Mnemba Island Lodge
My Safari
Where to start? Mnemba Island Lodge quite simply offers an unpretentious private paradise, shared with just a handful of other guests and warm, friendly staff. An hour and a half road journey from Stone Town takes you to the launch point for your 20 minute boat ride to the island - after that it's pure bliss for the duration of your stay.
Each of its ten very private bandas enjoys uninterrupted views of the beach and ocean, and the only term to adequately describe their traditional design is 'barefoot luxury'. A thatched dining and sitting area offers spectacular views of Zanzibar Island itself, and you will never tire of the fresh fruit and seafood that is on offer here.
Scuba diving is available, although only for guests holding a full PADI certificate, together with snorkelling, kayaking, flyfishing, windsurfing and a sundowner dhow cruise. Swimming is available directly from the beach.
Between December and March it is also possible to observe the rare green sea turtle laying its eggs.
Accommodation:
Ten very private beach-side bandas offering unparalleled, albeit simple, luxury.
Child Policy:
Children under 12 welcome - but no more than two on the island at any one time!
Availability:
Closed for the whole of April & May.
Additional Costs:
Price quoted is for full board, with watersports etc included.
Technology:
Wi-Fi internet access. Intermittent mobile phone reception. Telephone in manager's office. Overhead fans.
Other:
Over the last few years, Mnemba Island Lodge has countless mentions among magazine listings of the 'Best 100 Hotels in the World' kind of thing.
We can't disagree. There are other island paradises, but few can match Mnemba for the sheer professionalism of its approach. Throw in the proximity to the many other activities that Zanzibar itself has to offer, not to mention the superb game viewing safaris that may be undertaken on the Tanzanian mainland, and there is simply no comparison.
