Overview
Simple, barefoot Indian ocean island relaxation.
Escape to a private Mnemba Island off the northeast coast of Zanzibar to find unpretentious and chic castaway lodge that's the perfect spot to round out a safari.
12 castaway palm-frond bandas are tucked into a tropical forest fringed by a white coral sand beach with views out over stunning coral reef from their hand carved beds and verandas.
Spend your days enjoying water activities like snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. As with all &Beyond lodges, Mnemba is involved in conservation efforts which you can learn about during your stay, monitoring nesting turtles and visiting local communities on Zanzibar that play an integral part in reef conservation. Or simply soak up the bliss of island.
Facts
At a glance
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12 bandas including family set up
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Dive centre
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Al fresco dining
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Beach bar
Experiences
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![Mnemba island snorkelling 2]()
Snorkelling
Dip just beneath the surface and explore the shallower coral reefs off Mnemba Island. There is also a guided snorkeling course with specialist dive masters available at extra cost. The course covers safety procedures, equipment, currents and the best snorkeling spots.
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![Mnemba island snorkelling 3]()
Scuba diving
You’ll find a fully-equipped dive centre here with a wide variety of diving activities on offer. Experienced divers can head out with a dive instructor to explore the waters around the Mnemba Atoll. Beginners can team up with an instructor who is ready to introduce them to a whole new stunning underwater world.
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![Mnemba island snorkelling 1]()
Sea kayaking
A deep-sea kayak built for two is a great way to experience the warm Indian Ocean waves. One of the dive instructors can give you a quick tutorial before you head out onto the quiet waters amid the island’s reefs. Admire the changing shoreline as you paddle along the beach, or venture into deeper waters and you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins or sea turtles.
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![Mnemba island SUP]()
Stand-up paddle boarding
The calm Indian Ocean waters are perfect for stand-up paddle boarding. Get a few pointers from expert instructors then head out into the gentle waves. Glide easily along and enjoy the views, and perhaps even spot dolphins playing nearby.
Community & Culture
There are various initiatives in place that focus on education and health care in the rural fishing communities surrounding the reserve. These are run in collaboration with Africa Foundation and include the opening of Kigomani Clinic and the construction of classroom and ablutions at Kimembe Pre-school. The Community Leaders’ Education Fund is a tertiary bursary programme for young rural leaders.
Conservation
Mnemba has partnered with Oceans Without Borders to work on marine conservation. For the past two decades they have been involved with green turtle tagging and monitoring as the island is one of only two protected nesting sites in Zanzibar. Their green turtle conservation experience allows you to follow the hatchlings from nest to water. Five rare Aders’ duikers were reintroduced to the island in 2005 and the population now stands at 38. They also run marine patrols to keep an eye on fishing and tourist boat activity.
Footprint
All plastic, glass and waste is sent away for recycling, while organic kitchen waste is used to create compost for the vegetable garden. The on-site water bottling plant means that 8,500 plastic bottles have been eliminated per year. There are also negotiations underway to extend the exclusion zone around the island to further protect the reefs from tourism pressures. Invasive plant species are continually removed, and beach erosion monitored and controlled.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
