Majestic diving around the Mnemba atoll

A small triangular island bordering Zanzibar's majestic coral reef, Mnemba is renowned for its incredibly beautiful seabed. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful diving spots in Africa. The site will delight lovers of the seabed, as it is preserved from mass tourism and offers great sea outings. You can admire the marine flora and fauna in a reef measuring 7 x 4 kilometres. A great playground for discovering the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, why not treat yourself to a night in the majestic hotel that privatises the island. The 'and beyong' hotel has placed 11 luxury bandas on the island's beach for the comfort of its guests. Access is forbidden to anyone outside the hotel, so you can be sure of being cut off from the world to enjoy this little lost paradise. As the hotel is small, there will be no more than 24 guests on the island... Here, luxury, privacy and relaxation are the watchwords for your greatest pleasure. From the hotel, you can enjoy activities such as yoga, scuba diving (or snorkelling), boat trips or an ultra-romantic dinner on the beach.

Although the hotel has privatised the premises, its owners have set up projects to conserve the island's marine biosphere. They have set up seabed conservation projects in collaboration with the Zanzibar fisheries department and local communities to reduce the incidence of net fishing, for example. By demarcating fishing and diving zones. Or by creating a tax for access to the zones. Taxes that help local communities and fishermen in their projects around the island and its coral reef.

In fact, the marine life of the island of e Mnemba includes many animal species. It is also a nesting ground for green sea turtles. Between February and September, the lucky ones may have the chance to see them laying their eggs on the island's beaches. You can also see humpback whales, different species of dolphin, whale sharks (the largest fish in the world) and no fewer than 600 species of fish basking in the coral reef. The water here is crystal clear and transparent. In just one glance from the boat, you can already see the beauty of the lagoon, which is bluer than the sky.

However, if you're not staying at a hotel on the island, there's nothing to stop you enjoying the beauty of the place all the same by escaping for a few hours into the blue of the Indian Ocean. Set off from the village of Matemwe in the company of local fishermen for an unforgettable day out. Most of the hotels along Muyuni beach can recommend a guide for your day out. Once on board the boat, he will take you to the outskirts of Mnemba to enjoy its breathtaking panorama and sublime coral reef. The day trip generally includes lunch. You'll be treated to grilled fish, served on the beach in the shade of the lush vegetation. Perhaps that's what real luxury is all about.

The coral reef surrounding the island of Mnemba is vast and the area is known for its magnificent snorkelling spots. You can explore them with one of the many dive shops in the north-east of Zanzibar's main island. It's not uncommon to come across dolphins, reef sharks and a multitude of multicoloured fish offering you an unforgettable spectacle. You can also dive on sea cliffs that descend to depths of over 40 metres. In short, the Mnemba reef is a paradise for sea lovers.

As the island is only fully accessible when you stay at the "And beyong" hotel, if you want to make the most of this little paradise, we strongly advise you to stop off at the little village of Matemwe, which is also well worth a visit in its own right. Here you'll find charming and magical accommodation.