Mnemba Island, Zanzibar: Snorkelling, Diving, Turtles and How to Visit
Mnemba Island is a small private island about two kilometres off the north-east coast of Zanzibar, surrounded by a protected coral reef that is one of the best places in the island for snorkelling and diving.
Mnemba sits in the Indian Ocean off Matemwe, a fishing village on the north-east coast of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar. The island itself is private and holds a single exclusive lodge, so day visitors cannot land. The reef around it, however, is a marine conservation area that is open to boats, divers and snorkellers from nearby beaches.
The reef's clear, shallow water, healthy coral and abundant fish make Mnemba a highlight for a beach holiday that follows a safari. This guide explains what you can do, what the island offers and how to plan a visit from Matemwe, Kendwa or Nungwi.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Location: North-east Zanzibar, about 2 km off Matemwe
- Island access: Private; reef trips open to day visitors
- Best for: Snorkelling, diving, dolphins, turtles
- Best months: June to October, December to February
- Combine with: Northern or Tanzania safari
What Mnemba Is Known For
The marine area around Mnemba is protected, and the coral gardens and reef drop-offs hold large numbers of tropical fish, from parrotfish and butterflyfish to moray eels and rays. Green turtles are regularly seen, and the beaches of the island are a nesting site. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins live in nearby waters, and boat trips often look for them in the morning. On land the island has suni antelope and many birds.
Snorkelling and Diving at Mnemba
| Activity | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Snorkelling trips | Morning boat trips from Matemwe or Nungwi, with stops on the shallow reef; calm mornings give the best visibility. |
| Scuba diving | Dive sites on walls and coral gardens, suited to beginners and experienced divers; operators run courses and guided dives. |
| Dolphin watching | Boats look for dolphins in the early morning before returning to the reef. |
| Sandbank stops | Some trips stop on exposed sand at low tide for swimming and photos. |
Choose a licensed operator, avoid touching coral, use reef-safe sun protection and respect the marine conservation rules. See Zanzibar beaches by region.
Can You Stay or Visit the Island?
The island itself is reserved for guests of its lodge, and no other accommodation is allowed on it. Most visitors stay on the Zanzibar coast at Matemwe, Kigomani, Kendwa or Nungwi, where hotels range from simple guesthouses to boutique and luxury resorts, and join a boat trip to the reef. A day trip is the practical choice for most budgets, and it avoids landing on the private beach. See Zanzibar and Stone Town guide.
Best Time to Visit Mnemba
The dry months, June to October and December to February, offer calm seas and the best visibility. The long rains from March to May bring heavier showers and rougher conditions, and some lodges close. Trips usually leave early, before wind and tides change the sea. Always check weather and tide times with your operator. See the best time to visit Tanzania.
Getting There From Stone Town and the Airport
Zanzibar's airport is near Stone Town on the west coast. The drive to Matemwe on the north-east coast takes about an hour and a half by road. From Matemwe boats cross to the reef in around fifteen minutes. Most travellers combine a safari with a beach stay; see our 9-day bush and beach safari and Uganda safari and Zanzibar.
Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Zanzibar and Stone Town: Beaches, History and Combining With a Safari
- Zanzibar Beaches by Region: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe
- Uganda Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday
- Katavi National Park, Tanzania: Wildlife, Hippos, Seasons and How to Visit
- African Safari Trips and Packages: How to Choose Between Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda
- Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost: What the Permit Covers and What a Trip Includes
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
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