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Matemwe Lodge

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Relaxed Beach Lodge
- Lovely Beach
- Lush tropical Gardens
- 12 bedroom lodge

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Overview

Matemwe Lodge is a lovely low-key relaxed beach lodge with a fantastic Zanzibar atmposphere, and lush tropical gardens that reach down to the edge of a beautiful lagoon, it is a real favourite on Zanzibar.

Matemwe Lodge has 12 chalets each built using local materials and set within lush gardens. Each of the chalets has a private veranda with hammock and sofa, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Six triple-bed chalets are available, and there are two that have a private plunge pool. The large bathrooms have a deep bathtub and walk-in shower, and beds are all enclosed by mosquito nets.

Accommodation at Matemwe Lodge is fully inclusive, with a mix of gourmet-style cooking and traditional Zanzibari cuisine with loads of seafood. The buffet-style breakfast includes fresh fruit, muffins, croissants, cereal and yoghurts as well as a full English breakfast. Lunch and dinner are three-course meals: choose between two starters, three main dishes (including a meat, fish and vegetarian option) and two desserts. Tuesdays and Fridays are barbecue night (with a range of seafood and meats) and Sunday is a Swahili buffet, offering a large selection of traditional dishes. The open-air restaurant sits just above the ocean, with magnificent views of the palm-fringed beach and gently rocking dhows.

Matemwe Beach is a pretty secluded beach on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar. It is well situated for trips to the reefs of the Mnemba Atoll for world class diving and snorkelling (30 minute boat ride). The beach is still one of the quieter and more exclusive locations on the island. Matemwe Lodge is perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow coral-fringed lagoon. The lodge is adjacent to a long stretch of beach that has not been noticeably altered by tourism and remains an important thoroughfare for locals. Fishing and seaweed harvesting are still key to the local economy. The lodge has a close relationship with the local fishing village, Matemwe Village, situated on the far side of the beach. It is home to many of the Matemwe staff and many of their children attend the local school. Matemwe is just 60 minutes’ drive from Stone Town, allowing for easy day trips into the winding streets of the historic town.

Activities available at extra cost include Snorkelling and diving at the famous reefs of Mnemba Atoll, Diving courses, Kite-surfing, Traditional sailing & fishing, Sundowner dhow trips. Scenic kayaking on the reef, village visits and guided reef walks are offered complimentary.

For families, Matemwe Lodge is a wonderfully relaxed low-key option. Most of the chalets can sleep upto a family of four, with parents in a large double in the main area of the chalet and children sleeping on the mezzanine. Those looking for more facilities might consider instead more resort-like options such as Barazza or Breezes.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 538 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.

    MissingEmma M reviewing Best of Botswana for Families on 18 November 2024

  • We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
    Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.

    Will be a trip we remember forever

    MissingMaritta B reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value on 11 November 2024

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

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