Mnemba Island

About

Reached via a roughly 90-minute drive across Zanzibar’s spice-fringed interior from Stone Town and then a 20-minute boat ride, Mnemba Island feels like another world. The lodge is constructed using indigenous materials, palm fronds, woven wood, thatch, and is designed to blend into its forest-fringed beach setting. The ethos is relaxed, romantic and eco-aware. The marine area around the island is a protected conservation area, with efforts to preserve coral reefs and wildlife.

Rooms

There are about ten rustic palm-frond bandas (sometimes twelve in newer materials) built with thatched roofs, natural wood and local craftsmanship. Each banda is en suite, with a private veranda, built-in “baraza” seating, outdoor sala, shade, and views onto the white coral sand and sea. There is a Family Banda (or two bandas placed close together) that can accommodate families of four. Interiors are simple yet elegant, featuring shuttered bathrooms, mosquito nets, in-room safes, fans and decks.

Dining

Dining is unpretentious yet fresh and delicious, focused on seafood, local produce and flavours of Zanzibar. Meals are often served outdoors or on the beach, with casual bar areas, beach salas for lounging, and candlelit dinners right by the waves when weather permits. Traditional Zanzibari dishes blend with international elements. There is also a fully stocked beach-bar with delicious cocktails (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) and a variety of premium selections.

Activity

Activities are largely water-based and relaxed. Guests can snorkel or dive the surrounding reef, kayak, swim, windsurf, enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding, and take dhow cruises at sunset. On land, there are walks around the island, beach lounging, and when in season, observe turtle nesting or hatchlings. Children staying can take advantage of the WILDChild programme that offers activities such as a scavenger hunt, embarking on a pirate ship trip, snorkelling, beach picnics and baking biscuits.