&Beyond Mnemba Island

Kigomani, Tanzania

Coast
Luxury
Wildlife
Wellness
Family friendly

A private island paradise in Zanzibar, where barefoot luxury meets

Escape to an exclusive private island in the heart of the Zanzibar Archipelago. &Beyond Mnemba Island is the epitome of barefoot luxury. There are no doors or windows at &Beyond Mnemba Island, just 12 open-air bandas, each shaped like a spiralling nautilus shell, set beneath casuarina trees on a private 1.5km island off Zanzibar's north-eastern coast. Coral reef sits just steps from most bandas, with diving, snorkelling and kayaking arranged through the island's own dive centre, plus sunset dhow cruises for more restful watery exploration.

The island's Wellness Banda has two treatment rooms and a raised yoga deck for guests who want more than the beach. Guests can join the on-site conservation team monitoring green turtle nesting sites, or the breeding population of Aders' duiker reintroduced here in 2005. Meals are served wherever you choose, under the trees, at the bar, or on your own beach lounge, all with a personal butler on hand.

Sustainability

Climate & conservation

Solar powered or renewable energy, Solar power runs throughout the lodge
On-site water bottling saves over 8,500 plastic bottles a year
Monitors a key green sea turtle nesting site for nearly 20 years
Guests can join the Oceans Without Borders team to restore coral reefs
Protects a breeding population of the endangered Aders' duiker
Regular beach cleanups have removed over 5,000 pounds of plastic waste
All ingredients, including fish, honey, fruit, vegetables and eggs, are sourced locally
Desalinates seawater on-site for use in the lodge

Community & culture

Nearly 80% of staff come from Zanzibar communities
Helped fund the Kigomani Clinic, which now serves 11,000 people
Hosts marine conservation lessons for 60 local schoolchildren a year
Zanzibar City tours visit local businesses like the Darajani Market
Sponsors local fishermen to help protect the surrounding coral reefs

Commercial

Enables guest donations to specific projects via the Africa Foundation
Holds Beyond Green sustainability certification

Sustainable Development Goals

Life Below Water (SDG 14)
Life on Land (SDG 15)
Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Climate Action (SDG 13)

In brief

Price bracket: ££££
Type of property: Private island eco-lodge
No. of rooms: Small (12 rooms)
Max guests per room: Up to 4 guests
Facilities: Restaurant, Bar, Spa, Wi-Fi, Babysitting, Wifi
Activities: Diving, Watersports, Wildlife watching, Cultural visits
Setting: Coastal · Private Island · Coral Reef

Best time to visit

Best from June to March, with humpback whales seen Aug–Sep and turtles nesting year-round.

Kids

Families welcome, all ages

Accessibility

The island's sandy, 'barefoot luxury' environment may pose challenges for guests with limited mobility.

Kigomani, Tanzania

££££pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night