Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar
Mnemba Island Lodge
Pure exclusive luxury on a private island
Mnemba, a small island 4.5 kilometres off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar, is heaven incarnate. Which makes Mnemba Lodge this nirvana’s only resident hotel and a true desert island escape. The lodge is actively involved in various conservation efforts in the region, including monitoring and protecting the small population of very rare Ader’s duikers found here, and carefully taking care of the coastline and ocean.
Ten luxury Zanzabari banda houses are hidden into the island’s Casuarina pine forest whose cooing wild doves and adorable Suni deer make it a very romantic Swiss Robinson world. Each of the bandas are designed to let as much of the outside in with an open plan set out, walls made of coconut matting rolled up to reveal Indian Ocean views, big beds and sofas dressed in plumped-up white linens, handmade furniture, a dressing room, private verandas and an en-suite bathroom. What’s more, apart from the deer and doves the only other people you share the island with are the other guests and staff.
The lodge has enchanted a string of impressive guests from royalty to Silicone Valley tycoons, and it isn’t hard to see why. Dinner is always served on the beach (weather permitting) and both the food and staff are magnificent. Also if you’re afraid you’ll get bored on Mnemba, there’s always the lodge’s good list of activities to sway you: choose from learning how to dive with the lodge’s instructors, to watching turtles nest, fly fishing or kayaking.
Highlights
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Swimming
Windsurfing
Fly fishing
See Green turtles laying their eggs (in season)
Deep Sea Fishing
10 Zanzabari Bandas
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Zanzibar
Whatever you want from your adventure in Zanzibar, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Mnemba Island Lodge with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
