Matemwe Lodge

Matemwe Lodge (formerly known as Matemwe Bungalows), lies perched on a coral rock, surrounded by fantastic beaches and right opposite the Mnemba Atoll, which offers spectacular diving and snorkeling.

Matemwe Lodge offers friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere, lush tropical gardens, fine white sand, intimate swimming pools, massages and magnificent fresh seafood.

The lodge consists of 12 beautiful bungalows, built from local materials and surrounded by beautiful garden. Each suite has a private veranda with hammocks and couches overlooking the Indian Ocean. 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.

The open-air restaurant overlooks the ocean and has a tranquil area to lounge in as well. Seafood is the specialty of the house, with all produce bought daily from the local markets. Lunch is a buffet offering a delicious mix of African and European flavors. Dinner offers a choice of main courses with fish, meat and vegetarian options.

Matemwe has a multi-level swimming pool surrounded with lounge chairs overlooking the ocean. Freshly mixed cocktails are served at the poolside bar.

Ngalawas, fleets of traditional wooden sailing boats, pass by Matemwe - delivering a dream for any photographer - and the lodge is a daily stop for the fishermen who sell fresh crab, lobster and fish to Matemwe for lunches and dinners. Enjoy this sight at early morning, when fresh coffee and delicious cookies are served at your veranda. In the evening, the full moon rising out of the sea is a wonderfully romantic experience.

For those who need to make contact with the outside world, we offer internet and telephone/fax facilities; television still hasn't made it to paradise.

Activities

Matemwe is a perfect place for relaxation as well as water activities. When staying here, ocean trips with snorkeling equipment can be easily arranged for you. You can sail or motor out to the local reef and discover the little island of Mnemba Atoll- right opposite Matemwe. Diving trips can also be organized for you with a professional diving center and you can discover the breathtaking underwater world of the Indian Ocean. You can also snorkel straight from the beach or during reef walks. Kayaks are available to explore the crystal clear sea.

Local snorkeling/diving sites are suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to experienced divers. Variety is the key word on the reefs around Matemwe: soft and hard corals, sponges and anemones abound, and you will be amazed by the sheer range of fish species in these waters. You might find dolphins in the water that come close to your boat to show off or - for the lucky ones - even spot a whale passing by the reef (best chance for whales in the period August - October).

Visits to the neighboring village can be arranged for those who want to explore the local Zanzibar culture and village life and for those who wish to learn about the community projects that Matemwe is involved in.

From Matemwe, day-trips can be arranged to the historic centre of Stone Town, Jozani Forest or Prison Island. We can also organize a Spice Tour for you, a highly interesting way to learn about the great variety of spices that the island is famous for - and who knows: maybe you will be inspired to cook some Zanzibari dishes yourself when you get home!

Layout plan of Matemwe Lodge - click to enlarge

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