Mnemba Island Lodge (A CC Africa Property)

Mnemba Island Lodge is situated on an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. Surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs, it boasts some of Africa's most wonderful dive sites. Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world, offering a privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline.

The Zanzibar Archipelago and its 'Spice Islands', discovered by Arab traders in the 8th century, are bathed in the heady scents and romance of a bygone era. Traditional dhows (coastal Arab sailing vessels) drift across the horizon, and gentle soft-spoken islanders tend to your every need. You may fill your days relaxing on the soft white-sand beaches or indulging in irresistible pursuits in the gloriously warm waters. Fresh fruit, fish and shellfish are served daily, and romantic candle-lit dinners at the water's edge will capture your soul.

This exquisite, private island with its white coral-sand beaches and spectacular coral reefs is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world. Sheer unpretentious paradise, Mnemba Island Lodge comprises just 10 rustic palm-frond bandas with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas nestling in a tropical beach forest fringed by a soft white coral-sand beach.

Hand-woven from traditional Zanzibarian palm-matting, each secluded banda has a spacious veranda and is hidden in the shade of a tropical beach forest, fringed by the pristine beaches that halo the Island. A palm-covered walkway leads to an en suite bathroom with shower and basin. Zanzibar is famous for its intricate, detailed woodcarvings and the scrolled headboards adorning the beds are created by some of the Island's most skilled artisans.

Sheer unpretentious paradise, the architecture of the Lodge offers a rustic exclusivity and privacy unparalleled on the African coastline. Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have beautiful open views of the beach and spectacular coral reefs beyond. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns are sailed into Mnemba daily on traditional ngalawa outriggers, and prepared as exotic delicacies. Lunch is usually served on large wooden carved Zanzibar platters heaped with delicious mezze (finger food). Romantic candle-lit dinners are enjoyed on the beach with the waves gently lapping at your feet. Private beach dinners are often enjoyed by honeymooners.

Cool island adventures: The calm warm seas around Mnemba offer irresistible water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, fly fishing and swimming directly from the beach at no additional cost. Excellent bird watching, beautiful walks around the Island or simply sun tanning on the pristine beach may also be enjoyed. Optional extras include diving courses, deep-sea fishing, a tour of the ancient 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar, and a range of relaxing massages and therapeutic treatments.

Scuba Diving
Mnemba boasts some of the world's most beautiful dive sites. The clear blue seas provide unsurpassed visibility for both snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts - we will provide you with all scuba and snorkeling equipment needed. Just a short boat trip from the Island, coral reefs drop into the deep open sea. You can enjoy two dives daily led by our experienced dive instructors. Please note that a valid diving certificate is required.

Scuba Diving Courses (optional extra)
If you don't have a diving certificate, Mnemba offers a professional dive school for beginners. Specialty dives include deep, night, navigation, drift and peak performance.

Deep Sea Fishing (optional extra)
Mnemba is situated near the Pemba channel which is renowned for its excellent big game fishing - Mnemba supports tag and release fishing. Big game fishing enthusiasts are catered for on a well-equipped boat, which can be hired complete with tackle and crew. The big game fishing season runs from July to March, with plenty of Yellowfin Tuna during the summer months. Billfish (sailfish), black marlin, striped and blue marlin tend to run from October to March.

'Spice Island' Tour of Zanzibar (optional extra)
Explore the markets of Stone Town with memories of its extraordinary romantic and often violent past - dating back to 800AD when Arab traders first arrived on the islands - evoked by ancient ruins, shady cloisters and the rich aromas of cloves, cinnamon and coconut.

Mnemba Massages (optional extra)
To ensure your stay at Mnemba is as relaxing and memorable as possible, our in-house therapist offers a range of massage and reflexology treatments.

Snorkeling
Mnemba offers fantastic snorkeling with 168 species of fish found on the house reef - just a five-minute swim from your banda.

All photos courtesy of CC Africa

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