Matemwe Lodge enjoys a peaceful perch on a coral cliff on the north-east coast of Zanzibar, from where it overlooks a beautiful stretch of white sand beach directly opposite the Mnemba Atoll. It's a wonderfully dramatic location for what is otherwise an understated, albeit lovely, beach lodge.
Matemwe Lodge consists of just twelve guest rooms, an open-air restaurant overlooking the sea, and a laidback lounge and bar. The lodge also has two swimming pools (one of them a beautiful infinity pool) with deck chairs, and a poolside bar where refreshing cocktails are daily whipped up.
More than anything else, it's the location that makes Matemwe Lodge so special. Its high vantage point allows for wonderful views—of the ocean, of traditional dhow and ngalawa boats sailing by, and, in the distance, of Mnemba Island—while the beach directly below it is one of Zanzibar's finest. Matemwe Lodge's location on the north-east corner of the island also grants it a degree of peace and quiet not available on some other corners of the island, where much larger and busier resorts preside. Matemwe Lodge shares its beach with a number of other, mostly small and rustic beach retreats.
The pleasant atmosphere, charming accommodation, lovely gardens, and ideal location make Matemwe Lodge one of our favourite of Zanzibar's small beach retreats.
Matemwe Lodge is the sister lodge to the more exclusive Matemwe Retreat.
Accommodation
Matemwe Lodge is small and intimate, with just twelve guest rooms set in stone and thatch chalets. The rooms are furnished with large double beds and bright, Zanzibari fabrics. They differ only in size. Six are single-level bungalows, while six newer units are built on two levels and feature an additional double bed on the mezzanine level. The older, single level units have the advantage of being a bit more private (they are located further apart), and of having a private verandah area with hammock. The bathrooms are generously sized and feature standalone bathtubs and separate showers.
Dining
Matemwe Lodge is usually booked on a full-board basis. Breakfast is a light buffet of cereals, fruits and cakes, with the option for a cooked breakfast if preferred. Lunch, similarly, is a buffet, with lots of fresh fish and cold salads. Dinner is a choice of set menus, usually with fish, meat and vegetarian options. Beach barbecues are held once a week.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
Activities
- Cultural tour of Stone Town
- Spice tour
- Water sports
- Diving and snorkelling
- Fishing
Child Policy
Children over the age of six can be accommodated at Matemwe Lodge. There is no childminding service.
Environmental Policy/Responsible Tourism
Matemwe Lodge is associated with the Honeyguide Foundation, which funds community projects in the Matemwe region. You can learn more on the Honeyguide website.
