Mnemba Island
Location - Private island off east coast of Zanzibar
Accommodation - 10 bandas all overlooking the beach
Experience - Classic barefoot luxury with diving on the doorstep
Price Guide - $1250 pppn
If you've heard about an incredible private island somewhere off Zanzibar, it's almost certainly this one. Mnemba Island sits about 3 miles off the east coast of Zanzibar, opposite Matemwe Beach. It is quite simply a dream island in spectacularly clear turquoise water with sand that's so white it almost defies belief. Read more?
Mnemba Island is within striking distance of some beautiful coral reefs and is a nesting ground for turtles - on our most recent visit we actually witnessed new born turtles the size of bottle tops, returning to the sea in the middle of the night. The location of Mnemba is so spectacular that virtually any elaboration in terms of accommodation risks gilding the lilly. Mnemba Island is empty apart from the camp and small enough to walk around barefoot in about 20 minutes on unbroken soft white sand.
Mnemba itself is small, catering for just 20 people, and the accommodation is admirably low key - thatched bandas containing very comfortable beds with walls woven from palm matting. Bathrooms are ensuite down a small walkway behind the rooms. All rooms have large open windows and front directly onto the beach, so you can get out of bed, walk a few yards and plunge straight into the sea.
If you're looking for glossy resort style luxury, you won't find it here - the whole thrust of this place is to allow you to enjoy what is really special - the sun, sea, beach and sheer indulgence of being on a private island in the Indian ocean - you'll find wonderful service, real intimacy and great food.
Location - Zanzibar
Zanzibar along with nearby Pemba Island lies just off the coast of Tanzania and is a heady mix of tropical island life and historic Swahili culture that has beckoned travellers for centuries. During our years of living and working in Tanzania, we often took time out here, and have wound our way through Zanzibar's crumbling streets and padded along the miles of soft white beaches working out how to make the most of this fabulous island. Jump to page?
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