeing center.

&Beyond resort provides equipment for fishing, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and cycling. If you are on a holiday to Mnemba Island, the Wild Kids Club will provide an exciting range of activities for the kids.

DINING AT MNEMBA ISLAND

Dining experience at Mnemba Island is characterized by candlelit dinners on the beach with dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. You can choose to dine indoors under the shade of a thatched roof or on the beach where the waves will lap gently on your feet, you can also order a basket of fresh fruits to your room or sip on Tanzania coffee to start your day in a style.

Before dinner, guests enjoy a cocktail at the bar as they watch the picturesque sunset, guests who prefer their own space can order champagne and sushi to their sun loungers

ACCOMMODATION AT MNEMBA ISLAND

&Beyond Resort is the main accommodation at Mnemba Island, the resort is an exclusive paradise featuring 12 rustically chic beachside bandas accommodating 24 guests. The resort is tucked away in their own private patch of tropical foliage and each Banda has a veranda overlooking the beach.

Though &Beyond Resort is luxurious, it possess a simple beauty. Some of the accommodation options at &Beyond Resort are family bandas that accommodate up to 4 guests and their verandas are perfect to watch the sunset

During the meals time at &Beyond, the chef comes out regularly to check on the guests and if they are happy with the menu. Visitors can inform the chef of any specific dietary requirements.

The menus always include fresh seafood which is caught on the traditional ngalawa outriggers, some of the sea food to expect include lobsters, crab, prawns and many more delights.

HOW TO GET TO MNEMBA ISLAND

Mnemba Island is owned by &Beyond and on arriving to the island, one of the &Beyond’s private chauffeurs will collect you from Zanzibar’s main airport – Abeid Amani Karume or Stone Town – the main city of Zanzibar.

The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport Airport receives flights from East Africa, the Middle East and Europe. It is a road journey across the Unguja takes approximately 1.5 hours and a final drive of 20 minutes on a bumpy and unpaved road.  You then take a boat cruise of 15-minutes in an open top boat across the crystal clear waters of Indian Ocean, there are no jetties so your departure and landing will involve a little wading. However, the staff of &Beyond will ensure that the cruise is as comfortable as possible.