Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar

Perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow, coral-fringed lagoon on the quiet northeastern coast of Zanzibar Island,

Matemwe Lodge’s blissful location and famously relaxed atmosphere make it the ideal place to unwind. Whether you take a break in a hammock or dive the depths of the Indian Ocean, Matemwe Lodge provides an unbeatable island escape.

“The most difficult thing about staying here is you don't want to leave. Matemwe Lodge is exceptional!” - Laura G on TripAdvisor

“This trip and stay at Matemwe were one of the best of our lives. The setting is spectacular, the hospitality and service are beyond incredible. We especially enjoyed the outdoor dining and our wonderful room on the water. What an unforgettable time!” - Robert C on TripAdvisor

“From the time we first arrived at Matemwe until leaving we experienced incredible service by welcoming & friendly staff. The resort is beautiful and very well maintained. The individual bungalows are spread out along the cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean & the reef. The activity on the water is varied & interesting to watch from the comfort of your private deck or your hammock.” - Wendy P on TripAdvisor

“Perfect ending to our honeymoon. Relaxing, adventurous, and staff was excellent. Had a wonderful time and hope to return one day again. Would recommend to do a lot of the activities and check out stone town! Will miss the bush babies!” - Susie L on TripAdvisor

Each of the 12 beach-chic chalets scattered through the lush gardens has a private sea-facing veranda. Here the tides govern the rhythm of the tranquil days.

The pristine Mnemba Atoll lies just off the coast, and it is in these tropical waters that you will find the best snorkelling and diving and superb fishing that North Zanzibar hotels have to offer.

At a glance

Accommodation & Amenities

12 chalets (6 triples and 2 with private plunge pools)
2 Swimming pools
Spa
Ceiling fans
Wifi Internet
Laundry service
Not suitable for disabled guests
In-room lockable box
Hair dryer
Power: 240V mains
Over-bed air conditioning in main bedroom

Activities

Reef walk
Village visit
Diving
Snorkelling
Dhow trips
Stone Town visit
Spice tour

Matemwe Lodge Dates

Closed 3 April to 31 May
High season 1 – 31 July; 1 September – 31 October
Peak season 1 – 5 January; 1 – 31 August and 20 – 31 December
Low season 6 January – 2 April; 1 – 30 June and 1 November – 19 December

Closest Airstrip

Zanzibar Airport: approximately 75 minutes

Child Ages

Matemwe Lodge is a wonderful escape for families with children aged five and older.

Need more information? Get in touch

Children snorkelling in the sea with fish

Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation

Built using local materials and surrounded by beautiful lush gardens, each of the 12 chalets at Matemwe Lodge has a private veranda with hammock and sofa, where you can relax and take in the spectacular views of the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Six triple-bed chalets are available, and there are two that have a private plunge pool. The large bathrooms have a deep bathtub and walk-in shower, and beds are all enclosed by mosquito nets.

“Outstanding... the dining room view is unbelievable, each room so well appointed, beautifully laid out and decorated.”

We offer picnic lunches during excursions to the sandbank and Muyuni beach. Guests who go on the Stone Town tour or spice tour can be taken to a restaurant in Stone Town if they wish.

Secluded location on the tranquil northeast coast away from Zanzibar’s hustle

A Typical Day at Matemwe Lodge

Your days at Matemwe can be spent sitting poolside and sipping on cocktails, or they could have a more adventurous flavour. You might be interested in going for a snorkel or walking through Stone Town: it all depends on what you’re looking for!

Days can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you desire. With so many exciting activities and excursions to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. When you’re not out sampling the various cultural and aquatic activities, you can enjoy some pampering at the spa or a lazy afternoon beside the pool.

Family Holidays

Set in lush tropical grounds and just metres from the Indian Ocean, there is plenty for guests of all ages to explore and enjoy.

Guests can choose to relax beside the smaller infinity pool enjoying views over the ocean, or head to the larger pool area which leads off the main bar – ideal for families.

Explore the coral reef and its rock pools during low tide, sail off on a traditional dhow, snorkel or dive the pristine Mnemba Atoll or take a kayak for a leisurely paddle to explore the island coastline.

Families with younger children will be welcomed at the nearby Matemwe Beach House.

Map showing Matemwe location on Zanzibar

Location

Secluded Matemwe Beach on the northeastern coast of the island is perfectly situated opposite the spectacular diving and snorkelling reefs of the Mnemba Atoll and surrounded by some of the best beaches in Zanzibar.

Privacy and exclusivity are paramount at Matemwe, where the beach is still one of the quieter and more exclusive locations on the island.

A 30-minute boat ride away is Mnemba Island and the world-renowned coral reef that provides some of the most spectacular diving and snorkelling in the world, with a high chance of seeing turtles and wild dolphins, in addition to the colourful reef fish that dart around the coral.

Matemwe is just 60 minutes’ drive from Stone Town, allowing for easy day trips into the winding streets of the historic town, and excursions to all corners of this fascinating island.

The open-air restaurant overlooking the azure Indian Ocean is the perfect place for the whole family to gather over delicious fresh meals.

Seafood is a speciality of the house, and all produce is bought daily from local fishermen and markets.

Lodge experience

Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements – our chefs will be happy to cater to your needs. We are able to accommodate most dietary requirements, unfortunately very strict kosher cooking is not possible.

Delicious Fresh Meals

All our food is sourced locally (including fruit and vegetables), and seafood is bought from local suppliers who use sustainable techniques. This means, for example, that we do not buy net- or spear-caught fish but only that caught on lines.

Meals are a mix of gourmet-style cooking and traditional Zanzibari cuisine with loads of seafood. The buffet-style breakfast includes fresh fruit, muffins, croissants, cereal and yoghurts as well as a full English breakfast.

Lunch and dinner are three-course meals: choose between two starters, three main dishes (including a meat, fish and vegetarian option) and two desserts.

Tuesdays and Fridays are barbecue night (with a range of seafood and meats) and Sunday is a Swahili buffet, offering a large selection of traditional dishes.