Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island lies about 3 km off Unguja’s northeast coast, near Muyuni Beach. It’s roughly 500 m across and 1.5 km in circumference, surrounded by a 7×4 km oval reef designated a marine conservation area

Private access: The island is privately owned—only guests of the exclusive lodge may set foot on the sands. A 200 m exclusion zone prohibits non-guests in the surrounding waters

Marine Biodiversity & Wildlife

Marine abundance: Known for its vibrant reef life—up to ~600 species of reef fish—and frequent sightings of green turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, and humpback whales (July–Sept)

Turtle nesting: Green turtles nest here from February to September; hatchling sightings are common in peak months.

Conservation commitment: Guests can witness conservation initiatives like coral planting and turtle monitoring, led by local ranger teams

Diving & Snorkeling Experiences

Year-round visibility: Dive conditions show 20–40 m visibility regularly, with calm seas in Nov and March

Top dive sites

Kichwani Reef: Drift dives down to 40 m with Napoleon wrasse, rays, reef sharks

Wattabomi: Ideal for snorkelers—home to varied reef fish and rays

Aquarium & West Gardens: Rich in parrotfish, grouper, hawksbill turtles, white-tip sharks, on gentle slopes

Big Wall: A dramatic drop-off to ~50 m, with pelagic schools and lobsters

Accommodation & Island Life

Luxury at its best: The exclusive lodge features 12 rustic‑chic bandas—stone, wood, thatch—with private verandas, outdoor showers, fans, Wi‑Fi, and butler

Dining & ambiance: Gourmet, locally inspired meals (seafood, Swahili/North African dishes), candlelit beach dinners, sunset cocktails, plus in-room spa/yoga options

Activities & Wellness

Water adventures: Daily diving (2 dives/day), snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sunset dhow cruises, and catch‑and‑release deep‑sea/fly fishing

Wellness: In-room spa massages, beach yoga, plus Wi‑Fi for those who wish—though many seek digital detox

Monitoring nature: Guests can take part in coral planting, turtle protection, and bird‐watching alongside trained rangers

Best Time to Visit & Logistics

June–October: Dry season, great visibility, calm seas.

Nov–Mar: Calm weather continues; peak turtle nesting Feb–Mar

Getting there:

Drive ~90 min from Stone Town or Zanzibar Airport to the shore near Muyuni, followed by ~15–20 min boat ride to the island. No jetty exists—guests wade

Fees & exclusivity:

Conservation levy introduced (~US $100/night plus ~$40 for snorkelers) to fund ecosystem protection and manage visitor numbers