The Manta Resort

Rediscover your sense of wonder and serenity at this ethical beachfront boutique

Nestled within a turquoise ocean floor anomaly dubbed “the blue hole,” Manta Resort’s celebrated Underwater Room affords an unparalleled opportunity to observe and form an intimate connection with Pemba Island’s unique sea life. But that’s not all this charming 13-room boutique has to offer. From locally-designed and traditional Pemban decor, to all-inclusive spa treatments, to time-stopping white sand beaches, Manta Resort provides no shortage of restorative amenities designed to help you relinquish your worries to the boundless tranquility of the sea.

More than just an idyllic getaway, Manta Resort is also a primary sponsor for the Kwanini Foundation, a local nonprofit which directs funds toward social and environmental initiatives such as the Kwanini Marine Protected Area and Mnarani Water Pipeline. With its outstanding commitment to community-based tourism, guests can rest assured that a stay at Manta Resort is an investment toward the collective flourishing of all residents of Pemba Island.

Amenities at The Manta Resort

All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

5 star PADI dive center

Wifi internet in main lounge area

All-inclusive spa treatments (one treatment per person per day at the Kipepeo Spa)

Kayaks from the beach

Free snorkeling equipment

What to know about The Manta Resort

hotel address

Pemba Island, Zanzibar

closest airport

Pemba Airport (PMA)

from airport

1.5 hours

About the Location

Perched atop the northern leftmost tip of the remote island of Pemba, with a population of fewer than 500,000, Manta Resort offers the perfect peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Tanzania and neighboring Unguja. Unplug from noise, pressure and pollution and find home in the simple comforts of nature at Manta Resort — home to the Kwanini Foundation-run Marine Protected Area and all the unspoilt coral reefs, pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear ocean waters that comes with it.

Highlights & Activities

Snorkel for conservation

Take advantage of the resort’s exclusive house reef within the Kwanini Conservation Area, completely undisturbed by outsiders and home to one of East Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Set out before breakfast and experience the vast marine life and crystal clear tropical waters of Pemba Island. All revenues are donated to the local conservation committee and rangers, with options for both near reef and far reef snorkeling excursions.

Unwind at the complimentary jungle spa

A truly all-inclusive experience, any stay at Manta Resort includes one complimentary treatment per guest per day at the resort’s luxurious Kipepeo Spa. Restore your aching muscles after a long day of rigorous excursions, and drift into the ultimate relaxation to the sounds of twittering jungle life and breaking ocean waves below.

Cruise at sunset on a traditional Ngalawa

An Ngalawa is a traditional outrigger sailing canoe used by the Swahili people in Zanzibar and the Tanzanian coast. Depart just before sundown on this exhilarating shoreline cruise, accompanied by local fishing captain Ali and a bottle of bubbly. All sailing fees paid directly to the captain.

Experience pristine solitude on a private sandbank

A 10 minute boat ride from Manta Resort, off the northernmost point of Pemba Island, lies a hidden white coral sandbank that’s only accessible at low tide. Feel the surreal solitude of being surrounded by nothing but the azure open sea, taking along and leaving nothing behind except your footsteps on the sand. Subject to tides, currents and weather conditions.

Explore Pemba Island on an inland safari

Venture beyond the Manta Resort grounds for this expansive cultural excursion, where you’ll get to visit numerous points of interest including the ancient Ngezi rainforest, local spice farm and more. A whole day trip takes about 8 hours, but each safari is customizable according to each guests’s personal interest and time availability.

Manta Resort keeps their Kwanini — their why — at the heart of everything they do. From protecting marine life to investing in local infrastructure, Manta Resort’s community-grounded mission helps it foster strong social and environmental initiatives, and the collective flourishing for all of Pemba’s inhabitants.

With 95% of employees hired from the local community and 100% of its workforce under permanent contract, Manta Resort is dedicated to developing its human capital, investing in and providing rewarding training opportunities to help employees bolster their skill sets and expertise. Career advancements are encouraged (e.g., the head chef started at Manta Resort as a security guard), and staff are empowered to interact with guests without any formal hierarchy, creating an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect.

Locally sourced and natural materials decorate each of Manta Resort’s villas, from the coral stone floors to the thatch roofing to the landscaping bedecked with indigenous plant species. Driven by the belief that the village is not a commodity to sell to tourists — but rather its own living and vibrant ecosystem — cultural education and reciprocity lie at the core of the Manta Resort experience, and service fundi village tours are only operated upon invitation and at Manta Resort employees’ own discretion.

In partnership with Kwanini Foundation, Manta Resort channels its appreciation for the extraordinary biodiversity that surrounds it through extensive conservation and restoration programs both on and offshore. Working with local community, government and tourism industry stakeholders, Manta Resort has safeguarded the Kwanini Marine Protected Area and is working toward goals of maintaining healthy fish populations, protecting reefs from exploitation, and promoting the natural regeneration of 100% of the reef flat and lagoon throughout the KMPA and beyond.

Over the past five years, Manta Resort and the Kwanini Foundation have invested in several important community projects, from specific community requests like the sponsorship of the local football team trophy, to the donation of land and the building of a new police station, to the more challenging developments of the Mnarani and Njao water pipelines. A $30 Impact Donation per person is included with every booking and helps to fund the Foundation’s conservation and community work, preserving and restoring the local ecosystems on which Manta Resort relies.

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Event: From Traveler to Change Maker 5:30 – 7:30pm, September 19th 2023 in New York City with andBeyond

In a world where travel has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change, individuals are realizing the immense power they hold. Beyond being explorers of new horizons and collectors of experiences, travelers are stepping into the role of change-makers, using their voices to reshape the travel industry and the world at large. The question is no longer “What can one person do?” but rather “What can we achieve together?”

Hotel Location

The Manta Resort

Hotel Address

Pemba Island, Zanzibar

Closest Airport

Pemba Airport (PMA)

Travel Time From Airport

1.5 hours

RT+ Membership Perks

Receive $99 travel credit towards a 3 minimum night stay

–Receive a free guided snorkel in our conservation area, we will then be happy to talk all about our conservation efforts and community projects. One of the Manta family will be happy to tell our story and talk about what Kwanini (why) means to us and our Kwanini Foundation.

– We offer one spa treatment per person per day in our barefoot spa by the beach
– Special surprise (a free sunset cruise or perhaps a romantic dinner on the beach)