Location:
Mnemba Island Lodge is located approximately 4.5 km off the northeastern coast of Zanzibar. Guests are transferred from Zanzibar Airport or Stone Town via a 1.5-hour road trip, followed by a 10–15-minute ride in open ski boats. Since there are no jetties, guests board and disembark directly from the beach, which requires a bit of wading. The island itself is about 1.5 km in circumference and encircled by a vibrant coral reef in the Indian Ocean. Part of a protected atoll designated as a marine conservation area, Mnemba Island offers unmatched seclusion and exclusivity along the African coastline, with only lodge staff and guests inhabiting the island.
Accommodation:
The lodge features ten traditional Zanzibari bandas (cottages), each offering direct beach access. Constructed with locally sourced materials, these bandas are predominantly made of woven palm and thatch. Each unit includes an en suite bathroom with a shower, double basins, a separate toilet, and fresh water supplied by a desalination system. Accommodations also feature twin beds that can convert into doubles, mosquito netting, hairdryers, in-room safes, ceiling fans, a mini bar, private beach salas with sun loungers, and a spacious outdoor veranda.
Facilities & Services:
The dining area is located next to the lounge and bar, and there is also a small library stocked with books, magazines, and games. All common areas are open-air, designed for comfort and cooled naturally by ocean breezes. Meals highlight fresh seafood, with dinner typically served on the beach when weather allows. Additional amenities include laundry service, emergency medical evacuation insurance, access to a telephone at the manager’s office, wireless internet in the main guest area, and the option for beachside or private in-banda dining. While tranquility is central to the Mnemba experience, guests can also enjoy swimming, beach walks, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, fly-fishing, and scuba diving (with a valid certification, max 2 dives/day). A variety of diving courses and deep-sea fishing experiences are available at extra cost, with all snorkeling and diving gear provided.
