Mnemba Island

Overview

Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island is a small island about 3km off the north coast of Unguja. It is almost triangular, about 500 meters in diameter and 1.5 km in circumference, surrounded by an oval reef, declared a marine conservation area. A romantic getaway island is famous for scuba diving activities and occasional sightings of dolphins and turtles. November and March are perfect for calm conditions and maximum visibility. It is a privately owned island, and non-guests have an exclusion zone of 200 meters. The best time to visit Mnemba Island is during the dry season from July to October when the weather is warm and there is less rainfall. The dry season allows excellent snorkelling, diving and beach relaxation on the most pristine island.

For such a small island, Mnemba has a diverse assortment of species, both above and below the water. The island is home to the Suni antelope, which was initially imported from Unguja’s Jozani Forest. The island is also home to the Ader’s duiker. This is Africa’s rarest antelope, with about 300-600 individuals left in the wild, according to specialists. Because there are no natural predators, Mnemba Island was chosen as a protection location for the Ader’s duiker. There are 25 Ader’s duikers on the island, but they are exceedingly secretive and difficult to find. An elliptical reef surrounds the island, which has been designated as a marine conservation area.

Experience Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island is a single small island located about 3 km off the northeast coast of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania, opposite Muyuni Beach. It is roughly triangular in shape, about 500 m in diameter and about 1.5 km in circumference. It is surrounded by an oval reef seven by four kilometres in extent. These reefs have been declared a Marine Conservation area. Mnemba Island and its reef are sometimes called Mnemba Atoll which is incorrect because an atoll is an island that encircles a lagoon, which is not the case for Mnemba Island. The surrounding waters and area around Mnemba Island are an important breeding ground for Green Turtles while a host of migratory wading birds use the island as a secure roost. The fragile coral reef eco-systems support countless fish species and microorganisms while gigantic Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales and dolphins frequent the deeper waters.

Mnemba Island is a famous scuba diving destination, featuring a diverse array of corals and associated species, as well as rare sightings of larger animals like turtles and dolphins. The months of November and March are the calmest, with the best visibility. Seeing green turtles lay their eggs on this lovely private island is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The green turtle nesting season lasts all year, with a seasonal peak in February and March – and it’s a sight to behold.