Zanzibar Archipelago

Mnemba Island

LocationZanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania

Accommodationten rustic palm-frond bandas

Our take

About Mnemba Island

&Beyond Mnemba Island is an exclusive private island retreat located off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean and a protected coral atoll. With powder-soft white beaches, vibrant coral reefs and just twelve secluded beachfront bandas, the island offers the ultimate barefoot luxury escape, combining complete privacy with world-class marine experiences in one of East Africa’s most idyllic settings.

Reached via a roughly 90-minute drive across Zanzibar’s spice-fringed interior from Stone Town and then a 20-minute boat ride, Mnemba Island feels like another world. The lodge is constructed using indigenous materials, palm fronds, woven wood, thatch, and is designed to blend into its forest-fringed beach setting. The ethos is relaxed, romantic and eco-aware. The marine area around the island is a protected conservation area, with efforts to preserve coral reefs and wildlife.

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Inside Mnemba Island

A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.

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Accommodation

Rooms

There are about ten rustic palm-frond bandas (sometimes twelve in newer materials) built with thatched roofs, natural wood and local craftsmanship. Each banda is en suite, with a private veranda, built-in “baraza” seating, outdoor sala, shade, and views onto the white coral sand and sea. There is a Family Banda (or two bandas placed close together) that can accommodate families of four. Interiors are simple yet elegant, featuring shuttered bathrooms, mosquito nets, in-room safes, fans and decks.

Food & drink

Dining

Dining is unpretentious yet fresh and delicious, focused on seafood, local produce and flavours of Zanzibar. Meals are often served outdoors or on the beach, with casual bar areas, beach salas for lounging, and candlelit dinners right by the waves when weather permits. Traditional Zanzibari dishes blend with international elements. There is also a fully stocked beach-bar with delicious cocktails (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) and a variety of premium selections.

What to do

Activities

Activities are largely water-based and relaxed. Guests can snorkel or dive the surrounding reef, kayak, swim, windsurf, enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding, and take dhow cruises at sunset. On land, there are walks around the island, beach lounging, and when in season, observe turtle nesting or hatchlings. Children staying can take advantage of the WILDChild programme that offers activities such as a scavenger hunt, embarking on a pirate ship trip, snorkelling, beach picnics and baking biscuits.

Planning your stay

How Mnemba Island fits the journey.

The islands’ beaches differ markedly by coast and tide. We weigh hotel atmosphere, room privacy, swimming conditions and onward flights, especially after an active safari.

Zanzibar and Pemba offer different kinds of stay. Fanjove is also in this coastal collection as a southern island alternative, outside the archipelago itself.

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