Zanzibar
courtesy of Conservation
Corporation Africa
Basking in the peacock hues of the Indian Ocean that surrounds Zanzibar, and protected by a rescent of coral reefs, you will find an untouched atoll island called Mnemba. It is a completely private paradise such as you would find only in legends and storybooks, a tiny secret world of linen-white sands, giant turtles, dolphins, shells and magenta sunsets.
Mnemba Island Lodge Beach Dining
courtesy of Conservation
Corporation Africa
Selected by Conde Nast as one of the three most romantic destinations in the
world, the island is inhabited only by guests and the lodge staff. Pure
unfettered bliss is the allure of Mnemba, where the dawn is greeted by the
bubbling staccato song of doves and the distant smell of coconut bread baking in
the woodstove. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish and lobsters are brought under sail
on traditional ngalawa outriggers to the island shore, to be prepared as
exquisite and exotic delicacies.
Mnemba Island Lodge Room exterior
courtesy of Conservation
Corporation Africa
The island shelters just ten Ivory Class "banda" (cottages), hand-woven from traditional Zanzibarian palm-matting. Hidden in the dappled shade of Mnemba's tropical beach forest, each banda is completely secluded within its green habitat, spilling onto the soft coral sand beach. Each room, with en-suite shower-bathroom and private verandah, is bathed in the romance of castaway tales, with nothing but palm-fronds underfoot and cooled by the murmuring sea breezes and gossamer draperies of oyster-white cottons. The unfettered simplicity creates an environment like no other, where your cares are cast off with your shoes, never to be worn on this barefoot paradise.
Mnemba Island Lodge Bar area
courtesy of Conservation
Corporation Africa
Relaxation is the hallmark at Mnemba, but boating, sport-fishing, water skiing, snorkeling and diving off the spectacular coral reefs, are irresistible diversions in this idyllic retreat. Other pursuits might include wind surfing, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, beach activities such as volley ball, bird watching, jogging or walking barefoot around the island, romantic moonlit beach dinners and star gazing. And for those who just want to sit back and relax, a library with a selection of boardgames, books and wildlife videos.
