Matemwe Lodge – Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar
In lush, tropical surroundings and sitting on a low coral cliff, Matemwe stares out over a shallow lagoon and out across the ocean, offering total peace and seclusion. Stone and thatched villas, decorated luxuriously in local style, are tucked amongst the palms, with the restaurant, bar and pools making the best of the view. The friendly team and your own personal butler ensure you don’t have to lift a finger – you can do as little or as much as you like. This is a place for pure beach relaxation or a hideaway after a safari. At high tide watch fishermen, and at low tide the locals harvest the fruits of the sea.
At A Glance
Retreat
Why We Love It:
As it is classic barefoot luxury where you can really kick back & relax.Style:
Tropical ocean luxe.Location:
On Matemwe Beach on the northeast coast of Zanzibar.Rooms:
12 beach chalets (2 with plunge pools), a private beach villa & a beach house.Swimming:
2 pools & the Indian Ocean.Children:
A haven for families.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
June - March.food
Everything you eat at Matemwe is ethically and locally sourced, with all fish line caught by local fishermen (not net or spear caught). Breakfasts are a delicious array of tropical fruit, pastries and eggs any way you like, and lunches and dinners are buffets and three course extravaganzas with a mix of international and Zanzibari dishes. There are regular barbecue nights and every Sunday, a traditional Swahili style meal.
activities
An ideal base from which to explore the surrounding waters and the island of Zanzibar, Matemwe has a whole host of activities for guests. Whilst the seductive pace of life here is very conducive to lazy days by the pool, the ocean and island beckon. Zanzibar is known as the spice island and it’s definitely worth while going on a plantation tour to see cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and pepper growing, as well as all manner of tropical fruit.
A trip to Stone Town with its labyrinthine streets and ornate Arabic and Indian architecture should also be on your bucket list. Just off the coast is the Mnemba Atoll, famous for its rich marine life and green turtles. The diving and snorkelling here are exceptional and not to be missed. Kayaking, paddle boarding, wind and kitesurfing can all be enjoyed here, and if you’re after something a little more relaxing, then a sunset dhow cruise.
family
Matemwe welcomes children over the age of five in the lodges and under five in the very family friendly private beach house.
sustainability
The lodge is committed to sustainable tourism and conservation of the island and surrounding ocean. It has played an important role in community development and support, with the majority of the team coming from nearby villages. In fact, it is the largest local employer. It finances classrooms in the local schools and sponsors children in further education. It also operates environmentally friendly waste management and recycling programmes and work hard on energy saving practices.
Location
Matemwe Beach Zanzibar
On Matemwe Beach on the northeast coast of Zanzibar – 75 minutes from the airport & 60 minutes from Stone Town.
