Discover Mnemba Island: A Private Paradise in Tanzania
Like most people, I had never set foot on a private island — outside of my daydreams. Then earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Mnemba Island — a private coral-fringed, white-sand island off the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania. It felt like something I’d conjured in my imagination; a ‘pinch me’ vacation that was so beautiful and lush that I’d doubt all of it ever happened if I didn’t have the photos to prove it.
Where did you stay? What was the vibe?
Mnemba Island is just off the northeastern tip of Zanzibar, surrounded by nothing but coral reefs and the electric turquoise of the Indian Ocean. It’s tiny; in fact, it’s so small you can walk its fin-shaped coastline in under an hour. Shoes are optional, and almost nobody wears them. There are no roads, no honking horns, and no inhabitants except for guests and staff of the resort. Here, you can indulge in snorkeling, sleeping, eating, and reading — and that’s the whole point.
The hotel features 12 rustic luxury villas backed by a casuarina pine forest, each facing out onto its own stretch of beach — providing your own slice of paradise right outside your door. Everything feels gentle here, even the sea. The coral reefs surrounding the island are part of a marine conservation area, and the island itself is one of the only two protected nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle.
What’s the most touristy activity you did?
A snorkeling session is offered to all guests on the island. The crystal-clear waters encircling Mnemba Island provide some of the most accessible reef diving in Africa. Moreover, due to its marine park status, the waters teem with numerous fish species. During my outing, we visited a community-owned artificial reef where marine rangers from Oceans Without Borders are actively engaged in rehabilitating degraded coral reefs through coral transplantation and conducting vital ecological surveys.
Previously, I tried snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Ireland, but I hated it; the experience was cold and uncomfortable. Therefore, this time, the warm and still waters of the Indian Ocean felt like a completely different world. I watched in awe as ghost pipefish, leaf fish, striped zebra fish, and sneaky little dragon moray eels glided beneath me through a colorful display of corals — completely unbothered by my presence. The abundance of marine life was astounding.
What’s the most scenic activity you enjoyed?
One evening, guests were invited to hop aboard a schooner for a sunset cruise. As we sailed through the waters with cocktails prepared on board, we enjoyed plates of nibbles such as olives, spiced nuts, coconut, and mango while observing the sun dip below the horizon.
Another night, we enjoyed a beach dinner right on the sand under twinkling stars and flickering lanterns, creating an ambiance filled with laughter and the soothing sound of the ocean. Every meal was excellent, featuring local ingredients where possible. Dinner that night highlighted a delicious Tanzanian meal of pilau, chapati, samosas, curries, and tropical fruits for dessert.
What was the highlight of your trip?
A particularly memorable event was my visit coinciding with turtle hatching. Conservationists from Oceans Without Borders invited guests to aid, from a responsible distance, as the tiny green sea turtle hatchlings emerged from their protected nesting site to make their first journey to the sea. We were instructed not to interfere, but we watched tearfully as their tiny flippers propelled them across the sand to meet the tide.
Months later, I’m still reflecting on where those sea turtles might be. The outlook isn’t great; approximately just one in 1000 marine turtles make it to adulthood due to numerous man-made obstacles like habitat destruction, poaching, accidental capture in fishing gear, and plastic waste.
What about its sustainability credentials?
Mnemba Island is part of a travel company renowned for its luxury properties, primarily safari and wilderness lodges in Africa. It’s part of the Beyond Green company, which represents eco-conscious hotels, resorts, and lodges worldwide. To become a member of Beyond Green, properties must prove their sustainability efforts extend beyond standard eco-friendly practices. They emphasize striking a balance between luxury, profitability, and supporting local communities and the environment.
Mnemba Island aims for a holistic approach to sustainability. The resort actively participates in coral reef development and the conservation of endangered sea turtles. These experiences made the trip truly special. It was incredible to stay on a private island and witness firsthand the conservation work being carried out and its positive impact on marine life.
