Tanzania Honeymoon Vacation
 

Mnemba Island - Near Zanzibar

Mnemba island lies 20 minutes by boat from the North east coast of Zanzibar, protected by a lagoon with over 15 miles of reefs rich in colorful fish and corals. This private island resort offers "barefoot luxury" in ten self-contained cottages, positioned disjointedly amid the lush tropical vegetation. The Mnemba beach excursion ranks among the top three beautiful clean beaches in the World.

While in Mnemba you will be relaxing at the hotel and have excursion near by explore the following features.

The Island Environment: This paradise on earth doesn't accommodate tropical insects such as mosquitoes, scorpions or snakes rather the green forest inhabit the rare Zanzibar suni antelope as well as numerous butterflies.

Landscape: Lies along the Indian Ocean Mnemba fall within a 210 meter protected zone and provide a sanctuary for a host of marine animals and magnificent coral reefs. Just below the surface, and down to the seabed, are vibrant ecosystems to match the enthusiasm and majesty of the Zanzibar savannahs and tropical forests.

Mnemba Marine – Mnemba records more than 340 species of fish including butterflyfish, angelfish, spinner and striped dolphin. The striped dolphin is the most common marine mammal, but other dolphins and whales are also present. The gigantic, harmless Whale Shark, the world's largest fish, is a frequent visitor to Mnemba. The beauty of Mnemba excel to the fish games as well as diving to the coral reefs which host fascinating creatures including spectacular anemones, nudibranches, starfish and crabs.

Birdlife – The migratory bird from the frozen north to the Zanzibar tropics twice a year throughout their lives. Mnemba is rich in birdlife especially during the high tide; flocks of wading birds can be seen on sandbars. Some of the bird species include the Paradise Flycatcher, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Purple-branded Sunbird and Bar-tailed Godwit.

Chuini Palace Ruins - This palace, built by Sultan Barghash, lies on an artificial terrace behind a creek, which allowed a sufficient inflow of water as to supply the hammam, or bathhouse. North of the palace is the chimney of a steam-powered sugar factory built by the Sultan.

Beir-el-Ras Palace Ruins - These ruins are situated on the shore. The fine arches are all that remain of this Persian-built structure. Although building started in 1847, Sultan Sayyid Said died before its completion, and custom prevented his successor form continuing the work. Many of the stones were moved and used in constructing a seven-mile stretch of the Bububu Railway.

Dunga Ruins - Dunga Ruins are those of a palace, and are located on the main road to Chwaka Bay, about halfway across the island. The palace was built and used by the last and most feared chiefs in the line of rulers of the Islands. The ruins date back to the 15 th century when early Arab settlements on the coast flourished.

Mtoni Palace Ruins - Mtoni Palace lies next to Maruhubi Palace Ruins. The area was chosen by Sultan Said bin Sultan for his palace, which was constructed between 1828 and 1834 after he left Muscat and made Zanzibar his throne.

Maruhubi Palace Ruins - The Maruhubi Palace is about four kilometers from Zanzibar Town. Sultan Said Barghash constructed the palace between 1880 and 1882 as a harem to accommodate his concubines; in 1889, however, a large fire gutted the palace and it was left derelict. Two bathhouses remain intact, although somewhat neglected, and one may enter and walk around inside.

Outside, surrounded by undulating lawns, there are many remains of the buildings, including some massive stone pillars, which once supported a large overhead balcony and aqueduct. To one side is a low stone basin, containing water lilies and pond life. This site is an ideal and peaceful place for a picnic and to escape the bustle of Stone Town for a couple of hours. A short walk brings one to the beach where local fishermen carry out net and boat repairs and preparations for their fishing trips.
 
Sample Itineraries
 

Day 1:  Arusha
Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) you are met and transferred by our tour guide to the Ilboru Safari Lodge. The lodge offers a perfect haven for visitors recovering from long journey with spacious en suite rooms, a restaurant, pool, internet cafe, and curio shop. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 2:  Arusha National Park
After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive in Arusha National Park, with its lush forests and swamps. This park is also home to Mount Meru, the fourth highest peak in Africa, and the alkaline Momella Lakes. Bird life is abundant, and this is a great place to see the beautiful Black and White Colobus monkey. Giraffes, hippos, and other large game may also be seen. After picnic lunch in Arusha National Park is waterfalls you will be transferred to the Lodge or Camp in Tarangire National Park.

Day 3: Tarangire
In the morning after breakfast you will have a game drive to t he "Baobab and Elephant center of the World," Tarangire is known for its wild landscapes, and diverse habitats. The Tarangire River is the only permanent water source in this region and the park attracts many animals during the dry season (June to November). Optional to game with picnic lunch or go back to the lodge or camp for hot lunch and thereafter afternoon game drive before coming back for dinner and overnight at the Lodge or Campsite in Tarangire.

Day 4:  Lake Manyara National Park
In the morning after breakfast departure for Lake Manyara National Park. Situated in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara is a beautiful park with ground water forest, acacia woodlands, bushy areas, and a soda lake. Visit the hippo pool, and see the flamingos coloring the lake pink from a distance. Dinner and Overnight Hotel or Lodge in Lake Manyara National Park.

Day 5:  Ngorongoro Crater
An early game drive in Lake Manyara National Park as you proceed to Ngorongoro Crater a truly one of the wonders of the world. Arrive at the Crater in time for an afternoon game drive. Designated as a World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro is home to an array of big game animals including the endangered black rhinoceros. Spectacular animal life can be found throughout the year due to the permanent availability of grass and water. Local wildlife includes black maned lion, black rhino, wildebeest, zebra, elephant, hippo, jackal, and hyena. The bird life is also prolific with flocks of flamingos on the soda lake as well as other species of water, migratory and plains birds. Dinner and overnight in the Lodge or camp in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Day 6:  Ngorongoro Crater
Preferable an early morning drive to see the availability of predators hunting and thereafter back to the lodge for breakfast. Having a rest before a walking safari in the afternoon with your guide and a Park ranger in the Ngorongoro Highlands with beautiful views down into Lake Eyasi. Dinner and Overnight at  Lodge in Ngorongoro area.

Day 7-9:  Serengeti National Park and Hot Air Balloon Safari
In the morning, you will drive further up the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley past Ngorongoro to the Serengeti National Park, viewing wildlife en route to your lodge. The Serengeti National Park is perhaps the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. These vast, seemingly unendless plains are inhabited during the migration by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. Large herds of wildebeest and zebra concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains or in the Ikoma/Grumeti region, attracting the attention of predators like the lion, cheetah, and hyena. There are plenty of chances to view game in the Serengeti at any time of year.

Day 10-13:  Pristine Beaches at Matemwe Bungalows
Morning flight from the Serengeti airstrip to Arusha. After a farewell lunch, transfer to the airport for a flight to Zanzibar Island. Head for the East Coast of the Island for a few relaxing days on the pristine beaches in the sun at Matemwe Bungalows.

Spend the next few days enjoying the peaceful beach resort and various activities offered, like Zanzibar spice tour, fishing, day and night diving, dhow trips, and snorkeling. Dinner and overnight at Matemwe Bungalow or similar.

Day 14:  Departure
Enjoy a spiced breakfast and one last stroll on the beach before transferring to Dar Es Salaam International Airport connecting with your international departure.