Mnemba Atoll is one of the most popular boat trips in Zanzibar. You can look forward to snorkelling above the coral reef, the turquoise sea, tropical fish and, with a bit of luck, dolphins or a sandbank rising out of the water.

In travel agencies’ brochures, Mnemba is often referred to as the ‘African Maldives’. Given the colour of the water and the white sand, this comparison certainly holds true.

Don’t expect a deserted island all to yourself, though – a large number of excursion boats cruise around Mnemba every day, and tourists aren’t allowed onto the islet itself.

In my view, the trip is mainly worth it for the snorkelling. It’s just important to choose the right cruise and know exactly what’s included in the price.

Compare trips to Mnemba Atoll

What you’ll actually see on a trip to Mnemba

The term ‘trip to Mnemba Island’ usually refers to a boat trip in the waters around the island, rather than a visit to the island itself.

A typical half-day itinerary includes:

• a boat trip from the coast of Zanzibar
• spotting wild dolphins
• snorkelling at a coral reef
• fruit and water on board
• a stop at Mnemba Sandbank, weather permitting

Mnemba itself is a small islet surrounded by an extensive coral reef. It is this reef, rather than the hotel beach on the island, that is the destination for most excursions.

Is it possible to go ashore on Mnemba Island?

No. The island is home to an exclusive resort &Beyond Mnemba Island and only its guests are allowed on the beach.

So if an offer promises a ‘visit to Mnemba Island’, it usually means a boat trip around the island, snorkelling by the reef and possibly a stop at a sandbank. It’s best to read the exact itinerary before paying for the trip.

Snorkelling by the coral reef

The main reason to visit Mnemba is the snorkelling. In the shallow and usually crystal-clear water, you can see colourful fish and corals, and occasionally sea turtles too.

However, no one can guarantee the presence of specific marine life or visibility. Conditions are affected by wind, currents, rain and sea state. Keep an eye on the forecast during your trip in the section on the weather in Zanzibar.

Basic snorkelling equipment is usually included in the price. For the cheapest trips, check the condition of the equipment and the availability of flippers and lifejackets, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Diving near Mnemba

Mnemba is also one of Zanzibar’s main diving areas. However, do not book a dive as you would a standard snorkelling trip.

Use a licensed diving centre in Matemwe or Nungwi, which will provide equipment, an instructor and transport to a suitable site suited to your level of experience.

Dolphins off Mnemba: sightings are not guaranteed

Most trips combine snorkelling with dolphin spotting. As these are wild animals, sightings or the chance to swim near them are never guaranteed.

Mnemba is extremely popular, and a large number of motorboats can gather around a single pod of dolphins. I would therefore choose a trip that explicitly promises peaceful sightings without chasing, encircling or feeding the animals. If the crew starts chasing the dolphins and sending people into the water right in front of them, I’d rather stay on the boat.

Read about my rather terrifying experience on a dolphin-watching trip off Zanzibar.

If you’re mainly interested in seeing dolphins, do also read the guide to Kizimkazi. However, even there, the sightings aren’t automatically more sustainable, and it always depends on the specific crew.

Mnemba Sandbank and the tide

Mnemba Sandbank is a small sandbank in the sea where you can take photos reminiscent of the Maldives. It only emerges above the water’s surface when the tide is sufficiently low, and its size changes constantly.

A stop at the sandbank cannot therefore be guaranteed. At high tide, the sandbank disappears completely and the crew will usually extend the snorkelling session or stop at another beach.

I wouldn’t book the trip solely for the sake of a photo on white sand. If the sandbank is a priority for you, write to the organiser in advance and check whether the sailing time coincides with low tide. Even then, there’s no guarantee, as the programme is also affected by the weather and sea conditions.

You can visit a larger and more accessible sand dune near Stone Town as part of a trip to Nakupenda Sandbank.

How much does a trip to Mnemba cost?

Shared half-day trips booked online start at around 55 usd per person. The usual price ranges from 55 usd to 85 usd depending on the departure point, hotel pick-up and whether lunch is included.

The price usually includes:

• a return boat trip
• a guide and snorkelling equipment
• water and fresh fruit
• entrance fees to the nature reserve
• for more expensive options, transport from the hotel is also included

Lunch, tips and hotel transfers may not be included in the cheapest deals. You should therefore compare the full programme, not just the first price shown.

A private boat trip is an option and makes sense mainly for families or groups of friends. The price is usually higher, but you have more control over the departure time, the duration of the snorkelling and how the crew behaves around the dolphins.

In Zanzibar, virtually all local agencies are listed on the GetYourGuide.com comparison site, where you can also book trips.

Where do trips to Mnemba depart from?

Muyuni Beach and Matemwe – the shortest route

The most convenient departure point is Muyuni Beach near Matemwe. The boat trip to the reef takes the shortest time from this part of the coast, which is why I recommend it to anyone staying on the east coast.

The trip itself takes about 3 to 4 hours. Depending on the distance, you should allow for a half-day to almost a full-day trip, including the transfer from your hotel.

Nungwi and Kendwa – convenient from the north

If you’re staying in Nungwi or Kendwa, you don’t need to travel by car to Matemwe first. Some boat trips depart directly from the north coast, but the journey by boat is longer and more dependent on sea conditions.

When booking, check whether you’ll actually be setting sail from Nungwi, or whether the agency will first take you by car to Muyuni Beach.

From other resorts

From Stone Town, Paje, Jambiani or Kiwengwa, I would always choose an option that includes hotel pick-up. The boats themselves usually still set sail from Muyuni; it’s just that the drive there takes a bit longer.

Which trip to choose

I consider the best option to be a half-day cruise from Muyuni Beach with a small group and hotel transfer included in the price. If there are at least four of you travelling, do also compare this with a private boat – the price difference may not be that great.

Before booking, be sure to check the following:

• the actual departure point of the boat
• the maximum number of people on the boat
• hotel transfer to and from the port
• whether all local and conservation fees are included
• the organiser’s rules for dolphin watching
• whether lunch is included in the price or available as an optional extra

Booking through GetYourGuide is more practical for Mnemba than buying from a random vendor on the beach. You can see the reviews for a specific operator, what’s included in the price and the cancellation policy in advance. You may be able to find a cheaper deal on the spot, but the quality of the boats, equipment and access to the dolphins varies significantly.

Where to stay for a trip to Mnemba

If you want to be as close to Mnemba as possible, stay in Matemwe. The beach is quieter than Nungwi and you can get to the main departure points quickly. I’d choose Nungwi if, as well as the trip, you’re also looking for restaurants, shops and nightlife.

In Matemwe, I recommend the following accommodation options:

• Morningstar Bungalows Zanzibar – budget and basic accommodation near the beach
• Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel – a higher-quality seaside hotel offering good value for money

I compare other suitable resorts and specific hotels in the section on where to stay in Zanzibar.

 

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