Matemwe Beach Village is a classic Zanzibar beach retreat that offers simple bungalow accommodation and a relaxed, laidback atmosphere.
Located on the north east coast of Zanzibar, close to the Mnemba Atoll, the Matemwe area is a particularly beautiful corner of the island that regularly features on postcards.
Matemwe Beach itself is a fairly simple lodge, with few of the facilities offered at the larger Zanzibar resorts, though it has the advantage of a wonderful location—the beach at Matemwe really is lovely—and a great atmosphere.
Another advantage is Matemwe's five star PADI dive centre, situated on site, making Matemwe Beach Village a great option for those travellers looking to dive.
While there are no shortage of excellent beach resorts on Zanzibar, we think Matemwe Beach Village offers better value than just about any other mid-range lodge. We're not the only ones who think so, however, and whereas Matemwe Beach was once something of a best-kept secret, it's now often difficult to secure rooms unless you book in advance!
Accommodation
There is a range of accommodation at Matemwe Beach Village, ranging from standard rooms to plush suites. The standard rooms are simply decorated in beach banda style. They are light and airy, with shades of blue and green. All are en-suite with self-contained bathrooms. Some have sea views.
The shamba and asali suites are decorated a little more lavishly. The asali suite is entirely self-contained, with its own plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, private chef and private beach – perfect for honeymooners.
There are 23 rooms in total, of which 16 are standard units. Matemwe is not a large resort.
Dining
Matemwe's restaurant caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as offering a snack menu at the pool bar.
Daily menus are carefully planned to please all tastes. You can arrange to dine privately on the beach or around the boma-fire.
The bar stocks a selection of mostly South African wines, alongside local spirits and soft drinks.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Boma
- Dive centre
Activities
- Cultural tour of Stone Town
- Spice tour
- Water sports
- Diving and snorkelling (PADI dive centre on site)
- Fishing
Child Policy
Children are welcome. The larger suites (the shamba and asali suites) can easily be converted to family rooms with an additional bed.
Matemwe doesn't provide a child-minding service, though it does offer a number of children's activities, including donkey rides.
