Mnemba Island Tours and Activities

Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island


Stay in a palm-leaf cottage on this idyllic resort island, dive along the coral reef and look for dolphins and whales.

Mnemba Island is a tiny, picturesque islet surrounded by an oval reef. It is privately owned and known for the excellent scuba diving around its spectacular coral network. Go scuba diving in the reef to spot a variety of colorful fish as well as turtles and dolphins.

Explore the distinct habitats of the marine reserve for a greater understanding of the ecosystems here. Spot humpback whales between July and September in this region, which contains about 600 species of coral reef fish.

Visit from November through March for the calmest conditions and best visibility in the water. See whale sharks and three species of dolphin. Endangered green sea turtles lay their eggs on the island’s beaches from February to September.

Beachcomb along the stretches of white, crunchy sand that adorn the shores of this small island. Walk around the entire 3-mile (5-kilometer) circumference of the beach at low tide. Chat with staff in the various thatched huts decorating the beaches. Enjoy a romantic meal at night on the beach under the stars.

Because the island is owned by an exclusive resort non-guests are prohibited from accessing it. Spot the rich and famous among the fellow guests on this island resort. Among the activities are kayaking, scuba diving, massages, fishing and windsurfing.

Enjoy the entirety of your stay on the island barefoot and stay in one of the charming cottages made from woven palm leaves. The cottages come with their own African sarongs and straw hats, which provide ideal beachwear.

Book online or by phone on the resort’s official website. The island is closed to visitors in April and May, due to heavy seasonal rains.

Find Mnemba Island off the northeastern coast of the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. It is opposite Muyuni Beach, a little north of Matemwe on the island’s northeastern coast. Drive north from Zanzibar City for 90 minutes and take a 20-minute ferry crossing to get here.

Popular places to visit


Top Mnemba Island Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive

The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Muyuni, Matemwe, Unguja North Region
The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive
Sunshine Marine Lodge

Sunshine Marine Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Off Mnemba Island Road, Muyuni, Matemwe
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Spacious apartments with Indian ocean view, near the sky-blue beach Muyuni

Spacious apartments with Indian ocean view, near the sky-blue beach Muyuni

Zanzibar
Spacious apartments with Indian ocean view, near the sky-blue beach Muyuni
Alcyone Residence

Alcyone Residence

4 out of 5
Alcyone Residence, Muyuni, Matemwe, Matemwe, Unguja North Region
Alcyone Residence
Jafferji Beach Retreat

Jafferji Beach Retreat

3.5 out of 5
Matemwe, Matemwe
Jafferji Beach Retreat
Zaharani Muyuni Zanzibar

Zaharani Muyuni Zanzibar

2 out of 5
Zanzibari, Matemwe, Unguja North Region
Zaharani Muyuni Zanzibar
Kasha Boutique Hotel

Kasha Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Kigomani, Matemwe
Kasha Boutique Hotel
Sunshine Bay Hotel Zanzibar

Sunshine Bay Hotel Zanzibar

3.5 out of 5
Zanzibar, Matemwe, Unguja North Region
Sunshine Bay Hotel Zanzibar
SeVi Boutique Hotel

SeVi Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
Along Matemwe Beach, Matemwe, Unguja North
SeVi Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mnemba Island

At Mnemba Island, indulge in a range of activities such as swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. You can relax on beach loungers or explore the vibrant coral reefs with guided reef walks. Divers will find plenty of marine life to discover, while seaside adventures await those looking for a bit of thrill. Whether you're unwinding or exploring, Mnemba Island offers a perfect tropical escape.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, you can explore Darajani Market and Zanzibar Night Market, both located 43.5km away from Mnemba Island. These vibrant public markets offer a mix of local crafts, spices, and souvenirs, perfect for capturing the essence of Tanzania.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Sea Cliff Golf Course, located 30.6km from Mnemba Island. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the course offers a perfect blend of sport and relaxation, ideal for unwinding while enjoying the outdoors.

Adventure

On Mnemba Island, dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkelling adventures. Explore the island's pristine beaches and enjoy kayaking in crystal-clear waters, offering a serene escape amidst breathtaking scenery. Don't miss the chance to witness stunning sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues.

Nightlife

The nightlife on Mnemba Island is serene and enchanting, with intimate beachside dinners at the Mnemba Island Lodge. For a lively atmosphere, visit the nearby Matemwe village, where you can enjoy local music and dancing at local bars under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Mnemba Island

For a memorable getaway at Mnemba Island, you can explore stunning beaches and intriguing ruins that reflect the local culture. Key attractions include the beautiful Mnemba Atoll and the renowned Nungwi Beach, perfect for relaxation and adventure. Don't miss the unique seascape that surrounds this private island, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences tailored for every traveller.

  • Nungwi Beach: Located 14.5km from Mnemba Island, Nungwi Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets and vibrant local culture. Enjoy beach vibes while soaking up the sun, and explore nearby fishing villages for an authentic taste of Zanzibari life.
  • Kendwa Beach: Just 12.9km away, Kendwa Beach offers powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Known for its lively atmosphere, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy beach parties under the stars.
  • Kiwengwa Beach: Situated 19.3km from Mnemba Island, Kiwengwa Beach boasts beautiful coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling and diving adventures. Experience a laid-back vibe and indulge in fresh seafood at local beachside eateries.

Best time to go to Mnemba Island

The best time to visit Mnemba Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mnemba Island falls in March, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mnemba Island falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February82.6°F (28.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April81.0°F (27.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
May79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June78.1°F (25.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mnemba Island

To save money on your trip to Mnemba Island, consider visiting during the off-peak months of April to May or November, when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best deals, and check Expedia for last-minute offers. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest nights to stay, while Thursdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly eco-certified hotels and package deals that combine flights and activities, such as snorkelling, for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mnemba Island are April to May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Mnemba Island about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mnemba Island is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Mnemba Island is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can organise your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Mnemba Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.