Near the coast between Matemwe and Nungwi is Mnemba Atoll, a shallow coral reef with a tiny heart-shaped island on the western edge.

Contrary to Zanzibar's laws that prohibit private ownership of beaches, you can't visit the islet unless you're a guest of an expensive resort &Beyond Mnemba Island.

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Snorkelling and diving

The atoll is almost a must-see destination for those who enjoy diving and snorkelling. Day trips can be arranged in both Matemwe and Nungwi.

The cost of the trip includes transport and snorkelling equipment hire and amounts range from 60 usd to 85 usd and all can be booked almost exclusively through getyourguide.com.

An individual trip to Mnemba Atoll is not possible.

Snorkeling near Mnemba atoll

Mnemba Sandbank

Approximately 1km east of the atoll is the sand dune in the middle of the sea, Mnemba Sandbank.

All snorkeling or dolphin watching cruises always stop at Mnemba Sandbank as well.

Unlike the much more famous and much larger Nakupenda Sandbank, the Mnemba Sandbank completely floods at high tide. Even so, an adult can still walk on the bottom here at high tide - the water reaches a height of about 150 cm.