Mnemba Island sits on perhaps the most remarkable beach location we have seen in East Africa. This idyllic island retreat delivers outstanding food, comfortable accommodation, and friendly service all within a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere. This is one experience that can’t be missed!
Awarded: Silver
Location
Mnemba Island Lodge is the sole occupier of Mnemba Island, a 30-acre private island just 2.5km from Zanzibar’s north-east coast. Encircled by a mile of pristinely white, powdery sand beach, and with a tropical forest at its core, the island lies within the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area and bears rich ocean life (including turtles and dolphins) and some of Zanzibar’s finest coral reefs.
The beach itself is simply stunning, and provides some remarkable photograph opportunities. Make sure to bring dark sunglasses to the beach, however, as the reflection of the white sand puts you at risk of photokeratitis (also known ironically as snow blindness!)
Features
Despite being one of the more expensive beach properties in Tanzania, Mnemba Island has a relaxed atmosphere – there are none of the inconvenient dress codes you’ll find in other Zanzibar properties. The ethos of ‘bare foot luxury’ extends to the lodge’s exceptional hospitality, as management welcomes you more like a friend than a guest. Guests at Mnemba are treated exceptionally well, with pleasant little surprises on a daily basis. Returning from an evening swim, for example, you may find a bottle of wine and evening snacks waiting in your room.
Rooms
The 11 guest suites are housed in private bandas constructed from locally-sourced timber and hand-woven coconut palm, with beachfront views and airy, open-plan layouts. Interiors are simple and refined, with mkeka-mat floors, cream-coloured soft furnishings, and an open-sided lounge area.
Each suite comes with a well-stocked minibar, plenty of boardgames, and its own dedicated butler. A pathway extends from each banda to the beach, where there are private sun-loungers and shaded seating areas. The tide does not influence the beach, making it possible to swim or snorkel at any time of day.
Communal Areas
In timber-and-thatch constructions nestled amongst the trees, you’ll find Mnemba’s restaurant, lounge, bar, library and shop. The lodge’s restaurant serves outstanding food tailored to your own wishes, and when not enjoying the lodge’s superb gastronomy, guests can relax in the cushioned seats of the beach-facing lounge or the bar. The library holds a TV and a good selection of reading material. While there is no spa building, in-room or on-beach massages are available.
Activities
As Mnemba is an island surrounded by reefs, its azure waters are a fantastic location for snorkelling and scuba diving. The lodge boasts a first-class PADI dive centre, and guests at the resort can enjoy up to two dives per day included in the cost of their stay (if already qualified). Beginner divers will be in the experienced hands of the PADI instructors, who are also knowledgeable about the neighbouring marine life and the local turtle-breeding project. Kayaking, paddle boarding, fly-fishing and dhow cruises are also available.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor.
Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. While technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a good time to visit. Water clarity can be surprisingly good, making it possible to go scuba-diving and snorkelling.
Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Zanzibar has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Zanzibar is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
