Mnemba Island in Zanzibar

Mnemba Island is an award-winning barefoot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar.

If you have ever harboured the secret wish of finding yourself the sole inhabitant of a beautiful tropical island, but without the effort of having to lift a finger to fend for yourself, &Beyond Mnemba Island is just the place for you!

Discover sheer, unpretentious paradise on this private island, where the simple pleasures become your most treasured of memories for many years to come.

Relax and unwind in the exclusivity of your own stretch of beachfront, where simple yet luxurious bandas peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest.

Accommodation

Set on a private island off the north eastern tip of Zanzibar, Mnemba Island offers guests the perfect destination to get away from it all. With just ten palm-frond guest bandas on the entire island, the only intrusion may be a visit from a curious suni antelope or two at sundown. The balmy blue waters invite you to explore the surrounding Indian Ocean. With a dive school and two dive boats for just 20 guests, you will never feel crowded during your underwater adventure.

Sea breezes waft through high palm-frond roofs and large windows in your beachside banda. Overhead fans in a spacious bedroom filled with soft, natural fabrics and traditional woodcarvings cool down the warm tropical nights. Enjoy ocean views stretched out on the built-in barazas (Swahili word for ‘meeting place’) on your veranda. A shady corridor of woven palm leaves leads to a large shuttered bathroom where a massive stone shower awaits behind a glass beaded curtain

Open thatched dining and sitting areas provide the perfect place to watch the sun set. Deep pillows and low wooden tables open up onto majestic views of the white beach. Enjoy lunch served on large, wooden carved platters, while island crabs scuttle across the sand. Later, when the magnificent African sky lights up with stars, dinner is served on the beach, with the bright moonlight reflecting off the waves as they gently lap on the beach.

Activities

SCUBA DIVING

Mnemba Island has a fully stocked Dive Centre, and offers a full range of diving activities. A variety of diving courses are also available (additional costs apply). If you are experienced, our Dive Instructor will guide you on fantastic dives around the Mnemba Atoll. If you are a beginner, our Instructor is waiting to introduce you to a whole new world of mystery, wonder and beauty!

SNORKELING

Snorkelling is ideal for those who do not wish to do a scuba diving accreditation but who want to confidently explore the shallower coral reefs, situated off Mnemba Island, with the help of a snorkel. A guided snorkelling course is also available at an additional cost, offered by andBeyond’s Mnemba Island specialist dive masters, and covers safety procedures, equipment, currents and suggested snorkelling spots.

SEA KAYAKING

Explore the warm Indian Ocean waves in utter tranquillity in a deep sea kayak built for two. Ask one of Mnemba’s Dive Instructors for a quick tutorial session or set off with your partner on the quiet waters protected by the island’s surrounding reefs. Paddle along the beach to admire the changing features of the shoreline or head out into deeper waters in the hope of encountering a pod of dolphin or some sea turtles.

FLY-FISHING

Pick up the elegant rhythm of the fly-fisherman as you enjoy the challenge of targeting a multitude of fish species off the soft, white beaches of &Beyond Mnemba Island. Fishing is usually done from the northern point of the island and fishermen are encouraged to release their quarry once they have savoured the thrill of the fight. Our instructors can give you pointers on your casting, while fly rods and tackle are available on the island.

PRIVATE BEACH ACTIVITIES

Give in the lure of total isolation and pretend that you are marooned on a deserted island, albeit one where your personal butler is perpetually on hand to cater to your every desire! You may catch a fleeting glimpse of your fellow guests as you lounge in the tropical sunshine in your private beach sala or take a leisurely walk around the island. But you can also choose to make the most of your solitude with a private dinner in a secluded forest clearing or enjoy the light-hearted intimacy of a sandcastle dinner set to the sound of the waves gently sighing on the shore.

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

Enjoy an unforgettable experience on the calm Indian Ocean waters on a stand up paddle board. Get a few tips from our expert instructors before grabbing paddle in hand and mounting the board to head out into the waves. Ideal for the calm waters off Mnemba Island, this activity allows you to glide effortlessly through the waves while enjoying exceptional views of the ocean waters and the Mnemba horizon. Watch as dolphin frolic nearby, play in the waves and guide yourself through graceful turns.

DEEP SEA FISHING TRIP

It’s a battle of wills as guests test their strength against barracuda, mackerel, king fish and marlin on a full day, deep sea fishing adventure. Available at an additional cost.