Experience Mnemba Toll’s top marine adventures on your Zanzibar safari holiday dolphin swims, reef dives, dhow cruises, and romantic sandbank picnics.
Mnemba Toll is a jewel in Zanzibar’s marine crown, offering a vibrant blend of adventure, tranquility, and natural wonder that elevates any Zanzibar safari holiday. Whether you’re swimming with wild dolphins in the morning light or snorkeling through coral gardens teeming with parrotfish and green turtles, the experiences here connect you deeply with the ocean. Scuba diving enthusiasts find thrill in exploring drift walls and bioluminescent night dives, while romantic sandbank picnics and dhow cruises offer serenity and exclusivity. Mnemba Toll caters to every kind of traveler from adrenaline seekers to honeymooners making it a must-visit destination. The surrounding marine reserve’s clear waters and ethical operators ensure your encounters with wildlife are respectful and unforgettable. When timed during the dry season (June–October), conditions are ideal for reef exploration, dolphin watching, and sunset sails. Whether you're unwinding on a sandbar or diving into marine depths, every moment at Mnemba Toll becomes a defining highlight of your Zanzibar safari holiday
Best Zanzibar safari holiday Packages
Best 5 Things to Do at Mnemba Toll on Zanzibar Safari Holiday
1. Swim with Wild Dolphins
One of the most magical experiences on a Zanzibar safari holiday is swimming with wild dolphins near Mnemba’s dolphin playground. Early morning tours offer the best chance to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, often gliding alongside swimmers without barriers or cages. To ensure your Zanzibar safari holiday remains ethical and respectful, choose operators who avoid chasing dolphins and allow interactions to happen naturally. This approach protects marine life and creates a more authentic, serene experience.
2. Snorkel the Coral at 3 Stop Reef Safari
Snorkeling at Mnemba Toll is a must-do on any Zanzibar safari holiday, especially the popular 3-stop reef safari. Explore the Aquarium’s shallow coral gardens, perfect for beginners, then drift along the Coral Wall teeming with reef fish, and finish at Turtle Point where green turtles graze on seagrass. You’ll spot parrotfish, clownfish, moray eels, and even reef sharks. These vibrant underwater scenes make your Zanzibar safari holiday unforgettable, offering a kaleidoscope of marine life in crystal-clear waters.
3. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving at Mnemba Toll elevates your Zanzibar safari holiday with underwater exploration. Dive sites like Big Wall offer dramatic drift dives along coral cliffs, while Kichwani is ideal for night dives illuminated by bioluminescent plankton. From December to March, lucky divers may even encounter whale sharks cruising through the deep. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, adding scuba to your Zanzibar safari holiday unlocks a hidden world of aquatic wonder.
4. Private Sandbank Picnic
A private sandbank picnic is the ultimate romantic escape during your Zanzibar safari holiday. Book a traditional dhow to drop you on a secluded sandbar at low tide, where you’ll enjoy champagne lunches surrounded by 360° views of turquoise sea. This exclusive experience adds a luxurious touch to your Zanzibar safari holiday, perfect for honeymooners or anyone seeking solitude and serenity in nature’s most pristine setting.
5. Sunset Dhow Cruise
End your day with a sunset dhow cruise, a timeless highlight of any Zanzibar safari holiday. Sail aboard a handcrafted wooden dhow with a local crew, gliding across calm waters as the sky turns gold and crimson. Many cruises include snorkeling stops and onboard BBQs featuring freshly grilled seafood. This relaxing journey adds cultural charm and culinary delight to your Zanzibar safari holiday, blending tradition, flavor, and breathtaking views into one unforgettable evening
Best time for things to do at Mnemba toll on Zanzibar safari holiday.
The best time for activities at Mnemba Toll during a Zanzibar safari holiday is from June to October, when the dry season brings sunny skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin watching. These months offer ideal conditions for exploring coral reefs, enjoying sandbank picnics, and sailing on traditional dhows. If you're planning a Zanzibar safari holiday that includes marine adventures, this period ensures minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures, making every moment on and under the water truly spectacular. While December to February also provides good weather, the June–October window is especially favored for its consistency and vibrant marine life
How to get there to things to do at Mnemba Toll on a Zanzibar safari holiday
To enjoy the best things to do at Mnemba Toll on a Zanzibar safari holiday, the most common route is via Matemwe Beach, located on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar. From there, you can hire a local boat or book a guided tour that includes snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sandbank picnics. The boat ride to Mnemba Atoll takes about 20–30 minutes depending on sea conditions. If you're staying in Nungwi or Kendwa, transfers to Matemwe can be arranged through your hotel or tour operator. For those on a luxury Zanzibar safari holiday, resorts often offer private dhow cruises or speedboat transfers directly to the reef. Keep in mind that Mnemba Island itself is private and only accessible to guests of the andBeyond resort, but the surrounding marine reserve is open to day visitors for water activities. Booking through ethical operators ensures respectful wildlife encounters and a smooth experience
Other top adventures on Zanzibar safari holiday
1. Swim with Whale Sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is a bucket-list moment on any Zanzibar safari holiday. These gentle giants reaching up to 12 meters glide through the warm waters near Kizimkazi or Mafia Island between October and March. No cages, just open ocean freedom and respectful snorkeling alongside them. For a meaningful experience, choose eco-certified guides who enforce no-touch policies and protect marine habitats. This unforgettable encounter adds aquatic wonder to your Zanzibar safari holiday, combining adventure and conservation in one rare, immersive moment.
2. Jozani Forest’s Red Colobus Monkeys
Exploring Jozani Forest introduces you to Zanzibar’s endemic red colobus monkeys playful, endangered, and utterly photogenic. These rare primates thrive in protected forests and mangroves, making for engaging wildlife watching. Guided tours include nature walks, birdwatching, and even dusk sightings of bushbabies. Including this stop on your Zanzibar safari holiday adds depth and ecological awareness. It’s a perfect contrast to beach days and further enriches your overall Zanzibar safari holiday with a unique forest-based experience.
3. Spice Farm Tour No Zanzibar safari holiday
No Zanzibar safari holiday is complete without a visit to Kidichi or Kizimbani spice farms, where the air is alive with clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Local guides lead you through lush plantations, encouraging you to smell and taste fresh spices straight from the tree. This sensory journey connects you to Zanzibar’s rich agricultural and trading past. Including a spice tour adds cultural flavor literally and figuratively to your Zanzibar safari holiday, making it both educational and unforgettable.
4. Kitesurfing in Paje
Paje’s shallow, turquoise lagoons and reliable winds make it a top destination for kitesurfing during your Zanzibar safari holiday. Whether you're new to the sport or an expert rider, local schools like Kite Centre Zanzibar offer lessons tailored to all levels. The adrenaline of gliding across open water pairs beautifully with beachside serenity. For active travelers, kitesurfing brings kinetic energy to your Zanzibar safari holiday, proving the island offers more than just sunbathing it’s a full-throttle coastal playground..
5. Deep-Sea Fishing
Add deep-sea fishing to your Zanzibar safari holiday and chase big-game catches like marlin, dorado, and tuna. Charters depart from Nungwi or Fumba and run 4–8 hours, complete with gear and experienced crews. Whether you're after the thrill of reeling in a trophy fish or simply enjoying the sea breeze, this aquatic adventure adds bold excitement to your itinerary. It’s a rugged and rewarding contrast to the relaxed luxury of a Zanzibar safari holiday.
6. Stone Town’s Hidden Gems
Stone Town adds historic charm and street-level culture to your Zanzibar safari holiday. Wander its UNESCO-listed alleys to find Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, vibrant markets, and tingatinga art galleries. Sample spicy food at Forodhani Night Market and reflect on Zanzibar’s layered past at the Old Slave Market. These experiences reveal a soulful side of island life. Including Stone Town enriches your Zanzibar safari holiday with stories, tastes, and textures you won’t find on the beach.
7. Kayak with Bioluminescent Plankton
On new moon nights, kayaking in Michamvi Peninsula reveals glowing trails of bioluminescent plankton a hidden jewel of any Zanzibar safari holiday. As you paddle, the water sparkles with each stroke, creating an ethereal experience that feels truly otherworldly. This quiet nighttime adventure adds wonder and serenity to your Zanzibar safari holiday, especially for travelers who crave natural magic beyond daytime excursions. It’s a moment of pure enchantment under the stars.
8. Quad Biking to Zanzibar’s Caves
Venture inland on your Zanzibar safari holiday with a quad biking tour to Kuumbi Caves. Ride through rural villages, jungle paths, and coral landscapes before reaching these sacred caves rooted in Swahili legend. It’s a mix of speed and storytelling that appeals to adventurous spirits. Guided by eco-conscious operators, the experience adds depth and dynamism to your Zanzibar safari holiday, making it about more than just coastlines it's also about discovering Zanzibar’s hidden heart.
9. Sunset Dhow Cruise with Snorkeling
Sail into twilight aboard a traditional dhow for a relaxing close to your Zanzibar safari holiday. These hand-carved boats glide from Kendwa or Stone Town and include snorkeling stops and BBQ feasts. As the sky ignites with sunset colors, enjoy the rhythm of the ocean and hospitality of your Zanzibari crew. This romantic outing enhances your Zanzibar safari holiday with cultural charm and scenic splendor that’s best appreciated over calm seas and grilled seafood.
10. Sleep in a Beach Treehouse
Elevate your Zanzibar safari holiday by booking a beach treehouse or overwater villa at spots like The Rock or Melia Zanzibar. Wake up to ocean breezes and panoramic views, surrounded by nature and comfort. These accommodations offer both tranquility and extravagance, turning your stay into a destination itself. Sleeping above the sea adds a fantasy-like finale to your Zanzibar safari holiday, ensuring your escape ends as magically as it began
What to carry for things to do at Mnemba toll Zanzibar safari holiday
For a fulfilling adventure at Mnemba Toll during your Zanzibar safari holiday, pack essential gear to stay comfortable and ready for ocean excursions. Swimwear, a quick-dry towel, and water shoes are vital for dolphin swims, snorkeling, and sandbank strolls. Include reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses for sun protection. A waterproof phone case or GoPro lets you capture underwater highlights, while a reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated. For added convenience, bring a dry bag to safeguard electronics and valuables during dhow cruises. Preparing smartly ensures your Zanzibar safari holiday is stress-free, eco-conscious, and unforgettable from beach to reef
Where to stay during Zanzibar safari holiday
While on Zanzibar safari holiday, the best places to stay blend coastal luxury, cultural richness, and easy access to adventure. On the beachfront, Baraza Resort and Spa offers opulent villas with private plunge pools, while Tulia Zanzibar delivers serenity and gourmet experiences ideal for couples. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort with spacious rooms and lively pools. For wildlife connections, Meliá Serengeti Lodge and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge provide comfort deep within Tanzania’s game-rich plains. In Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers forest-facing suites perfect for gorilla trekking, complemented by Virunga Inn’s proximity and charm. Each stay elevates your Zanzibar safari holiday into a tailored, memorable experience
Why book Zanzibar safari holiday with Dav safaris
Booking your Zanzibar safari holiday with Dav Safaris means choosing a team that blends deep local expertise with personalized service and ethical travel values. Our itineraries are crafted to balance adventure and relaxation whether you're snorkeling with dolphins, exploring Stone Town’s cultural gems, or unwinding on Nungwi’s pristine beaches. Dav Safaris works with top-rated guides and accommodations, ensuring your Zanzibar safari holiday is seamless from arrival to departure. We’re known for tailoring experiences to your interests, whether you’re a honeymooner, photographer, or family traveler. Plus, their commitment to conservation and community engagement means your journey supports local livelihoods and protects Zanzibar’s natural beauty