Mnemba Island Lodge is a true tropical barefoot paradise. The island and its surrounding reefs are a Marine Conservation Area, and a nominal levy on water sports goes to the local communities. There are only ten ‘bandas’ on an otherwise uninhabited island where the balmy ocean laps the sun-soaked shore. One can swim safely in the temperate waters. You can swim at the beach directly all year round.  There are spectacular coral reefs, gentle sea breezes and pristine white beaches. The Lodge is renowned for its excellent cuisine. It is the only protected nesting site for green turtles in Zanzibar. It has a PADI dive school. They also offer specialty dives (deep, night, navigation, drift and peak performance, deep-sea fishing) at an additional cost. Mnemba is a low-risk malaria destination.

Location
Only 15 minutes by boat from the historical Spice Island of Zanzibar,  Mnemba Island Lodge lies 41/2km (3 miles) off the northeastern tip of Zanzibar Island, Tanzania. The Island is 11/2km in circumference and is surrounded by a tropical Indian Ocean coral reef. Mnemba Island forms part of an exquisite atoll, which has been declared a marine conservation area.

Access
The Lodge transfers guests to and from Zanzibar International Airport or Stone Town. This transfer is approximately 11/2 hours by road, followed by a 10-15 minute transfer in open ski boats. As there are no jetties, departures and landings are directly to and from the beach and involve a little wading.

Accommodation
There are ten Zanzibari ‘bandas’, with direct access to the beach. Each ‘banda’ is built of indigenous materials, mostly woven and thatched with palm leaves. The ‘bandas’ have en suite bathrooms with shower, double-basins, separate w.c., fresh water (obtained from a desalination plant), ceiling fans, personal bar and a spacious outdoor veranda. Each ‘banda’ also has a private beach sala with traditional Zanzibari sun beds.

Guest Areas
The dining area is adjacent to the sitting room/bar. There is a small library with a selection of books, games and magazines. Guest areas are all open-sided, cooled by sea breezes, informal and relaxed. Fresh fish and seafood is served at lunch and dinner. Weather permitting; dinner is always served on the beach.

Safaris
Guests enjoy swimming, walking, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, fly-fishing and scuba diving (if in possession of a valid diving certificate - maximum 2 dives per day). A variety of diving courses and deep-sea fishing is available at an additional charge. All scuba and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Weather:
It can be humid. Sea breezes bring cooler air and relief from the hot, humid weather.

Rainfall:
The rainy season is in two monsoon seasons – in April/May and in November.

Temperature:
Average daytime temperatures are in the region of 26°C/79°F from June to October and about 28°C/82°F from December to February. Average water temperature from July to March is from 20°C/68°F to 25°C/77°F.

Best time to travel:
The best months to visit Mnemba are from June to March.

Malaria:
Mnemba is situated in a low- risk malaria area.

Children:
Children under 12 are welcome at the lodge (a maximum of 2 children on the island at any one time). An extra bed can be arranged for a child 16 years and younger sharing their parents’ banda. No more than 1 triple at any one time.

GPS co-ordinates:
S 05°49.218’ E 039°22.959’

Ratio of guests to staff:
1 to 3

Lodge closure:
Closed April and May.

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