Matemwe Lodge
Zanzibar – East Coast – North
It’s by far one of the best, and most popular, guest lodges in Zanzibar, offering
Wonderful personal service.
Overview
Matemwe Bungalows is an intimate lodge with only 12 luxury suite rooms perched on coral rock.
Matemwe Bungalows are located in the North East, surrounded by some of the best beaches of Zanzibar and opposite the well known Mnemba Atoll – a hot spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Matemwe’s exclusive location away from the big hotels gives the beaches a very private feeling. Beautiful fleets of fishermen in traditional dhow boats pass on their way to and from their fishing grounds each day.
Accommodation
All 12 en-suite bungalows are designed to be as eco friendly as possible, and are built of local stone with traditionally thatched Makuti roof. Each bungalow has a large veranda where you can laze in your own hammock overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Most of the fixtures and fittings are made from local materials, mainly coconut wood, whilst the soft furnishings are locally produced materials made by local women’s groups, and the matting made by the blind association in Stone Town.
Inside the room, you’ll find a grand, king-size bed, an extra single bed, plenty of space and personal touches. The bathrooms are large and have deep bathtubs and walk-in showers. Although mosquitoes are rare in Matemwe, all rooms are equipped with a large mosquito net.
Facilities
Matemwe’s friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere and excellent cuisine are renowned. This, and 2 intimate swimming pools, lush tropical gardens, massages and cocktails, make Matemwe Bungalows the ultimate tropical paradise.
Enjoy fantastic diving & snorkeling, sipping a cool drink on the beach, or enjoy unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean from the poolside or from the comfortable couches and hammocks of your private veranda.
The restaurant at Matemwe has been praised for its high quality food and diversity in combining local cuisine with that of other nations. The chefs are happy to fulfill your special wishes on your request. In addition to the restaurant, there is an open air bar under the palm trees on the sand offering a peaceful retreat.
Recreation in this area is one of leisure and tranquility. The lodge offers sailing with the local “Ngalawa” (traditional fishing boats with wooden outriggers) as well as diving and snorkeling at the unique and colorful Mnemba reef. For the lucky ones, whales, dolphins and sea turtles can be spotted at close range.
There is a fully equipped PADI recognized dive centre on the beach where Kayaks can also be hired.
Other activities include guided reef and village walks, the traditional “bao” game, and cycling.
Zanziplanet reviews
Matemwe Bungalows is by far one of the best, and most popular guest lodges in Zanzibar, offering wonderful personal service. The lodge is completely ecologically friendly and dedicated to helping the local village life. Electricity at the lodge is powered by the sun and as such air conditioning is not available. However all rooms are adequately cooled with the sea breeze.
Being a small secluded property, this is perfect for those seeking quiet and peaceful relaxation in Paradise.
Matemwe Retreat
Zanzibar – East Coast – North, Zanzibar – Private Villas
Matemwe Retreat boasts only three large and luxurious villas. They are situated on a stunning palm-fringed private beach which stretches just north of Matemwe’s main lodge.
Overview
The new Matemwe Retreat boasts only three large and luxurious villas. They are situated on a stunning palm-fringed private beach which stretches just north of Matemwe’s main lodge.
Matemwe is located in the North East, surrounded by some of the best beaches of Zanzibar and opposite the famous Mnemba Atoll – a hot spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Matemwe’s exclusive location away from the big hotels gives all the beaches a very private feel. Beautiful fleets of fishermen in traditional dhow boats pass on their way to and from their fishing grounds each day.
Accommodation
The Retreat has been beautifully crafted by local people with local materials where possible, with walls made of local stone and roofs of woven palm leaves. Local coconut wood furniture, textiles made by Zanzibar women and matting made by the blind association in Stone Town add atmosphere and inspiring personal touches. Their solar system supplies hot water and 60% of staff are from local villages.
Each villa is equipped with a large veranda with private cocktail bar and romantic dining area. The bedrooms are air conditioned and lead to bathrooms with double basins, shower and large luxurious bathtub from which you can survey the Indian Ocean! Each villa has its own small beach in front of it and in addition to this you will also find a private roof terrace with a generous plunge pool and sun and shade decks.
Facilities
Matemwe’s friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere and excellent cuisine are renowned. You can dine on your private veranda, order drinks to be served in your villa and enjoy massages and beauty treatments on your roof terrace. If you choose you also have access to all the excellent facilities of Matemwe’s main lodge. The chef will stop by your villa each day to present the menu and catches of the day, the specialty of Matemwe’s acclaimed cuisine. The restaurant has been praised for its high quality food and diversity in combining local cuisine with that of other nations. The chefs are happy to fulfill your
special wishes on your request.
If you venture to the main lodge you will discover two intimate swimming pools, lush tropical gardens, a restaurant, a cocktail bar and beauty treatments on offer.
Other activities
Recreation in this area is one of leisure and tranquility. The lodge offers sailing with the local “Ngalawa” (traditional fishing boats with wooden outriggers) as well as diving and snorkeling at the unique and colorful Mnemba reef. For the lucky ones, whales, dolphins and sea turtles can be spotted at close range.
There is a fully equipped PADI recognized dive centre on the beach where Kayaks can also be hired.
Other activities include guided reef and village walks, the traditional “bao” game, and cycling.
Zanziplanet reviews
The Matemwe Retreat is the perfect place for a private romantic holiday in a lush tropical paradise. It is the epitome of rustic luxury offering the perfect combination of responsible tourism development and stunning location from which to enjoy the very best that Zanzibar can offer. Suitable for snorkelers, divers and romantics.