MNEMBA
ISLAND
Mnemba Island Lodge lies off the north eastern tip of Zanzibar Island.
The Island is 1.5 kilometres in circumference and is surrounded by
a tropical Indian Ocean coral reef. Once the site of a volcano, Mnemba
Island forms part of an exquisite atoll.
Accommodation ……..
Mnemba is a true tropical barefoot paradise with just ten bandas
on an otherwise uninhabited island – exclusive privacy is
guaranteed. Each banda is built of indigenous materials, mostly
woven and thatched with palm leaves. The bandas have en suite bathrooms
with shower, basin, hot and cold water, ceiling fans and a spacious
outdoor veranda.
The dining area is adjacent to the sitting room/bar. There is a
small library with a selection of wildlife books, games and magazines.
Sun loungers are placed under shade on the beach for guests’
comfort. Guest areas are all open-sided, cooled by sea breezes,
informal and relaxed. Fresh fish and seafood is served at lunch
and dinner. Weather permitting, dinner is served on the beach.
It is important to understand when thinking of staying on Mnemba
that this is about as close to a desert island fantasy as you can
get. This does mean that day to day facilities which most people
take for granted are not readily available here. There is no air
conditioning, television, etc and if this is what you seek then
you should not stay at Mnemba. Water is a scarce resource and all
supplies must be shipped in by sea. Consider the logistics of running
a lodge to such high standards and you will appreciate why costs
are higher than a beach resort with all modern amenities.
If it is a complete getaway from the stress of modern living, kick
off your shoes and soak up the fantasy of a few days on your own
private Indian Ocean island.
Things to do (or not to do) ……
Guests can enjoy swimming, walking, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking,
fly-fishing and scuba diving (if in possession of a valid diving
certificate - maximum 2 dives per day). A variety of diving courses
and deep-sea fishing is available at an additional charge. All scuba
and snorkelling equipment is provided. Turtles lay and hatch their
eggs all year round on the islands beaches.
Or alternatively lie in your hammock and soak up your own tropical
paradise.
Getting there ……..
The Lodge transfers guests to and from Zanzibar International Airport
or Stone Town. This transfer is approximately 1 ½ hours by
road, followed by a 15-20 minute transfer in open ski boats directly
to and from the beach.
When to go ………..
The best months to visit Mnemba are from June to March.
The rainy season is in two monsoon seasons – “long rains”
in April & May, “short rains” in November.
The lodge is closed from 1 April to 31 May each year during the
heavy monsoon “long rains”
Mnemba Island and its surrounding reefs are a Marine Conservation
Area, and a nominal levy on watersports goes to the local communities