Matemwe Beach Village

Matemwe Beach Village is strung along its own stretch of palm-fringed, white sandy beach, on the north east coast of Zanzibar. The Mnemba Atoll, which has some of the best diving in East Africa, is a short boat ride from the lodge and Matemwe Village with its friendly locals is only one kilometre to the north. It's a good quality lodge set in a lush tropical gardens.





Matemwe Beach Village has three different accommodation options:

The 17 beach-style standard rooms are located in makuti-thatched cabins. They are comfortably furnished in a Zanzibar theme, with en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans or air-conditioning, and mosquito nets. The cabins are set in two rows, either close to the beachfront or a little further back towards tropical gardens. Some of them are detached, whilst others are set in groups of two or three.

The five Shamba suites were opened 2004, and they are the most popular rooms at Matemwe Beach Village. Although designed for couples, those rooms are spacious enough for an additional single bed and a barazza bed for smaller children. They are en-suite and individually decorated, with an upstairs veranda offering lounging chairs and good views over the ocean.

Matemwe Beach Village also has one Asali suite, specifically designed for honeymooners or romantic couples. It is situated almost on the beachfront, secluded from the rest of the lodge, with its own stretch of private beach. The house is very spacious, with a double bedroom, a small kitchen, and a main living area including a plunge pool, as well as an indoor and outdoor bathroom. It comes with its own chef, to serve your meals in the room.



Matemwe Beach Village's main central area is a relatively simple, large open-sided space, overlooking the ocean. Here you will find a lounge, bar, restaurant and a newly built swimming pool. The open-walled lounge is furnished with floor cushions and low tables, making an excellent spot to relax, play games and socialise with fellow guests.

The lodge's bar offers local beers, cocktails and fresh fruit juices, while the restaurant serves Zanzibar cuisine. Its chef, Salum, mainly uses fresh products provided by people within the community and prepares a small menu, changing on a daily basis. Guests staying at the Asali suite can enjoy meals prepared by their own chef in total privacy.



Whilst staying at Matemwe Beach Village, there's a variety of activities to do. Most guests come here for the excellent diving and snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll, and the lodge has its own five-star PADI-affiliated dive operation, called One Ocean. Non-divers may enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming, taking a cruise in a dhow, wandering around Matemwe Village, cycling along the beach or playing cards at the lodge's lounge.

Matemwe Beach Village sits on a lovely stretch of beach, and offers great diving and snorkelling. It is a simple lodge but is also great value and so is a good option for those looking to keep costs down.