Where to stay in Mnemba Island
1 hand-picked glamping stay in and around the park.
Mnemba Island guide
Overview
Mnemba Island is a small private island off the north-east coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania. It’s surrounded by the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, which protects the coral reef around the island and the waters along the nearby Zanzibar coast.
The island is ringed by white beaches and coastal forest. Only guests of the island’s lodge can land on it, but the reef around it is one of Zanzibar’s most popular places for snorkelling and diving.
Day boats from the Zanzibar coast take visitors to swim with dolphins and to dive the reef, which has clear water, coral gardens and a lot of marine life.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Marine life
Green turtles nest on the beaches, and dolphins, reef fish, rays and humpback whales in season are seen in the surrounding waters.
On the island
Small antelope called suni and many coastal birds live in the forest.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and December to February, during the dry seasons.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jun – Oct | Cool, dry season | Sunny, with clear water for diving. |
| Nov | Short rains | Brief showers. |
| Dec – Feb | Hot, dry season | Hot and calm. Excellent visibility. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Very wet. Some lodges close. |
Zanzibar is in a malaria area. Speak to your doctor before you travel.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ), Zanzibar | International and regional flights | About 1.5 hours by road to the north-east coast, then a short boat ride. |
By road
Boats leave from Matemwe and other villages on Zanzibar’s north-east coast.
Entrance & Fees
A marine conservation fee is charged per person for visits to the Mnemba conservation area. It's usually included in snorkelling and diving trips.
Confirm the current fee with your operator.
Fees last checked October 2026. No official fee schedule is published online.