Choose &Beyond Mnemba Island for complete privacy, barefoot luxury and some of the best snorkelling in East Africa, with only a small number of guests on the island. Choose a main-island Zanzibar resort for more restaurants, spa options, activities and value, or if you want to visit Stone Town.
This guide compares the two so you can pick the right end to your safari. For complete trips, see our safari and beach holidays.
Last checked: September 2026.
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About Mnemba Island
Mnemba is a small private island off Zanzibar’s north-east coast, surrounded by a protected marine conservation area. &Beyond runs the only lodge, with about a dozen beach bandas set among casuarina trees. Guests reach it by boat from the Zanzibar mainland.
What to expect:
- Barefoot luxury: sand floors, no shoes, no crowds.
- Snorkelling and diving on the surrounding reef, with turtles and seasonal dolphins.
- Turtle nesting on the island’s beaches at certain times of year.
- Fully inclusive rates with meals, drinks and most water activities.
Side by side
| &Beyond Mnemba Island | Main-island luxury resorts | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Exceptional; only lodge guests on the island | Good; resorts are larger |
| Beach | Private beach all around the island | Depends on the coast and tides |
| Snorkelling and diving | Outstanding, right from the beach | Boat trips to reefs, including Mnemba |
| Dining | Set menus and private dinners | Several restaurants and bars |
| Spa and facilities | Simple, relaxed | Larger spas, pools, gyms |
| Children | Accepted; check age rules | Most resorts are family-friendly |
| Price | Among the highest in East Africa for a beach stay | Wider range, often lower |
Who should choose Mnemba?
- Honeymooners who want total seclusion. See our honeymoon safaris.
- Travellers pairing it with Singita or another ultra-luxury safari.
- Snorkellers and divers.
- Anyone who wants to unplug completely after a busy safari.
Who should choose the main island?
- Families who want pools, kids’ activities and more space.
- Couples who want variety: different restaurants, a spa day, a trip to Stone Town.
- Travellers on a more moderate budget.
- Guests staying longer than four or five nights, who may want more to do.
Our favourite main-island resorts are covered in the best Zanzibar resorts after a safari.
A combination that works
Many guests split their beach time: two nights in Stone Town at Park Hyatt Zanzibar for culture, then three or four nights on Mnemba. Our 10-night Singita and Mnemba Island itinerary starts from about US$32,500 per person sharing.
FAQs
How do you get to Mnemba Island?
Fly to Zanzibar, then take a road transfer to the north-east coast and a short boat ride to the island.
Is Mnemba Island worth it?
For a honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, yes. The privacy and marine life are hard to match. For families or longer stays, the main island may suit you better.
Can I visit Mnemba on a day trip?
You can snorkel or dive the reef around Mnemba on boat trips from the main island, but you can’t land on the island unless you are staying there.
How many nights should I spend on Mnemba?
Three or four nights is ideal.
Plan your beach stay
We will check availability at Mnemba and our favourite main-island resorts for your dates. See our safari and beach holidays or enquire below.
