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Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island Lodge

About Mnemba Island Lodge

The term 'barefoot luxury' might have been coined for Mnemba, a formerly uninhabited island just over 2km ...

... off the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Ringed by a mile (1.6km) of soft, powder-white coral sand, where turtles come to nest, this 12-hectare (30-acre) private island has at its heart a tropical forest that is home to nothing more dangerous than butterflies and cute suni antelope. Offshore, the island is surrounded by the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, whose coral reefs offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in Tanzania.

There's nowhere we know that's quite like Mnemba. There are very few places in East Africa where you can enjoy your own private island, with such stunning beaches and pristine marine life (although access to the reef is not limited to island guests). The service is exceptional, the food exquisite and everything runs like clockwork. It’s not cheap, but with lots of space, first-rate food and service, and one of the best beach locations in Africa, it is very good. If you're looking for a top-end destination for a super beach holiday in an exclusive setting, then it would be hard to beat.

Our view

There's nowhere we know that's quite like Mnemba. There are very few places in East Africa where you can enjoy your own private island, with such stunning beaches and pristine marine life (although access to the reef is not limited to island guests). The service is exceptional, the food exquisite and everything runs like clockwork. It’s not cheap, but with lots of space, first-rate food and service, and one of the best beach locations in Africa, it is very good. If you're looking for a top-end destination for a super beach holiday in an exclusive setting, then it would be hard to beat.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Zanzibar expert

Accommodation

11 bandas

Children

Ok for 12+

Open

21 May to 7 April

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Kayaking

Kayaking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Mnemba Island Lodge

11 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


96%
11 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
9
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jenny fromFaversham

Arrived 10 Sep 2022, 5 nights

"Idyllic"

"It really is as described: bare foot luxury. …" Read Jenny ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs B.fromBasel

Arrived 17 Oct 2019, 3 nights

"No words can describe it!"

"We absolutely completely loved it. No words can describe how much we loved it! …" Read Mrs B.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr MfromSao Paulo

Arrived 31 Aug 2018, 3 nights

"Mnemba Island Lodge review"

"perfect place for relax and rest. …" Read Mr M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs DfromHerts

Arrived 14 Oct 2017, 3 nights

"Desert Island Dream"

"The accommodation is of a very high standard and the island is beautiful. …" Read Mr & Mrs D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs HfromGuernsey

Arrived 27 Sep 2015, 4 nights

"Mnemba Island Lodge review"

"An unforgettable experience in this little piece of paradise. The island …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs RfromChelsea

Arrived 12 Jan 2015, 3 nights

"Mnemba Island Lodge review"

"Simply stunning all round. We basically inhabited our own slice of the island- …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs H,fromLondon

Arrived 4 Oct 2014, 3 nights

"Unique and truly exceptional"

"Boring, everything was truly excellent! From the moment you arrive you …" Read Mr & Mrs H,’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs FfromDevon

Arrived 20 Sep 2014, 7 nights

"Mnemba Island Lodge review"

"Absolute Heaven!! Spoilt from start to finish. Best snorkelling/diving …" Read Mr & Mrs F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromBristol

Arrived 11 Sep 2011, 6 nights

"Hatching turtles at Mnemba"

"Mnemba most unexpectedly provided us with two viewings of a turtle hatching …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr L & Ms WfromRedhill

Arrived 25 Jul 2011, 5 nights

"Mnemba Island Lodge review"

"A really exceptional stay where we enjoyed every moment. The food was an absolute …" Read Mr L & Ms W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Mnemba Island Lodge reviews

Mnemba Island Lodge: Our full report

The term 'barefoot luxury' might have been coined for Mnemba, a formerly uninhabited island just over 2km ...

... off the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Ringed by a mile (1.6km) of soft, powder-white coral sand, where turtles come to nest, this 12-hectare (30-acre) private island has at its heart a tropical forest that is home to nothing more dangerous than butterflies and cute suni antelope. Offshore, the island is surrounded by the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, whose coral reefs offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in Tanzania.

The island is often referred to as Mnemba Atoll, although this isn't technically correct as an atoll is a ring of old coral reefs enclosing a shallow lagoon – whereas Mnemba is still a true island surrounded by reefs. Green turtles are regular visitors to the island; females come to nest on the pristine beaches, with the hatchlings emerging around 55 days later. In the forest, Mnemba is home to two species of antelope, the spaniel-sized suni antelope and the endangered Aders’ duiker; there are thought to be just 300–400 Aders’ duiker left in the wild, with around 25 of these found on Mnemba. And the rich biodiversity of the coral reefs surrounding the island is enhanced by a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, which are regularly spotted by visitors.

Mnemba Island Lodge (formerly Mnemba Island Club) is the height of exclusivity. Eleven very private bandas, constructed from hand-woven coconut palm and local timber, overlook the beach from the forest's edge. These bandas, or chalets, are large, airy and very open-plan: expect to find a few crabs scuttling across the immaculate mkeka-mat floors. Furnished simply, but very tastefully, each banda has a huge bed, wooden furniture, and lots of comfortable cream sofas. In front of the bedroom is an open-sided lounge with soft seating and low tables, complete with a stack of board games such as Scrabble and backgammon. The minibar is stocked with a range of beverages, and include a recipe for a ‘dawa’ (a Zanzibari cocktail of vodka, lime juice and honey).

A palm-covered walkway leads to your stylish timber en-suite bathroom, with twin sinks and a large rain shower whose shower curtain is crafted from Kenyan glass beads. From each banda a sandy path leads down to the stunning beach, where you can find a shaded seating area and a couple of private sunloungers.

In a small clearing set back from the beach, the open-sided lounge and dining area have been beautifully designed, echoing the feel of the bandas. Curvaceous cream sofas line the low walls, a well-stocked bar sits in front of a beaded glass curtain, and soft lighting is enhanced by handcrafted lightshades by Cape Town designer Heath Nash. In the evening the lounge comes alive as guests gather to share cocktails before dinner.

Mnemba's cuisine is predictably excellent, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and the flexibility to cater for individual needs exceedingly well. Candlelit dinners on the beach are the norm and fresh seafood commonly features on the menu. The service is superb, and guests are really made to feel special. Your personal butler is on hand to bring sundowner drinks and snacks to your banda, and Mnemba’s head chef will check in with guests on a regular basis to discuss the day’s menu and see if they have any specific culinary requests.

Tucked behind the lounge is a small curio shop selling a selection of clothing and locally produced jewellery. When we last stayed in July 2017, this included a new collection of Tanzanite pieces, a striking blue gemstone that can be found only in Tanzania, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

There's a first-class PADI dive centre on the island and up to two dives per day are included in the cost of your stay if you are already qualified. You can of course also learn to dive here. Other activities include snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fly fishing and dhow cruises. The dive instructors are highly knowledgeable about the marine life around Mnemba, as well as the birds and animals found on the island. They can happily chat to you about the turtle-breeding project and show you the nesting sties.

Guests can easily snorkel out to the azure blue waters of the house reef, which lies around 20 metres off shore, but there are also several diving and snorkelling sites that can be accessed by boat. The island's fringing reefs and coral gardens, however, are not private, and dozens of boats from Zanzibar's east-coast hotels bring their guests to these shallow seas for snorkelling and diving; this includes around Mnemba’s house reef. While these visitors are not permitted to land on Mnemba, their presence, sometimes close to the shore of the little island, inevitably detracts from its hideaway exclusivity.

Mnemba Island Lodge is highly involved in several communities on the main Zanzibar island and they run a number of excellent projects. Working with nearby schools, they have to date built eight classrooms and have renovated a further ten. Children from Zanzibar regularly visit the island, too, giving them the chance to learn about conserving the coral reefs and to participate in turtle hatchings.

Geographics

Location
East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Ideal length of stay
We recommend at least four nights on Mnemba Island, but most visitors stay longer.
Directions
From Zanzibar Airport it’s a drive of approximately 60 minutes to Muyuni Beach, from where you will be met by a speedboat that will take you to Mnemba Island – a transfer of approximately 10 minutes.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The food at Mnemba Island Lodge is outstanding. The dishes are highly inventive and each is beautifully spiced and seasoned; on our most recent visit, in July 2017, they were some of the best we have tasted anywhere on Zanzibar! The lodge sources many of the ingredients on Zanzibar, and the menu always features locally caught fresh fish and seafood. Each day Mnemba’s chefs produce different menu suggestions; they offer a highly personalised service and the chef will discuss your individual preferences with you and see if you have any specific requests.

Mealtimes and locations are very flexible. Breakfast can be served either in your own private banda, or in the central dining area. We were treated to a platter of tropical fruit, sticky brioche buns, natural yoghurt, kiwi purée, local honey, lemon curd and a selection of seeds and nuts. This was followed by hot waffles with cherry compote and whipped cream! The chefs are very happy to cook an English breakfast with eggs, sausages and bacon if you prefer.

For lunch we enjoyed a starter of arancini stuffed with mozzarella and accompanied by crispy onions. For the main course we had perfectly cooked lemon and herb chicken with a creamy coconut sauce, a local kachumbari salad and freshly baked bread; this was rounded off with delicious homemade Amarula ice cream.

Dinner is normally served on the beach surrounded by storm lanterns, which create a lovely atmosphere. We started with a fresh watermelon and cucumber salad, which was followed by jackfish, cashew nut and coconut curry with fragrant jasmine rice, poppadums, and a mango and chilli salsa. For dessert we had a scrumptious spiced chai panna cotta with a berry purée!
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
All tea, coffee, soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and local beers are included. If you wished to order a bottle of champagne or premium wine or spirits, these would be at extra cost.

The tap water is drinkable, and bottled water is supplied in the bandas.

Special interests

Honeymoons
The ultimate Zanzibar honeymoon beach retreat, Mnemba Island Lodge is on a pristine, private island with superb accommodation and excellent food & service. Enjoy island strolls and snorkelling trips. It's a romantic, exclusive and luxurious paradise.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar
Beach holidays
Mnemba Island Lodge is the ultimate remote, exclusive beach retreat. It's relaxing and laid-back, with high standards that are delightfully understated. It is costly, but the beaches are stunning and it will a fabulous beach holiday in Tanzania.
See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
Diving & snorkelling
Mnemba Island is surrounded by some of Zanzibar's best coral reefs, making it a great location for diving and snorkelling in Tanzania. Guests at Mnemba Island Lodge have immediate access to this spectacular reef – just a step off the shore.
See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar
Wellbeing
The peace and serenity of Mnemba Island Lodge provide an idyllic setting for a very relaxing beach retreat. Try yoga on the beach, take a dip in the Indian Ocean and unwind with a massage in the privacy of your own beautiful beach villa.
See ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar
Luxury
Located on a private island, Mnemba Island Lodge is the height of luxury and exclusivity. It’s the quintessential “barefoot luxury” experience complete with first-rate service and food, and excellent snorkelling and diving.
See ideas for Luxury in Zanzibar

Children

Attitude towards children
Mnemba Island accepts children over the age of 12.
Property’s age restrictions
12+
Special activities & services
There are no special services for children, although Mnemba offers a highly personalised service and the staff will happily provide child-friendly activities such as nature walks through the forest or trips to see the dolphins. Whilst babysitting is offered please note that this is not by professionally trained babysitters.
Equipment
Two of the bandas are interconnecting, making these a good choice for families.
Generally recommended for children
Although Mnemba welcomes older children, we feel that the atmosphere at Mnemba is generally more suited to adults, and there are no facilities such as swimming pools or TV rooms to keep them occupied during ‘down time’.
Notes
There's usually a limit on the number of children on the island at any one time. Unless, of course, you book the whole island...

Communications

Communications
There is some cellphone phone reception on the island. Broadband WiFi is available in all the bandas and communal areas.
TV & radio
There is a TV at the dive centre which is mainly used for diving courses.
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
Mnemba’s water is provided by a high-end desalination plant.

Sustainability

Mnemba: Conserving 2,000km of African coastline.

Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, Mnemba Island is one of three luxury private islands owned by &Beyond (the other two being off the coast of Mozambique). Oceans Without Borders was born to initiate and support marine conservation projects between all the islands, thus helping to conserve the 2,000km of coastline along which the islands are found. The projects fall into two categories: community development and monitoring and research.

In 2005, the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area (MIMCA) was established with the Zanzibar Department of Fisheries and local fisherman. It is a protected area with specific areas for tourist activities and fishing, with a daily fee for usage that is in turn used for community projects. A key objective is education, in order to ensure fisherman are using sustainable fishing practices: reducing shallow water net fishing to lessen the impact on the coral and increasing fishing for larger species further out, in lower numbers. The reefs are continually monitored by the Oceans Without Borders team, as well as whale migration routes across the whole Oceans Without Borders region.

A number of species are monitored and protected on the island itself. Mnemba is one of only a few protected nesting sites for the green turtle, listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. The nests, eggs, hatchlings and mothers are monitored by &Beyond staff with data shared across various research organisations and government departments.

Ader’s duiker is the rarest antelope in Africa and the island has undertaken a successful breeding programme, with the population increasing seven-fold since their introduction in 2005. There is also a breeding programme for the endangered suni antelope, which has been so effective that over 300 have been translocated to improve numbers in parks elsewhere.

With similar work being carried out on the other &Beyond Mozambique islands, a significant area of the East African coastline is under continued protection.

See more great sustainability projects in Zanzibar

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The diving instructors are fully qualified first aiders and are competent to handle minor medical problems. For anything more serious a doctor from the main island is a ten-minute call away, and there are hospitals in Stone Town.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The island is guarded by policemen and security guards who are on duty around the clock.
Fire safety
There are fire hydrants in each banda and also in the communal areas.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Full Laundry Service - Included
Money
There are no safes in the bandas, but guests may store valuables in the safe in the office.
Accepted payment on location
Mnemba Island accepts all major credit and debit cards including Mastercard, Visa and American Express. They also accept cash payments in US dollars, GB pounds, euros or Tanzanian shillings.

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Mnemba Island Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mnemba Island Lodge.


Excursions from Mnemba Island Lodge

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Mnemba Island Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Jambiani Village Tour

Jambiani Village Tour

Half-day - mornings

Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.

More about Village Tour
100% (1 reviews)
Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest Tour

Half-day or combine with other tours

For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.

More about Jozani Forest
70% (6 reviews)

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When to go to East Coast Zanzibar

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mnemba Island Lodge in East Coast Zanzibar


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zanzibar in January

As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.

New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.

  • Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
  • High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
  • Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
  • Quieter and better value later in the month.
  • Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Zanzibar in February

The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.

At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.

  • Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
  • Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
  • Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
  • North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
  • ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Zanzibar in March

March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.

Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.

  • Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
  • Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
  • Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
  • The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Zanzibar in April

April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.

Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.

  • Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
  • Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
  • Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
  • Low prices and few other tourists.
  • Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Zanzibar in May

The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.

Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.

  • Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
  • Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
  • Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Zanzibar in June

June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.

The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
  • Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
  • Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
  • Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Zanzibar in July

July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.

The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.

  • Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
  • Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
  • Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
  • Great beach weather result in high prices.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Zanzibar in August

August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.

High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.

  • Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
  • Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
  • High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
  • With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zanzibar in September

September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.

September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.

  • Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
  • Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
  • Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
  • Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Zanzibar in October

October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.

With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.

  • End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
  • Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
  • Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
  • High demand means prices remain high.
  • Northeast coast generally more sheltered.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Zanzibar in November

The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.

Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.

  • Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
  • Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
  • Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Zanzibar in December

December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.

The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.

  • Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
  • High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
  • Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
  • Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
  • Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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