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Mnemba Island Lodge

About Mnemba Island Lodge

The term 'barefoot luxury' might have been coined for Mnemba, a formerly uninhabited island just over 2km ...

... off the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Ringed by a mile (1.6km) of soft, powder-white coral sand, where turtles come to nest, this 12-hectare (30-acre) private island has at its heart a tropical forest that is home to nothing more dangerous than butterflies and cute suni antelope. Offshore, the island is surrounded by the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, whose coral reefs offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in Tanzania.

There's nowhere we know that's quite like Mnemba. There are very few places in East Africa where you can enjoy your own private island, with such stunning beaches and pristine marine life (although access to the reef is not limited to island guests). The service is exceptional, the food exquisite and everything runs like clockwork. It’s not cheap, but with lots of space, first-rate food and service, and one of the best beach locations in Africa, it is very good. If you're looking for a top-end destination for a super beach holiday in an exclusive setting, then it would be hard to beat.

Accommodation
11 bandas
Children
Ok for 12+
Open
21 May to 7 April

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Kayaking

Kayaking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Mnemba Island Lodge: Full Report

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Traveller reviews of Mnemba Island Lodge

11 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


96%
11 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
9
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jenny fromFaversham

Arrived 10 Sep 2022, 5 nights

"Idyllic"

"It really is as described: bare foot luxury. …" Read Jenny ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs B.fromBasel

Arrived 17 Oct 2019, 3 nights

"No words can describe it!"

"We absolutely completely loved it. No words can describe how much we loved it! …" Read Mrs B.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr MfromSao Paulo

Arrived 31 Aug 2018, 3 nights

"Mnemba Island Lodge review"

"perfect place for relax and rest. …" Read Mr M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Mnemba Island Lodge reviews

Mnemba Island Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mnemba Island Lodge.


When to go to East Coast Zanzibar

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mnemba Island Lodge in East Coast Zanzibar


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zanzibar in January

As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.

New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.

  • Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
  • High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
  • Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
  • Quieter and better value later in the month.
  • Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Zanzibar fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Mnemba Island Lodge


Excursions from Mnemba Island Lodge

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Mnemba Island Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Jambiani Village Tour

Jambiani Village Tour

Half-day - mornings

Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.

More about Village Tour
100% (1 reviews)
Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest Tour

Half-day or combine with other tours

For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.

More about Jozani Forest
70% (6 reviews)

Other lodges in East Coast Zanzibar

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Pongwe Beach Hotel

Pongwe Beach Hotel

Pongwe Beach Hotel is comfortable, good-value, family-friendly beach lodge, with a lovely pool, secluded beach and good food.


95% (96 reviews)
Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge is one of our favourite beach lodges. With only 12 cottages right on the edge of the old coral cliff, it is personal and relaxing.


89% (45 reviews)
Shooting Star Lodge

Shooting Star Lodge

Shooting Star Lodge has a friendly atmosphere and a beautiful infinity pool, sitting above a stunning stretch of beach on Zanzibar's east coast.


88% (31 reviews)
Matemwe Retreat

Matemwe Retreat

Matemwe Retreat is one of the most exclusive lodges on Zanzibar, with four split-level villas each with their own veranda, sun terrace, plunge pool.


90% (10 reviews)

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