A postcard from Tanzania: Enjoying a private island getaway near Zanzibar

Like many, I had never stepped onto a private island outside my dreams. Then, earlier this year, I had the chance to experience andBeyond Mnemba Island — a secluded, coral-ringed paradise with pristine white sands, nestled in the Zanzibar archipelago of Tanzania. It felt like a dream vacation, so stunning and lush that I would question its reality if not for the photos I took to remember it by.

Where did you stay? What was the ambiance like?

Mnemba Island is located just off Zanzibar's northeastern coast, enveloped by vibrant coral reefs and the striking turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s so petite that you can stroll along its fin-shaped shoreline in less than an hour. Shoes are optional, and few choose to wear them. There are no roads or honking horns, just the tranquility of guests and staff from the AndBeyond Mnemba Island resort. The island offers little more than snorkeling, lounging, dining, and reading — and that’s precisely the allure.

The resort features 12 rustic luxury villas nestled against a casuarina pine forest, each offering its own private stretch of beach — giving you a personal slice of paradise right at your doorstep. The atmosphere here is soothing, including the gentle sea. The surrounding coral reefs are part of a marine conservation area, and the island serves as one of only two protected nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle.

What was the most popular activity you engaged in?

A snorkeling experience available to all guests on the island. The pristine waters surrounding Mnemba Island provide some of the most accessible reef diving in Africa. Thanks to its marine park designation, these waters are alive with a diverse array of fish species. During our trip, we explored the community-run artificial reef where marine rangers from andBeyond’s charity, Oceans Without Borders, are dedicated to rehabilitating damaged coral reefs along Mnemba's shores through coral transplantation and essential ecological surveys.

I had tried snorkeling once before and despised it. It was off the rugged west coast of Ireland in the frigid Atlantic, where the water was rough and bitterly cold. My face felt raw, and I don’t think I saw a thing. This time, however, was a completely different experience. The warm, calm waters of the Indian Ocean felt like bathwater. The visibility was so clear that I could see all the way to the bottom, marveling as ghost pipefish, leaf fish, striped zebra fish, and elusive dragon moray eels, perfectly camouflaged, glided beneath me through vibrant coral — completely unfazed by my presence. I was astonished by the sheer abundance of marine life I encountered.

What was the most picturesque activity you experienced?

There were countless memorable moments. One evening, guests were invited to board a schooner for a sunset cruise. As we glided through the waters, cocktails were crafted on deck (I chose an Aperol Spritz), accompanied by a selection of appetizers like olives, spiced nuts, coconut, mango, and other delicious treats, all while we admired the sunset and watched fish swim by in the sea.

On another evening, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, we savored a dinner right on the beach. It felt incredibly special. Stars twinkled overhead, lanterns danced in the breeze, and the only sounds were soft laughter and the gentle rhythm of the waves. Every meal we experienced here was superb, locally sourced whenever possible, and exceptionally fresh. That night’s dinner consisted of a Tanzanian feast featuring pilau, chapati, samosas, curries, and tropical fruits for dessert.

What was the highlight of your trip?

One experience stands out above the rest. My visit to Mnemba aligned perfectly with the turtle hatching season, creating a real-life Blue Planet moment. Conservationists from Oceans Without Borders invited guests to watch (from a safe distance) as the tiny green sea turtle hatchlings emerged from their protected nests and began their inaugural journey to the ocean. We were advised not to intervene, even if it seemed they were struggling or disoriented. Remarkably, they instinctively knew what to do. We watched, tears in our eyes, as their little flippers propelled them across the sand towards the tide, ready to embark on their journey (sob!).

Even months later, I find myself wondering where those sea turtles might be now. The prospects aren't encouraging; the Oceans Without Borders team shared that only about one in a thousand marine turtles survive to adulthood. Numerous threats await them—most of which are man-made—such as habitat destruction, poaching, accidental capture in fishing gear, and plastic pollution.

What about its sustainability credentials?

AndBeyond Mnemba Island is managed by andBeyond, a luxury travel company known for its exquisite safari and wilderness lodges across Africa. It is also a member of Beyond Green, an organization that encompasses eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and lodges worldwide. To qualify for membership in Beyond Green, properties must demonstrate that their sustainability initiatives surpass typical eco-conscious measures such as zero-waste and plastic-free practices. Beyond Green emphasizes the necessity of balancing luxury, profitability, and support for local communities, cultures (especially Indigenous ones), and the environment. Members are required to provide fair wages, implement anti-discrimination policies, and source supplies locally whenever possible. This initiative helps travelers identify vetted properties that contribute positively in meaningful ways. Notably, Beyond Green members provide guests with unique opportunities to engage in conservation efforts during their stay.

AndBeyond Mnemba Island adopts a comprehensive approach to sustainability. Beyond meeting fundamental requirements, the resort is distinguished by its active participation in coral reef restoration and the conservation of endangered sea turtles in collaboration with Oceans Without Borders. These experiences made my trip memorable. While it was delightful to stay at a private island resort with attentive staff catering to my every need, witnessing the turtles embark on their perilous journey across the ocean and observing the ongoing coral reef conservation efforts—and the positive impacts already achieved—were incredibly special. Both experiences served as a poignant reminder of the precious marine life we risk losing due to the significant challenges our oceans face.

Sasha traveled to Tanzania with the support of Beyond Green. Dinogo Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for favorable coverage.