Matemwe Bungalows is a small, intimate guest lodge situated on a rocky outcrop above a magnificent stretch of beach in north-east Zanzibar. It's by far one of the best, and most popular, guest lodges in Zanzibar, offering wonderful personal service, great views over Mnemba Atoll and superb cuisine. The rooms are main lodge are strung out along the rocky coastline. There is a beautiful sweep of white beach situated at the far end beyond the lodge. The thatched bungalows nestled in gardens along the sea cliff, all with views of the sea.
Matemwe is located on one of the quieter stretches of coastline on Zanzibar, so you won't be swamped with holidaymakers. The beach is a short stroll away. As with most beaches along this coast, swimming is dependent upon the tides. The owners have considered building a swimming pool for guests to use at low tide, but believe there is more than enough to keep you busy exploring the coastline - strolling, cycling and kayaking. A pathway has been cleared of urchins for those wanting to walk to the reef during low tide,
For divers this lodge is an extremely convenient and comfortable base from which to visit the Mnemba Atoll which can be seen from the lodge. Unfortunately they do not have a dive centre anymore, but use the facilities of Zanzibar Beach Resort which is located close by.
The atmosphere at Matemwe is easy and unpretentious. Your hosts make you feel genuinely welcome and pay attention to the little details, which make a place enjoyable. This includes bringing a tray (with a flask of coffee or tea and a tin of biscuits) to your room in the morning. We found this a most welcome touch.
The lodge offers kayaking and snorkelling within the protective fringing reef as well as sailing on their dhow or with a local fisherman in their wooden outrigger canoe. You can also walk to the village or explore the beach on hired bicycles.
Matemwe was one of the first guesthouses to open on Zanzibar and was developed with cooperation from the locals. Matemwe Bungalows and their guests contribute to local village projects, including helping to get piped water to the area, maintenance of the library and teacher's office. It is also assisting in the building of a new junior school so the children don't have to walk the 3,5km to the main school. Vegetable gardens are also being set up in the village school and at the lodge.
You walk down a path in the greenery to the rooms, which are spread out in a row on a grassed ridge facing the sea. There are 14 palm-thatched, en-suite rooms. Each has a private veranda with a hammock offering stunning sea views. If you wake early enough you can watch the sun rise over the ocean and see the fishermen heading out to sea.
The rooms are divided into six superb honeymoon suites and eight standard bungalows. The suites are airy and spacious and the stylish decor reflects the colours of the beach: clean white walls, thatched roofs and blue bedspreads. They have a raised, wooden platform bed and louvered windows. Honeymoon couples enjoy complimentary champagne and flowers in their suites.
The standard bungalows are smaller and less stylish, but still highly recommended.
All electricity and heating is provided by solar power. There are no televisions to interfere with your days soaking up paradise.
| Dining |
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The open-walled restaurant is gloriously positioned with views of the ocean. It's decorated attractively with light wooden tables and dark-blue canvas chairs.
Meals combine African and European flavours. Breakfast is a variety of fruit, yoghurt, eggs and bread. Ask for the spicy tea. Lunch is a generous buffet and dinner usually is a three-course, set meal with a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian. The desserts - choccie pud and creme caramel - are always delicious.
The chef buys fish direct from the fishermen each morning. If you manage to catch a fish the chef will be happy to cook it for your dinner.
There is a delightful open-air beach bar built around an old dhow under the palm trees on the sand. You can lounge on sofas and sun beds and enjoy cocktails or have a sedate cup of tea. A selection of games is also available at the beach bar and we found the service very friendly.
Non-resident visitors can also eat at Matemwe's restaurant as long as they've booked. Special diets are catered for, but please let us know well in advance.
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| Fast Facts |
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Location: Matemwe Bungalows is situated on the north-east coast of Zanzibar, an hour's drive from Stone Town.
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Closed: Matemwe closes between 1 April and 6 June.
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