Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge offers some of the best beach villas on Zanzibar's coast

Allow the tropical island scenery of Matemwe Beach House to whisk you away while you relax on the white sands beside crystal-clear ocean waters as part of your once-in-a-lifetime holiday package to 12 dreamy beach villas in Zanzibar. Welcome to a truly unforgettable singular experience, perfect for groups and families who enjoy home-away-from-home island hospitality. 

Matemwe Beach Lodge reflects the rich and varied history of the island and is rated the top beach lodge for many visitors to Zanzibar who love elegance and passion in an intimate space. Stay in typical tropical island-style stone and thatched, white-washed chalets that nestle into the skyline and disappear into the whites, blues and greens of the island scenery. Open the shutters for a naturally cooling breeze and enjoy the benefits of the cooling thatched roofs. 

Cool off in the top swimming pool first because it has the best views over Mnemba Island then, when the winds whip up, dive into the smaller pool beside the bar for aperitifs and a sheltered sunbathing spot.  

Romance abounds in the seafood restaurant which plays stunning music and dims the lights just right. Staff are always on hand to assist you and your first sip of coffee comes from the delivery to your door after sunup with homemade biscuits too. Low tide is extremely low, the ideal time to explore the reef and find some rare creatures out there then go and see fresh fish come in off the boats. 

Voyage2Africa recommends sublime accommodation in 12 stand-alone villas comprising plunge pool suites and sea view chalets, all with furnished spacious decks and Wi-Fi. Perks include ensuite bathrooms with soaking bathtubs and showers, free toiletries, fans and air conditioning. 

Matemwe Beach Lodge offers a magical spa with massages, body therapies and facials and the lodge restaurant is worth every mouthful of colourful spicy Zanzibari foods. Relax with a drink in the bar lounge or at the pool bar before tasty dinners are served.  This remote setting is about 1.5 hours from the airport and the surrounding vegetation is packed with wildlife such as bush babies and monkeys. 

Mnemba Island is surrounded by an oval reef seven by four km, declared a marine conservation area. Mnemba Island and its reef are sometimes called Mnemba Atoll and they are a popular and renowned diving site, with a wide variety of corals and associated species, as well as occasional sightings of larger species such as turtles and dolphins. 

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Overview

Matemwe Lodge, previously known as Matemwe Bungalows, boasts a stunning location between 2 sublime beaches on the northeast coast of Zanzibar. The striking lodge is superbly perched on a bluff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the Mnemba Island beyond. 

Situated about an hour’s drive from Zanzibar International Airport and Stone Town, this exceptional beach lodge offers guests a peaceful retreat away from the hubbub of the other resorts on the island. Matemwe has stood the test of time as one of the first resorts on the island and this is evident in the quality of service and the delightful experience guests feel at this superb lodge. 

Zanzibar accommodation is in 12 whitewashed stone chalets with high thatched roofs, all recently and set in lovely gardens. The suites are capacious and offer private terraces complete with a hammock and daybed from which to absorb the sun and seascape. Each suite is en-suite featuring a large bath and walk-in shower and the comfortable beds are draped in mosquito nets. 

Matemwe Lodge features an open-sided restaurant just above the sea and a peaceful lounge area with excellent vistas of the palm-fringed beach and gently rocking dhows. The lodge also features 2 swimming pools, one of which is an infinity pool and a waterfall trickles down to the second pool below.

Enjoy fresh fish meals in the restaurant from a menu based on European and African tastes while unique cocktails on the pool terrace quench your thirst all day. Appreciate pampering spa treatments and take time to try as many water sports as you can while boat cruises to Mnemba Island just 7 km away are a winner. Shuttles go to Stone Town and the airport on request.

Activities

  • Day tours
  • Beach activities
  • Sundowner dhow trips
  • Historical tours
  • Local village visits
  • Scuba diving

Included

  • Accommodation 
  • Breakfast and dinner

Facilities

  • 12 Chalets – en suite baths and showers, private decks
  • Children (above 5 years)
  • Private plunge pool
  • Hairdryers 
  • 2 swimming pools, restaurants, bars, lounge

Highlights

  • Discover Mnemba Atoll, a famous dive spot and nesting place of threatened green sea turtles (monitored and protected since 1996).
  • The historic centre of Stone Town, Jozani Forest or Prison Island are a boat ride away.
  • In-house dining and butler service to allow guest relaxation and immersion in nature and Zanzibari hospitality.
  • Secluded villas on an exotic island raised on a cliff for the best sea views on the island.


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