Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours- Educational & Science
- 5 Reviews
Discover the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
Located at the northernmost tip of Zanzibar Island in the vibrant village of Nungwi, the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond (often referred to as the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium) is a beacon of hope for endangered marine life. 'Mnarani' translates to 'place of the lighthouse' in Swahili, perfectly describing its scenic location near the iconic Nungwi lighthouse. Unlike traditional commercial aquariums, this sanctuary is a natural tidal pool carved into the ancient coral rock behind the beach, deeply connected to the ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean.
A Community-Led Conservation Success Story
Founded in 1993, the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond was established by local community members with a vital mission: to protect marine turtles that were frequently caught and injured in local fishing nets. What began as a grassroots rescue mission has blossomed into a comprehensive medical rehabilitation and education center. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for injured turtles to heal, and a protected nursery for baby turtles to grow strong before they are introduced to the open ocean.
Meet the Rescued Species: Green and Hawksbill Turtles
The conservation pond primarily focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of two endangered species native to the Tanzanian coastline: the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Visitors have the rare opportunity to observe these ancient mariners up close. The natural salt-water lagoon measures 15 to 20 meters in diameter, ensuring the turtles have ample space to swim while being monitored for health and buoyancy issues.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A visit to the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond is more than just a tourist stop; it is an immersive, educational experience that highlights the delicate marine ecosystem of Zanzibar.
Educational Tours, Feeding, and Up-Close Interactions
Upon arrival, knowledgeable local guides offer 30-to-45-minute educational tours. They explain the unique life cycles of the turtles, the devastating impacts of plastic pollution and poaching, and the intricate rehabilitation process. A wooden pier extending over the lagoon provides a perfect vantage point. Here, visitors can participate in feeding the turtles with fresh seaweed and vegetables provided by the staff. The clear waters and elevated walkways also present fantastic photography opportunities.
The Annual Turtle Release Event (February 20th)
If you are planning a trip to Tanzania in early spring, you are in for a treat. Every year on February 20th, the sanctuary hosts its Annual Turtle Release Event. This joyous community celebration marks the day when fully rehabilitated adult turtles and strong juvenile hatchlings are successfully released back into the Indian Ocean. It is a highly emotional and rewarding spectacle that draws eco-tourists and locals alike, complete with educational speeches and local festivities.
Community Impact: The 'Trash to Treasures' Upcycling Project
The sanctuary's commitment to the environment extends beyond marine life. Since 2016, the facility has spearheaded the 'Trash to Treasures' creative upcycling project. Addressing Zanzibar's growing waste management challenges, this initiative teaches locals and volunteers how to transform discarded plastics and waste materials into beautiful, functional everyday items. By visiting the pond, your entrance fee directly supports these broader environmental and community-enrichment programs.
Essential Visitor Information & Travel Tips
To make the most of your journey to this remarkable sanctuary, keep these practical travel details in mind.
Location, Opening Hours, and Ticket Prices
The Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond is conveniently located just 200 meters from Nungwi Beach, making it easily accessible on foot from most Nungwi accommodations. If you are traveling from Stone Town, expect a 1.5 to 2-hour taxi ride.
- Opening Hours: The center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission is usually around 5:30 PM).
- Entrance Fees: Admission is incredibly affordable and goes directly toward conservation. Tickets cost 10,000 TZS (approx. $4 USD) for adults and 5,000 TZS ($2 USD) for children and Tanzanian residents.
Best Time to Visit and Ethical Tourism Guidelines
While Zanzibar is a year-round destination, the dry seasons (June to October and December to February) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring northern Zanzibar. When interacting with the turtles, it is crucial to follow ethical guidelines. Unlike some commercial spots that encourage overwhelming human interaction, Mnarani emphasizes minimal disruption. Listen to the guides, refrain from using flash photography directly in the animals' eyes, and only feed them the approved diet provided by the sanctuary. By choosing Mnarani, you are actively supporting a true NGO dedicated to the survival of Tanzania's magnificent sea turtles.
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Reviews of Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
Michał Gradkowski - 2
Cannot really recommend. Turtles had really bad conditions, water was dirty and the “baby” turtle was kept in small dirty bowl. Land tortoise had also bad conditions. It takes only 10 minutes to complete the tour. Do not recommend. It’s way better to go visit Kilosas Nungwi Zoo instead, which is 400 meters from this aquarium. Same price but the animals had better conditions, the guide was knowledgeable and explained everything.
Lasse Post Møller - 2
A quick and fun experience, but it is more of a business than a sanctuary. 10$ entry fee +5$ for a pair of goggles. The turtles were swimming all around you, but the water stank of their poo. You could shower after, but they requested an additional fee to see the rest of the park.
CAPATINA ROXANA - 5
2024.02// It was a pleasant experience; we choose to visit the turtle sanctuary in the middle of the day and the whole visit lasts 30 minutes, no more than that; it was not crowded; we choose not to get into the water with the turtles, we just feed them. They were preparing a turtle release day and it was very nice that we could participate in their turtle release day activity.
Ummeayman Chopra - 5
it’s such an amazing sanctuary built for turtles where visitors can experience a live interaction by feeding the turtles and swimming with them though you have to be careful as the turtles bite. if you are faint hearted like me then be careful as navigating between the efforts to get in the water with the turtles and the fear of them biting you may make you slip and fall as i did which in turn turned out to be so hilarious and i carried a beautiful memories of purses some bruises along the way 🤣 it’s a must visit place when you are in zanzibar. the staff over there are very welcoming and friendly.
Zayn Gothey - 4
Entry is 20k tsh, €10, $10. Included in the fee is seaweed to feed the turtles and a thorough brief by the workers on how the place is run. There is a separate tiled pool built for hatchlings and a big natural cove-like pool for the adult turtles who you can swim with. A lot of fish in it too. There's also the remains of a blue whale that has been there for as long as I remember. I've been visiting this place since I was a kid in school. It has largely stayed the same. Worth the visit.
