Africa specialist Kate Pirie recently visited this secluded Tanzanian island in the Zanzibar Archipelago and shared her reef conservation insights with us.
Why visit Mnemba island?
Mnemba is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts, couples seeking an exclusive getaway, and discerning travellers with a taste for the finer things in life. In addition to the marine life, Mnemba attracts visitors because of its rare wildlife such as the elusive Suni antelope and the critically endangered Aders’s duiker.
“What many travellers don’t realise is that their African safari adventure continues on Mnemba Island. It’s a truly extraordinary destination where you can encounter dolphins, whale sharks, and even rare Suni antelope in their natural habitat.”
Why is Reef Conservation taking place at Mnemba?
The rapid development across Zanzibar has placed immense strain on the island’s delicate coral ecosystems in recent years. Residents recognised the threat to Mnemba’s reefs—located just 3 to 10 metres below the water’s surface—and took action to protect and restore these fragile environments. Their efforts have succeeded in creating a remarkable conservation initiative.
Preserving the coral reefs: how it’s done
Mnemba’s approach to conservation is both innovative and hands-on. One of their key strategies involves artificial coral planting, a process in which coral fragments are carefully attached to racks submerged in the ocean to either create new reefs or reinforce those under stress. The results have been really successful, with the once-threatened reefs now thriving and teeming with marine life! Guests can even witness some of the island’s coral regeneration efforts firsthand at the dive centre.
In addition to the coral planting, &Beyond has partnered with the local government to limit visitor numbers and raise conservation fees. This ensures that the island’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. Local people have also been trained as conservation rangers, consider them as guides to the ocean!
How can guests engage in Mnemba’s Conservation Legacy?
One of the most rewarding aspects of a stay on Mnemba is the opportunity to actively engage with the island’s conservation efforts. Guests can visit the coral nursery and observe the coral restoration process up close. With the ocean just steps away from the dining area, it’s possible to wade into the water and snorkel above the racks that house the flourishing coral. Alternatively, you can explore the lodge’s discovery centre and learn about the broader conservation initiatives, including the protection of Mnemba Atoll’s vital reef system. By participating in these hands-on activities, you’ll gain an appreciation for the critical role these reefs play in the survival of diverse marine species.
Images courtesy of &Beyond Mnemba Island
What to expect at Mnemba’s accommodation?
&Beyond Mnemba Island island offers the feeling of a private sanctuary, with its rooms spaced generously apart to ensure privacy whilst creating a laid-back yet luxurious ambience.
Recently renovated, the rooms are open-air with uninterrupted views of the white sand beach and crystal clear waters. Expect to find a massive bed, lovely furnishings, and sherry on the table before going to sleep to the sounds of the ocean. There are no windows or doors so this may not be for everyone, but the idea is to allow guests to become immersed in the tropical surroundings. The relaxed barefoot chic ambience is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity combined with luxury. You might spot something scuttling over the path and realise it’s a crab heading back to the beach!
The food is also exquisite, and the wine list is to die for! Savour your sundowner while the staff discreetly sets up a private dining experience on the beach, an example of the exceptional service provided here.
What other locations would you recommend combining a trip to Mnemba Island with?
Mnemba is often paired with a safari in the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park. This combination offers the perfect blend of wilderness and waterfront— wildlife viewing in Tanzania’s iconic landscapes followed by rejuvenating moments on the shores of a private island. Mnemba extends the safari spirit into the ocean, where dolphins, whale sharks, and migrating humpback whales can be found. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot the rare Aders’s duiker wandering just outside your villa’s veranda!
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