Welcome to Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

January 11, 2018

From Ngorongoro Crater to Mnemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago

Our 12 seater plane

View from Seat 1

After sleeping in and getting a wonderful breakfast at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, the group set out on a long, but exciting travel day. We were headed towards the coast of Tanzania where a series of beautiful islands dot the clear turquoise waters like something out of a postcard. We were headed to the only private island among the Zanzibar archipelago, called Mnemba. But to get there we will need an hour and half transfer by road, then a short jumper flight to Arusha, then a longer flight to Zanzibar, followed by another hour and a half road transfer, and finally a ten minute boat ride. But I knew as soon as the group saw what was waiting on the other side they would think it was all worth it.

All of our flights were on small 12 seater Coastal Aviation planes. Flying out from Lake Manyara airport took us right off the edge of the plateau. It was a beautiful sight to see the land suddenly drop out from below us. As we landed in Arusha everyone got a good glimpse of Kilimanjaro, the 'roof of Africa.' It was fun to look up at the snow covered summit from our plane and think back to just a few years ago when I was standing up there. The real beauty of where we were headed struck everyone as we closed in on Zanzibar which was surrounded by dozens of small spits of sand and beautiful reefscapes clearly visible from our low flying plane.

Last leg to Mnemba

We loaded up into four white SUVs that sped across the island like some presidential motorcade, and dropped us off on a beautiful white sandy beach on the far side of Zanzibar. Traditional dhows lined the beach and two modern motorboats were bobbing in the shallows waiting to whisk us over to our private island.

Welcome drinks on the beach

We made it, The Welcome Briefing

The amazing service started from the second we hit the beach. Cool towels and tropical drinks were there to refresh everyone after their travels. During our briefing with camp managers Dave, Scott, and Andy, a huge platter of sashimi and sushi as well as several margarita pizzas were spread out before us.

Lounge area for each room

Testing out the water

After gorging on fresh fish the group split up to see their rooms and explore the island. It didn't take long for the girls to test out the water. Everyone quickly got into the island spirit by kicking off their shoes once and for all for the next three days.

Every room comes with this as well

Entrance to our open air bungalow

There is something so refreshing about coming out to the islands after being in the bush for a while. Safaris in East Africa can get pretty dusty, and if you spend much time on the roads in between the parks they can be a bit jarring (the locals jokingly refer to it as the 'African massage.') By coming out to the ocean it is a great way to wash the dust off and soothe your body at the end of a safari in Africa. It also gives everyone a chance to reflect and soak in all that they have seen. And even though Zanzibar is still technically part of Tanzania, it feels like you have traveled to a very different part of the world.