Exclusive yet unpretentious, andBeyond Mnemba Island is an award-winning bare-foot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. Be among just 20 guests at this romantic, private hideaway where ten beachside bandas overlook a pristine coral reef teeming with an abundance of tropical marine life. Drink a fruit cocktail or dine under thatch by the white sands. Romantic candlelit dinners can be served to you on the beach as waves lap at your feet. From snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming and kayaking to massages on the beach and simply doing nothing at all, andBeyond Mnemba has something for everyone.
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
andBeyond Mnemba Island offers an unpretentious paradise where just ten rustic palm-frond bandas are tucked into a tropical forest fringed by a white coral sand beach. Each banda at andBeyond Mnemba Island has direct access to the beach. A covered walkway leads to a shuttered ensuite bathroom with a huge glass-beaded shower curtain. Built-in barazas on the veranda are perfect for afternoon siestas and private beach salas feature traditional Zanzibari loungers ideal for languid hours spent on the beach.
Mnemba Island has a family banda where two bandas are situated within close proximity to one another and can accommodate a family of four (two adults and two children).
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Snorkelling is ideal for those who do not wish to do a scuba diving accreditation but who want to confidently explore the shallower coral reefs, situated off Mnemba Island, with the help of a snorkel. A guided snorkelling course is also available at an additional cost, offered by andBeyond’s Mnemba Island specialist dive masters, and covers safety procedures, equipment, currents and suggested snorkelling spots.
Mnemba Island has a fully stocked dive centre, and offers a full range of diving activities. If you are experienced, our Dive Instructor will guide you on fantastic dives around the Mnemba Atoll. If you are a beginner, our Instructor is waiting to introduce you to a whole new world of mystery, wonder and beauty! Additional costs apply
The Dive Centres at Mnemba Island offers a full range of PADI-accredited courses for those looking to advance their diving qualifications.
PADI BUBBLEMAKER & DISCOVER SCUBA This introductory diving course is perfect for little ones or adults who are keen to explore the fascinating underwater world of diving, facilitated by experienced, multilingual professionals.
MANDATORY REFRESHER DIVER COURSE This course is mandatory for any diver with less than 25 dives, who has not logged a dive in the last six-months, or any diver with 26 – 100 dives, who has not logged a dive in the last year (12-months).
PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE Learn to scuba dive independently in buddy teams to a depth of 18 m (59 ft). This four-dive course takes three to four days, where upon conclusion, guests will receive a lifetime global certification.
PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE This dive course only applies to already certified Open Water divers. After successfully completing five dives, the course will certify divers to dive down to a maximum depth of 30 m (98 ft).
SINGLE TRAINING DIVE & ADVENTURE TEST This is ideal for those who would like to try specialised dives, such as deep dives and drift dives. This course will be credited towards your Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water diver certification.
Explore the warm Indian Ocean waves in utter tranquillity in a deep sea kayak built for two. Ask one of Mnemba’s Dive Instructors for a quick tutorial session or set off with your partner on the quiet waters protected by the island’s surrounding reefs. Paddle along the beach to admire the changing features of the shoreline or head out into deeper waters in the hope of encountering a pod of dolphin or some sea turtles.
Enjoy an unforgettable experience on the calm Indian Ocean waters on a stand up paddle board. Get a few tips from our expert instructors before grabbing paddle in hand and mounting the board to head out into the waves. Ideal for the calm waters off Mnemba Island, this activity allows you to glide effortlessly through the waves while enjoying exceptional views of the ocean waters and the Mnemba horizon. Watch as dolphin frolic nearby, play in the waves and guide yourself through graceful turns.
Channel your energy, balance your chakras, and increase your self-awareness against the backdrop of the pristine ocean during a yoga class. Skillfully adapted to accommodate all levels of experience, daily group yoga classes can be enjoyed in the Wellness Banda on the yoga deck, along with other restorative healing sessions such as singing bowl meditation.
*Private yoga sessions can be arranged at an additional cost.
A soothing treatment using the Healing Earth Pinotage Relax Oil. to restore and rejuvenate body and mind. Bringing relief to tired, aching muscles allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium. 30min | 60min 45min | 90min
Give in to the lure of total isolation and pretend that you are marooned on a deserted island, albeit one where your personal butler is perpetually on hand to cater to your every desire! You may catch a fleeting glimpse of your fellow guests as you lounge in the tropical sunshine in your private beach sala or take a leisurely walk around the island. But you can also choose to make the most of your solitude with a private dinner in a secluded forest clearing or enjoy the light-hearted intimacy of a sandcastle dinner set to the sound of the waves gently sighing on the shore.
Families and groups will fall in love with the tranquility of the island. We will only accommodate a maximum of two children under 12-years at Mnemba Island at any given time. Travel to Zanzibar is recommended for children eight-years or older.
ACTIVITIES Children visiting the lodge can take advantage of the fun-filled and interactive WILDchild programme thatoffers various activities such as: • Morning walks with turtle monitors to observe turtle nests • Assist with replanting trees in the island indigenous tree nursery, learning about the various vegetation types that grow in and around the island • Join the lodge chefs to welcome the local fishermen onshore and check where the catch-of-the day is on the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) List • Assist the Community and Conservation (CNC) Rangers with building coral bases to plant coral • Learn about the incredible impact initiatives in and around the Mnemba Atoll in the Ocean Without Border’s (OWB) interactive centre • Get involved in the dive centres helping the OWB staff • Go snorkelling along the coral reef • Help in the OWB staff input new and exciting sightings in the Beyond Sightings platform, while learning about the various sea creatures • Go on beach and nature walks around the island • Hand-line fishing from a dhow or the beach • Enjoy sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding • Bake turtle biscuits with the lodge chef
CHILDMINDING While we don’t have trained childminders, we can offer the services of certain staff members who are wonderful with children. This will be at an additional cost.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wildlife, Wine
Lake Natron Camp | Lake Natron
Located on the very edge of Lake Natron, this 10 tent luxury tented camp is perfectly situated for amazing adventures! Located within walking distance are the hominid footprints and Lake Natron where over 1 million flamingoes come to breed, it is also ideally situated as an ending point for our Empakai to Lake Natron Trek, The Great Rift Valley Trek, as well as a number of other activities and expeditions combined with northern Tanzania safaris.
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Lake Natron Camp holds ten spacious guest tents, cleverly disguised under camouflaged shade netting. Each tent is comprised of a porch area, main bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco toilet. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfy king size bed*, luxurious Egyptian linen and furniture made from greenwood.
A private path leads from each tent to our natural swimming pool in the spring-fed stream.
*Each tent can also accommodate 2 extra single beds upon request
Lake Natron Camp holds ten spacious guest tents, cleverly disguised under camouflaged shade netting. Each tent is comprised of a porch area, main bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco toilet. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfy king size bed*, luxurious Egyptian linen and furniture made from greenwood.
A private path leads from each tent to our natural swimming pool in the spring-fed stream.
*Each tent can also accommodate 2 extra single beds upon request
Lake Natron Camp holds ten spacious guest tents, cleverly disguised under camouflaged shade netting. Each tent is comprised of a porch area, main bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco toilet. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfy king size bed*, luxurious Egyptian linen and furniture made from greenwood.
A private path leads from each tent to our natural swimming pool in the spring-fed stream.
*Each tent can also accommodate 2 extra single beds upon request
Lake Natron Camp holds ten spacious guest tents, cleverly disguised under camouflaged shade netting. Each tent is comprised of a porch area, main bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco toilet. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfy king size bed*, luxurious Egyptian linen and furniture made from greenwood.
A private path leads from each tent to our natural swimming pool in the spring-fed stream.
*Each tent can also accommodate 2 extra single beds upon request
Lake Natron Camp holds ten spacious guest tents, cleverly disguised under camouflaged shade netting. Each tent is comprised of a porch area, main bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco toilet. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfy king size bed*, luxurious Egyptian linen and furniture made from greenwood.
A private path leads from each tent to our natural swimming pool in the spring-fed stream.
*Each tent can also accommodate 2 extra single beds upon request
Lake Natron Camp holds ten spacious guest tents, cleverly disguised under camouflaged shade netting. Each tent is comprised of a porch area, main bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a shower and eco toilet. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfy king size bed*, luxurious Egyptian linen and furniture made from greenwood.
A private path leads from each tent to our natural swimming pool in the spring-fed stream.
*Each tent can also accommodate 2 extra single beds upon request
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Eco Friendly, Pool, Restaurant
Room Facilities
En-Suite, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Verandah
Services
Room Service
The beguiling lesser flamingo feed on algae found in soda lakes across eastern Africa but choose to breed almost exclusively at Lake Natron. Our guests can take early morning or sunset walks to the lake flats. For seasonal more intense flamingo experience please see Pinyinyi Flamingo Picnic Lunch.
| $included | time: 1 to 4 hours |
Cool off in any one of the natural plunge pools in front of the accommodation units or dining / bar area. There is also a larger pool suitable for swimming further down stream as well as endemic cyclids – bring some goggles or ask our team for a pair!
| $included | time: at your leisure|
Walk to hominid footprints within our concession area. These footprints were discovered by members of our team and since then have been investigated by separate teams both locally and internationally to try to establish how they came to be. Initially it was thought that they might be as old as 100,000 years or more but recent studies indicate them to be younger. A fascinating chance to look back in time at a group of people that raises a number of questions about hominids in East Africa and part of a larger story of man in East Africa.
| $included | time: 1 to 2 hours, can be combined with sundowner |
Walk to one of the nearby sundowner spots. Enjoy your sundowner overlooking the Lake Natron, the majestic Lengai and Gelai mountains and watch the sun go down behind the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. Note private sundowners can be arranged in conjunction with the use of your tour operators vehicle (ask your tour operator for any additional costs).
| $included| time: at your leisure |
It's not always about adventure! Relax and unwind at Lake Natron Camp by having a massage by one of our lovely Masaai therapists from the local village, Ngare Sero, who have been trained onsite by a professional massage and beauty therapist. $ON REQUEST
A great alternative to climbing Lengai, this adventurous hike leaves at dawn from camp and you transfer to the base of the rift valley wall. You then scale the wall on foot, ascending close to the Ngare Sero gorge to enjoy the dawn. A picnic breakfast is taken with you and once on top this is the perfect place to enjoy being in one of the most dramatic view points in this region. After breakfast descend back down another route, or select the same way depending on time.
| price: included | time: 6 hours |
Let us arrange a walk up Ngare Sero gorge to see the spectacular waterfalls. The scenery is a unique blend of arid volcanic rocks and lush tropical palms. Wear shoes that can get wet, preferably trainers or secure sandals, as it is rocky underfoot! Take 2 litres of water and snacks. Its great spot for lunch so please ask your guide for a packed lunch!
| $included | time: 2- 3 hours |
Hot springs are the life and blood of the area and are on route to bird watching sites. You can visit geothermal heated springs where the birds preen.
| price: included | time: Drive 1 hour | Time there 1-2 hours |
A full day hiking deep into the Ngare Sero gorge to see the source of the river. A picnic lunch is taken and at least 3 liters of water are required. A great alternative to climbing Lengai if the Lengai ascent is deemed not hikable.
| $included | time: 4 – 6 hours |
A hike to then top of Oldoinyo Lengai, the only active Carbonatite volcano in the world.
An overnight ascent on the 3000m tall “Mountain of God” lit by moonlight is an unforgettable and mystical experience. This is a very challenging hike up an active carbonatite volcano with stunning views.
Note that the conditions on Lengai can change daily. It must be understood that the guide’s decision to reach the summit section is based on daily conditions and clients should be briefed that there is the possibility of not reaching the true summit. If that is the case please note refunds are not available! Great alternatives to this trip are the ‘Source Adventure Hike’.
Please note that guests are required to wear climbing helmets at the final section near the summit.
| $100* per person | time: average 12 hours |
*fees and guiding fees payable AT VILLAGE OFFICE $100 per person 1 pax and $160 per 2 pax – please check at time of booking. Transfers with our vehicle ARE NOT included but can be provided with advance notice at $250 per vehicle.
***Stay 3 nights at Lake Natron Camp and YOU get to climb Lengai for FREE! Please note if you would like to pre book Lengai and are staying less that 3 nights you can do so with our office at the published rates + 18% VAT which is payable to the Government. Please see link for more information http://www.oldoinyo-lengai.org
VISIT NGARE SERO VILLAGE | $INCLUDED | AT YOUR LEISURE
Become a local! Take a 15 minute drive to Ngare Sero Village. Visit the local school and grab a drink at a local bar.
TIP: ASK TO SEE THE PERMACULTURE PROJECT AND VEGETABLE PATCH!
This part of the Great Rift Valley is populated by the Maasai people. Maasai bomas spread around the area, but the main central village is few kilometres away to the west at the base of the escarpment. The village is named Engare Sero, which means dappled water. This village gets its name from the river flowing out of the escarpment through a spectacular gorge that is both arid and lush. Take some time out with your guides and visit a local homestead.
| $100 per group| time: 2 hours |
A 2 night trek combined with 2 nights in Lake Natron. The trek starts with a night at Empakai Crater in the Ngorongoro highlands (and depending on arrival time can include a descent into Empakai) from which our guides lead you down the outer slopes of Empakai with the second night on the edge of the Gregorian rift. You then trek down the rift valley with stunning views throughout and once at the base are transferred for 2 nights at Lake Natron Camp (Ngare Sero) and use this as a base for activities such as seeing the flamingoes on Lake Natron, visiting the hominid footprints, delving deep into the Ngare Sero gorge or even just relaxing in camp and enjoying the natural plunge pools. For the very active you can also climb Oldonyo Lengai (extra cost).
All our adventures can be booked through a tour operator near you. Just ask them about Lake Natron Camp, Ngare Sero and our range of activities and adventures and specify the “Empakai to Lake Natron Trek”. You can add this adventure into your dates – all trips are customised to your dates.
Itinerary In Short
Day 1: Drive to Empakai. Empakai trek. Empakai Camp (fb)
Day 2: Trek to Leonotis Camp (fb) Trek 16km
Day 3: Trek to Lake Natron Camp with a pick up at the bottom of the rift valley. Lake Natron Camp (fb) Trek 12km, Drive 14km
Day 4: Relax and take part in activities at Lake Natron Camp (fb)
Day 5: Depart
| $ rates in documentation tab | time: 5 days |
A 1 night trek combined with 2 nights in Lake Natron. The trek starts at Empakai or just below and normally descending into Empakai crater is NOT POSSIBLE due to time constraints, instead you hike down to our Leonotis camp below Naiobi. For those that have the energy a trek to our Rift Valley sundowner spot is highly recommended, the views are amazing!
After one night in our remote fly camp at Leonotis Camp you then trek down the rift valley with stunning views throughout and once at the base are transferred for 2 nights at Lake Natron Camp (Ngare Sero) and use this as a base for activities such as seeing the flamingoes on Lake Natron, visiting the hominid footprints, delving deep into the Ngare Sero gorge or even just relaxing in camp and enjoying the natural plunge pools. For the very active you can also climb Oldonyo Lengai (extra cost).
Itinerary In Short
Day 1: Drive to Empakai. Trek into crater and trek to Leonotis Camp (fb) Trek 16km
Day 2: Trek to Lake Natron Camp with a pick up at the bottom of the rift valley. Lake Natron Camp (fb) Trek 12km, Drive 14km
Day 3: Relax and take part in activities at Lake Natron Camp (fb)
Day 4: Depart
| $ rates in documentation tab | time: 4 days |
This is a trek back through millennia of evolution from the relatively recent hominid footprints right by our Lake Natron Camp, all the way to Olduvai, commonly known as “one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world”, and home to evidence of our earliest ancestors. Each camp location and design is being targeted at guests that are looking for an off the beaten track experience, entirely respectful of the environment, and yet just enough comfort to ensure a superlative well balanced adventure.
Olduvai gorge is known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ and this trekking expedition courses routes either to or from this area incorporating the history of mankind, geology and landscapes spanning 250 million years. You can time this expedition with the migration in the short grass plains, or append a migration experience post / pre trek. Key features include hiking the Gregorian Rift valley, Sanjan Gorge, Gol, Olduvai Gorge and note we also have variations including Ol Karien Gorge.
Itinerary In Short
Day 1: Lake Natron Camp
Day 2: Lake Natron Camp
Day 3: Trek & drive to Sanjan. Trek 6km. Drive 22km
For active types Tanzania has a lot to offer and this is one of the most dramatic hikes in East Africa. As well as the amazing scenery there is also the chance to witness the changing lives of the Maasai in both Ngorongoro and Natron.
This is a trek back through millennia of evolution from the relatively recent hominid footprints right by our Lake Natron Camp, all the way to Olduvai, commonly known as “one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world”, and home to evidence of our earliest ancestors. Each camp location and design is being targeted at guests that are looking for an off the beaten track experience, entirely respectful of the environment, and yet just enough comfort to ensure a superlative well balanced adventure.
Olduvai gorge is known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ and this trekking expedition courses routes either to or from this area incorporating the history of mankind, geology and landscapes spanning 250 million years. You can time this expedition with the migration in the short grass plains, or append a migration experience post / pre trek. Key features include hiking the Gregorian Rift valley, Sanjan Gorge, Gol, Olduvai Gorge and note we also have variations including Ol Karien Gorge.
1 EPIC week of ADVENTURE!
Itinerary In Short
Day 1: Drive to Empakai. Empakai trek. Empakai Camp (fb)
Day 2: Trek to Leonotis Camp (fb) Trek 16km
Day 3: Trek to Lake Natron Camp with a pick up at the bottom of the rift valley. Lake Natron Camp (fb) Trek 12km, Drive 14km
Day 4: Relax and take part in activities at Lake Natron Camp (fb)
Day 5: Trek & drive to Sanjan. Sanjan Camp (fb). Trek 6km. Drive 22km
Day 6: Trek & drive to Piyaya. Piyaya Camp (fb). Trek 10km. Drive 4km
Day 7: Pick up from Nasera rock. Drive 4km to pickup point then transfer to Serengeti or Ngorongoro or Ndutu
| $request | time: 7 days |
TRADITIONAL MAASAI BBQ | $INCLUDED | UPON REQUEST WITH GROUPS
Enjoy a traditional Maasai Goat BBQ around the campfire with singing and dancing entertainment.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
