Only guests of the island's lodge may step ashore.
The surrounding atoll is a marine conservation area.
Some of Zanzibar's best snorkelling and diving.
A short boat ride from Matemwe, Nungwi or Kendwa.
About Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is a small, oval island about 3 km off the north-east coast of Unguja, Zanzibar's main island. Ringed by white sand and casuarina trees, it sits at the heart of a large coral reef known as the Mnemba Atoll, one of the richest marine areas in the Zanzibar archipelago.
The island itself is private and home to a single exclusive lodge, so only its guests may land. Everyone else can still enjoy what makes Mnemba special: the warm, clear water of the atoll, where you can snorkel or dive over coral gardens alive with fish, turtles and, on many days, dolphins.
The atoll is part of a marine conservation area, and visitors pay a small conservation fee that helps protect the reef and support the fishing communities along the coast.
Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba is widely considered the best snorkelling spot on Zanzibar. The shallow reef around the island has excellent visibility on calm days, and you can see clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, starfish and, often, green turtles feeding on the seagrass.
Trips usually leave in the morning by boat from Matemwe, Nungwi or Kendwa and spend a few hours on the atoll, with time for two snorkelling sessions and fresh fruit on board. Snorkelling is suitable for confident swimmers of most ages, and guides are on hand to help beginners.
Diving at Mnemba
For divers, Mnemba Atoll offers a wide range of sites, from gentle coral slopes for beginners to deeper walls and drop-offs for experienced divers. Common sightings include turtles, moray eels, octopus, rays and large shoals of reef fish, and, with luck, whale sharks in some seasons.
Several dive centres on the north and north-east coasts run trips to the atoll and offer courses for beginners, so you can learn to dive during your stay. We can arrange diving as part of your beach holiday after your safari.
Swimming with dolphins
Pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen in the waters around Mnemba, especially in the early morning. Seeing them from the boat, or in the water nearby, is one of the highlights of a trip to the atoll. We work with operators who keep a respectful distance, never chase the dolphins and limit the number of boats, so the animals are not disturbed.
Plan your Zanzibar stay →Where to stay near Mnemba Island
The closest beaches to Mnemba are on the north-east coast around Matemwe, where boutique hotels look straight out towards the atoll and boat trips take only a few minutes. It is a quiet, beautiful stretch of coast, perfect for couples and anyone wanting to relax.
Nungwi and Kendwa, on the northern tip of the island, are livelier, with more restaurants and swimming at all tides, and are also a short boat ride from the atoll. For the ultimate splurge, the private lodge on Mnemba Island itself offers barefoot luxury for a small number of guests.
Best time to visit Mnemba Island
Mnemba can be visited all year, but sea conditions and visibility vary with the seasons and the trade winds.
October – March
Generally calmer seas and good visibility, ideal for snorkelling and diving.
June – September
Sunny and dry, with fresher winds that can make the sea choppier on some days.
November
Brief showers and quieter beaches, with good conditions between the rains.
April – May
The wettest months, with rougher seas and lower visibility on many days.
Mnemba Island questions
If you have a question we haven't covered, our Tanzania-based team is happy to help, so just ask.
Can you visit Mnemba Island?
Mnemba Island itself is private, so only guests of the island's lodge may land. Anyone can visit the surrounding Mnemba Atoll by boat for snorkelling, diving and dolphin watching.
Where is Mnemba Island?
Mnemba lies about 3 km off the north-east coast of Zanzibar's main island, opposite the village of Matemwe.
Is Mnemba good for snorkelling?
Yes. Mnemba Atoll is widely considered the best snorkelling spot on Zanzibar, with clear water, healthy coral and frequent sightings of turtles and reef fish.
Can you see dolphins at Mnemba?
Dolphins are often seen around the atoll, especially in the early morning. Sightings are not guaranteed, as they are wild animals.
How do you get to Mnemba Atoll?
Boat trips leave from Matemwe, Nungwi and Kendwa. From Matemwe the ride takes only a few minutes; from the northern beaches it is a little longer.
Is there a fee to visit Mnemba Atoll?
Yes. Visitors pay a marine conservation fee, which helps protect the reef. It is usually included in organised snorkelling and diving trips.
When is the best time to visit Mnemba?
October to March usually brings the calmest seas and best visibility. April and May are the wettest months, with rougher water on many days.
Can beginners dive at Mnemba?
Yes. Several dive centres offer courses for beginners, and some sites on the atoll are shallow and sheltered, ideal for first dives.
How long is a Mnemba snorkelling trip?
Most trips last half a day, with two snorkelling stops, time to look for dolphins and refreshments on the boat.
Can I combine Mnemba with a safari?
Yes. Many guests finish their Tanzania safari with a few nights on Zanzibar's north-east coast, close to Mnemba, and a snorkelling trip to the atoll.