This great continent of Africa is one of the most expansive and unique wildlife destinations of the world, drawing travelers to its weighty heat, singing thornveld, vast deserts, tropical rain forests, mountains and valleys, and far-reaching savannahs throughout the year. Of course, a continent must have its coastlines, and associated islands, which have long since drifted off the mainland and developed their own pace of life. One of these such magnificent islands is Zanzibar – Tanzania’s semi-autonomous oceanic neighbour – which is alluringly known as part of the Spice Island archipelago. If you’re picturing jewel-toned waters lapping delicately at white shores, scents of vanilla and clove in the air, a network of dhows criss-crossing in the shallows, and emerald tree canopies hiding beautiful beach lodges at the peak of tranquil exclusivity; you’d be on the money.
We love Zanzibar, and it is popularly chosen to tie in with a Serengeti or Great Rift Valley safari, which offer some of East Africa’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. A “beach and bush” combo is often the ideal mixture as a holiday itinerary, as it incorporates both the early morning game drive adventures, and the slow-paced island lifestyle of palm-strewn Zanzibar. We’ve picked two of our favourite spots for the “beach” leg of a combination East African safari, showcasing the best of this ancient Persian part of the world. A rich mixture of Middle Eastern and African flavour, culminating in a flawless luxury island destination; Zanzibar is African island perfection!
andBeyond Mnemba Private Island
This small island in the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of Tanzania is where exclusivity meets sophisticated beach luxury. True to andBeyond style, this is a flawless retreat designed for the ultimate in relaxation – the best of the best. There is no on else on the island, and each of the 10 “Bandas” have private access to the white, powdery beach and the coral reefs beyond. Festive beach dinners, or quiet evenings for two on the shores of island, surrounded by stars; Mnemba easily tailors the experience for their guests.
Some serious scuba diving opportunities have wormed their way up the list of “things to do” while on Mnemba Island, while those who like to stay above water can choose from an array of boating, paddle-boarding, fishing, or beaching activities on offer. The coral reefs surrounding the island are famously beautiful, and a bit of gentle snorkelling can be just as rewarding as a closer look on a scuba dive.
In the evenings, your room glows warmly among the trees, airy and open, and designed for rustic comfort. The traditional style of the Bandas reminds you of the rich culture of East Africa, while the simplistic, natural textures, materials and colours of the furnishings are subtle and soothing. Be whisked away in the trusted comfort of this andBeyond destination, and capture the sheer beauty of Indian Ocean as it hugs the shore of Zanzibar.
A private villa paradise on Zanzibar Island, Matemwe Retreat is grand, yet understated, and its location puts it in close proximity to the liveliness of the island’s industry and culture, while maintaining solitude as a sublime sanctuary. The excitement of a spice tour, delving into the aromatic, ancient trade and discovering what makes Zanzibar one of the Spice Islands, is one of the activities on offer, as is a trip to Stone Town – a World Heritage Site. Matemwe’s magnificent spa offers pampering treatments and mesmerising massages, whisking you off into a world of relaxation; while, guests who are looking to explore and absorb as much as possible, there are options for fully guided village tours, forest walks, and boating excursions to remote sandbank islands… Not to mention the scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, kite-surfing, fishing, and sailing; all of which are readily available to those active, outdoorsy visitors.
The villas themselves (4 in total) are vastly spacious, beautifully appointed, and complete with sublime views of the Zanzibarian seas. Think private verandahs, rooftop terraces, a private plunge pool, hammocks, cocktail bars, indulgent bedrooms and bathrooms. Matemwe Retreat is Afro-chic in every sense of the word, and in celebrating the nature and culture of Zanzibar, the villas have been constructed using local materials and decorated with fabrics, textiles, and artefacts that have been handmade and built by Zanzibar’s local villagers. Totally enchanting and unforgettable.
