MNEMBA ISLAND LODGE, ZANZIBAR, INDIAN OCEAN
CC Africa's Mnemba Island Lodge is situated on an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the azure Indian Ocean. Surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs, it boasts some of Africa's most wonderful dive sites. Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world, offering a privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline.
The Zanzibar Archipelago and its "Spice Islands", discovered by Arab traders in the 8th century, are bathed in the heady scents and romance of a bygone era. Traditional dhows (coastal Arab sailing vessels) drift across the horizon, and gentle soft-spoken islanders tend to your every need. You may fill your days relaxing on the soft white-sand beaches or indulging in irresistible pursuits in the gloriously warm waters. Fresh fruit, fish and shellfish are served daily, and romantic candle-lit dinners at the water's edge will capture your soul.

ACCOMMODATION AT MNEMBA, ZANZIBAR, INDIAN OCEAN
Sheer unpretentious paradise: Mnemba Island Lodge comprises just 10 rustic palm-frond bandas with en suite bathrooms and rivate verandas nestling in a tropical beach forest fringed by a soft white coral-sand beach.
Intimate island paradise: This exquisite, private island with its white coral-sand beaches and spectacular coral reefs is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world.
Just 10 beachside bandas
All with:
• en suite bathrooms
• Overhead fans
• Spacious outdoor verandas
• Guest areas with beautiful sea views
• Island crafts shop
Hand-woven from traditional Zanzibarian palm-matting, each secluded banda has a spacious veranda and is hidden in the shade of a tropical beach forest, fringed by the pristine beaches that halo the Island. A palm-covered walkway leads to an en suite bathroom with shower and basin. Zanzibar is famous for its intricate, detailed woodcarvings and the scrolled headboards adorning the beds are created by some of the Island's most skilled artisans.

Deep Sea Fishing (optional extra)
Mnemba is situated near the Pemba channel which is renowned for its excellent big game fishing - Mnemba supports tag and release fishing. Big game fishing enthusiasts are catered for on a well-equipped boat, which can be hired complete with tackle and crew. The big game fishing season runs from July to March, with plenty of Yellowfin Tuna during the summer months. Billfish (sailfish), black marlin, striped and blue marlin tend to run from October to March.
'Spice Island' Tour of Zanzibar (optional extra)
Explore the markets of Stone Town with memories of its extraordinary romantic and often violent past (dating back to 800AD when Arab traders first arrived on the islands) evoked by ancient ruins, shady cloisters and the rich aromas of cloves, cinnamon and coconut.

Mammals at Mnemba:
Gigantic humpback whales pass through the deep-sea channel between Mnemba and Zanzibar on migration (usually from July to September). Common, bottlenose and spinner dolphins are present throughout the year and pods of these charismatic animals often come close to shore. A population of tiny suni antelope inhabit the casuarina forest on the island and may be seen tiptoeing around near the rooms.
Birds at Mnemba:
Over 50 species have been recorded at Mnemba. Migratory waders including lesser sandplover, curlew sandpiper, whimbrel and ruddy turnstone gather on sand spits alongside flocks of elegant crab plover. Greater crested tern, sooty gull and dimorphic egret are frequently seen hunting for fish along the shore. Large numbers of red-eyed dove roost and nest on the island. Palmnut vulture and gymnogene are among visiting raptors. Purple-banded sunbird, African reed warbler and paradise flycatcher are resident at the forest edge. Unusual birds such as harlequin quail may appear sporadically.

Sheer unpretentious paradise, the architecture of the Lodge offers a rustic exclusivity and privacy unparalleled on the African coastline. Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have beautiful open views of the beach and spectacular coral reefs beyond. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns are sailed into Mnemba daily on traditional ngalawa outriggers, and prepared as exotic delicacies. Lunch is usually served on large wooden carved Zanzibar platters heaped with delicious mezze (fingerfood). Romantic candle-lit dinners are enjoyed on the beach with the waves gently lapping at your feet. Private beach dinners are often enjoyed by honeymooners.

ACTIVITIES AT MNEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR, INDIAN OCEAN
Cool island adventures: The calm warm seas around Mnemba offer irresistible water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, fly fishing and swimming directly from the beach at no additional cost. Excellent birdwatching, beautiful walks around the Island or simply suntanning on the pristine beach may also be enjoyed. Optional extras include diving courses, deep-sea fishing, a tour of the ancient "Spice Island" of Zanzibar, and a range of relaxing massages and therapeutic treatments.

Mnemba Massages (optional extra)
To ensure your stay at Mnemba is as relaxing and memorable as possible, our in-house therapist offers a range of massage and reflexology treatments.
Snorkelling
Mnemba offers fantastic snorkelling with 168 species of fish found on the house reef - just a five-minute swim from your banda.

MNEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR, INDIAN OCEAN
Pristine island wilderness: Mnemba is an idyllic island situated within a marine reserve comprising four distinct habitats which are home to a diverse array of Indian Ocean wildlife.

Mnemba Habitats:
Coral reefs comprise a variety of hard and soft species including finger, brain, honeycomb and table coral, and palmate sea fan. The pristine white beach is comprised of wave-washed coral fragments, and is a habitat for crabs, sea snails, turtles and wading birds. The forest on the centre of the Island is comprised mostly of whistling pine, with pandanus (screw pine), wild rubber fig and dune cross-berry on its outer fringe. The open sea is home to myriad life forms from plankton and shrimps to marlins and dolphins.