Landscape
The spectacular waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding Mnemba fall
 within
a 200-metre protected zone and provide a sanctuary for a host of
marine animals and magnificent coral reefs. CC Africa has exclusive
traversing rights over this area. Just below the surface, and down
to the seabed, are vibrant ecosystems to match the excitement and
splendour of the African savannahs and tropical forests.
If you walk barefoot along the beach after dark, you will be entranced
by the light created by your footprints on the wet sand. This remarkable
phenomena is caused by phosphorescence in the surf.
Island Life
The inky green forest light gives shelter to the rare Zanzibar
suni antelope and is filled with White Forest Vagrant butterflies.
There are no snakes, mosquitoes, scorpions or rats on the island,
adding to the assertion that this truly is paradise on earth.
Marine Life
The lagoon is like a huge tropical fish tank, full of colourful
marine organisms. Over 300 species of fish are present. Marine life
includes Powderblue Surgeonfish, Green and Hawksbill Turtle, Vagabond
Butterflyfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Clown Tigerfish, Long-horned
Cowfish, Moorish Idol, Manta Ray, Ghost Crabs and bottlenosed, 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. A host of other sharks and rays are also present. Game fish
include barracuda and marlin, and these are tagged before being
released.
Corals need sunlight to function, but they are not plants. They
are, in fact, gregarious, anemone-like, filter-feeding animals belonging
to a large invertebrate group. In addition to the great variety
of fish, coral reefs are home to a host of other fascinating creatures
including spectacular anemones, nudibranches, starfish, crabs and
molluscs.
Birdlife
Crab Plover, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Purple-branded Sunbird, Bar-tailed
Godwit and the glimmering Paradise Flycatcher are found on Mnemba.
Crab Plovers are probably the most interesting birds on Mnemba and
usually the most sought-after by serious bird-watchers.
Some birds capture small invertebrates, sand shrimps and sea lice.
Those frequently seen on the shores are Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling,
Ruddy Turnstone, and the Mongolian or Lesser Sandplover. An abundance
of water and wading birds are sighted daily.
At high tide, flocks of wading birds can be seen on sandbars at
Mnemba. This may not seem remarkable until it is realised that most
of these birds are thousands of kilometres away from their breeding
grounds in the Arctic tundra. What is even more phenomenal is that
they undertake the long trip from the frozen north to the African
tropics twice a year throughout their lives. The greatest numbers
of Palearctic waders occur along the East African coast between
late August and early May.
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Dominant
on the outer fringe of the island is the distinctive Screw Pine
which supports itself with its strong aerial roots. Wild Rubber
Fig, Giant-leaved Fig, Coast Milkwood and Dune Cross-berry are among
the other native tree species to be seen.
No
live corals, fish or shells may be collected. Game fishing occurs
outside the 200m controlled zone around the island, and all fish
caught are photographed, tagged and released.
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